Asia Color Travel

Kayaking in Halong - The Complete Guide

When coming to Halong Bay, besides watching the sightseeing, swimming, climbing, or discovering some famous caves, the most interesting activity you should not miss is kayaking. Sitting on a tiny kayak, paddling in the blue water, wriggling into the cave, or touching the stalactites, those will definitely make your Halong Bay trip more joyful and exciting.

Unveiling Halong Bay
Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Known for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts jutting out of the sea, Halong Bay offers an awe-inspiring backdrop for kayaking. The name "Halong" itself means "descending dragon," adding an air of mystery and allure to this magical destination.

Why Choose Kayaking?
Amid the plethora of activities available in Halong Bay, kayaking stands out as an intimate and immersive way to experience its breathtaking beauty. Each kayak accommodates two people, and once you master the oars, the world of kayaking opens up to accessible and fascinating adventures. You can visit charming fishing villages, gain insights into the work of local fishermen at sea, or marvel at the limestone islands from a remarkably close distance that big cruises might not be able to approach. As you paddle through the tranquil waters, you will find yourself surrounded by towering limestone formations, hidden grottoes, and abundant lush greenery, forging an unforgettable connection with nature.

Best Time to Go Kayaking in Halong Bay
Halong Bay's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, each offering its own charm. The months from October to April provide cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The summer months from May to September offer warmer weather and occasional rain showers, creating a lush and vibrant atmosphere. Regardless of the season, Halong Bay has calm water and peaceful weather almost year-round, promising captivating views and an extraordinary kayaking adventure.

The best spots for kayaking in Halong Bay
Halong Bay offers a variety of kayaking routes, each with its own unique charm and scenic splendor. Let's explore some of the must-visit spots for an unforgettable kayaking adventure:

Luon Cave

Situated on Bo Hon Island, Luon Cave is a must-visit spot in Halong Bay, famous for its pristine beauty and captivating surroundings. It's the smallest cave in the bay, accessible only by kayak or small bamboo boat, and visitors can admire the stunning stalactites inside. The enclosed water area surrounded by high mountains, where monkeys play in the treetops, adds to the cave's allure.

Tung Sau Pearl Farm

Tung Sau, situated in a secluded water area known for its pearl farming, nearby Cua Van Fishing Village. Many cruises opt for Tung Sau Area as an overnight stop, offering opportunities to unwind, swim, go squid fishing, and go kayaking. Additionally, tourists get a unique chance to observe and understand the complete process of pearl cultivation, from growth to harvesting, and explore an array of exquisite pearl products.

The Trinh Nu Grotto

The Trinh Nu Grotto or Virgin Grotto Trinh Nu Cave is usually considered to be the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Spending time kayaking around thousand-year-old limestone formations and then walking for 5 minutes to explore Trinh Nu cave. Tourists also can chill out in Trinh Nu beach, a pristine beach with cool clean green water.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Founded in the nineteenth century, Vung Vieng Fishing Village is among the four oldest fishing villages in the region. Renowned for pearl farming, it is also a highly recommended spot for kayaking in Halong Bay. Visiting Vung Vieng allows tourists to paddle a kayak and explore the charming fishing village, engaging in conversations with the friendly locals, witnessing their daily routines, and learning about their time-honored traditions.

Cruises that offer kayaking in Halong Bay
Kayaking has been the highlight for the majority of tourists who took a cruise trip to Halong Bay.
The majority of mid-range and budget cruises offer kayaking free of charge while most luxury cruises will charge kayaking for a fee. Below are some cruises for free kayaking in Halong Bay for your reference:

Indochine Cruise 5*
Indochina Sails Premium Cruise 4*
La Regina Royal Cruise 4*
Peony Cruise 4*
Hera Boutique Cruise 4*

After kayaking through wonderful lands and caves in Halong Bay, you can go back to your cruise to take a rest and then enjoy the meal under the charming and glamorous sky and the crystal clear water of the bay. It would be an amazing experience if you could stay overnight at Halong Bay on a cruise and view the beautiful night charmingly and peacefully.

