Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago will be closed for innovation from 11st – 23rd September 2023
Hanoi,Vietnam – September 09, 2023 – Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago, Vietnam’s first boutique cruise, Tripadvisor award of “the best of the best”, travelers’s choice award, level 3 sustainable travel award… will be closed for routine maintenance, scheduled from September 11th to September 23rd 2023.
“At Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago, we prioritize the safety and satisfaction of our passengers. To ensure that our ship operates at its best, we regularly conduct maintenance checks and necessary repairs. This planned closure is part of our proactive approach to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service” said by Ms Huong Do – Coo of Lux Cruises Group.
During this period, the Heritage Ship will not be available for any bookings or voyages. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and kindly request your understanding and patience. Our team of skilled technicians and engineers will be working diligently to complete the necessary tasks within the given timeframe.
If you currently have a reservation with us during this maintenance period, our customer service team will be reaching out to you shortly to discuss alternative options. We assure you that your booking will be handled with utmost care, and we will do our best to accommodate any changes required.
You can also cruising with us on Emperor cruises legacy Halong (www.emperorcruises.com), The Emperor Cruises brand is inspired by the luxurious lifestyle of the last great ruler, Emperor Bao Dai. A 5 star cruise that customers will be treated as a King and Queen yourselves, indulging in experiences such as music, fine arts, architecture, culture, fine cuisine, history, and outdoor activities where everything is included.
Once the maintenance is completed, we will resume our regular operations on September 24th. The Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan will be ready to welcome you back on board for an unforgettable cruising experience along the breathtaking coastal landscapes.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this temporary closure, please feel free to reach out to our customer support team at [email protected] or hotline: +84 886 036 668. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary information.
Thank you for your continued support and kind understanding. We look forward to serving you again soon, offering even better experiences on the renewed and improved Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago.
Warm regards,
Heritage Binh Chuan Team.
A labyrinth of islands and grottos to explore in the bay of wonders.
Among the 1,969 sunken limestone towers submerged in the emerald waters of Halong Bay are a series of ancient caves and grottoes – many of which remain unexplored. To date, there are 59 caves listed on the official registry (this includes the most recent discovery of 23 ‘new’ caves), all of which have special belonging in Halong Bay’s distinctive ecosystem.
Undoubtedly, the most famous of them all is Sung Sot Cave, which has rightfully earned its near-legendary status among visitors to the world-famous bay. We’ll reveal 7 famous and magnificent Halong Bay caves, lagoons, and grottoes that are worth exploring at least once in Vietnam, some of which are on our Lux Cruises itineraries.
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Surprising Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt) Halong Bay’s Largest Cave
Discovered by French explorers in 1901, located in Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot cave is the largest and one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. It is where you can find many rocky islands concentrated in different strange and distinct shapes.
The first thing you may think when setting foot in the cave is that it is just a very small area. However, you will be surprised after passing through the rocky slot and going inside. The area is huge, stretching about 10.0000 square meters. You will be surprised by its majestic beauty and the huge expansion. Maybe that’s the reason why it is called “Sung Sot Cave” or “Surprising Cave”.
The cave is divided into 2 main areas. The first one gives you an impression of entering an immense theatre whose ceiling is covered by stalactites and stalagmites. The second one is a different space. Its ceiling is covered by many stalactites and stalagmites, which looks like a silky “velvet carpet” with a myriad of glistering chandeliers.
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Thien Cung Cave – the Gorgeous Gift of Nature to Halong Bay
Located just 4 km from the harbor, Thien Cung is the most interesting and legend-filled cave. It is considered as a unique winding pathway through the “Heavenly Palace”.
About 27 meters above sea level, visitors must climb 90 rocky steps to the mouth of the cave. The grotto is well-known for its complex interior structure, high ceilings, and multi doors. There are three large chambers in the cave, each containing imposing displays of active stalactites and stalagmites. They have various sizes and strange shapes such as fish, birds, and celestial maidens.
Thien Cung cave is also famous for its legend about an ancient Dragon King. He defeated invaders and returned to his cave instead of gaining veneration. The Dragon Prince married a girl named May. Their wedding was held in the cave attended by many dragons, giant eagles, and huge pythons. Going around the cave, you can see this scene engraved on the wall in stone. Let your imagination fly.
