Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is formed of some 2000 or more incredible islands and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and freshwater swamp forests. Geographically, Halong Bay spread approximately 1,500 square kilometers in north Vietnam with a 120 kilometer of coastline in the Gulf of Tonkin, near the border with China, and 170 kilometers east of Hanoi. Because of their precipitous nature and exceptional esthetic values, the bay is famous worldwide with its stunning network of thousands of monolithic limestone islands that jut up from its calm waters. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by years of wind and waves and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsongs and serene nature tunes which make a truly breathtaking majestic mighty scenery

GETTING READY FOR YOUR TRIP                         
Passports
Passports are always required of any travelers to check onboard. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip if not, apply or renew immediately

Visas
Visitors must obtain visa approval prior to entry. Please Note: All Vietnam visas are SINGLE ENTRY - unless you have specifically requested MULTIPLE ENTRY and this is stamped into your passport. Please ensure you have a multiple entry visa if you are entering Vietnam twice. The status of a tourist visa cannot be changed from SINGLE ENTRY to MULTIPLE ENTRY. We can arrange visas at reduced costs for visitors who travel with us. The procedure is as follows:   

• Passport details, arrival, and departure dates are sent (email, zalo, WhatsUp...) to TONKIN CRUISES office not later than 14 days before passengers' departure to Vietnam.      
  
• TONKIN CRUISES submits details to the Immigration Department.
  
• The Immigration Department emails the approval letter to TONKIN CRUISES who then forwards it to the client.
  
• The client then brings this along with them at arrival
  

Visitors cannot obtain a visa on arrival and must have either an approved letter or a valid visa on arrival.

Electricity
The current onboard is 220 volts AC.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING
Whether you are a first-time cruiser or even a cruising connoisseur, we hope this reminder is helpful for you to prepare for your genuinely enjoyable cruise. It's just our way of helping you have an even greater time on board with us.

Remember to bring:

• Money (Credit/ATM cards, Traveler's checks, Vietnam dong /USD - cash is mainly used everywhere in the local)
  
• Passport with valid Vietnam visa
  
• Travel documents (Tickets, Tour Booking confirmation, Itinerary)
  
• Camera and charger, extra memory card
  
• Sensible beach footwear (Comfortable walking shoes, swim shoes/flip-flops)
  
• Swimsuits, bathing suit
  
• Sunscreen (waterproof with high SPF), sunglasses
  
• Sun hat or cap with a wide brim
  
• Binoculars
  
• Halong map
  
• And above all Bring your SMILE!
  

You are going to have a wonderful journey. Say C H E E S E!