Posted by admin on June 20, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise, Halong Bay Cruises | 
The foundation myth of Vietnam’s
Halong Bay is one of blood and war, the countless limestone islets rising out of the water seeded by dragons sent from heaven to help the Vietnamese fight off an invading fleet from the north. Now, the bay embodies the very opposite of conflict, imparting to the visitor a supreme serenity.
In the early 1990s, the only tours of Halong Bay were in outboard motor-driven craft seating just a handful of visitors, amenities consisting of a barbecued lunch and a cooler full of beer — and the chance of a swim. Hardly a bad time, you might say, but a far cry from the luxury on offer in 2011, in the form of full-service overnight cruises aboard the replica French paddle steamer Emeraude.
When first glimpsed at the end of its dedicated pier, the Emeraude looks like it’s just arrived out of a time warp. Indeed, the original Emeraude and its sister ships were laid down around the turn of the last century, commissioned by an entrepreneurial French family to carry freight and pleasure cruisers around the bay. That vessel sank without loss of life in 1937, but its namesake — commissioned in 2003 — is a period masterpiece.
Painted white with deep green accents, the Emeraude forms a sharp counterpoint to the fake Chinese junks that make up the vast majority of the local tour boats. The illusion of French colonial splendor is maintained once on board, with period deck chairs, deeply polished wooden decks, brass fittings in all the interiors, and a crew turned out in perfect sailor white.
There is no doubt from the moment you step on board that the primary focus of an Emeraude cruise is comfort. No sooner have passengers made their way to the top deck to get their cabin keys than they find themselves with a fruit juice cocktail in hand — a small but welcome gesture after the two-hour ride from Hanoi. Luggage is whisked away to the small but immaculate cabins, each with a private washroom and beds so comfortable they’re hard to get out of.
Luckily, there are plenty of incentives to do just that. First of all, there’s the food. The cruise, which starts at about lunchtime and goes to late morning the following day, lays on three sumptuous meals in the second-deck dining room. Anyone expecting a private waiter and plates brought to tables under silver domes will be disappointed; this is not the White Star Line. What there is, however, is a buffet of magnificent proportions.
Often the image that comes to mind with the words “all you can eat buffet” is platters of greasy, lukewarm and heavily picked-over instant food. Emeraude meals are something else completely. The food is delicious, diverse and of gourmet caliber. Diners can go through several courses, mixing and matching Asian and Western foods every time without ever eating the same thing twice. And if the Chicken Cordon Bleu or giant prawns in tamarind sauce you were eyeing are gone by your second pass, have no fear; the stream of food from the kitchen is relentless.
If you’re looking for a little oomph in your mealtime drinks, the restaurant and two bars on board also offer a moderate selection of beers, wines and cocktails, though the prices are positively coma-inducing for anyone used to drinking out in Vietnam.
Of course, no-one gets on the Emeraude just to eat. This is a cruise of UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay, and it does not disappoint.
The ship makes its way out of Bai Chay and traces a slow course for a network of caves called Sung Sot, or the Surprise Grotto, in one of the towering islands. “Discovered” by the French during the colonial period, the voluminous grotto covers some 10,000 square meters. One of the Emeraude’s crew gives a short explanation of the cave’s history before visitors are left to explore at their own pace. The cave interior is truly striking, though the effect is marred somewhat by the garish coloured lights, which “destroy the natural and historic feel to the caves,” as German visitor Philipp Imbusch put it.
However, the cave remains impressive, and the trip ashore via one of the Emeraude’s tenders is worth it even if just for the views afforded by the path up to the cave mouth.
From the caves, the ship will then move on to its evening mooring, where it drifts gently about its anchorage. For anyone who wants a swim, this is the time to do it. Kayak lessons can also be had, though this unfortunately entails a hefty extra charge.
However, set aside the kayaks, the caves, the food and the period detail, these long hours at anchor make the real reason to burn two precious vacation days on an Emeraude cruise fully apparent.
