itinerary
Tuan Chau – Cua Van – Halong Bay Mooring Point
Get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail for your Halong Bay experience. Savour your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breath-taking scenery during our first hours of cruising.
We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural 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 Centre, operated by local residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artefacts 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 through and learn interesting details about this cavern.
After returning to the boat, we sail to the overnight mooring area. During this magical “blue hour”, Halong Bay reveals its magnificent beauty. Unwind on the sun deck with your favourite drink and be fully present in this moment. As we sail along, you may like to join our cooking class with 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.
Please note: Guests aboard Heritage Line Jasmine can enjoy a terrace deck barbecue feast and side buffet (or set menu, alternatively). Passengers on Heritage Line’s luxurious Violet can choose from international or local favourites from a multi-course à la carte menu.
After dinner, our onboard 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.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Sung Sot Cave – Pearl Farm – Halong Bay Mooring Point
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 cosy 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.
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 (subject to the vessel you are cruising on – see our dining options from Day 1) 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay Mooring Point – Ti Top Island – Tuan Chau
For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room. A Tai Chi class is 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 halfway 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.
Meals: Breakfast
cabin & Suites
Violet offers six spacious suites only, all uniquely designed, set the highest level of boutique & luxury cruise accommodation in Halong Bay
These two suites are individually designed and named after elements of Halong Bay – “Water” and “Mountain”. The Water has a king bed and a soft white ocean-like ambience while the Mountain comes with a twin and carries a more yellowish tone. Both rooms offer a private balcony and compete with elegant furnishings and attention-to-detail artefacts. They are on the main deck with an area of 32 sqm (344 sqft). The bathrooms are made of Italian marble with a walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi.
The Imperial Suites are named Dragon, Phoenix, Moon (double) and Cloud (Twin). All have large glass doors, private balconies and a refined 1930’s art deco style. While the Phoenix and Dragon come more in reddish hue with golden or silver deco elements and fabrics, the Cloud and the Moon have a more dreamy-white or wistful sky-blue outfit. The Imperial Suites sit on the upper deck with a floor space of 38 sqm (409 sqft), including a private balcony that offers stunning views of Halong Bay.
Cruise Rates & Details
Please find below our cruise rates (rack, before any promotional discount), departures and additional information. You may also like to check actual availability by sending us directly a request at info@amasiatravel.com.
2022 & 2023 | |
Departure in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | |
Junior Suite | $611 |
Imperial Suite | $762 |
Departure in May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | |
Junior Suite | $472 |
Imperial Suite | $581 |
2024 | |
Departure in Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec | |
Junior Suite | $642 |
Imperial Suite | $800 |
Departure in May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | |
Junior Suite | $496 |
Imperial Suite | $610 |
- Rates are quoted in USD per person based on double sharing occupancy.
- Rates apply for individual traveller booking only.
- Rates are subject to change with or without prior notice. Amasia Travel reserve the right to change the quoted rates.
- A mandatory surcharge of 35 USD per person applies for 1-Night itinerary; and of 44 USD per person applies for the 2-Night itinerary. If not otherwise stated, surcharge applies for cruise-only or tour bookings including a Halong Bay cruise. Entrance fees are subject to change without prior notice.
- A mandatory surcharge on Christmas Eve (24 December) & New Year’s Eve (31 December) of 50 USD per adult and 25 USD per child applies for cruise (or tour) bookings aboard the Violet (Halong Bay).
For two Imperial Suites in the front, Premium surcharge applies of 20 USD per person, per night.
Accommodation; daily (group) shore excursions, sightseeing and transfers during the cruise; English-speaking tour guiding on and offshore; entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water; meals as mentioned in the program; passenger liability insurance; internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal); complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments); port or anchorage fees; taxes.
Admission fee for Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay; crew and guide gratuities; visa fees; shuttle bus or private transfers; personal expenses; other beverages than those stated under inclusions; medical services.
Departures: Daily (Halong Bay Cruises with Heritage Line – Violet starting from 15 December 2022)
Off-season schedule: 30 August – 30 September 2023, 30 August – 30 September 2024
boat information
Technical Information
1. Main Deck: Couple Spa Room with Steam Bath, Single Spa Room, Bar-Lounge, Restaurant, Junior Suites, Wheel
House
2. Upper Deck: Library Lounge, Imperial Suites
3. Sun Deck: Outdoor Sofa Seating Area & Bar Counter, Sun Deck with Loungers
Technical Information
Launch: November 2009
Length / Width / Height: 38 m / 10 m / 6 m
Cruising speed: 5 nautical knots
Draft: 1,6 m
Gross tonnage: 580 tons
Electricity: 220 Volts