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Trinh Nu Grotto (Hang Trinh Nữ) – the Symbol of Love
Trinh Nu grotto is situated on the island range of Bo Hon and just about 15 km from Bai Chay Beach. While it is home to some fishermen, it is considered the symbol of true love and a romantic place for walking the path of love for young couples.
Legend has it that there was once a beautiful fisherman’s daughter. Her family was so poor that it was in service of the fishing zone’s rich administrator. The administrator forced the family to give him the girl as a concubine. However, the daughter refused as she already had a lover. Angered by her refusal, he exiled her to a wild island where she had to suffer from hunger and exhaustion waiting for her lover in vain till death and then turning to stone. Nowadays, when visiting the cave, you still can see the statue of a lying girl with long hair, and eyes looking towards the mainland.
Trinh Nu Grotto consists of three chambers: one is like a house with a flat roof, another is 8 meters long and 5 meters wide, and the third is linked by a narrow window. Inside the grotto, there are many stalagmites and stalactites in many different forms creating beautifully carved pictures on the walls.
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Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave) – the Cave of Wonders
Dau Go Cave (Hang Đầu Gỗ) is one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay due to its volume and sheer size. The French tourists who first explored the cave called it “Grotte des Merveilles” which means “Cave of Wonders”. And the cave is such a beauty that you’ll have to go and see it for yourself.
There are many explanations for the name of the cave. The most popular theory is that a long time ago, some fishermen gathered in front of Dau Go Cave to repair their boats. After that, there were many blocks of wood left. The name Dau Go (Wooden Stakes), hence, was formed from this incident. Legend says that they’re wooden stakes from the battle on Bach Dang River.
Dau Go Cave brings tourists feelings of the ancient, pristine, and extremely quiet beauty thanks to many stone pillars and stalagmites. It is also more unique than other caves with its rich flora and fauna system. Its structure is divided into 3 chambers. The first one has many stalactites of all colors with images of lions, turtles, and pythons,… Coming to the second one, you will see the image of rocky islands. And the last one has the image of giant stone pillars.
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Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) – the Maze of Wild Beauty
Me Cung Cave (Hang Mê Cung) is one of the most attractive sites in Halong Bay due to its outstanding historical, cultural, and natural value.
The cave looks like a vivid “museum” storing many archaeological artifacts. For those who are keen on history, you may know the information about the pre-Halong culture around 7000 to 10000 years ago. When exploring the cave, you will have a chance to see and even touch fossilized freshwater animal bones that remain on the walls of the cave. Also, you will have a chance to understand more about the homes and living methods of the prehistoric people.
Stepping onto the tropical islands with lush green forests, you can explore the cave inside the mountain and you must pass over the stone steps. The highlight of Me Cung Cave is the big stone columns formed by the development of stalactites and stalagmites over the course of thousands of years. In the cave, there is also a system of spiral sparkling stones which make you feel like you’re entering the palace of an ancient king.
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Luon Cave (Hang Luồn) – the Paradise of Magnificent Nature Landscapes
Located 14 km to the south of Tuan Chau beach and only 1 km from Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave is a good destination for Halong Bay’s wandering tour, where you kayak through the eroded limestone cave.
In front of the cave, you can find Turtle Island and the Heavenly Gates where you get a chance to admire steep seas and clear water. Crossing Turtle Island, the blue waters become calmer and more peaceful. It’s where Luon Cave is. It looks like a circular iron bow with a blue lake in the middle. The lake is encompassed by craggy cliffs, charming orchids in bloom, the shade of ancient trees, and luxuriant vegetation. Under the calm blue water is the colorful life of different marine species like shrimp, crabs, and squid,…
Luon Cave attracts travelers mostly thanks to its wonderful and astonishing stalactites. When setting foot here, you may feel lost in the paradise of sparkling and eye-catching stalactites. However, the cruise ships are not allowed to enter the cave, but only anchor close to the gate. So, you can discover the cave on a bamboo boat or kayak. In your journey of researching Luon Cave, the most appealing impression to tourists would be natural scenery and quietness. It’s a wonderful combination of water, colors, plants, contours, and paradise on earth.
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Tien Ong Cave – a New Cave to Be Included in Your Itinerary
Tien Ong Cave (so-called Grotte du Vieux by the French) covers an area of almost 1000 square meters. A tall rustic stone pillar divides the cave into 2 chambers. It boasts a system of thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites and a cradle of ancient Vietnamese people.
