My first introduction to Haylong Bay was by watching a TopGear Special. I remember thinking I needed to see this place. Not content with just a day trip here I wanted more. What I stumbled upon was Luxury Cruising at Haylong Bay with Indochina Sails. This Company were worth every single penny we spent. From the moment we arrived at the dock everything was taken care of and our stunning journey began.
Indochina Sails – Luxury Cruising Around Haylong Bay Begins….
The Boat
A traditional wooden Junk Boat Which is aesthetically stunning. Don’t think for one minute that this means the facilities are out of date. From the moment you step off the tender you are aware you are in for a treat. Stunning wooden floor boards throughout, stylish and comfortable seating in the lounge area. Beautifully laid out dining tables all with window views which as I found during lunch literally takes your breathe away! There are two types of cabin, with and without a balcony. Luckily our room came with a balcony which was super cute! It was more than big enough for us to sit out on and watch the world go by. The bathroom was very opulent considering the original plumbing wouldn’t have catered for a rainfall shower. Completely not what I was expecting at all, another amazing addition to pure luxury!
Luxury Set Menu Lunch
Starving by the time lunch time came this set menu did more than satisfy our hunger. Not only was the food delicious, the wine perfectly paired but the view as we set sail completed this experience. The limestone rocky outcroppings outside our window dI’d not get boring and even the other boats setting sail didn’t detract. Hearing the bay could be busy we were pleasantly surprised. Indochina Sails seem to have this nailed as I really didn’t feel surrounded, it was very peaceful.
‘Surprise’ Cave – Hang Sung Sot
The first stop after lunch is to a cave called Hang Sung Sot, locally known as ‘Surprise’ Cave. I’ll leave it up to you to guess why! A large cave system with purpose built walkways, this cave also has amazing viewing points if you are happy to climb. Look across the bay & spot which luxurious boat you are staying on. You cant miss it!
Sunset
Sailing away from the cave to the evening mooring sight you will be treated to even more spectacular sights. The sunsets in Haylong Bay are exceptional. Blankets are placed on the top deck sun loungers to snuggle up and watch the sun disappear in style.
After Dark Squid Fishing
Step on to the tender while it stays attached to the boat and have a go at squid fishing! Lights are placed in to the water to attract them, you never know you might get lucky! I had a go but no luck. Board games are supplied inside, also there is no Wi-fi onboard which was no problem to us.
Day Two – Our 2nd Luxurious Junk Boat
After breakfast those who are only staying one night will now set off back to the port. Those staying for two are transferred to a miniature luxurious junk boat which was equally impressive. This will take you deeper in to the Bay for the day. There were only six of us which meant we had so much room on our new boat and really could relax. Day two had another brilliant itinerary planned for us and was just as amazing as day one.
Luon Cave Rowing Boats & Monkeys
The first stop was to Luon Cave where we were rowed in to the centre by a very smiley young man. Inside the cave was a lagoon where many monkeys lived and apparently can jump on to the boats! I held on to my camera tightly in case this happened to us – too many photographs to lose! This was a beautiful and calm place to spend an hour. We have also been fortunate enough to visit Phang Na Bay and kayak into a cave. Read this blog to find out more.
Floating Village
Next up was a visit to a floating village and museum detailing the way of life of people who have never set foot on land. This is a fascinating insight in to people lives which most of us could never imagine living like.
Me Cung Cave – Lagoon
After lunch (delicious but cant find a photograph) it was time to climb in to another cave. After a tight squeeze and a bit of climbing we were treated to a view of the lagoon located inside. My photograph does not do it justice, the water was aquamarine in colour.
Buy from a Sea Seller – Room With A View
One of my favourite experiences on this trip was one which wasn’t on the itinerary. Whilst hanging out on our balcony a local seller caught our attention. They row for hours in boats and have many things to sell to you. We ended up buying a couple of beers from a lovely lady from our balcony. And the way she got them to us? With a handy net on a very long pole; genius! The money went back to her in the same way. Chilling on our amazing balcony in a stunning setting having a cheeky beer, it doesn’t get much better than that!
Final Night Top Deck BBQ
So how do you end an amazing two day trip in heaven? By putting on a delicious BBQ and buffet on the top deck with entertainment. We sat with the lovely people we had spent the day with on the mini junk boat. Another great evening was had by all. Lanterns, bunting, food and wine with great people, it is certainly something I will never forget. With so many amazing memories from this trip, I cant begin to do it justice in this blog.
TeeTop Island
The trip before heading back to port was to TeeTop Island just outside our window. However you can see from my photograph why we decided to stay in bed for another hour. Not believing the view from the top would be worth it we watched the world float by! On a clear day I hear the 360 degree views are beautiful, but it wasn’t to be. If you fancy having the same amazing experience then please look up the amazing Indochina Sails. It truly was a trip of a lifetime, true luxury cruising at Haylong Bay with Indochina Sails. I can’t praise it enough or do it justice – you simply NEED to go yourself!