Released on: October 28, 2008, 1:00 am

Press Release Author: Bobby Nguyen

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: Ha Long Bay (also "Halong Bay") is in northern Vietnam, 170
km east of Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic rock formations

Press Release Body: Ha Long Bay (also "Halong Bay") is in northern Vietnam, 170 km
east of Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic rock formations

If you thought the hideout in the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun" was
spectacular, imagine a place where there are 3,000 such limestone islands clustered
together in the East Sea of Halong Bay. Paddle through caves into secret lagoons,
drift down channels surrounded by cliffs and forest and sail out into the open sea.
Relax on the deck of our luxurious double-sailed junk and look forward to seafood
bought straight from passing fishing craft. Swim alone amongst the limestone islets
under the stars and take a breather at a floating village hidden amongst the
islands. Our fiber glass sea kayaks make for satisfying travel, whether you are an
Olympic champion or first time enthusiast.

GETTING THERE

The best way to get to Ha Long Bay is to rent a car from Hanoi from a tour opganizer
as ActiveTravelVietnam (ATV). It costs approximately US$100-US$120 return. There is
also a tourist open bus service offered by travel agencies around the Hoan Kiem Lake
in Hanoi. Cost is around US$8 net/person/way.

Public buses leave from Long Bien Station to the Bai Chay Station (other side of Red
River, 5km from Hoan Kiem Lake) every 30 minutes from 6AM to 6PM and cost 50,000
dong/person each way. This is not recommended for foreign travelers, as these buses
are often crowded, slow and unsafe.

THE POPULAR TRAIL (starting from Hanoi)

Day 1: You leave Hanoi for Halong Bay at 8.30am with a short break for refreshment
at a handicraft centre. Upon arrival in Halong City you will board a Chinese-style
wooden boat (locals call it "Junk") for a fine seafood lunch and a short cruise to
one cave. After a short exploration of the cave you start the kayak exploration of
the bay, paddling through an amazing area of limestone islets, passing a floating
village to reach Luon Cave, which is a tunnel thrusting through a mountain. Paddling
through the tunnel to explore a beautiful secluded lagoon. End of the first with
dinner and overnight in AC, private junk's cabin.

Day 2: This kayaking day starts from Van Chai Floating village and then continue
paddling to Dark Cave. The cave is a 200m long, dark tunnel thrusting through a
limestone mountain. The tunnel is the only entry to a secluded and beautiful lagoon.
You can also explore some other caves nearby. After lunch you paddle to Ba Trai Dao
Lagoon, along a stunning and fairly rough sea channel, to explore its beautiful
beaches. Then continue paddling to Lan Ha Bay, which is smaller than Halong Bay but
much more interesting with lots of secluded beaches.

Day 3: Breakfast is served on the junk and you will enjoy the sundeck while the Junk
navigates amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay to get back to Halong City.
Lunch on the junk before heading back to Hanoi by bus.

WHEN TO KAYAK

You can do kayaking on the bay all year around but great time is between October and
June. A typical kayaking day starts at about 8.00 am after breakfast. Lunch will be
served on support boat. At the end of a kayaking day, we would return to the junk by
5 pm or 5.30 pm.

TRAVEL GEARS

On this trip ATV use hard-cell, tandem kayak. Paddle, life-jacket and dry bag are
available. We recommend you to bring some extra gears such as Sun block, hat,
anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, rain coat. The kayak tour with well-trained and
experienced tour guide is always recommended for a best exploration.

Web Site: http://www.activetravelvietnam.com

Contact Details: TACi group
Add: #31, Alley 4 Dang Van Ngu street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone:+844-35738569
Fax: +844-35738569
Email: activetravelvietnam@yahoo.com