Santorini Hotels

Thanks to its picturesque landscapes and pristine air, Hạ Long Bay, along with the Amazon River and Greece, has been recognized by the travel magazine Lonely Planet as one of the perfect aquatic destinations.

1. Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam

Cruise on the emerald waters of Hạ Long Bay and marvel at the cluster of 3,000 limestone islets resembling descending dragons, making it one of the most sought-after tours in Southeast Asia.

With over 300 boats docked at the Bai Chay tourist port eagerly waiting to take you on a journey through the recognized natural wonder of the world, you can choose from short 4-8 hour tours or opt for an overnight stay in the luxurious floating hotels – the majestic sailboats of Hạ Long Bay.

2. Geirangerfjord, Norway

Norway boasts an impressive stretch of coastline, numerous islands, national parks, and most notably, renowned narrow fjords. Exploring Geirangerfjord by cruise—a luxurious experience, is a remarkable journey.

Geirangerfjord, approximately 15km long, features numerous cascading waterfalls flowing down sheer cliffs, making it one of the narrowest and deeply penetrating fjords globally recognized by UNESCO. Gliding on the Norwegian fjord, travelers will have the opportunity to admire poetic pine forests, treacherous mountains, the midnight sun, and charming coastal mammals.

3. Amazon River, South America

Don't let Hollywood's Anacondas series deter you from embarking on a boat trip on the Amazon. Originating from the Peruvian highlands, the Amazon River has up to 10,000 tributaries, meandering endlessly through tropical rainforests.

Navigating this river, legends and reality blend seamlessly. You can listen to the indigenous people's drumming echoing on both sides of the river, harmonizing with the sounds of parrots and adorable pink dolphins. Travelers often express complete enjoyment, swaying in the hammocks of tourist boats. If taken leisurely, 4-6 day tours provide a glimpse into the legendary Amazon.

4. Franklin River, Australia

Embarking on a rubber raft journey down the untamed Franklin River is not for the faint-hearted. Travelers will navigate through waterfalls, rocky shores, deep valleys, and moss-covered cliffs. Tranquility awaits at the southernmost point, where the gentle Franklin River merges into the lower reaches of the Piction and Huon rivers.

Adventure enthusiasts eager for this tour should head to Tasmania promptly, as the tours are only available from mid-December to mid-April to avoid the fury of tides and floods.

5. Quetico Provincial Park, Canada

Leisurely paddle across the mirror-like surface of Lake Ontario allows you to savor the wild essence of this region. Canoeing, fishing, and camping to admire serene deer along the lake's edge are the most beloved activities.

Quetico Provincial Park, spanning 4,760 km2, accommodates over 2,000 tents. Immerse yourself in local activities when visiting Canada on the weekends.

6. Kerala Backwaters, India

Kerala's network of lagoons, lakes, rivers, and streams captivates adventurers from all corners. Unlike the bustling northern cities, travelers immerse themselves in a serene, tranquil space adorned with lush vegetation, blending into the life of South Indian locals whose livelihood revolves around the waterways.

In Kerala, you'll have the opportunity to cruise the waterways, admire picturesque landscapes dotted with temples, simple houses, mischievous children playing in the water, and vibrant Indian women in colorful saris singing and laundering clothes.

7. Milford Sound, New Zealand

Milford Sound, a narrow fjord in Fiordland National Park (on the South Island of New Zealand), is described as the 8th wonder of the world.

Waterfalls, tropical rainforests, stunning rock formations create an ideal environment for dolphins, seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins. Overnight stays on boats are also exciting, with sailing vessels covering the 22km route, and for those interested, there are kayak exploration trips.

8. Greek Islands

When most tourists visit Greece, they don't overlook the historically rich landmarks, fortresses, and stadiums—significant ancient relics of this country.

But with over 1,400 islands and 130,000km of coastline, it would be a miss not to experience the life of the Greeks at sea. Islands like Procos, Mykonos, Santorini... truly serve as ideal playgrounds for those who enjoy vibrancy. On luxurious yachts, you can witness the sparkling lights reflecting on the water from bars, nightclubs open until morning, and trendy shops catering to the needs of any 'stylish' traveler.

9. Disko Bay, Greenland

Disko Bay, located in the town of Ilulissat—a 40km-long narrow ice fjord with majestic upright icebergs. Over time, the sea has sculpted these ice blocks into countless unique shapes, some of which could be up to 100,000 years old.

Exploring amidst drifting ice crystals and observing Arctic creatures posing—including polar bears, penguins, seals... is also a tour that attracts many travelers to Alaska.

10. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos Islands are the first destination UNESCO added to the World Heritage list, situated 1,000km west of the Ecuadorian coast. Opting for an exploration tour here is worthwhile, as you'll marvel at rare species like the Galápagos marine iguana and land iguana, Galápagos penguins, 400kg tortoises, flocks of frigatebirds soaring over the water, playful penguins, sea lions, amusing seals...

The best way to experience Galapagos is by living on a cruise. The renowned Odyssey Grand offers spa rooms and premium services, allowing travelers to lose track of time on tours ranging from three days to three weeks.

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Source: Travel guide Mytour – via Xahoi/ihay