Archive for September, 2009
Fascinating Cruise Trip In Halong Bay
Fascinating Cruise Trip In Halong Bay
Even if we hadn’t already spent a week in the bustle and hustle of Hanoi the mistshrouded limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay echoing birdcalls and water lapping our ship would have been enchanting.
But by the time we arrived at this UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin we badly needed a break from the mad motorscooter traffic of the nation’s secondlargest city the swarming pineapple vendors and the ceaseless capitalist hustle. Three days of swimming kayaking and just chilling on the deck of the Dragon’s Pearl with drink in hand were the ideal respite and one of the high points of our twoweek trip to Vietnam in October.
We chose the cruise of Ha Long Bay because of its proximity to Hanoi and its World Heritage designation. Still the 105mile van trip takes almost half a day Vietnam’s highway system is still a work in progress and buses and trucks share the road with darting motor scooters bicycles and plodding water buffalo.
Ha Long City’s harbor a gateway shipping port supplying this fastdeveloping region is on the dreary side. In fact I was having second thoughts about this trip as we dragged our suitcases along a rutted path past rusting crumbling buildings to the ship a deluxe junk. But once we were headed into the bay the breeze and the view from the motorized Dragon Pearl’s top deck along with our “welcome” glasses of iced tea lifted my spirits. So did our cabin. Our room like the 17 others on the junk was small but contained plenty of amenities including a kingsized bed a minute bathroom complete with terry bathrobes and rubber flipflops and air conditioning necessary to cut through the withering heat and humidity.
The first afternoon our ship and several others dropped anchor at a deserted beach on the tiny island of Soi Sim where we swam and lounged away the rest of the day. The water was calm and warm but apart from the setting this was the least memorable outing of our cruise. Escalating tourism in the region perhaps because of its World Heritage designation has generated litter and pollution. So here miles from anywhere plastic drink bottles and candy wrappers floated in the water and washed up on the sand.A couple of hours later we were back on board. With a school of silvery jumping fish as our escort our ship headed northeast toward the Hang Luon grotto where the Dragon Pearl dropped anchor for the night in the company of several other junks.
Before dinner we hung out on the chaise lounges arrayed on the ship’s deck watching as the peaks surrounding us turned a dusky blue and lights on the neighboring junks twinkled on. The scene reminded me of a cross between Hawaii’s Na Pali Cliffs and Washington’s Puget Sound.Our two evenings out on the top deck trading stories and watching night fall were among the few times I relished being outdoors in Vietnam’s blistering heat.
But the highlight of the trip was a kayaking tour on the second day. I had been dubious about this I had never squeezed into a kayak before and we were far out in the bay close to the open waters of the gulf. I feared capsizing not being able to keep up with the group and getting drenched if the threatening skies opened up.It was nothing like that. The five kayaks were led in and around cliffs and through grottoes pointing out birds plants and the cliffs where monkeys nest although we didn’t see any. The skies held and when we beached the boats at noon on an uninhabited island the sun came out in time for a swim.
As for lunch think “Fantasy Island” that kitschy late’70s TV series. Our table already was set on the sand when we pulled up with white tablecloths and napkins and although the whitesuited Mr. Roarke was nowhere in sight the ship’s kitchen crew was busy barbecuing fish and peeling dragon fruit a dramatic red cactus fruit with mildly sweet white flesh for another magnificent meal.
In fact all our meals were extraordinary. Lunch and dinner aboard the ship were multiplecourse whitetablecloth affairs that usually included soup locally caught prawns and fish chicken stirfried vegetables and terrific tofu dishes. Breakfast was a buffet of fresh fruit and baked goods served outdoors on the ship’s middle deck. That afternoon we paddled some more at one point passing a lone fisherman casting his net. His wooden rowboat rocked gently. A teapot perched on the stern.
The next morning our ship steamed to Sung Sot Cave one of the area’s largest and most impressive limestone caverns spanning 12000 square yards inside. The entrance required a short hike up several flights of stone steps to a spot high above the bay. More steps led into receding chambers past humongous stalactites and stalagmites that resembled giant sandcastles. Here you can see water at work dripping from the ceiling and pooling on the floor in ponds so still and mirrorlike that it left me disoriented.
That afternoon we headed to Ha Long Harbor for the return trip to Hanoi. Back in our French Quarter hotel as the horns of a thousand motor scooters honked outside our window I realized the cruise had given me a different impression of Vietnam. If Hanoi is like 4 million people on Red Bull Ha Long Bay is where time stops where the old ways of doing things endure and where it’s quiet enough to breathe deeply and hear fish leap from the water.