That reason is comfort combined with time; time to lose yourself completely in the silent beauty of Halong Bay, time that belongs just to you. Other than the sound of swimmers’ laughs and splashes bouncing off the nearby cliffs, there is nothing to disturb a reverie, a good book, or simple appreciation of this unique place. The minutes go by, the water turns from late afternoon gold to sunset pink, and nothing more is needed.
The mooring outside the Surprise Grotto. The cave interior is impressive, though the effect is marred by garish lighting. (Mainichi)
Once the sun has found its own moorings below the horizon, passengers head back to the dining room. After the meal, you can choose a screening of Catherine Deneuve’s “Indochine” about a French woman in colonial Vietnam (this is a replica French steamer, after all), a place at the bar, or more private moments in your cabin or staring out over the dark water.
The next morning, after a big breakfast and, for the early risers among us, tai chi at dawn, it is almost with regret that you step back on to dry land. Looking back at the Emeraude, already poised to prepare for its next group of guests, you think: “That was something special. I have to come back here again.” (By Robert Irvine, Staff Writer)
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IF YOU GO:
The best time of year to go just about anywhere in Vietnam is December through April, and prices reflect the better conditions.
Late afternoon at the Emeraude’s overnight anchorage in Halong Bay. (Mainichi)
Bookings can be made though travel agents or directly through Emeraude Cruises. Cabin prices listed on the Emeraude Cruises website range from U.S. $265 for a superior twin, to $490 for one of three suites. However, better deals may be available if you call or e-mail the office directly. Staff are fluent in English. Furthermore, if the suites are still vacant once you’re on board, you can get a bottle of champagne and an upgrade for $50 per person. All major credit cards accepted both at the office and on board.
Emeraude Cruises offers a very pricey shuttle service from Hanoi to Bai Chay. However, transport to Halong Bay can be booked at just about any travel agent, and cheaper options are plentiful.
Source: Mainichi Daily News
Posted by admin on March 30, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, News |
Steering towards an exclusive, personalized cruise experience, Life Heritage Resort Ha Long Bay set sail the first weekend in March with a fleet of heritage-style junks, each a floating four-star hotel room, ready to drop anchor in breathtaking Ha Long Bay.
In its initial weeks on the water, the Life Resort vessels take to the bay in six-hour day cruises, with overnight voyages to follow soon. Whether cruising by the hour or the day, passenger preference guides the itinerary.
“At Life Heritage Resort Ha Long, guests custom-design their trip, choosing where they want to go,” said Chris Duffy, group general director of Life Resorts. “Your crew lets you do what you wish, when you wish, for the most bespoke experience on the bay.”
Day cruises begin with a leisurely check in at Life Resort’s private land-based hub at Tuan Chau Island while a three-member crew makes preparations before guests board their private junk. Crews consist of a captain, engineer and cruise host, who acts as butler to the passengers.
Each boat is built and operated to Certified Marine Standards, meeting Vietnam’s shipping registry requirements, VIRES, and is fully equipped with modern maritime emergency features for peace of mind and safety while on the water.
Inside, the junk boasts a fully-furnished 32 sq. meter cabin featuring local Vietnamese touches, carved hardwood detailing and wide panoramic windows opening onto the tranquil waters and awe-inspiring limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Each vessel is 15 metres length with 4.5 metre beam and powered by WEICHAI engine with maximum speed of 10 knots.
Life Heritage Resort Ha Long’s private vessels include a separate lounging area, and the cabin features an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and heating, and is outfitted with an LCD television, CD/DVD player and an assortment of board games.
Sun beds for two await on the upper deck while below, guests can unwind in their very own private, timber-style cabin. For the more energetic, the boat’s kayaks, snorkeling equipment and fishing gear are all complimentary with the $220 day cruise.
Anytime throughout the trip, guests can dine on sumptuous fresh cuisine while taking in the sights from the romantic covered dining terrace. The six-hour cruise includes afternoon tea and a set lunch for two, prepared on-board by Life Resort’s expert hosts. A wide spectrum of international wines and chilled beverages are available and pre-ordered before boarding. Guests can also select favorite dishes from Life Resort’s international menu, prior to sailing.
