Welcome the city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a place that combines serenity and energy with ease. Your private transfer meets you at the airport and soon you are settled into your accommodation within the center of the city. The French Colonial influence is apparent within the buildings of the Old City, and in its wide streets which allow waves of motorbikes to pass in consortium with bicycles carrying large, shallow baskets filled with vibrant fruit. Full of a millennium worth of history, the cityscape brings both modern luxury and tradition to the forefront of understanding, whether within the elegant architecture of the Opera House or on the tranquil shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Within the three-story halls of Hang Da Market you will find a diverse collection of culture and industry, where imported wine stores mix with local flower shops, and second-hand clothing stores stand next to textile stalls. The exterior is a remarkable multi-perforated façade colored in opulent white and is often filled with the aroma of freshly cooked snacks rising from the first floor. Paper lanterns glow superior hues in many shops, illuminating the goods and the walkway. You can hear the exotic birds chirping all the way from the store on the north corner. If something strikes your eye remember that haggling isn’t just encouraged but expected.
The morning brings with it the fresh aroma of Vietnamese coffee, filled with rich dark roast that fills you with flavourful energy and has you looking forward to your exploration of the day. Your guide brings you out into the city that brims with excitement, from the floral scents of the Hang Da Market to the opulent architecture that acts as a reminder of the French Colonial past. The peaceful quarters of Hoan Kiem Lake offer you a sample of the local getaway within the dangling greenery that almost blocks the remaining city.
Constructed in the 18th century, Ngoc Son Temple stands along the lake’s edge at the center of Jade Island. Ripples form on the water stemming from the endangered soft shell turtles that swim in the lake, often making a home near the Turtle Tower’s base. The scarlet bridge that leads to the temple gracefully arches over the water. Throughout the day you will find Hanoi’s history brimming within the modern streets, from the Opera House to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, but along the water of Hoan Kiem Lake you have found the heart of the city and it beats with quiet pride.
Transfer from Hanoi. After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, we take a quick speedboat transfer to your luxurious floating home before starting our unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, which we serve in Ylang’s nearly 360-degree light-flooded, elegant restaurant. Enjoy a fine menu of tasty local, international or vegetarian dishes freshly prepared by our culinary team.
Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. While we cruise along in the early afternoon, there is time to enjoy Ylang’s vast wellness and spa facilities. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or choose your favourite treatment from an extensive spa menu.
As we reach the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, we hop on bicycles (electric cart transfers are also available) for a tour along small paved roads towards Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by forest and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island’s other villages and towns. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by working the farms, fishing, or collecting rain water for drinking. Here you have the unique and authentic opportunity to meet the local inhabitants, learn about the fruits and vegetables grown in the valley, have a glimpse of the local households and try some homemade liquors.
Back on board, there is time for you to partake in our activities offered while we set sail to a tranquil place for an overnight mooring nearby. A tea tasting class is held in the Ylang Restaurant where you may learn about Vietnam’s traditional herbal teas and gain insight into their health benefits. Alternatively, let us pamper you with a spa treatment, opt for a foot massage in the privacy of your suite or gaze upon the beauty of the bay during sunset from the terrace deck.
For dinner, choose from a diverse selection of dishes on the menu as our chef prepares a delectable multiple course meal. Afterwards, we offer in the Wellness Studio a guided “singing bowl meditation”, an ancient Tibetan ritual which invokes a deep state of relaxation, alleviates stress, and promotes a better night of sleep. Also available in the dining room is a movie screening, or you can join our team and have some fun fishing for squid. Let’s see if you can bring in a big catch!
One of the best ways to spend the evening is to take a seat under the stars on the terrace deck or on your private balcony to embrace the serenity of this surreal landscape. And if you would like to fully immerse yourself in relaxation, our spa is open until late.
Wake up early and join our Tai Chi session on the terrace deck to ease your mind and muscles with the first rays of the sun touching the water. Then re-energize yourself from our wide selection healthy or hearty breakfast offerings.
Ylang sails towards the southern tip of Cat Ba Island. We board a tender and visit one of a few remaining authentic floating fishing villages near Ben Beo. This fishing village is home to 300 families living in floating houses and earning a living from fishing and aquaculture, much like their ancestors. Get a close view of how the villagers live and work on the water in this unique community.
We then continue on tender towards Ben Beo Pier, where we come ashore and travel a short distance along scenic island roads to Cat Ba National Park. A leisurely and mindful hiking tour brings you closer to the elements of this lush, jungle-like national park. Cat Ba National Park is designated as a biosphere reserve and hosts over 1,500 plant species, 78 avian, 20 reptilian and 32 mammalian species including deer, macaques and civets.
During lunch, Heritage Line Ylang resumes sailing northeast through the stony labyrinth of Lan Ha Bay, eventually reaching a secluded spot in the bay. We head to a natural island beach via tender for kayaking, swimming and optional guided meditation session (snacks and juices are provided). Otherwise, kick back on board and treat yourself from our wide selection of wellness offerings.
In the early evening, a food carving demonstration is held in the Ylang Restaurant, where our chef demonstrates the Asian art of shaping and transforming fruits and vegetables into a myriad of decorative items, some which are served during your meals. After dinner, soothe your body and mind and bring your day to a gentle close with another guided Singing Bowl Meditation ceremony, or simply unwind on your private balcony while taking in the tranquility of Lan Ha Bay.
