Our experience of the Halong Bay Cruise—sailing in Vietnam’s most unique Unesco World Heritage site—has been exceptional, and our choice of vessel was the key. We booked a cabin in the Heritage Line Violet Cruise, a five-star boutique junk boat fitted in the 1930s Indochine style, with golden sails, polished woodwork, and refined Asian décor.
Alternatively, book Heritage Line Violet Cruise via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
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All photos in this post are by Laskowski & Zadros. © TravelPlusStyle.com
“Violet is Heritage Line’s most coquettish French-Indochinese designed luxury vessel. Gleaming wooden floorings, opulent silks, and velvets, selected artifacts and ornaments are distinct appearances of this small Art-Deco ship.”
— Heritage Line Violet Cruise
The Violet is beautifully crafted with intricate details that showcase Vietnam’s heritage. It offers a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern comfort, featuring an aesthetic that evokes a sense of nostalgia. With only six bright, spacious cabins—each boasting distinct, impressive interiors and large balconies—it is one of the most private upscale vessels sailing these waters.
Cabins are lavishly designed in a refined 1930s Art Deco style reminiscent of former French Indochina. They feature warm, exotic woods, luxurious fabrics, and hand-painted walls and ceilings.
Four 43 sqm Imperial Suites on the upper deck, each showcasing a unique interior design that reflects their mystical names: Dragon, Phoenix, Moon, and Cloud. The slightly smaller Junior Suites, Water and Mountain, are at the main deck’s front. All suites come with large private balconies furnished with lounge chairs, ensuring sweeping views of the bay. They have five-star amenities like Jacuzzi tubs, glass-enclosed standing showers, and king-size beds.
In addition to the premium suites, the Violet offers luxurious touches, including a fine-dining restaurant, a cozy library, and a small but well-equipped gym. The boat also has a sun deck for relaxing and taking panoramic views of the bay’s limestone karsts.
The onboard restaurant provides an elegant dining atmosphere. It serves gourmet Vietnamese and international cuisine, often made from fresh local ingredients. Guests can enjoy both indoor and al fresco dining options, soaking in the majestic beauty of Halong Bay while savoring fine food.
Rajasthan's Lake City
The Violet offers distinct, carefully curated itineraries. It sails to less-visited parts of Halong Bay, including the tranquil floating fishing village of Van Gia. It is one of Halong’s more luxurious junk-style boats and the fastest—allowing it to reach destinations ahead of other vessels and giving guests an exclusive experience.
Guests on the Violet can partake in additional activities, such as kayaking through secluded lagoons, swimming, and exploring the famous limestone caves. One such cave had an impressive story as a place with prehistorical roots: archeological discoveries demonstrated that early humans lived here over 64,000 years ago. Today, it’s a popular stopover for the Halong Bay cruises as an impromptu buffet-and-grill restaurant location. The Violet Cruise personnel set it up for us in a designated part of the grotto and served dinner à la carte.
“[…] Named after the delicate purple blossoms that grow on the sides of the rocky islands in Halong Bay, Violet is a charming blend of tenderness, style, and tradition.”
— Heritage Line Violet Cruise
Book the Dragon or Phoenix suite. These have the loveliest décor and are located in the bow, with the best views and quiet cabins. We don’t recommend the Mountain & Water cabins, which are located at the stern, near the engine room (meaning, they can be a bit noisy).
Heritage Line, the company running Viole is the most reputable of the many cruise operators. Their boats offer the most comfortable and private experience. We especially liked that the boat plotted its route away from the crowds, picking the more untouched areas of the bay.
The Heritage Line Violet offers an intimate, luxurious cruise experience perfect for couples, small groups, or those seeking privacy and comfort while exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes of Halong Bay. Its combination of personalized service, exquisite design, and attention to detail makes it one of the most sought-after cruises in the region.
Alternatively, book Heritage Line Violet Cruise via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Laskowski & Zadros © TravelPlusStyle.com
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 19/10/2024
Between Past and Present in Hanoi’s Heart
