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TRANSCRIPT
SENSES OF LAN HALAN HA BAY
3 days - 2 nights
JOURNEY LAN HA BAYVIETNAM
L A N H A B AYV I E T N A M
Mysterious waters, exotic tranquility, myriads of islets and limestone formations create the spectacular seascapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay and its southern extension, Lan Ha Bay. Located in North Vietnam’s Gulf of Tonkin around the southeastearn shores of jungle-cladded Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is a lesser travelled region - beautiful and serene with its many island karsts and hidden lagoons with small sandy beaches.
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.
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.
Lunch and dinner.
dAy oNE
3 days - 2 nights
sENsEs of lAN hA
Dedicated to well-being and serenity, this three-day journey offers deep insights into Lan Ha Bay’s natural beauty, all while
providing an active and holistic wellness experience (Ylang only).
lan ha bay
TODAY’S DINING
DAILY INSIGHT
In comparison to its better known neighbour Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is still a little-known hidden gem with calm, pristine scenery and less boat traffic passing between its beautiful limestone islets. Lan Ha is recognized as the most adventurous of the three bays (the third being Bai Tu Long), bristling with activities in the water or on Cat Ba Island such as kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, cycling, swimming and diving.
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. For passengers craving a bit of exercise, we invite you for a leisurely and mindful
walk (taking the same path both ways) through this lush, jungle-like forest. 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. Or you may opt to stay aboard and
take advantage of Ylang’s facilities.
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 and treat yourself
from our wide selection of wellness offerings on
board.
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 tranquillity of Lan Ha Bay.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
dAy Two
TODAY’S DINING
DAILY INSIGHT
3 days - 2 nights
sENsEs of lAN hA
Dedicated to well-being and serenity, this three-day journey offers deep insights into Lan Ha Bay’s natural beauty, all while
providing an active and holistic wellness experience (Ylang only).
lan ha bay
The Cat Ba Archipelago is home to one of the rarest primates in the world, the Cat Ba langur. The population, which once numbered over 2,500 generations ago, fell to under 50 in the year 2000 due to rampant illegal poaching and trapping for traditional medicines as well as habitat destruction from human development. Today, the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project fights to preserve the species, and the group reports a recovery with approximately 70 langurs living on the island.
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 Ylang’s 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.
Breakfast
The term “Tai Chi” refers to a philosophy of balancing the forces of yin and yang through slow body movements. The origins of this ancient Chinese martial art form dates back many centuries and, by achieving total harmony of the inner and outer self, is practiced for its beneficial health and meditative aspects.
dAy ThrEE
TODAY’S DINING
DAILY INSIGHT
All mentioned times are approximate. Although it is our intention to operate the proposed itinerary as outlined above, we cannot be held responsible for any changes of the program and activities that might be necessary due to operational factors.
3 days - 2 nights
sENsEs of lAN hA
Dedicated to well-being and serenity, this three-day journey offers deep insights into Lan Ha Bay’s natural beauty, all while
providing an active and holistic wellness experience (Ylang only).
lan ha bay
HEAd offIcE
33 Le Trung Nghia Street12 Ward - Tan Binh District
Ho Chi Minh CityVietnam
+84 (0) 283 811 [email protected]
www.hErITAgE-lINE.coM