Start the day early again with another open-air session of Tai Chi before having a light snack to go with your tasty, traditional Vietnamese coffee. This morning, Ylang moors in another quiet spot to offer you one last chance to go kayaking or take a refreshing early morning swim - conveniently from the ship’s platform. Enjoy these final moments to fully take in the senses of the bay.
While we pass back through Lan Ha and Halong Bay towards her mid-bay anchoring spot, we serve breakfast and leave you some time to savour the moments of this unique journey while relaxing on comfy sun beds on the terrace deck.
Afternoon transfer and flight to Nha Trang.
The morning pastels run over the horizon. You rise to the sounds of calm water rushing against the sand. Today you will venture out onto the South China Sea on a tour boat to experience a day cruising along the water. The water is the color of precious stones on the surface. Beneath the surface you have a clear view of the life beneath the tide. When the boat stops you jump in and feel the gentle ebb and flow of the sea. Put on your goggles and snorkel mask to watch the magical world on the ocean floor come to vibrant life.
The light is able to pierce the surface and shine on the iridescent fish. The fish swim in large schools that range in color from orange to yellow, black to red. You can find a starfish embracing the coral and letting the soft tide move it slowly along. The water is cool and comfortable all around you. The boat ride is jovial and lively. The sea sticks to your skin when you climb back onto the boat. The band starts to play and brings everyone aboard the ship closer together.
The morning reaches another crescendo of vibrant shades of blue. After breakfast your private transfer escorts you to a secluded pier where you will meet the boat to Whale Island. The water along the private beach is transparent. The sand is a powdery gold. Coconut trees rise around the private huts and stretch back into the expanse of forest. Pink-necked parrots linger in the trees. Their fuchsia bills stand out in the green foliage. The island is a complete paradise, from the infinity pool that blends into the horizon to the unlimited underwater life that can be viewed by both snorkelling and scuba diving. In the evening you catch the aroma of garlic and simmering carrots. The fresh and delicate scents of dinner are never less than alluring.
Relax until take a flight to Da Nang. Transfer to Hoi An. Hotel check-in.
In the afternoon, Exploring Hoi An on foot is one of the best ways to take in the city’s charm. While exploring the small yet beautiful town, tourists and frequent visitors alike find that it is a place of quiet and peace. The unique atmosphere here combines elements of Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese culture. Some of the most remarkable views of the city are from the ancient houses. From here, visitors can catch a glimpse of a long gone past and more subdued and simple time.
The tour includes visits to Hoi An Museum, many of the town’s renowned Ancient Houses which boast remarkable architecture, Assembly Halls of Chinese influence; Art Craft Manufacturing Workshop at 9 Nguyen Thai Hoc st, and of course the must-see Japanese Covered Bridge. An optional stop is at the private home of Diep Dong Nguyen (subject to availability) to view a stunning collection of pottery, seals and old Hoi An photographs. Overnight in Hoi An.
Breakfast at hotel. After that it’s time to hop on your scooter to start exploring Hoi An’s hidden gems and charismatic locals. First up is a drive to Cam Thanh through the countryside, you’ll experience up close the resplendent beauty of the rice paddies and grazing buffalo all of which are guaranteed to provide plenty of perfect photo opportunities.
Take a boat to fishing village located at the mouth of the Thu Bon river where villager lives and works by catching fish. After a short boat trip, you can wander around to experience local villager life. Be careful your flip-flops because seafood seems bring its “natural scent” from the sea to fishing market. Continue walk to mam "(“salted fish”) factory. The mam products are an indispensable dipping sauce with the daily meals of residents in the central region. After leaving from the pier, take a short trip through Cam Thanh village learn how to make things from water coconut leaves, we watch the local people creating these beautiful objects.
Last stop of the tour, you will join the farmers in preparing and fertilizing the land with seaweed from the local lake. Other activities will include: raking, sowing, picking greens and much more. After our time with the farmers, we will spend the rest of the last working the land until it’s time to prepare some special foods with a local family. You will enjoy the Tam Huu Spring Roll (“packed with pork, prawn, mint and coriander”), the local pancakes from the central region of Vietnam. This tour gives you an authentic glimpse into the traditional lives of the people in this village. Lastly, driver will drop you off at the starting point.
Depart: 8:00 or 13:00
Transfer to Danang for flight to Saigon. Meet you guide at airport in and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we will begin with a relaxing cyclo ride to China Town area. After visiting the temple, you have the opportunity to walk around China Town and visit some of the local shops selling traditional Chinese products, including: medicinal herbs, stamps, tobaccos and clothing. After, we will take a visit to Cha Tam Church and go shopping at Binh Tay Market, which is the biggest market in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Start the day with a visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels which stretched over 200 km. Cu Chi became legendary during the 1960's in playing a vital role in the Viet Nam War by allowing Viet Cong (communist guerillas) to control large rural areas, just 30 to 40 km away from Sai Gon. After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, we will visit some famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city such as: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.
Breakfast at hotel. Free at leisure until your airport transfer.