Though most Halong Bay caves have a narrow entrance and a large interior, this cave is totally different. It is exceptional with a big entrance (50m wide, 14m high) leading to a massive area inside (about 1000 square meters). Going inside, you can admire a block of stalactites, which looks like an old man with a gentle face, long hair, and beard. The local people call him a miraculous “fairy godfather”.
Apart from the purely natural beauty, the cave also has the remnants of prehistoric life such as mountain snails, freshwater snails, or rough stone and bone tools. Many archaeologists explain that ancient residents chose the cave as a shelter because it faces to the southeastern direction and helps them to avoid cold wind. So, the cave is a good destination to both enjoy your time and learn about history, culture, and geological tectonics.
Here are 10 things no one tell you about Lan Ha Bay – a masterpiece of Vietnam’s nature
Located near Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay boasts a stunning landscape as a paradise on earth with many floating fishing villages, thousands of years of culture, imposing limestone mountains, adventurous experiences in the forest as well as the crystal sea. Lan Ha Bay has just been listed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Sitting on the south and east coast of Cat Ba Town, the 300-or-so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of Halong Bay but feel more isolated and untouched. “Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Ha Long Bay but sits in a different province”, the Lonely Planet once wrote.
From Hanoi, it takes visitors only 90 minutes to Pha Got, Hai Phong to start the discovery journey by yacht instead of 180 minutes to reach Ha Long Bay the traditional way. You can also go to the center of Cat Ba island via cable car system, which has recently been inaugurated.
Here are 10 things no one tells you about Lan Ha Bay and the boat tour to discover a masterpiece of nature:
Exciting experience in Lan Ha Bay. Photo: Asianwaytravel.
1. Lan Ha Bay has just been listed as one of the most beautiful in the world
According to Thanh Nien newspaper, Lan Ha bay is rated as one of the most beautiful bays of Vietnam and the world. It has about 400 large and small limestone islands which are close together and wildly beautiful in many interesting shapes. One of the most favorable tours to Lan Ha Bay is a boat tour, which will provide you a closer view of the islands than that of Ha Long Bay. The bay has 139 small, pristine sandy beaches, lying between two blocks of mountains with the clear blue sea to the bottom. They are safe and extremely ideal beaches.
2. Lan Ha Bay belongs to Cat Ba archipelago, which includes more than 400 large and small islands
Cat Ba archipelago belongs to Hai Phong city. Cat Ba Island is the largest of its kind in the Cat Ba archipelago and the second largest in Vietnam, just behind Phu Quoc Island.
3. In order to visit Lan Ha Bay, visitors can depart from two main piers, namely Pha Got and Ben Beo
The world-famous magazine Travel and Leisure recommends visitors take the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise to explore Cat Ba.
Pha Got is the place where luxury boats with 4 and 5-star rankings gather. Ben Beo is the place where smaller boats gather, suitable for small groups of visitors and families. Travel and Leisure also recommends travelers to take Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise to explore Cat Ba if traveling with family and children.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. Photo: lanhabaycruise.
4. There are not too many tourists coming to Lan Ha Bay.
This fact is accidentally the great strength of Lan Ha Bay. Tourists can really live in pristine nature, without noise or dust, and with a more beautiful environment.
5. Interesting natural pictures
Lan Ha Bay has nearly 400 islands in beautiful and large shapes distributed in an area smaller than Ha Long. The rocky islands are quite close together to create interesting natural paintings.
6. Cai Beo fishing village is one of the largest floating fishing villages in Southeast Asia
Additionally, there are dozens of fishing villages with thousands of people living on floating cages in the sea, where visitors can learn about aquaculture or meet and have a talk with extremely friendly fishermen.
Cai Beo floating village. Photo: spibec.com.
Cai Beo floating village. Photo: heritagecruises.
7. The number of natural beaches in Lan Ha Bay is immeasurable at low tide
Tourists can freely stop their boats anywhere and swim. The pristine beautiful beaches recommended are Ba Trai Dao, Cay Bang beach, Pineapple Beach, and Monkey Island.
Monkey island in Lan Ha Bay.
8. On a few small islands in Lan Ha Bay, there are resorts to meet the needs of tourists who want to stay overnight.
The quality of service is quite good and the beautiful beaches make these resorts quite impressive. Guests can choose to combine a yacht experience with a resort or a hotel on Cat Ba Island to have an experience on the island and on a cruise if they have enough time.