Once out on the water, sailing through the maze of islands, the Life Resort boats cruise past floating fish markets, call on hidden grottos, anchor off secluded beaches and simply sail gently beneath the sleeping dragons of a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, in privacy and at one’s leisure.
General Director Chris Duffy notes that besides offering first-rate amenities on a historic Vietnamese craft, it is the customizable aspect of the cruises, set against a backdrop of one of the most stunning locations on the planet, which makes Life Resort Ha Long Bay a once in a lifetime experience.
“We don’t ‘rush’ guests around. Some may opt to visit the famous caves or beaches, but if the guests want to avoid the tourist crowd, we sail past and away,” said Duffy. “And when guests wish to be alone, the whole boat is theirs to do so.”
ABOUT LIFE RESORTS
Life Resorts owns and operates three resorts in Vietnam and manages one other. On Vietnam’s central coast, the 94-room Life Heritage Resort Hoi An evokes the colonial splendor of a bygone era on a quiet stretch of the Thu Bon River within walking distance of the trading port’s world-famous Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the south-central coast, the 63-room Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon is dedicated to the tenets of wellness, from yoga and tai chi to an ample range of spa treatments and anti-stress and detox programs. Four hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Life manages the 84-room Blue Ocean Resort at Mui Ne, featuring a 153-meter beach, a 26-meter swimming pool and lush tropical grounds.
Source: Etravelblackboard
Posted by admin on March 26, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise |
There’s a different type of luxury in getting away from the trappings of the world. One where you experience the natural wonders of the Earth. One where you taste foods you’ve never tasted before, prepared in ways you’ve never seen before. One where you leave the stress, the hectic pace and the worries of the civilized world behind.
If that’s one of the ways you define luxury, then there is no more luxurious destination than Vietnam. In Vietnam, you won’t find any of the common sights and sounds of Western countries. You won’t find towering cathedrals, impressive monuments, colossal amphitheaters, or excavations of ancient civilizations. Rather, the fascination for Vietnam comes from its extraordinary beauty and simplicity of life, juxtaposed against its emerging economy.
During a recent trip to Vietnam, nothing said luxury like my excursion along Halong Bay. This bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is dotted with about 3,000 limestone karsts and isles. Local legend has it that long ago, when the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent dragons to help defend the land. The dragons spit out jewels and jade, which turned into the islands and islets of Halong, forming a great wall against the invaders.
Most travelers opt for a short cruise on Halong Bay, half a day usually, to admire the beautiful waterway. But if you have more time and a flair for a romantic journey, I recommend a night aboard the Emeraude. That’s exactly what I did.
The Emeraude is a replica, one-of-a-kind steamer from the French Indochina days. When I stepped aboard, its polished wooden floors and brass fixtures and fittings exuded warmth and character. Its distinguished style offered a timeless elegance, and the service was impeccable.
Every cabin has a window and if it’s on the walkway, like mine was, it also includes a balcony and sitting area, although you won’t be spending too much time in your cabin. During the day, you can treat yourself to a soothing massage on the sun deck while sipping a refreshing cocktail and gazing at the rock formations reflected in the crystal clear water of the bay.
Or you can explore the huge caves with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites that top the isles. I headed for the Hang Sung Sot Cave. This cave, whose name in English means Cave of Surprises, was named by a French explorer who was amazed by the size and beauty of the cave’s interior rooms. It is probably the most beautiful of all the caves found in this region of Vietnam.
When I exited the cave, I found myself high above Halong Bay, peering at a gorgeous panoramic view of the water, the mist, the limestone karsts and the women paddling boats laden with all sorts of things for sale – from conical hats to Ritz crackers and Oreo cookies. It’s truly an amazing site.
Back on the Emeraude, the swimming deck provides an opportunity for a dip in the cool waters of the bay surrounded by the majestic scenery. I relaxed with high tea, which is served in the late afternoon. For dinner, the Emeraude’s restaurant offers delicious freshly caught local seafood and other specialties.
