The Bay
One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,500 km over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo. The majestic beauty of the bay and its islands is only fully appreciated while meandering among the islands, fjords and inlets.

After a night on board the Emeraude, passengers awaken to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and the towering rock formations, leaving them with a dream-like memory of their visit to Halong Bay.

The Boat
In 1910 a paddle steamer called the Emeraude was offering unforgettable cruises in Halong Bay for visitors to what was then French Indochina. The Emeraude was part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family who had left Bordeaux in 1858 in search of adventure and fortune. Over a period of more than 50 years they found both. After several ups and downs including successful trading and timber businesses, near bankruptcy and being taken hostage by pirates, the Roque brothers built Emeraude, Perle, Saphir, Rubis and Onyx to ferry passengers and freight along the waterways of Indochina and cruise on magnificent Halong Bay.

Today the Emeraude offers a regular cruise service on board a luxurious replica steamer with 38 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina.

	Price From: Up on request  Duration: 2 Days  Activities: Cruising  Destinations: VIETNAM, Vietnam > Halong Bay

Day 01:  Hanoi – Halong Bay
Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi. Drive to to Halong Bay. At noon, arrive in Halong City and board a shuttle boat for the short transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the Emeraude. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail upon boarding the Emeraude around noon. After checking in, lunch is served at the restaurant. Cruise among hundreds of islets to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit its remote floating fishing villages. Kayak or swim from the vessel's stern deck at the Hang Trong anchorage, wet your appetite with an onboard cooking demonstration. After sunset, enjoy dinner at the restaurant, before retiring to your cabin for a good night's sleep.

Day 02:  Halong Bay - Hanoi
Wake up the next morning at sunrise, practice Tai Chi on the sundeck, feel the early morning salt water scent; bask in the early sun rising from behind the mountains. After an energizing western breakfast, check out at around 09:30 AM, savouring a most memorable trip to Halong onboard historical Emeraude. Drive back Hanoi & drop off at your hotel (accommodation is not included), or further transfer to Hanoi/Noi Bai Airport for departure flight with surcharge.