09h15: You will be collected from Hanoi Old Quarter to take the new highway to Got Ferry Terminal – Cat Hai Town, Haiphong City where we arrive at around 11h30. The passengers have a chance to experience on longest and newest bridge in South East Asia area. You can take special tea at Orchid Cruise’s lounge by warm welcome. 12h00: Transfer by tender to the ORCHID CRUISE. 12h15: We welcome our guests onboard the ORCHID CRUISE and then check in, enjoy Welcome Drink, receive cruise briefing, safety instructions and check in. Start cruising and explore Ha Long Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. 12h40: ORCHID CRUISE proceeds to Da Chong islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. Have lunch while passing via the islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island - Thoi Quyt area - Coc Ngoi islet - through Cua Van to Ba Trai Dao area. 15h00: We progress to Ba Trai Dao beach area of Lan Ha Bay- a separate part of Ha Long Bay. This is a quiet tourist paradise in Vietnam. The region is known for its pristine beaches and spectacular beauty, having about 400 fascinating islands. You may prefer to try your hand at kayaking or simply just enjoy a swim. This is a great experience, immersed in the crystal clear water of the bay, in the Ba Trai Dao area (Visiting Ba Trai Dao from October to May. From June to September, visiting Tra Bau area, belongs to Lan Ha Bay. Tra Bau is also one of the ideal destinations for kayaking and swimming. Come here, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in blue water.) 18h00: It’s time to try the authentic well-known local liquor as “Ba Kich liquor” (Morinda officinalis). This is a kind of wealthy and tasty liquor which is really highly recommending liquor in Viet Nam. You might never forget this lovely purple liquor 18h30: Returning ORCHID CRUISE, you can watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Our chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. In the early evening the boat has its Happy Hour deal Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu) 19h30: Deluxe dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting 21h30: Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. Relax whilst enjoying drinks from the bar. Try your hand at night squid fishing, watching a movie in the restaurant. Overnight on board. 23h00: End of Day One program