About the writer: Supported by VIETNAMHOLIDAYNOWAdd: N3 Block 5 310 Minh Khai Hai Ba Trung Hanoi Vietnam Tel: 0084 4 6339577 Fax: 0084 4 6339335 Email: salesvietnamholidaynow.com Web: www.vietnamholidaynow.com
Famous Yachts
Famous Yachts
The Allure of the Yacht
Nothing quite equals the fantasy of lying back on the deck of a yacht the sun warming your face and a cocktail in hand. From its days as a feared war craft to its rise as the most sought after leisure cruiser the allure of the yacht is as timeless as it is enigmatic.
The yacht began life as a military vessel that utilised its speed and manoeuvrability to carry vital military messages between battalions. There are few historical sea battles that the yacht did not play a significant part in. From a triumphant military history to the vessel of choice for kings and queens the yacht has its own special place in history.
The Grand Yachts of History
The Duyfken
One of the worlds most memorable yachts is the Duyfken a Dutch threemasted gem that was armed with several cannons. Her speed and manoeuvrability made her the perfect scout and messenger in times of battle and is credited with playing a critical role in the defeat of the Portuguese blockade that allowed the Dutch entrance to the lucrative spice trade in 1601. The years that followed saw this yacht head out on many exploratory adventures in search of new avenues for trade. From Cape Agulhas to the Mozambique Channel and on to India the Duyfken became one of the most travelled yachts of the 17th century.
But it was the Duyfkens 1606 journey that made it one of the grandest and most memorable yachts in history. Captained by Willem Janszoon the next Dutch voyage headed out in search of the legendary King Solomons mines in the south east and took the yacht and her sailors to the furthest ends of the Earth then known to man. Heading further south than New Guinea the yacht and its crew happened upon the Cape York Peninsula better know today as Australia. Captain Janszoon and his yacht the Duyfken are officially acknowledged as the first authenticated European voyage to the Australian continent. By 1608 the Duyfken was declared to be damaged beyond repair and this remarkable little yacht who helped make all seven continents known to European geographers ended her time on the sea.
The America
Designed by revolutionary yacht designer George Steers the 101 ft America was one of the first racing vessels to benefit from his trademark knifelike bow widening aft that increased speed and agility. This design was put to the test in 1851 when the America entered the first ever Royal Yacht Squadron’s “One Hundred Guinea Cup“. In the prestigious 53 mile race around the Isle of Wight the America won by eight minutes under the watchful eye of Queen Victoria. This esteemed international racing trophy was then renamed the America Cup after its inaugural winner and is a tradition that still challenges sailors today.
The America changed hands many times following her famous win and was owned by private sailors to military commanders but few were committed to her upkeep. By 1940 she was owned by the US Naval Academy but her once majestic oak cedar and chestnut frame was seriously decaying. When her shed home collapsed in 1945 she was burned along with the debris.
The Magnificent Yachts of Our Time
Christina O
A 1943 Canadian convoy escort this yacht was purchased and converted by shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1954. Named after his daughter Christina this vessel became the worlds most luxurious and advanced private yacht. Throughout its time as Onassis floating home until 1975 the Christina O was the floating whos who of Hollywood entertaining the likes of Marilyn Monroe Frank Sinatra Maria Callas and King Farouk of Egypt.
The famous Aris Bar on board is the spot where President John F Kennedy first met Sir Winston Churchill and the deck was witness to the wedding of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier and Onassis himself to Jackie Kennedy. After Onassis death the Christina O was donated to the Greek government and has recently been bought by John Paul Papanicolaou. This shipping magnate and Onassis family friend is meticulously restoring the Christina O to her former highseas glory.
The Unusual Cosmic Muffin
The technologically advanced Boeing 307 Stratoliner was one of ten planes made in 1939 that could fly above any bad weather. Owned by the infamous Howard Hughes becoming the Hughes 307 only two of these planes survived the tumultuous 1940s the one safely housed in the National Air and Space Museum and the other in Fort Lauderdale.
The fierce hurricane Cleo severely damaged the Hughes 307 in Fort Lauderdale to the point of scrapping in 1964. But the fuselage was saved and in 1974 launched as the worlds most unusual yacht. The original 1939 controls are used to pilot the yacht and it is powered by twin Yamaha motors with a cruising speed of 13 knots. The inspiration for books and songs this vessel has been visited by Oprah CNN the Travel Channel and countless other media. Custom designed furniture and fittings make the interior luxurious and the Cosmic Muffin recently sold on eBay for over 9 million.
The Worlds Most Exclusive Yacht
Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz the Saudi Arabian defence minister is the proud owner of one of the worlds largest yachts the Al Salamah. The 457 ft vessel sports facilities that can only be guessed at due to the secrecy of the crew and its owner. Rumours put the room count at over 90 including a hospital and an indoor swimming pool. Her tight deadline meant that builders only had two years to complete the finished yacht make her one of the most impressive feats of yachting construction in our times.
