Bluebell Tours RSS
Vietnam news
Kayakers find oasis in Ha Long Bay 3rdJune 2008
As summer approaches, those interested in adventure activities are
heading to Ha Long Bay, taking to the seas in slender kayaks to traverse
the glassy waters. Recognised twice by UNESCO, the world heritage site
offers opportunities to weave through islets, visit hidden caves,
explore lagoons, trod across unspoiled beaches and meet with local
fishing villagers. Though considerably more popular among foreigners
than Vietnamese, sea kayaking can range from an hour-long sport to a
multi-week adventure. The kayak itself is small and streamlined with an
ample cargo hold. It cuts easily through waves while protecting the
paddler from the majority of the water. Boats hold between one and two
people.
Ha Long Bay is particularly ideal for the sport, given its placid
waters, unintimidating current and minimal winds. Moreover, the
innumerable islands offer plenty of opportunities for on-land relaxation
and exploration. Though most book a tour before departure for the bay,
there are two main ways to get to the area. One can depart Ha Noi on a
two-hour journey through the Hong (Red) River to Hai Phong Port City for
a boat to Cat Ba Island. Or, also starting from Ha Noi, travellers can
head to Quang Ninh Province’s Ha Long City, around 100km from the
capital, where ferry tickets to Cat Ba Island are easily accessible.
Upon arrival, visitors are introduced to the sport by a guide, who
discusses gear, safety, routes and basic technique. Then they are set
free to wander around the limestone formations, which frequently harbour
small beaches, lagoons and caves only accessible by kayak. Pearl farms
and floating villages are scattered throughout the islands and the
independence of a kayak enables visitors to browse these areas at
leisure instead of speeding through on the packaged tours offered by
most junks.
"The scenery in Ha Long Bay is spectacular, probably the best for sea
kayaking in the world. This location is very special. The guide was
great and helped make the trip memorable and enjoyable," one visiting
couple, Canadians Alaneir and Greogory Smith, stated. Some travel
agencies even offer self-designed inflatable kayaks which allow for
deeper exploration into the small, narrow caves, allowing paddlers to
glide past sleeping bats. Even if one does not adventure into the bowels
of the limestone rocks, an abundance of wildlife inhabits the
surrounding sea and land, including birds, reptiles, fish and coral.
Many of the species are rare or endangered, and though sightings are not
assured, they are most common at dawn and at dusk.
"It is very enjoyable kayaking trip on Ha Long Bay. It truly is a very
very beautiful place and we are leaving with lovely memories and lots of
photos," said Australians Paul and Maryline Gasten. Some islets and
grottoes have names given the distinctiveness of their features, like
Mat Quy (Monster’s Face), But Moc (Bald Cypress Tree) and Trinh Nu
(Virgin). On the kayak, you can not only admire them but also discovery
many others that are unnamed and untouched before. You also can paddle
to some of the pearl farms and floating villages to experience a unique
way of life and buy some pearl cultivated there as gifts for families
and friends when returning home. If the day grows short, many tours
offer night paddling, and some allow overnight camping on the white
beaches that border the islands, which offers a cool breeze from the Bac
Bo (Tonkin) Gulf in sandy isolation. Otherwise tourists can enjoy the
night under the sky on their boat.
Source: VNN
About Bluebell Tours
* Join us for free
Scheduled Tours
Click HERE to save cost and see the best of Vietnam and China with our Scheduled Tours
Scheduled Tours
Chau, Vietnam in 3 days
Fill in this form to create your own trip
Tel : (+84) 47236713 / (+84) 1234837328 Fax: (+84) 47236713
Email: info@bluebelltours.net
Address: 02 / 158 / 193 Ngoc Ha – Hanoi – Vietnam
International License No: 0102020404
Copyright © 2004 - 2008 BLUEBELL TOURS. All rights reserved.