Heritage Line is introducing an inspiring new chapter in luxury, small-ship cruising through Northern Vietnam’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, shifting its focus to the tranquil and lesser-known Bai Tu Long Bay.
Starting in January 2026, this new 2-night journey invites guests to experience Halong Bay differently: unhurried, immersive, and untouched.
This shift marks a deliberate step away from familiar trails, positioning Heritage Line once again as a pioneer in authentic, off-the-beaten-path waterway cruising in Southeast Asia.
Located northeast of the famed Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay shares the same dramatic limestone karst formations but welcomes far fewer visitors. With only about 30 cruises operating in the region and strict limits on ship size due to its protected marine zones, Bai Tu Long Bay remains one of Vietnam’s last untouched seascapes. It offers guests rare access to pristine landscapes and sights that few ever encounter. Its traditional floating communities, geological caves, and unspoiled shores provide a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s coastal heritage—far removed from mass tourism.
Over three days and two nights, the cruise offers deep exploration and hands-on encounters: visits to floating villages, kayaking through quiet lagoons, time on a pristine beach, guided cave explorations, and plenty of space to unwind with panoramic views from private balconies.
“With this new route, we’re changing the way travellers experience Halong Bay,” says Mr. Andreas Schroetter, Director of Sales & Marketing at Heritage Line. “Bai Tu Long allows the least-touristy cruise experience in the bay after Lan Ha Bay. Bai Tu Long feels like Halong Bay 15–20 years ago—real, authentic, quiet, peaceful, and personal. That is how luxury cruising should actually be. Together with our small boutique Violet, operating in this new destination, the new product will make it seamless to explore this region.”
Aboard Heritage Line’s Violet, guests enjoy fine dining, spa treatments, and home-like service. With only six spacious suites, each with a private balcony, Violet is ideally designed for couples, small groups, and private charters, offering a curated journey that blends natural beauty and cultural richness with comfort, privacy, and personalized service.
The new itinerary replaces the existing 1-night and 2-night Halong Bay cruises, which will continue to operate until the end of 2025. On 02 January 2026, the new 2-night-only circuit officially begins.
Cruise bookings are already open for 2026 under the existing pricing, with a full itinerary