HALONG BAY, Vietnam — The creator of the finest cruise experiences on Halong Bay is taking its offerings to new heights with a package that includes a splash of high-flying adventure.
Paradise Hotels & Cruises’ ‘Cruise & Seaplane’ deal starts at Hanoi’s international airport and takes passengers on an hour-long seaplane ride that includes 15 minutes above the UNESCO World Heritage site, home to more than 2,000 spectacular limestone karsts.
After touching down in Hai Au Aviation’s eight-seat S15 at around 11 a.m., guests then board one of four 17-cabin Paradise Luxury vessels for an overnight cruise.
Accommodation comes in the form of a Deluxe cabin, which features all new wooden floors, ceilings, curtains, carpets and beds as a result of a restoration project carried out on the entire fleet last year.
But it’s the aerial aspect travelers may remember most.
“It’s one thing to see the bay from sea level, but it’s another to take it in from the sky,” said Edgar C. Cayanan, Paradise’s general manager. “It’s stunning from that perspective, and a unique photo-opp if there ever was one.”
Other perks of the ‘Cruise & Seaplane’ package include all on-board meals, unlimited kayak use and return transport in a private car — a three-hour journey through countryside teeming with rice paddies.
The promotion costs US $473 per person and is valid until at least April 30.
Guests wishing to return to Hanoi by seaplane can do so for an extra $300 per person, including shuttle bus transfer from airport to hotel.
Room upgrades are also available, ranging from an additional $36 per night for a Deluxe Balcony cabin to an additional $697 per night for a Premium Suite on Paradise’s intimate, eight-cabin Paradise Peak vessel, the most luxurious cruise ship on the bay.
Each boat in the Paradise Luxury line is 41 meters long, has four decks and is loaded with restorative amenities, including a spa, bar and public Jacuzzi.
For more information about Paradise Hotels & Cruises, or to make a ‘Cruise & Seaplane’ booking, visit www.paradisevietnam.com.
