Gourmet Dining Inside Cave in Vietnam

HALONG BAY, Vietnam (28 Jan. 2011) - Just one month after news hit the headlines that explorers had discovered the world's largest cave in north-central Vietnam, plans started falling into place for what might be the world's most exquisite caving experience.

A team of experts recently entered and measured Son Doong Cave, now uncontestably confirmed as the world's biggest. Situated just a few hundred kilometers north, Halong Bay is geographically very similar, thanks primarily to the hundreds of limestone karsts and cavernous caves that dot the water.

Emeraude Classic Cruises, Halong Bay's preeminent tour operator, will be hosting its annual Wine & Dine Cruise in May, featuring a gourmet dinner inside one of the caves.

"It's about being on the inside looking out," said Kurt Walter, general manager of Emeraude Classic Cruises. "Halong Bay from the deck of the ship is an incredible sight. Viewing it from the interior of Drum Cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Add a five-star dinner and you have a unique event that you'll remember forever."

The sumptuous four-course meal takes place in an atmospheric grotto. The elegant tableware, international standard cuisine and carefully chosen wines lend an otherworldly touch by the craggy ceiling, shadowy, candlelit crevices, and stunning nighttime view of the bay through the cave entrance.

"Vietnam has tremendous natural beauty," said Walter. "Like Son Doong Cave, though, it's often hidden away awaiting discovery. We're bringing our guests into the middle of the landscape, making them a part of the spectacular beauty of Halong Bay, and letting them explore one of those never-seen places."

The cruise will depart Saturday May 14th, after a breakfast at Hanoi's legendary Press Club. Once onboard the replica of a 19th century paddle steamer, guests will enjoy a day of champagne, seafood buffet, volleyball on the shore of one of the Bay's islands, tapas and a wine tasting before disembarking and entering Drum Cave for dinner.

After the meal, guests return to the Emeraude for a Johnnie Walker Blue and Singleton single malt tasting on the sun deck, before retiring to one of the classically appointed cabins below. The paddle steamer returns to shore on Sunday morning. Tickets are all-inclusive starting from $245 per person based on double occupancy.

While this will be the seventh year for the Wine & Dine cruise, 2011 has already seen increased international attention paid to Halong Bay. Lonely Planet magazine called out Halong Bay as the world's second-best spot to go boating; and the Bay is in the running for classification as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

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To book a cabin or for more information email [email protected] or tel: (84-4) 3935 1888.