I discovered my dream menu aboard the Emeraude. I couldn’t get enough of pho, a light, delicious Vietnamese soup made with a lovely, delicate beef stock, rice noodles and aromatic herbs. And I can’t forget to mention the spring rolls! Vietnamese spring rolls are made with bits of shrimp, sprouts, green onion, fresh basil and cilantro, artistically wrapped in a soft, thin rice pancake. Served along with several types of sauces for dipping, this is one luscious treat.
It’s so easy to understand why Vietnamese food is one of my favorite cuisines. It is healthy, fresh and naturally low in fat, yet so wonderfully delicious. It consists of fish and meat in small quantities, plenty of vegetables and fruit galore. And, while we here in the West love our freezers and microwave ovens, in Vietnam everything is fresh. If the spices were picked in the morning, by dinner time, you need a fresh supply.
A special treat aboard the Emeraude is the demonstration of Vietnamese culinary techniques and tips by the chef. It’s hands on, too, so you’ll get a chance to practice what the chef teaches and at home become the star chef among your family and friends.
After dinner, the Emeraude’s decks invite sitting and enjoying the magnificent sunset. When it’s dark, the film “Indochine” is screened under the stars. As you settle into your seat, glass of wine or cup of tea in hand, there was a gauzy fog draped haphazardly over the limestone karsts.
But that doesn’t obscure them or their beauty. As the movie progresses, the familiar karsts of Halong Bay appear, as lovely and mysterious on the screen as they are in real life. The next morning starts with taking in the calming silence of the bay while practicing T’ai Chi on the deck.
The entire trip aboard the Emeraude is a step back to another time. The excursion along Halong Bay ignited all of my senses. It was an exotic escape that is hard to match and one that every traveler should experience.
Source: IT Times
Posted by admin on March 21, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Indochina Sails |
Indochina Sails is proud to announce the launch of the newest additions to its fleet of luxury junks. The “Indochina Sails Premium” and the “Valentine Premium” began sailing the emerald waters of Halong Bay in late 2010.
Dining room in Indochina Sail
Following in the tradition of our entire fleet, the Indo and Valentine Premiums offer luxurious accommodation, professional and friendly service, fine Vietnamese and Western cuisine and an itinerary designed to maximize your holiday pleasure.
The junks are built to the highest standards, in a time-honoured style, with first-class modern facilities. The best of Old World and New and the best of East and West are combined to create a unique and memorable way to explore one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular creations.
The Indo Premium comprises 23 exquisitely appointed cabins and ultra spacious public areas, while the Valentine Premium offers ultimate exclusivity with only two spacious cabins.
Both vessels have very large windows, both in the cabins and the dining rooms, ensuring our guests won’t miss a bit of the incredible scenery Halong Bay has to offer.
Our fleet now has a total of 74 cabins on six boats.
Our goal is to offer a soothing as well as stimulating experience that you will remember and cherish. Our dedicated and professional management and staff await you and look forward to serving you on magnificent Halong Bay.
Posted by admin on March 16, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Indochina Sails Programs |
With the recent addition of two new vessels our fleet now consists of six boats comprising a total of 74 cabins. With all of our boats safety has been and will continue to be an utmost priority.
Indochina Sails is well known for providing the most luxurious and highest quality cruise ships on Halong Bay. As the first operator to offer overnight cruises on the Bay, Indochina Sails has over ten years experience hosting international travelers, and has consistently set the benchmark for luxury cruising on Halong Bay.
Indochina Sails has always maintained the highest level of safety standards as well.
With the recent addition of two new vessels our fleet now consists of six boats comprising a total of 74 cabins. With all of our boats safety has been and will continue to be an utmost priority.
1. All six boats in our fleet (Indochina Sails 1, 2, 3, Indochina Sails Premium, Valentine and Valentine Premium) have life vests in every cabin (1 per guest, including children). Additionallife jackets for all guests are stored in public areas.