Sunset on Lan Ha Bay.
9. Viet Hai fishing village located next to Lan Ha Bay is a must-go destination
This is an ancient village, surrounded by highly protected, primeval forests. Tourists can cycle or take an electric car to visit this village. There are also some homestays there to serve those who want to stay overnight.
10. Tourists can combine visiting Lan Ha Bay with Cat Ba National Park, explore Ngu Lam peak, Quan Y cave, Trung Trang cave, local markets, fishing ports, and the old Van Van fish sauce factory on Cat Ba island.
Tasty dishes offered in Lan Ha Bay. Photo: asianwaytravel.
Increase Prices Announcement
Dear: Our Valued Partners,
First of all, we would like to express our sincere thanks for your trust and great supports to Lux Cruises over the years.
Since the sightseeing ticket fares will be increased from 01 July 2022 together with highly petrol and diesel price increase, we would like to inform you about the new rates for domestic market in summer 2022 as below:
- Increasing 200,000 VND/cabin/night for Heritage Cruises
- Increasing 300,000 VND/cabin/night for Emperor Cruises
- Increasing 50,000 VND/person/way for sharing transportation by D’Car Limousine Hanoi – Ha Long.
This new rates will be applied for any new reservations and departures from July 01st, 2022. Other reservations made before remain unchanged. We attached updated service rates as attachments for your details.
Should you have any further questions or comment, do not hesitate to contact our team, we are here to help you.
Once again, thank you for your kind understanding and we look forward to our continuous fruitful cooperation in upcoming time!
Huong Do
Signed
Chief Operations Officer
Annual Dry Dock and Maintenance Announcement of Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago from 16th Sept to 3rd 2022.
Dear Valued Partners,
Warmest greetings from Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Cat Ba Archipelago
Firstly, on behalf of the management board and all staffs of Lux Cruises, we would like to express our sincere thanks to all of you for your strong co-operation and kind supports to us so far.
With aim to improve constantly the high quality of service to our mutual guests in the upcoming time for high-season inbound travelers, therefore, we have been planning for annual dry dock for maintenance.
In order to ensure for this dry dock and renovation will not affect to the guests, we decide to close completely the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruises for the period from 16th Sept 2022 to 3rd Oct 2022. So, we are writing this letter to announce you about it and ask for your kind co-operation in the renovation period.
We do not receive any bookings for the above period for Heritage Binh Chuan, however Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong remain operational as usual. We do apology for any inconvenience may may caused to you and the guests.
We do hope that you can see that we are sincere in building a long- term win-win partnership. We ensure our guests safe and 100% satisfied with our continued improvements and high quality of service after maintenance. We keep our boutique cruise beautiful as always.
I remain at your disposal for any further question or comment.
All the best,
Huong Do
Signed
Chief Operations Officer
Vietnam’s 5-star cruise has just received a TripAdvisor award, launched from the inspiration of the “king of ships” Bach Thai Buoi, room rates from 6 to 8.5 million VND/night
In the prestigious award category “TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers” Choice on Trip Advisor – the world’s largest travel website, based on thousands of comments and reviews from travelers from all over the world. Heritage Binh Chuan boat of Vietnam was honored to receive this award in the top of the best yachts this year.
Inspired by the ancient cruise of “shipping king” Bach Thai Buoi, Heritage Binh Chuan was launched in 2019 – the 100th anniversary of the birth of the first Vietnamese ship of businessman Bach Thai Buoi. This is a ship designed by an art lover, so the interior of the ship is designed with a heritage space.
Making use of every space in the cruise as a place to enjoy art and the scenery of Lan Ha Bay, Heritage Cruise owns an Indochinese design style based on the inspiration of the old Binh Chuan ship. Along the corridors of the yacht are photos of old Vietnam, designed to use maximum natural light with skylights, arched stairs, and windows.
The cruise has 4 floors, of which 3 floors include 20 luxury rooms with 4 room types with an area of 33 – 48 m2. Sundeck is located on the 4th floor, where passengers can recline on deck chairs and admire the beauty of the entire bay. The space inside the yacht is a series of long corridors and impressive winding stairs.
