Violet

PM: Get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail for your Halong Bay experience. Savor your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery during our first hours of cruising.

We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, and which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aqua-cultural activities. With a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, we have a look at the floating structures in this calm and secluded area to gain some insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, borrow a kayak (complimentary for 2-night cruises) and paddle around by yourself. This is the perfect way to freely move about and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by local residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artifacts and photographs depicting life in Cua Van.

By tender, we transfer to the nearby Tien Ong cave. The cave shows evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. Fossil evidence also proves that the cave was part of the mainland continent ages ago before Halong Bay became the marine wonder it is today. Tien Ong cave reaches a depth of 50 metres and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square metres. Follow our guide as we loop though and learn interesting details about this cavern.

After returning to the boat, we sail to the overnight mooring area. During this the magical “blue hour”, Halong Bay reveals its magnificent beauty. Unwind on the sun deck with your favorite drink and be fully present in this moment. As we sail along, you may like to join our cooking class by our chef. You are welcome to practice these easy, but very tasty classic Vietnamese recipes for yourself – then cook them for your loved ones back at home.

After a bit of downtime, dinner is served. Passengers on Heritage Line’s luxurious Violet can choose from international or local favorites from a multi-course à la carte menu.

After dinner, our on-board guide offers an intriguing presentation about the bay’s unique and fascinating insights. Alternatively, give yourself a try at squid fishing together with our staff – always an entertaining experience. While away the rest of the evening and treasure this special moment amidst the magical landscapes before falling into a restful slumber in the middle of Halong Bay where, once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

AM: Wake up at dawn to the lapping of the waves and the smell of freshly brewed coffee, which is available with pastries in the dining room. If you wish to begin your day active, join the early morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck and merge with the surrounding scenery – a truly unique experience. For today’s exciting explorations we board our cozy day boat, named Sunset. Breakfast is served as the ship sails for Sung Sot, the largest cave in Halong Bay.

With an astonishing area of 10,000 square meters, Sung Sot is comprised of two chambers. The outer chamber welcomes visitors with stalactites acting as chandeliers hanging from the 30-metre (98 ft) high ceiling. A connecting 3-metre (10 ft) wide path then opens onto the inner chamber, known as the grand “opera house”. This magnificent room features a clear pond, plentiful plant-life, splendid stalagmites, stalactites and rock formations formed over millions of years, and the chorus of birds singing, water flowing and sometimes, monkeys frolicking.

PM: Back aboard, you can relax on the sun deck or in the air-conditioned dining area with a tasty “cafe sua da” before having the opportunity to explore the marine landscape on your own via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while meandering through this green medley of water and tree-topped islets.

The ship continues the journey to a floating pearl farm. We learn how the various kinds of pearls cultivated here are grown, harvested and processed. Watch as a skilled technician uses precision tools to carefully and gently open an oyster before implanting a seed and returning it into the water. The odds of success are low and the fascinating process requires several years, but if mother nature gives her blessing, the oyster then produces a gorgeous round gemstone. After the visit, we leisurely sail back to the mothership, where you have time for sunbathing, a relaxing spa treatment or, of course, the must-watch “blue hour”.

Enjoy your dinner aboard and afterwards, join our crew once again in catching squid, which we are happy to prepare for you fresh as a late night snack. Our bar is open late and eager to serve a drink of your choice as you relax on a lounger and enjoy the serenity of Halong Bay before retiring for the night.

AM: For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room. Once again, a Tai Chi class offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles. In the morning, we set sail to the small Ti Top Island. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘German Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the spectacle Ti Top Island to honour Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries.

Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath towering rock formations. If you prefer to be a bit more active, climb 400 stone steps (which takes about 20 minutes) to the island’s top and be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. There is also a viewing platform about half-way up with great vistas framed by lush greenery – perfect for photos.

Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Now is the time to enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Until we reach the pier, relax on the sun deck or in the dining room while savouring the last views of this iconic site.