Cruise Introduction
With only 10 cabins onboard, Dragon Pearl Junk is an intimate wooden cruise designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Sailing into the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay, this itinerary offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, featuring Thien Canh Son Cave, kayaking among limestone karsts, Vung Vieng fishing village, and a unique stop at Yen Duc Village for a traditional water puppet show on the way back to Hanoi. Perfect for those seeking authentic charm, cultural insights, and personalized service.
Advantages
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Small, boutique junk with only 10 cabins (intimate experience)
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Bai Tu Long Bay route – pristine and less touristy
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Cave exploring, kayaking, fishing village visit
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Unique water puppet show at Yen Duc Village
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Cooking demonstration and squid fishing included
Shortages
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Smaller cabin size (11 m²) compared to luxury cruises
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Limited onboard facilities (no pool, spa by request only)
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Not suitable for elderly over 80 or guests with certain health conditions
Cabin Information
Deluxe Double Cabin
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Number of rooms: 06
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Size: 11 m²
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Connecting room: No
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Extra bed: No
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Sea view
Deluxe Twin Cabin
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Number of rooms: 04
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Size: 11 m²
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Connecting room: No
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Extra bed: No
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Sea view
Room Amenities
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Individually controlled air-conditioning
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Slippers & wardrobe
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Bathroom with standing shower
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Hair dryer & bathroom amenities
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24-hour room service
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Complimentary bottled water
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: HANOI – BAI TU LONG BAY – THIEN CANH SON CAVE (L, D)
08:20 – 08:45: Pick up at Hanoi Old Quarter by luxury van.
11:30: Arrive at Indochina Junk office, rest at waiting lounge.
11:50 – 12:15: Buggy transfer to port, crew welcome and assist with boarding.
12:30 – 13:00: Welcome tea, itinerary briefing, safety instructions, cabin check-in.
13:15: Seafood lunch onboard while cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay.
14:30: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave – admire stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
15:00: Kayaking to explore limestone karsts before returning to the cruise.
16:15: Sunset cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
17:15: Join Vietnamese cooking class (Banh Xeo).
19:00: Dinner onboard in a romantic bay setting.
20:00: Free time – relax, squid fishing, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
DAY 2: VUNG VIENG FISHING VILLAGE – HANOI (B, L)
07:00 – 07:15: Morning tea/coffee and breakfast while enjoying bay views.
07:45: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by bamboo boat – explore floating life and stunning scenery.
08:45: Return to cruise, leisure time.
09:45 – 10:00: Cabin check-out, relax, and take photos while sailing.
10:15: Set menu lunch onboard.
11:30: Disembark at Halong International Port.
13:00 – 13:45: Stop at Yen Duc Village for water puppet show.
16:00: Arrive in Hanoi. End of trip.
Note: Itinerary subject to change depending on weather or tide conditions.
Inclusions
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Round-trip Hanoi–Halong–Hanoi by luxury van
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Welcome drink
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01 night accommodation in en-suite cabin with A/C, hot water
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All meals onboard (01 lunch, 01 dinner, 01 breakfast, 01 lunch)
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Tea & coffee with breakfast
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English-speaking guide onboard
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Kayaking
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Cooking class
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Water puppet show at Yen Duc Village
Exclusions
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Personal expenses
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Extra drinks
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Bank charge for credit card payments
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Spa and massage services
Safety Notes
Not recommended for:
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Persons with physical/sensory disabilities
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Persons with hallucinations, claustrophobia, epilepsy, or sleepwalking
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Guests over 80 years old
What to Bring
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Sunglasses, hat, sunblock
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Insect repellent
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Swimwear, warm clothes (Nov–Apr)
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Original passport
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Personal medication (if applicable)
Transfer Services
We provide convenient transfer options between Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi with flexible choices to suit your needs:
Shared Bus 35–45 seats: USD 16/person (round trip)
Shared Limousine 19-seat: USD 20/person (round trip)
Shared Limousine 10-seat: USD 23/person (round trip)
Private Car 4-seat: USD 68/way
Private Car 7-seat: USD 88/way
All vehicles are modern, air-conditioned, and operated by experienced drivers.
Pick-up and drop-off available at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter
Weather-related Policy
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All overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay require official permission from the Bay Management Authority to stay overnight.
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If adverse weather (storms, strong winds, high waves, etc.) occurs, the Authority will suspend overnight operations to ensure safety. In such cases, Sundara Vietnam will:
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Assist with rescheduling to another available date that suits your itinerary, or
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Provide a refund if rescheduling is not possible.
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For specific cases, please contact us for personalized support and guidance.
Important Note
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The Authority may issue cancellation notices on very short notice, sometimes even when guests are already on tour. From August–October, weather is more unpredictable and late announcements are more likely.
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In all cases, please contact Sundara Vietnam staff immediately. We will always do our utmost to provide the most suitable solution and ensure your satisfaction.