At Heritage Binh Chuan, guests can feel comfortable anywhere, from restaurants, bars, swimming pools, reading rooms to rooms with large windows overlooking the sea or rooms. Bathing close to the window, freely watching the green Lan Ha Bay floating in sight. In the 2 days 1 night cruise on the cruise, the destination of Ba Trai Dao and Bright Dark Cave is a big plus for visitors to have the opportunity to be closer to nature. There are activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming…
Each room is prepared with 2 sets of Vietnamese costumes for men and women, serving the needs of tourists to take pictures and “relive” the old space on the ship. To enhance the experience for travelers, the staff are all “dressed up” in 1930s costumes such as four-piece dresses and scarves. The average room price ranges from 6 to 8.5 million VND/night.
Source: Channel/Kenh 14
Vietnamese Heritage Binh Chuan to Receive Travelers’ Choice Awards 2022
(Hanoi, June 14, 2022) For the first time, the historic cruise ship Heritage Binh Chuan received the most prestigious award, TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards “Best of The Best”.
On the largest website in the world, Trip Advisor has just announced that Heritage Binh Chuan cruise (www.heritagecruises.com ) has received the prestigious TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice award, based on thousands of comments and reviews of travelers and guests from all over the world. Heritage Cruises is one of the top cruise ships in Vietnam to receive this prestigious award.
Travelers’ Choice Awards https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293924-d15122257-Reviews-Heritage_Cruises-Hanoi.html is TripAdvisor’s highest award. Based on millions of comments and opinions from travelers worldwide about hotels, destinations, landmarks, brands, and products, this annual award honors the “best of the best” on the criteria of service, quality, and customer satisfaction.
“Each year, we aggregate all the reviews, ratings, and archives shared by travelers globally — and use that information to find out the best locations. All will be honored by Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best.” “Tripadvisor awards Travelers’ Choice awards to accommodations, attractions, and restaurants that consistently receive great reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.”
The most luxurious cruise in Vietnam has many cultural features, bringing with it the stories of cultural and historical heritage, fine art, architecture, fashion, and the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine. The yacht is newly built based on the Binh Chuan ship built by the ship king Bach Thai Buoi, the first Vietnamese to launch a ship from Hai Phong to Saigon. From the point of departure 100 years ago, today’s Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan takes travelers on a journey to discover Lan Ha Bay in style, a vast sea area with hundreds of islands, lagoons, and beaches, large and small, an experience recognized by the world. Channel 14 describes it “as beautiful as a dream” and Leonardo DiCaprio praises the ‘paradise’ beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
About the award, TripAdvisor wrote: “This year, TripAdvsior made the most of every trip—big or small. We have become neighborhood explorers, masters of the outdoors, and adventurers who have gone where no one has been and done things no one has ever done. Through all the reviews, recommendations, and stories, we’ve helped each other around the world. It is you who decide where to award the Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best: the flesh-and-blood travelers who have come, tried, and shared your experiences. These are the best places in the world according to the wonderful community of travelers everywhere.”
On the cruise, travelers can discover the authenticity of Lan Ha Bay, Binh Chuan Heritage Cruise will bring travelers into a traditional cultural space, the glorious legend of the intangible heritage, and enjoy the beauty of the natural heritage of Vietnam. Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise will bring the most authentic experiences with a minimum of 40 guests and a maximum of 60 passengers on a magnificent and sophisticated cruise operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. Savored travelers will immerse into the culture, history, art, and people of Vietnam when cruising on a unique cruise amidst natural wonders. On this heritage cruise, travel connoisseurs can go upstream of history and culture to learn the business story of “Vietnam’s king of ships” Bach Thai Buoi and the life of the “Vietnamese Picasso“, Pham Luc, through a rich collection of 100 of his works collected and introduced by the owner Pham Ha in various locations.
“We have been operating continuously for 2 years and serving 12000 passengers per year, and because of Covid 19, one of the most popular and favorite cruises in the Gulf of Tonkin has created the trend of “Vietnamese people going on a cruise vacation”. The entire team and I, personally, are very proud of the 100-year heritage brand Heritage Binh Chuan. We are honored to receive the TripAdvisor 2022 Travelers’ Choice award after 3 years of operating on Lan Ha Bay, a port city in Hai Phong. We thank the travelers who have traveled with us and contributed to their choice of the best yacht in 2022.” Founder and CEO Pham Ha said:
“We are proud to be the pioneer in heritage tourism and experience in the luxury cruise business, combining adventure in Vietnam’s most beautiful bays such as Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Islands on an ocean liner. The 4-day and 3-night tour allows visitors to explore, dream, discover, relax, experience, and immerse themselves in the natural heritage of this bay. We are proud of our passionate, enthusiastic team that always focuses on customer satisfaction and claims the right of 100% customer satisfaction. It’s great that for the first time we have received this prestigious award as voted for by our own customers on the world’s largest social network, TripAdvisor. We are more confident to expand the brand to Quy Nhon, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc in Kien Giang province, and Cat Ba archipelago in Hai Phong city, for unique yachting experiences in the coming year.”
