Lodging

Halong Bay Heritage Line Violet is a small but luxurious wood-clad craft, built to resemble a traditional Asian junk. It has just 6 suites: 2 unique Junior Suites (main deck with balcony) and 4 decadent upper-deck Imperial Suites, complete with large windows and private balconies for expansive views of the bay. Lan Ha Bay Heritage Line Ginger is slightly bigger and the most upmarket, with a swimming pool, steam bath and spa facilities. There are just 12 Suites, spread over its 3 floors: all beautifully elegant with shiny wood floors, bamboo panelling and dove-grey tiles - so all attention is drawn to the huge views of sea and rock through big windows and from private balconies. Excellent mattresses are covered in crisp white linen, sparkling shower rooms come with robes and potions. The 2 Regent Suites have Jacuzzi tubs, too, and are more flamboyant in decor with scarlet mural walls. Heritage Line Ylang is the newest vessel and has 10 Staterooms with 2 categories: Signature Suites with private balconies and Regency Suites, located on the upper deck with their own spacious balconies. Its design is Asian-Vietnamese with French-colonial accents. There is a big focus on wellness, with extensive spa facilities including a sauna and yoga room. A library lounge and terrace deck with pool are also ideal to pass the time when you're not out exploring or soaking up the views. FOOD You certainly don’t starve on Halong Cruises. You embark for lunch and the junk cruises through the islands while you eat. Course after course comes to your table: Vietnamese chicken soup, fresh spring rolls, Halong Bay squid, grilled prawns with lemongrass, chilli chicken, stir-fried beef, steamed rice topped with sesame, then tropical fruits and yoghurt. If you're sailing on Heritage Line Ginger, you can watch the chefs at work in the live kitchen. Dinners are equally indulgent: pumpkin soup, mango salad, char-grilled beef skewers, prawn cocktail, lamb masala with coconut rice, then chocolate cake. In the mornings, you may rise early for a trip to some caves; coffee and patisseries are served before the trip, then, when you return, a buffet brunch is served as you sail onwards. You’ll find cereal and yoghurt, rolls and toast, freshly-sliced fruit and freshly-squeezed juices, then a hot buffet for Vietnamese noodles or bacon and eggs. Both junks have lovely indoor and outdoor dining areas.

Activities

The below activities are subject to the bay chosen (Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay) and the itinerary selected (1 or 2 nights):

• Make land at a small beach, where you can stop for a drink, swim and relax
• Set sail on a sea kayak to get up close to the bay
• Visit a floating village and witness centuries-old traditions
• Go cycling on Cat Ba island or discover the caves of Sung Sot - they resemble a set from Raiders Of The Lost Ark
• Wake for tai chi on the top deck. Your performance might be hopeless (ours certainly was), but the on-board master will show you how it’s done with seamless perfection; it is worth getting up simply to see this
• Book a wonderful treatment in one of the dedicated spa compartments. We loved the Vietnamese massage therapy, which uses warm herbal compresses and lemongrass oil

Activities include:

• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Traditional cultures

With Kids

Children under 5 years old are not allowed aboard. Children 5-12 years old benefit from special discounted rates. Connecting suites or extra beds are available.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Transport

There are 3 vessels, and a choice of 2- or 3-day itineraries: Heritage Line Violet offers two cruise itineraries (2 days/1 night & 3 days/2 nights) through Halong Bay, both of which depart daily (see [location:VN005:Location] for departure points). Heritage Line Ginger offers a 2-day/1-night cruise (daily departure), while Heritage Line Ylang offers a 3-day/2-night cruise (pre-arranged departure schedule) through the less-touristy Lan Ha Bay area.