Preserving Halong Bay's Treasures
At Asia Color Travel & DMC, we understand the importance of responsible tourism in preserving the natural beauty of Halong Bay for future generations. We encourage all our kayakers to embrace sustainable practices during their trips. Here are some guidelines we advocate:

Respect the Wildlife: Observe marine life from a distance, avoiding any disruption to their natural habitats. Refrain from feeding animals such as monkeys, birds, or fish, as it can negatively impact their health and environment.
Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the delicate ecosystem of Halong Bay. We urge all kayakers to carry reusable water bottles and refrain from using single-use plastics during their trips.
Leave No Trace: As you explore the wonders of Halong Bay, we encourage you to leave no trace of your presence. Pack out all your trash and dispose of it properly at designated waste collection points.

Visiting Halong Bay without trying out kayaking will be a huge omission, because this is an opportunity for you to be floating on the calm waves, watching the unspoiled natural scenery up close. Above are all the detailed experiences of kayaking in Halong Bay, Asia Color Travel team hopes to help you enjoy a relaxing moment when exploring this world's natural heritage. Don’t forget to visit AsiaColorTravel.com, where more information and deals await.

Red Dao Herbal Bath - An Unique Wellness Experience In Sapa

Immerse yourself in the captivating allure of Sapa's enchanting herbal baths, an experience not to be missed whether you are a wellness enthusiast or a wanderer on your journey. These baths offer more than just physical and mental benefits; they embrace the rich cultural heritage of the Red Dao community in Vietnam.

Throughout history, the Vietnamese have embraced various traditional remedies for wellness and healthcare. The Red Dao community in Vietnam's Sapa region has a rich history of traditional healing practices, including their renowned herbal baths. These baths, passed down through generations, hold deep cultural significance for the community, with secret recipes and techniques preserved by the women.

The Red Dao Herbal Bath is a restorative remedy for women, providing solace and strength during the postpartum period. It also helps alleviate muscle and bone aches and protects against colds and flu during Sapa's chilly winters. Combining hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, the bath improves blood circulation, promotes relaxation, and reduces pain. The carefully selected herbs gently detoxify pores and soothe the skin, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.

Red Dao Women Preserve Family Recipes for Herbal Bath Traditions

The Red Dao herbal bath recipe consists of 77 types of herbs, including 5–10 extremely rare plants, creating a bath remedy that rejuvenates and invigorates. Using fresh leaves yields more effective results than using dried ones. The bathing vessel itself, made of aromatic Pơ mu wood, plays a pivotal role in enhancing the experience. Typically, Red Dao baths are prepared within intimate enclosures, ensuring that the aromatic steam permeates the surroundings, and delights the senses of the bather. Lime leaves, star anise, and orange peels can be added to create an even more enticing aroma.

To enjoy a Red Dao Herbal Bath to its fullest, you can pour warm water over your back and shoulders, scrub your skin, or simply relax and enjoy, considering additional services like massages or herbal foot baths.
Recently, there have been many places offering the ultimate Red Dao Herbal Bath experience. Here are a few famous and prestigious places to refer to and enjoy the treatment time:

1. Sapa Green (Green’s Spa)
This is the first place to build saunas and traditional Red Dao herbal baths in the center of Sapa town.
Address: Sapa Green Hotel, 01, Hoang Lien Street, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
Hotline: 0832166666 or 02143628888
Price: 200.000 – 800.000 VND

2. La Dao Spa
Just 8 km from Sapa town, it's a 20-minute journey to La Dao Spa in Tavan village. This serene retreat offers a great herbal bath experience with breathtaking views of Muong Hoa Valley.
Address: Ta Van Day village, Ta Van commune, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province.
Hotline: 094 654 1541