Cruising is all about places, experiences, and memories. After 3 years of operation, Heritage Cruises has continuously received many prestigious awards in Vietnam and the world such as The Guide Awards, Booking.com, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s best cruise ship, TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2020 and most recently, the best small charter yacht in Vietnam awarded by the US Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2021, and Travel and Leisure presents this boutique cruise as a masterpiece of natural wonder for families to visit and experience exploring the most beautiful bay in the world in Vietnam. www.heritagecruises.com
What Are the Characteristics of Boutique Cruises?
Like boutique hotels, boutique cruises are characterized by their intimate atmosphere and idiosyncratic style. They distinguish themselves from larger chain cruises by offering personalized attention and stylish, themed accommodation.
Small is beautiful and chic
A burgeoning niche industry revolves around small vessels – a wide-ranging group that includes yachts, rugged expedition ships, riverboats and classic sailing schooners – where passenger counts top out at closer to 200, rather than 2,000 or more.
Beyond offering a cozier atmosphere, the small size of these ships creates a completely different experience, both onshore and on board. Smaller ships allow easy access to remote, less-visited ports that the larger vessels just can’t get to, leading to refreshingly unique itineraries.
Unique, Experiential and Personal
Boutique cruises like Heritage Cruises make it their business to get their guests to secluded locations, where they can enjoy activities like biking, walking, boating, kayaking or snorkeling.
On board, the crowd-free experience is predictably more intimate and sociable. You can expect more personalized service from the crew and are much more likely to get to know your fellow passengers, as you regularly see the same faces on deck and in the lounges, a bonus if you like to make new friends while traveling.
Expect destination-driven itineraries that are enhanced by creative programs and hosted excursions, often led by historians, naturalists and other knowledgeable pros such as photographers, an Iron Chef, naturalists, art guides, and wellness experts…
Top Ten Characteristics
Today’s travelers’ never-ending search for something “new and different” inspired the evolution of boutique hotels and cruises. But what exactly is a boutique cruise?
While there is no strict definition of a boutique cruise, the genre does tend to have some common features. Here are top ten characteristics of boutique cruises such as Heritage Cruises: Size, Individuality, Design, Character, Culture, Service, Gastronomy, Clientele, Sense of a place, Authenticity.
Size – Boutique cruises are typically small, with 10 to 100 cabins. They are intimate in scale, creating the ambiance of being a personal guest in a private floating home away from home, rather than just a cruise passenger. They often have communal “social spaces” where guests can interact.
Individuality –They are often operated independently and are not affiliated with a major cruise chain. The ships have a distinctive vibe and never have the “cookie cutter” feel of being one in a series. Their experiences are personal, authentic and unique. The staff remember your name and make your journey a truly memorable one.
Design – The architecture and interior design of a boutique cruise is as unique and special as its operations, always high end and often combining historic detail with chic elegance. The lines may be sleek and contemporary or quaint and homey – or even an artistic amalgamation. The guest cabins have private balconies, panoramic windows and are individually styled using upscale fabrics and with exclusive amenities.
Character – Boutique cruises usually have a quirky personality. They are fun and funky, trendy and offbeat. Their sense of humor might be exhibited through the design and creative guest offerings. Each day is an adventure.
Culture – As an extension of the unique personality of each ship, boutique cruises often celebrate local flavor by incorporating locally-sourced materials and reflecting the location’s heritage through color and art. Themed boutique cruises build the entire guest experience around a particular subject, such as fine art, fashion or sport.
Service – Highly personalized service is a hallmark of boutique cruises. The cruise director will welcome you in person and the staff will know your name on the first day of your stay. Bespoke luxury amenities are provided, such as an extensive pillow menu and luxury toiletries, as well as offering sumptuous spa services.
Gastronomy – Boutique cruises craft unique dining experiences, not just menus. Their restaurants and bars tend to be smart and trendy, serving locally-sourced, high-quality cuisine, making these dining and drinking spots popular with locals as well as guests.