2. The boats are equipped with life buoys and life rafts with capacity for all guests and crew on board.
3. Each boat has a tender (also equipped with life jackets) to assist in any emergency or rescue operation.
4. All of our boats are under professional daily on-board technical supervision.
5. Our Captains possess long term experience and are extensively trained and fully licensed.
6. Our crews are fully trained with clear procedures as to how to deal with emergencies.
7. All guests are briefed and given safety procedures on board with clear instruction in case of emergency.
8. All boats are fitted with professional marine safety equipment: VHF, GPS, radar, walkie-talkies, water leakage alarm systems, water pump systems, fire alarm & fire extinguisher systems.
9. All boats undergo one-month extensive dry dock maintenance yearly and are fully checked by local marine registration authorities before and after leaving dry dock.
10. All boats are covered with maximum boat insurance and maximum passenger & crew insurance.
The safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance. We provide safe passage for all our guests.
Posted by admin on March 7, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, News |
More than 4,000 foreign tourists visit Halong Bay by cruise ships from February 2 to March 3, according to Trinh Dang Thanh, Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Arcadia carrying 2,000 passengers docked at Halong Bay on February 28, 90% of them are British and the rest Australian.
Another cruise ship, Seabourn Sojourne, arrived at Cai Lan Port on March 1, carrying 400 tourists. Later the same day, Costa Classica with 1,400 European passengers on board also came on a tour of Halong Bay and will head for Hanoi one day later.
The Princess Daphne is scheduled to bring 350 Australian tourists to the bay on March 3.
Source: VOV
Posted by admin on February 24, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Halong Ginger Cruise |
Halong Bay, a visually stunning archipelago of around 1600 islands and islets, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994. This amazing seascape of virtually uninhabited limestone outcrops is an exhilarating destination to explore and experience on every sensory level. Discover the splendors of the bay aboard a wooden junk that combines classic beauty with modern comfort. Here are some Vietnam cruises in Halong Bay recommended by Vietnam Hotel.
1. Halong Emotion Cruise 3D/2N
Designed in the 1910’s Indochina style, the Halong Emotion offers the perfect mix in traditional elegance and modern comfort. Special attention has been paid to the decoration and interior of the junk. It features 28 comfortable rooms, a dining room with sea view, a bar and a superb sundeck.
Cruise Halong and spend one night among its spectacular limestone, amazingly scattered from the emerald water, will give you an life’s time experience. In this luxurious Halong Bay cruise, you will have chance to enjoy the fantastic Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha islands, taking part in various sport activities like swimming, climbing, fishing and diving.
Itinerary: Halong → Bai Tu Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay → Cat Ba
Price from $385
2. Halong Violet Junk 2D/1N Cruise
Officially launched on 15th November 2009, our newest five star junk – the Halong Violet – fitted out in the 1930’s Indochina style. A 2 days 1 night cruise on Violet Junk will bring you to a wonderful natural world of magical bay of Halong. Moreover, tourists have opportunity to join some sport activities available on board. Taking some Tai Chi exercise begins your day with fresh air in the sea.
Itinerary: Halong → Islets in Halong → Halong
Price from $508
3. Halong Ginger Cruise 3D/2N
Tourists have time to experience Halong Bay cruise of 3 days 2 nights covering the most visiting spots of the bay to stay longer and truly discover the beauty of the World Heritage Natural Wonders. We have our own comfortable waiting lounge and private dock that offers guests comfort and convenience. The designed cruising loops are covering more areas of the bay with quiet overnight anchoring spot!
Itinerary: Halong → Islands in Halong → Halong
Price from $600
Other Halong Bay Cruises can be found here http://vietnamhotels.net/cruises/categories/halong-bay/
Posted by admin on February 19, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Indochina Sails, Indochina Sails Programs, News |
Indochina Sails – the most luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam will attend the upcoming ITB in Berlin from March 9-13, 2011. The five day B2B international travel trade show and convention has its debut from March 9 to 13, 2011 in Berlin.
As driving force in the travel industry, ITB Berlin gives important impulses to a continuously growing market. ITB Berlin is the leading B2B-Platform of all tourism industry offers. In addition, the world’s largest tourism convention Market Trends & Innovations provides unique opportunities to benefit from the leading think tank of the global tourism industry.