Price: 150.000 – 650.000 VNĐ

3. Dao’s Sapa - Sapanapro
Unwind and rejuvenate at Dao's Center, nestled in Ta Phin - 10 km from Sapa town. After a rewarding day of trekking, treat yourself to spacious tubs full of traditional aromas. Thanks to a grant from social enterprise Sapanapro, the spa facilities have been upgraded, empowering the ethnic Red Dao people to promote their herbal remedies and enhance their livelihoods.
Address: Ta Chai village, Ta Phin commune, Sapa Town, Lao Cai Province
Hotline: 0936204501
Price: 150.000 – 350.000 VNĐ

4. Dao’s Care Hanoi
Dao’s Care partners with Red Dao women in Sapa to offer traditional herbal baths and Dao massages at a day spa in the capital.
Address: 351 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
Hotline: 097 8899 539 or 024 3722 8316
Price: 150.000 – 600.000 VNĐ

Taste of Vietnam: 5 Must-Try Vietnamese Coffees

Vietnam entices travelers with breathtaking landscapes, welcoming culture, delectable street food, and of course, excellent coffee. Vietnamese coffee stands out with its distinct flavors, textures, colors, and aromas, captivating coffee lovers worldwide. You can easily find a coffee culture that permeates every street and city, from trendy cafes to sidewalk corners where locals indulge in their beloved brew. Combining condensed milk, coconut, and even fresh eggs, here are five types of Vietnamese coffee recommended by Asia Color Travel to savor as you explore our vibrant homeland.

1. Iced coffee (with milk) - cà phê sữa (đá)

Let’s start with the basics. This is the standard way Vietnamese drink their coffee. The coffee beans are usually roasted in butter then brewed in metal filters. The moments spent waiting for your coffee to brew are part of the pleasure of this style of coffee. Due to its bitterness, black Vietnamese coffee is an acquired taste. Feel free to sweeten your drink with condensed milk (you will find that many locals do), or mix it with ice. A cold cà phê sữa đá on a hot day is a quintessential Vietnamese coffee experience.

2. Egg Coffee - Cà phê trứng

Born in the 1950s in Hanoi, Vietnamese coffee egg has now become an attractive drink that makes Vietnamese coffee drinks unique. The layer of whipped cream invites you to taste it immediately. As soon as you click on your lips, your taste will reach the sweet cream of eggs before reaching the bitter coffee taste. It is more of a desert than a drink, and people enjoy it either hot or cold. But we prefer it hot since it gives you a fantastic experience when it comes to taste and smell.

3. Coconut coffee - Cà phê cốt dừa
If egg coffee is the best when enjoyed in winter, coconut coffee is an ideal choice for those wanting to cool down in summer. Served in a short glass, this creamy, sweet, and ultra refreshing iced coffee is made from coconut milk, blended with a touch of condensed milk and lots of ice, topped with Vietnamese drip coffee. To make it even creamier and more decadent, you could swap the coconut milk with sugar or cream, often served with a spoon and resembles an ice cream or a slush.

4. Yogurt coffee
Another, rather unconventional, variation of coffee you can find in any coffee shop in Vietnam is yogurt coffee. The idea is exactly what it sounds like: It’s yogurt mixed with coffee – and sometimes with condensed milk added. The sourness of the yogurt, bitterness of the coffee beans, and sweetness of the condensed milk makes for a mouthwatering combination.

5. Salted coffee

Though it doesn't have as long of a history as the above types, salt coffee is a must-try beverage to anyone visiting Hue. The coffee itself is brewed through a filter as usual, but here, it’s let to drip into a mixture of fermented milk, condensed milk, and of course, salt. It’s staggering how much a simple twist can drastically alter the taste, adding a caramel-like flavor.

As with any other popular drink, salted coffee has been adopted by many coffee shops around Vietnam. Still, many hardcore drinkers and curious first-timers alike prefer to seek out its original birthplace in Huế city.

Asia Color Travel

Labels

COLOR OF EXPERIENCES

Duration