Clientele – The types of travelers who are attracted to boutique cruises are as individual as the cruises themselves and tend to be just as sophisticated. Guests from Millennials to Baby Boomers who enjoy creative design, quirky character, and personal service will be right at home on a boutique cruise.
Sense of a place – Operating in the historic Gulf of Tonkin, capturing the quintessence of north Vietnam, combining it with the nostalgia of 1930s Indochina and the heritage ships of Bach Thai Buoi, Heritage Cruises has been designed for a journey of discovery, a sanctuary where travelers can feel a sense of place and create their own memories.
Authenticity – A devotion to simplicity, heritage, boutique and product authenticity. Cruising is all about destinations, experiences and memories. Our ambition is lofty: to provide a spectacular experience based on elements of exclusivity, comfort, elegance and style. As well as a passionate team, we have incredible partners who will help ensure your Heritage Cruises experience is rich in memories.
Why choose Heritage Cruises from the forest of ships on HaLong Bay and Cat Ba Islands.
Here are 31 reasons why you should choose Heritage Cruises, the most unique cruise compared to the 500 other boats here.
1. Cruise and celebrate 100 years of history and heritage on the first boutique style cruise in Vietnam.
2. The first four-season swimming pool in Vietnam, the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin, integrated with jacuzzi, using electrolysis to clean the water, which is good for your health.
3. The largest and first swimming pool bar in Vietnam, an ideal place to enjoy cocktails and watch the sunset.
4. Contemplate the first designed ship gallery, the largest floating art exhibition in Vietnam and Asia.
5. 100 stories and experiences on the cruise ship, on the shore, and on and under the water.
6. Enjoy a SUP experience and try the first transparent kayak in Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.
7. The cruise serves the quintessence of Northern cuisine, unique egg coffee, and fine dining with musicians playing in the background.
8. Large bedroom and bathroom in all suites, plus panoramic views all in accord with feng shui. All rooms have no TV, see nature passing by through the window. With the constantly changing landscape it’s the largest TV in the Gulf of Tonkin.
9. The largest wine cellar in the Gulf of Tonkin with a wide selection of fine wines
10. 1000 luxurious check-in spaces, virtual living and ecstatic beauty.
11. The cruise ship has the most public and social space among the 500 boats and ships in Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago.
12. The largest ship in the Gulf of Tonkin with the fewest rooms, excellent safety, plus environmentally friendly, with the most unique architecture in Vietnam.
13. A cruise built from the passion, mind, vision, and talent of the investor, as well as of the luxury experts, and built from the customer’s perspective, satisfying the aesthetic taste of the elite.
14. We don’t just sell a cabin, but the whole experience, story and cruising dream of the king of ships in Vietnam: Bach Thai Buoi.
15. Sundeck space, swimming pool, reception room, and the best panorama restaurant for the most luxurious wedding party in the Bay.
16. The most ideal cruise in the Gulf of Tonkin for luxury MICE and wedding events.
17. These cruises have the most worthy culinary experience in the Gulf of Tonkin.
18. The cruise has an art lobby space, skylight, Indochine stairs and vintage style, the largest and most beautiful lobby space among yachts on the Gulf of Tonkin.
19. The cruise has both a basement for living and space for service staff.
20. The cruise ship has a 1:1 employee-to-guest ratio for the first time in the Gulf of Tonkin.
21. This cruise has the first high-speed cruise experience for the thrill of adventure when traveling and exploring in the Gulf of Tonkin. Two speedboats, external engines, the strongest and fastest moving in the Gulf of Tonkin.
22. Experience the first 4-day expeditions in the Gulf of Tonkin.
23. The library named Bach Thai Buoi has the most cultural and historical books in the Gulf of Tonkin.
24. The most kid-friendly cruise with 30 board games. The first yacht to be pet-friendly for dogs and cats.
25. The first cruise to have a centralized air conditioning system, instead of a separate air conditioner for each room. There is a heater and the room always has fresh air and a good private balcony, it’s always cool and relaxing for passengers.
26. Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise offers creative services such as breakfast in bed, couples floating breakfast at the pool, or romantic fine dining with candles and private accomodation in the wine cellar or outdoor lounge.