Indochina Sails express the desire to promote Luxury Halong Bay Cruises, Vietnam in the luxury segment, which is addressed to people who want to live a unique experience, with personalized service, privacy, tranquility and simplicity in World Heritage of Vietnam.
Indochina Sails is the first and biggest company to offer luxury overnight cruises on the bay. Indochina Sails is now widely known as the number one choice for discerning travelers, operating a fleet of six luxurious built wooden junks and cruises. Two of them are newest additions in 2010, named Valentine Premium with 2 deluxe cabins and Indochina Sails Premium with 24 deluxe and suite cabins. They were designed in time-honored traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities.
Please come to visit Indochina Sails at booth number 128 Hall 26A.
Posted by admin on February 10, 2011 under Halong Bay Cruises, Tips for Halong tours |
Halong Bay, about 100 miles east of Hanoi, is in the running for inclusion in the global campaign New7Wonders of Nature. What’s so special about Halong Bay? Not only does it have nearly 2,000 limestone islands, many of them are hollow, with massive caves. Several operators offer excursions on the bay, but Emeraude Classic Cruises says it offers something a little different: dinner.
Emeraude offers up a four-course dinner inside one of these caves during its annual Wine and Dine Cruise.
This year, the cruise departs May 14 and returns the next morning. The cruise’s $245-per-person price tag includes breakfast at Hanoi’s Press Club, champagne, a seafood buffet, and tapas and wine tasting before dinner in the cave.
“Halong Bay from the deck of the ship is an incredible sight,” said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude. And “viewing it from the interior of Drum Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Source: LA Times
Posted by admin on February 8, 2011 under Emeraude Cruise, Halong Bay Cruises |
Emeraude Classic Cruises invites guests to dine in style in one of Halong Bay’s most stunning caves.
Emeraude Classic Cruises
Just one month after news hit the headlines that explorers had discovered the world’s largest cave in north-central Vietnam, plans started falling into place for what might be the world’s most exquisite caving experience.
A team of experts recently entered and measured Son Doong Cave, now uncontestably confirmed as the world’s biggest. Situated just a few hundred kilometers north, Halong Bay is geographically very similar, thanks primarily to the hundreds of limestone karsts and cavernous caves that dot the water.
Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay’s preeminent tour operator, will be hosting its annual Wine & Dine Cruise in May, featuring a gourmet dinner inside one of the caves.
“It’s about being on the inside looking out,” said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude Classic Cruises. “Halong Bay from the deck of the ship is an incredible sight. Viewing it from the interior of Drum Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Add a five-star dinner and you have a unique event that you’ll remember forever.”
The sumptuous four-course meal takes place in an atmospheric grotto. The elegant tableware, international standard cuisine and carefully chosen wines lend an otherworldly touch by the craggy ceiling, shadowy, candlelit crevices, and stunning nighttime view of the bay through the cave entrance.
“Vietnam has tremendous natural beauty,” said Walter. “Like Son Doong Cave, though, it’s often hidden away awaiting discovery. We’re bringing our guests into the middle of the landscape, making them a part of the spectacular beauty of Halong Bay, and letting them explore one of those never-seen places.”
The cruise will depart Saturday May 14th, after a breakfast at Hanoi’s legendary Press Club. Once onboard the replica of a 19th century paddle steamer, guests will enjoy a day of champagne, seafood buffet, volleyball on the shore of one of the Bay’s islands, tapas and a wine tasting before disembarking and entering Drum Cave for dinner.
After the meal, guests return to the Emeraude for a Johnnie Walker Blue and Singleton single malt tasting on the sun deck, before retiring to one of the classically appointed cabins below. The paddle steamer returns to shore on Sunday morning. Tickets are all-inclusive starting from $245 per person based on double occupancy.
While this will be the seventh year for the Wine & Dine cruise, 2011 has already seen increased international attention paid to Halong Bay. Lonely Planet magazine called out Halong Bay as the world’s second-best spot to go boating; and the Bay is in the running for classification as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Collected by Vietnam Hotel
