From your hotel, we drive 160 km east to iconic Ha Long Bay via highway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of dramatic limestone karsts that jut out of the ocean.

Discover some of Vietnam’s most idyllic seascapes on a fascinating cruise. The Legacy Journey’s interior is decorated in an oriental style and all the rooms on the boat have hardwood floors and sea views. Each cabin’s amenities include air-conditioning, private bathroom, work desk and complimentary mineral water. The adventure commences at the Grand Pioneers Waiting Lounge in Tuan Chau Port where we enjoy drinks before boarding the ship. Our journey takes us past the iconic landmarks of Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO listed destination is famed for its 3,000-plus towering limestone islands, cliffs and coves spread over 1,500 sq-km. We see islands such as distinctive Ga Choi Rock and Rong Rock. Lunch is served onboard, followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruise activities. Our first call is Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. This unique cave offers opportunities for kayaking and beach relaxation. As the evening approaches, we arrive in the Cap La area, the perfect destination to watch the sunset with a drink in hand, all enhanced by a spectacular backdrop. Dinner is served at the Dining by the Bay restaurant, with the remainder of the evening dedicated to onboard entertainment and services.

Overnight on board.

Viewing an ever-changing scenery of amazing karst formations, caves and coves commences after breakfast. We head to the most beautiful spots of Zone Four. After arrival at Xuong Rong Island, we see the iconic marker symbolizing the final boundary of this World Heritage Site. The morning continues with exploration of Da Xep Nature Park, a remarkable outdoor geological museum that has existed for 320 million years. We can choose between exploring the Park or enjoying the pristine beaches framed by majestic mountains. Lunch is served, followed by an afternoon visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village and a seafood farming area. The navigation continues with a navigation past Phao Dai Rock, Tien Ong Cave and Con Coc Rock – landmarks that mark the border between Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. The evening culminates with the Legacy Gala Dinner, followed by night time entertainment. The vessel has a bar, a spa and a kid’s club. One of the best experiences is viewing the spectacular moon-lit scenery from the sun deck.

Overnight on board.

Our final day at sea begins with breakfast, followed by a choice of two morning activities. These include exploration of Sung Sot Cave, the largest and widest grotto in Ha Long Bay. The journey to the opening is covered by trees and foliage and the interior is partitioned into two chambers, the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many ancient stalactites hang from the high ceiling and there are numerous rock shapes that have evolved over millions of years. Another morning option is enjoying a panoramic view from Ti Top Island, one of the best locations to take in Ha Long Bay’s exceptional scenery of karsts and islands. This experience is enhanced with a swim in the sea adjoining a pristine beach. We then head back to the port to disembark the ship and end this excellent excursion.

Swap the frenetic activity of the Vietnamese capital for the serenity of a countryside Buddhist retreat. We depart Hanoi in the morning and are welcomed at the monastery by the head monk. After tea, we gain an overview of the spiritual journey ahead. After settling into our gender specific rooms and changing into pagoda attire, we participate in an incense offering ceremony in the main hall. Lunch is a healthy serving of vegetarian food, followed by a Dharma lecture, covering Lord Buddha’s teachings, cosmic law and the path to enlightenment. The afternoon involves giving back to the monastery by assisting the monks in gardening and cleaning duties, ahead of a serving of tea at sunset. The day concludes with dinner and an enlightening conversation with the head monk.

Overnight is in the pagoda.

Embrace the stillness of the early morning with a sunrise meditation, followed by a meditative walk along mountain paths to a sacred site. A nourishing breakfast prepares us for another Dharma lecture, deepening our understanding of Lord Buddha’s teachings. The late morning offers an engaging lesson in the art of traditional tea making, where we learn the philosophy behind this venerable practice. After a nutritious and healthy vegetarian lunch, we undergo another session of deep relaxation meditation. This enables us to absorb the tranquillity of the setting and achieve a sense of inner peace. After bidding farewell to the monks, we embark on the journey back to Hanoi in the afternoon, with a renewed feeling of peace and calm.

Guests are collected from hotels in Hanoi and transferred to Ha Long (Tuan Chau Marina) or Hai Phong (Got pier), approximately a two or two and a half hour drive. (Some vessels may go to Lan Ha, but depart/ return from Tuan Chau Marina in Ha Long. Others depart/return from Got Pier in Hai Phong).

After boarding and a safety and itinerary briefing, lunch is served. The cruise proceeds to Da Chong Islet which is home to a French-built lighthouse. We also pass the limestone karst formations of Con Vit and Gia Luan which rise dramatically out of the sea. This area is relatively untouched as not many cruise ships use the route via Cat Ba Island to the Thoi Quyt-Coc Ngoi Islet-Cua Van-Ba Trai Dao area.

We then disembark and ride in a traditional circular coracle boat used by local fishermen and get an insight into how to fish from this tiny craft. In the summer months, guests can swim and kayak. In winter this is substituted with a guided cycling tour to a local village to visit an ancient local home constructed from straw, mud and bamboo. After the return to the boat, options include happy hour drinks at the bar, or a cooking class.

Dinner and overnight are on board.

Today you will wake up to an amazing seascape in the heart of the Bay. An optional tai chi class on the sundeck is followed by breakfast as we continue our cruise through an idyllic landscape.

Embark on the day boat outing to explore the some truly unique sights of Lan Ha Bay, activities and will return to main boat around 15.00.

Optional activities include kayaking, swimming (dependent on the weather), cycling and a visit to Viet Hai village. This destination is surrounded by the sea, high mountains and the dense jungle of Cat Ba National Park. It is a wonderful place to enjoy sublime nature and get away to a place of serenity and solitude.

Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Overnight is on the boat.

The perfect day starts with an energizing tai chi class on the sundeck as the boat navigates through a spectacular seascape.

Brunch is served ahead of the return to Ha Long (Tuan Chau Marina) or Hai Phong (Got Pier), disembarkation and the transfer back to hotels in Hanoi, which marks the conclusion of this cruise.

Please note there are many companies offering cruises on Ha Long bay. Consequently, the comfort level, decoration of the vessel and itinerary may differ. This itinerary suggests a general impression of activities and specific details will be advised on confirmation of the cruise. Details are subject to change depending on weather conditions. There is no private guide on board but an English-speaking in-house guide may be available.