27. We provide room service 24/7 free.
28. Two spa rooms with sauna service, free sauna for self-service guests to experience 24 hours a day.
29. In Particular, we designed two pavilions on the sundeck for admiring the dawn, sunrise, and sunset, completely private and romantic for couples.
30. Free afternoon tea at Song Hong Lounge, with music. Guests can even play piano and guitar for themselves.
31. You also have the choice of doing nothing, just resting, relaxing, exploring, dreaming and discovering in your own way as a world class travel connoisseur.Go to hear, see, touch, smell, taste, and experience more. This means that the body gets to live and the anxious mind and passionate heart finally have the opportunity to be jubilant and excited.
It is full of new feelings, unforgettable impressions of landscapes, people, stories, and unexpected encounters. The breadth of human life never ceases to amaze.
As a famous tourist destination, Cat Ba Archipelago, including Lan Ha Bay with its 400 islands and 150 beaches, converges on 5 national and international titles: Scenic Landscape – Special National Heritage, World Biosphere Reserve, National Park, Marine Conservation Area, and National Park. It is one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Explore, dream, discover, enjoy, relax, experience, and immerse yourself in heritage right away, learn more at www.heritagecruises.com
Why Vietnam? Top Ten Reasons to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam has a wealth of attractions that make it one of the must-visit destinations in the world. It is a beautiful country with a stunning coastline, highland areas inhabited by colorful hill tribes, miles of lush green rice paddies, several World Heritage sites, a rich imperial history, delectable cuisine and fun-loving, friendly people.
Here are the top ten reasons to visit Vietnam, selected by Anita Sach of Lux Cruises, a member of Lux Group.
1. The people
It goes without saying that Vietnam is a particularly beautiful country, but this is enhanced by its people, who are hardworking, forward looking, hospitable and who have a wonderful sense of humour.
2. The variety
Vietnam is a country of contrasts with its lush green patchwork of rice paddies, dramatic mountains, unspoilt coastline and the watery worlds of the Mekong and Red River deltas. Other top attractions include the enigmatic limestone karsts in Halong Bay, bustling Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, laidback Hue and also Hoi An.
3. The accommodation
Whatever your budget there is somewhere to stay that is perfect for you from simple mini-hotels, through to welcoming mid-range hotels, stylish boutique hotels and smart international chains.
4. The food
Vietnamese food combines the best of Thai and Chinese cuisines with a twist of French heritage and Vietnamese creativity. Seafood is fresh and a hearty bowl of pho a must. Whether you choose to dine in a roadside café with the kitchen out front where you can watch your selection being freshly cooked or in a chic restaurant in an old colonial mansion, you won’t be disappointed. Of course, if you are hankering for a burger, curry or pizza, you won’t have to look far.
5. The culture
Culture vultures won’t know where to start! Take in ancient temples and pagodas such as the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the Jade Emperor in Ho Chi Minh City and Cao Dai temple in Tay Ninh. In Hue, wander round the intriguing, beautifully landscaped tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors and try to imagine how the imperial palace would have looked in its heyday.
6. Colonial history
Wherever you look you will see the remnants of the French colonial period from the freshly baked French-style bread to the gorgeous old villas in the former hill stations. Dalat could be a typical Provencal town surrounded by alpine scenery. The hill tribes selling vegetables in the market are a reminder that you are actually in Vietnam.
7. Luxury journeys
With new luxury hotels and world-class golf courses opening as well as helicopter tours and sea plane flights over Halong Bay Vietnam is fast emerging as the world’s latest luxury destination. For train lovers, the evocatively named Victoria Orient Reunification Express is a must.
8. Cruising
From the decks of a smart river cruiser, enjoy viewing river life as you cruise along the waterways from the Mekong delta deep into Cambodia or overnight on Halong Bay. Nha Trang Bay now offers its first overnight cruises on Emperor Cruises and Heritage Cruises
9. Shopping
Leave plenty of space in your suitcase for those must-have items, clothes, silk bags and lacquerware all of which can be found in the colourful markets. Enter into the fun by bargaining hard!
10. Authenticity
Travelers always want new and exotic experiences, plus value, both in terms of personal value and value for money. They seek new destinations, new hotels and new experiences. They want to be the first to discover a destination. Many have moved towards a quieter understated luxury and plan their trips with a focus on authenticity and experiential travel, particularly enriching once-in-a-lifetime experiences. For travel experts, it is essentially about creating a experiential travel that is personal as well as authentic and memorable.
