Beginning August 1, Emeraude Classic Cruises will launch a shuttle bus service between Hanoi and Halong Bay, in Vietnam. Prior to this, Emeraude passengers who were traveling independently had to find their own way to the bay. The shuttle makes daily departures from both Hanoi and Halong. The eastbound bus to Halong leaves from the Emeraude's sales office at 59A Ly Thai To Street at 8:30 a.m.; the westbound bus to Hanoi leaves the Emeraude's pier in Bai Chay each morning at 9:30 a.m. The shuttle service uses 16-seat Ford Transit vans and Emeraude passengers pay $35, which includes return trip. The Emeraude is a near-replica of a stern-wheel paddle steamer that ferried tourists about the bay from 1906 until 1937. The present vessel features 36 air-conditioned cabins and two suites. Visit [www.emeraude-cruises.com].
