Monday, September 11, 2006
Vietnam’s northern bay bustling with tourist ships:Ha Long Bay
International travel vessels are making their way into northern Quang Ninh province’s Ha Long Bay with regular tours that began early this month. 
The Super Star Gemini, the luxury cruise liner of Star Cruises, the largest Asian shipping company is set to bring some 500 Hong Kong and Australia tourists to Ha Long on Friday.
The 5-star floating hotel is 64m long, 23m wide with 8 floors, 344 cabins and capacity for 688 passengers.
The vessel is the 11th opulent ship owned by Star Cruises, and began its trip to Vietnam on Sept 1 in cooperation with SaigonTourist.
The Costa Allegra, an Italian vessel is scheduled to call at Ha Long for 5 day tours beginning in November.
Earlier, the Italian vessel moored in Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and three times in Danang.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site made famous by its outstanding rock formations, located in the north of Vietnam in the famous Tonkin Gulf.
Source: Thanh Nien – Translated by Luu Thi Hong
