As you set sail for your trip along Halong Bay, savor your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery during your first hour of cruising.

Cua Van is one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, which some fishermen still use as a base for fishing and aquaculture activities. Take a look at the floating structures built using bamboo boats rowed by locals in this calm and secluded area to gain insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, borrow a kayak and paddle around, a perfect way to move and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by 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, 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 meters and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square meters. Follow your guide as you loop through and learn about interesting details about this cavern.

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

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

After dinner, the 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 were, once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

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. Board the cozy day boat named Sunset for exciting explorations. As the ship sails for Sung Sot, the largest cave in Halong Bay, breakfast is also served.

Sung Sot features two rooms and is a staggering 10,000 square meters in area. The outer chamber welcomes visitors with stalactites acting as chandeliers hanging from the 30-meter-high ceiling. A connecting 3-meter-wide path opens onto the inner chambers, known as the Grand Opera House. This exquisite chamber includes a crystal-clear pond, an abundance of vegetation, rock formations created over millions of years, a cacophony of birds singing, running water, and occasionally monkeys playing.

Back on board, you can unwind on the sun deck or in the air-conditioned dining area with a tasty "cafe sua da" before heading out on your own and exploring the marine landscape 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 its journey to a floating pearl farm. You will learn how the various 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 to the water. The odds of success are low, and the fascinating process requires several years, but if Mother Nature gives her blessing, the oyster produces a gorgeous round gemstone. After the visit, a leisurely sail back to the mothership gives you time for sunbathing, a relaxing spa treatment, or, of course, the must-watch “blue hour."

Enjoy your dinner aboard, and afterward, join the crew in catching squid, which they will prepare for you fresh as a late-night snack. The bar is open late, 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.

In the dining room, tea, coffee, and pastries are available in the morning. Once again, a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles. In the morning, 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 in 1962. since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet and named the spectacle Ti Top Island to honor 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 the 400 stone steps, which take about 20 minutes to reach the island’s top, to see the 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 sailing as you head back to the harbor while breakfast is served. Until you reach the pier, relax on the sun deck or in the dining room while savoring the last views of this iconic site.