Here at Athena Cruise, we believe that travel is not just about what you see but how you see it. We invite you to experience Vietnam with activities that will make your trip unforgettable. From diving into your surroundings with hands-on kayaking or soaking up the view with relaxing Tai Chi. Whatever your travel style, we have something for you!
“BO NAU” CAVE
Bo Nau Cave is like an upturned shell, which contains a lot of secrets waiting for you to explore. Entering this cave, you will be immediately astonished by the brilliant appearance of a large pillar in the center of Bo Nau Cave. This pillar has been there for thousands of years, which supports the whole cave as a united construction. Around the pillar and on the ceiling of Bo Nau Cave are magnificent stalactites like the chandeliers in a large opera house. There you can take some photos with the stalactites or the sea around Bo Nau Cave.
SUNG SOT CAVE (SURPRISING CAVE)
The cave was first found in 1901 by French travelers and called Grotte Des Surprises (The Cave of Surprises) in a travel book established in 1938. Being one of the widest and most special caves in Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave is located in the center of the Bay, inside Bo Hon Island. Despite having a small gate, the cave amazed visitors with its giant inner space, which probably explains the surprising name.
100 Steps up to Sung Sot Cave Halong Bay The path to Sung Sot is a bit steep and lined with shady trees. Walking ascending to the grotto, your love for nature is satisfied with a path full of trees and foliage, surrounded by great paved stone blocks. The cave has 2 chambers, called the outer and the inner. The outer chamber is wide enough for an Opera theatre metaphor. It is considered as the waiting room for travelers before getting inside. Thanks to the high ceiling, many stalagmites look like beautiful chandeliers. After the first chamber, a narrow road leads to the second one, opening a whole different scene with a wide space enough for thousands of people. Exploring the second chamber at the deepest point, a “royal” garden appears with a clear pond and a fascinating landscape of mountains. The painting of natural harmony, where birds are singing, plants are growing and monkeys are searching for fruits that will expose to your eyes. Keep going up about 100 steep stone stairs to the mouth of the grotto, surrounded by a lighting system with elegant styles adding more charm (as if the grotto needed), you will find a huge piece of stone standing up to the ceiling, which is one of the typical karst-style the evidence with high scientific values. And don’t forget to look for the 30m roof, which looks like patterns of a theatre’s ceiling created purely by Mother Nature.
An illuminated view inside Sung Sot cave Inside the cave, there have thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. Light posts line the passage and serve as signposts and ornaments, illuminating various hidden shapes. The artificial additions may not be to everyone’s taste, but the space is impressive nonetheless. Legend tells that after defeating the An aggressors, Thanh Giong (the Saint Giong) helped villagers chase devils and demons away from the village and flew to heaven. He left his stone horse and swore to keep protecting his people. Sung Sot Cave was where villagers keep all the vestige of arms and Saint Giong’s horse footprint, which has become small lakes with huge stones surrounded.
TITOV ISLAND
Located in the central of UNESCO World Heritage, Titov Island (also known as Titop) is approximately 7-8km to the southeast of Halong Bay. Along with Ba Trai Dao Island, TiTov Island is one of the most perfect destinations in Halong Bay for swimming, kayaking, and climbing.
The island was named after the legendary astronaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov who accompanied President Ho Chi Minh to visit this beautiful island in 1962. Having strong impression with this alluring island and hospitable Vietnamese people, Titov left a massage in the souvenir book of Halong Bay Management Board: “My deepest thanks to destiny, which has allowed me to come back to this tiny island”. In June 1997, Titov fulfilled his promise. He came back to Vietnam and returned to the island after 35 years.
Apart from the beautiful natural scenery, Titov Island also owns an attracting beach, which has the same name with the island. Although Titov Beach is not spacious, it is pretty quiet and airy. The sandbank here is quite clean because it is frequently washed by the tide flowing in and out continuously. The water is blue and clean all year round. For that reason, some cruises in Halong Bay choose Titov Island as a stopover for its passengers to enjoy recreational activities.
HAPPY HOUR “BUY 1 GET 1 FREE”
After a very long day with a chain of activities, we release a promotion onboard name happy hour “Buy 1 get 1 free”. All the guests could lay down in the sundeck, having the snack we set up with your favorite beverages is the best way to enjoy the stunning twilight in the bay, of course, your feeling is also duplicated in Happy Hour!
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Learn about traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a cooking demonstration from our professional chefs. Find out more about local produce and flavors, help whip up popular Vietnamese dishes with expert guidance and, most importantly, taste the final results!
TAI CHI EXERCISE
Try the ancient art of Tai Chi surrounded by Bai Tu Long Bay’s natural beauty. Take to the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay’s calm waters and limestone karsts. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere as you practice balance, awareness and meditation.
DINING EXPERIENCE
Enjoy an unforgettable fine dining experience with your loved ones. Sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine prepared by expert chefs and receive excellent, attentive service. Relish the perfect combination of impeccable contemporary design while overlooking the breathtaking age-old bay.
