Day 01: Tuan Chau – Cua Van Fishing Village – Tien Ong Cave (L/D)
Boarding Violet Halong Cruise, you’ll then enjoy welcome drinks and get to know the crew. The spectacular cruise trip begins while you’re checking in your cabin, amenities, and facilities onboard. Cherish your first hours amid the sea by feasting your eyes on the emerald water, interestingly shaped limestone formations and far-off islets. Every natural element is well-combined to create an impeccable picture of nature.
The first stop on the agenda is the traditional Cua Van Fishing Village, where you can meet the indigenous Halong fishermen who keep their fishing traditions and aquacultural activities. Get on a small bamboo boat rowed by the locals to access the floating houses and farms. Or you can actively paddle a kayak to explore the village on your own. There will be time to visit the Cua Van Cultural Center, in which many archaeological artifacts and photographs are being exhibited for tourists to learn about the local history and culture.
Next, let’s sail to the ancient Tien Ong Cave, which preserves the fossil evidence of human civilization of 10,000 – 8,000 BC. With a depth of 50m, this cave remains mysterious and spectacular inside, with age-old formations of stalagmites and stalactites. While you are inside the cave, follow the accompanying guide and listen to information about its history, mythology, and facts.
Boarding back at around the magical “blue hours,” make sure to capture the majestic sunset over the emerald sea. Hold your cocktails and cherish the nightfall moments. While the vessel is moving its way to the anchoring area, a live cooking demonstration will be performed by the skilled chefs. You can then try cooking Vietnamese food based on the given recipe.
Head to the cozy restaurant and have your dinner with a multi-course a-la-carte menu. After dinner, it’s time to test your luck with the squid fishing activity. This entertaining experience is a must-have. For the rest of the evening, value the precious peace amid the heavenly bay.
Day 02: Sung Sot Cave – Pearl Farm (B/L/D)
Have a good morning in a beautiful ambiance with emerald waves, a blue sky, freshly brewed coffee, and pastries. Energize your mind and unlock your joints by doing some Tai Chi practices on the sundeck. After that, embark on a day boat targeting Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) – the largest one in the bay. In an area of 10,000 sqm, Sung Sot Cave consists of two chambers; the outer chamber has chandelier-like stalactites at a height of 30m while the inner one is known as a grand “opera house” with a pond and age-old rock formations, birds singing, etc.
Returning on board, you have free time for ease on the sundeck with local beverages. Next, venture out on a kayak to access the cliffs and green-covered islets. Kayaking is one of the best activities to do in Halong Bay.
The next stop on the agenda is a floating pearl farm to find a variety of pearls cultivated, harvested, and processed. The visit gives you knowledge about how to grow an oyster and implant a seed into it for making pearls. You can buy pearl items as souvenirs too. In the late afternoon, you will sail back to the Violet cruise for sunbathing pastime, spa therapy, and watching the magical sunset.
After a yummy dinner, there will be another chance to try your luck by night squid fishing. The caught squid will be cooked to serve you. Also, get to the panoramic bar for a chill night.
Day 03: Ti Top Island – Tuan Chau Harbor (B)
The attractive odor of freshly brewed coffee and pastries will happily wake you up and direct you to the dining room. But before that, you can unlock your joints again by doing Tai Chi exercises on the sundeck. This morning, our target is the famous Ti Top Island (named after the Russian astronaut “German Titov” who visited the cave in 1962). The island is blessed with a spectacular sandy beach which urges all beachgoers to go swimming. Set beneath towering rock formations, the beach remains pristine, transparent, and gorgeous. You can also challenge your sports spirit by climbing 400 stone steps to reach the top of the Ti Top Island and reward yourself with a breathtaking view and amazing photo shoots.
Be aboard for ease. Now is the time to pack your things and get ready for the checkout procedure. Take time admiring the photogenic sceneries while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor.
