Violet, The Dragon Passage ex Halong Bay Return

1 Night Cruise sailing from Halong Bay roundtrip aboard Violet.

Day 1 Marina – Cua Van Village - Cave - Mooring
Embark on an enchanting Halong Bay journey as you acquaint yourself with the amenities on board our vessel. Witness the breath-taking scenery from the sun deck during our initial hours of cruising. Our first destination is Cua Van, a floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. Glide through this serene area in a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, offering a glimpse into the village and understand how once whole families use to life on water here. For the more active ones, take a kayak and paddle around the floating hamlet for a very personal exploration (complimentary).

Next, we transfer by tender to Tien Ong cave, providing evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. This small cave provides some fascinating understandings of Halong Bay's geological history. Returning to the ship, we sail to the overnight mooring area, where the "blue hour" unveils Halong Bay's magical beauty. Relax on the sun deck with your favourite drink, absorbing the tranquil moment. Engage in a cooking class with our chef, practicing classic Vietnamese recipes to impress your loved ones at home later.

As evening descends, a multi-course à la carte dinner is served. If you like, join in later for an on-board presentation about the bay's unique features and secrets. Alternatively, try your hand at squid fishing with our staff for a delightful and entertaining experience. Spend the rest of the evening embracing the magical landscapes in the heart of Halong Bay, where once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons.

Day 2 Mooring – Ti Top Island – Marina
For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room and a Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles.

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 ‘GhermanTitov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the island to honour Mr. 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 or - if you prefer to be more active - climb 400 steps (20 min.) to the island’s top with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbour while breakfast is served. Relax on the sun deck or while savouring the last views of this iconic site.

She can be pompous at times but her coquettishness will melt any heart.

Heritage Line’s family of boutique cruise ships includes “Three Sisters” in Halong Bay, the youngest of whom is the coquettish Violet. The Violet is named after the beautiful Violet Chirita, a delicate purple-flowered plant that grows nowhere else but on the rocky slopes of Halong Bay. Like her namesake, The Violet is small and exquisite.

With just six luxurious cabins, the Violet gives visitors an exclusive look at the wonders of Halong Bay. In this small yet luxurious craft, visitors can appreciate the bay’s massive scale, the boat’s red sails dwarfed by the bay’s towering limestone islands.

Built to resemble a traditional Asian junk, the wood-clad Violet features gleaming wooden floors, opulent silks and velvets, and cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the breathtaking views. Guests will find all the amenities they would expect in a larger vessel, including a gym and sauna, a spa with unrivaled views, a restaurant and a lounge, and a rooftop Sundeck. For an intimate experience of Halong Bay, there is nothing to compare to the lovely Violet.

Heritage Line was founded in 2008 and provides luxurious cruise journeys on the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia. The company is la Swiss-Vietnamese Joint Venture and located in Saigon - now called Ho Chi Minh City.

As the sun slowly sets...Step out on to your private balcony...sip on your drink and become part of the river life unfolding around you.

Start your day on the Mekong with Thai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Or bathe in the rays of dawn shining through your balcony as you lay in bed. A journey full of reverberating sights, colors and sounds awaits you.

Whether it is a refreshing sundowner drink at the lounge or a pampering time at the "Apsara" beauty salon, this is a time for reflection and relaxation.

When night falls, dancers perform and dinner is served. The ship changes hue at night and the staff emerge the following morning in their exquisite Cambodian traditional outfit.