Words: Rhonda Bannister
If you believe in legends, then you might think that a descending dragon created the majestic limestone rock formations known as karsts that rise from the emerald waters of Halong Bay, a 1,500-square-kilometre UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam. True or false, it doesn’t matter because this spectacular seascape of endless towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin is spectacular!
Sculpted by nature, the jungle-topped green monoliths have been worn down by 500 million years of wind and rain, creating mysterious caves, arches, hidden coves and grottoes waiting for you to discover. Magical? Yes, indeed, but there’s more to the story!
Travellers to Halong Bay need to know they can extend their time on these emerald waters by combining Halong and Lan Ha Bay in one trip! Lan Ha Bay is located south of Halong Bay and is equally spectacular with its limestone islands and pristine waters.
One Adventure—Two Wonders
Leading boutique cruise operator Ambassador Cruise has launched a “One Adventure—Two Wonders” experience that plies the limestone karst-studded waters of Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed bays Halong and Lan Ha. We’ve put it at the top of our Vietnam bucket list, and you should, too!
This three-day, two-night cruise combines the best of both worlds, offering travellers two awe-inspiring seascapes, each as alluring and remarkable.
Welcome Aboard
On the first day of the cruise, passengers board Ambassador Cruise 1, the largest and most luxurious vessel in Halong Bay, featuring 46 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, twin 360-degree sundecks, a restaurant, plush piano lounge, bars, an open-air Jacuzzi pool, and a spa. Highlights of the itinerary’s first day include:
- A buffet lunch with views of Halong Bay’s limestone islets.
- Experiencing Luon Cave’s compelling lake on a bamboo boat or kayak.
- The chef’s special dinner at the vessel’s restaurant.
The following day, guests explore Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most impressive cave with incredible stalactites, before disembarking at Halong International Cruise Port to visit the iconic landmark Quang Ninh Museum and other historical sites such as Dong Pagoda. The museum showcases archaeological artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era and is also home to Vietnam’s most enormous whale skeleton.
Passengers then set sail on the relatively uncharted waters of Lan Ha Bay that afternoon and evening aboard Ambassador Signature Cruise before returning to Halong International Cruise Port by speedboat on the third day.
First Class Cruising
Unprecedented for Lan Ha Bay, Ambassador Signature Cruise offers 39 cabins with a private balcony or terrace, a spacious sundeck, restaurant, piano lounge, bars, spa, and a water slide that takes guests to the bay’s emerald sea. The vessel’s restaurant serves a delectable lunch and a premium Michelin-standard dinner menu. Another highlight of the second day of the itinerary is a visit to Viet Hai, a traditional floating fishing village that showcases the daily lives of locals.
Day three of the cruise includes a visit to and a tour through Light and Dark Cave by bamboo boat or kayak. The cave features impressive stalactites and leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
During the cruise, there is a tai chi session on the sundeck before a light breakfast is served in the piano bar and a full breakfast at the restaurant. Happy Hour drinks, canapes, live music, spa treatments, and squid fishing are also available.
Although it retains all the majesty of its superstar neighbour, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay sees a fraction of the traffic. The two seascapes are virtually interchangeable, but the lack of tourist boats gives Lan Ha Bay a more isolated appeal, which is sure to be popular with discerning travellers.
Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has made a name for itself as the leading luxury cruise operator on Halong Bay. It now operates three vessels: Ambassador I, Ambassador II and Ambassador Signature. Guests choose from various journeys, including overnight, day, and dinner cruises.
For more information about Ambassador Cruise or to make a booking, visit ambassadorcruise.com, email info@ambassadorcruise.com or call +84 1900 3045.