The Yacht Takes Over Hollywood
No sea adventure in Hollywood is complete without the majestic character of the yacht. As winds ravage the ocean and humans battle nature it is the yacht that acts as the most exciting and unusual set possible.
Whether it is a pivotal part of the plot like the runaway speed boat in Speed 2 or a unique location to move the story along yachts make for a favourite tool of filmmakers. In the latest Superman instalment Superman Returns Lex Luther conducts his evil business from a 200 ft luxury yacht. The Gertrude acted as the exterior of this magnificent getaway vehicle and the interior was a full 360 set built on a sound stage in Australia and enabled viewers to get a total view of the wealth and luxury of the villain.
Even out of the water a yacht holds a certain romantic appeal and the modern movie version of riding off into the sunset is fast becoming sailing off into the setting sun aboard a luxury yacht. In The Wedding Date it is the yacht in the driveway that makes the ideal location for the main characters first rendezvous. When they are caught in the morning by the girls father his comment of Well I’m glad to see that someone is making good use of her again of course referred to the yacht.
Casino Royale James Bonds latest adventure makes use of no less than five versions of the Sunseeker in its spectacular yacht sequence. The interior of the yacht was then rebuilt on a hydraulic sound stage to mimic the movement of the ocean. While many yachts are specifically built for films often some are simply chartered. Yacht Brokers have a myriad of luxury yachts on offer ranging in size and type. Internet forums are often alive with the thrills of recognising real life yachts in films or seeing personal handiwork on screen.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;About the Author
Whether you want to charter a yacht for your next holiday or are looking to buy a yacht you will need to get in contact with a reputable yacht brokerage house.
Explore Ha Long Bay With Indochina Sails Cruise Ship
Explore Ha Long Bay With Indochina Sails Cruise Ship
Ha Long bay is very picturesque with many magnificent landscapes and seascapes. Nowadays it sparkles even more with the appearance of big sea sails printed with the letters Indochina Sails.
In the immense atmosphere permeated with sunlight and wind one suddenly feels lonely. In the distance ranges of mountains emerge from the sea.
The Indochina Sails cruise ship moves gently towards Bai Tu Long Bay.
In the luxurious dining room every one looks out through the big windows. The European and Asian dishes are delicious prepared by outstanding chefs and served up by a professional staff. The cruise ship moves out towards the centre of the bay. Hon Trong Mai Male and Female Chicken island appears before us. This island attracts a great number of visitors and is the preeminent symbol of Vietnamese tourism.
Vung Vieng fishing village is more beautiful in the weak sunlight of dusk. The Indochina Sails cruise ship drops anchor so that tourists can visit the village. The sunlight gleaming on the sea looks like an oil painting but is formed entirely by the hand of nature.
Staying overnight on the Indochina Sails cruise ship is a memorable experience. This is not only because one floats in one of the most remarkable natural wonders of the world. It is also due to the cozy and luxurious cabins on Indochina Sails cruises. Though the buffet has finished everyone wants to stay on deck and enjoy the stunning scenery. The melodious light music played in the traditional style creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
Further information:
Indochina Sails are the newly built wooden junks designed in the contemporary traditional Vietnamese style
The cruise ship has spacious cabins and suites with large private bathrooms a big sun deck elegant dining room 32 seats bar beauty spa massage kayaking and entertainment. This luxury is enhanced by the professional manner of the friendly and enthusiastic management and staff.
At the present time 3 Junks are operating in Halong Bay namely Indochina Sails I with 14 cabins Indochina Sails II with 15 cabins and Valentine with 5 cabins. By the end of October 2008 an addition to the fleet is expected namely Indochina Sails III with 15 luxury cabins.
*Services:
Excellent local cuisine
Vietnamese and International buffets
International Wine and Drinks List
Daily light Music Performances
Cruise Itinerary and Program
Inhouse English speaking Tour Guide
Kayaking and Snorkeling
Movie nights Board Games and night fishing
Summer Promotion from 1st to August 30th 2008:
For US180/person/twin shared you can stay in a luxurious cabin of Indochina Sails on Halong bay. The package includes shuttle bus return from Hanoi to Halong bay kayaking on Halong bay entrance and sight seeing fees Vietnamese buffet lunch and dinner International breakfast buffet you can also enjoy BBQ seafood dinner and the International wine tasting with a wide selection of wine from Spain Chile US and Italy.
Supported by www.indochinasails.com
About the writer: I have worked as a tour guide and an online sales executive for Tour Operator in Vietnam. I have graduated in Tourism from Hanoi National University in 2001 and in English at Hanoi Foreign Languages University in 2003. I have spent a long trip to Indochina include Vietnam Laos Cambodia as a traveller because I want to impart to customers my true experience about this exotic destination.
