Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise Halong Bay

The boutique Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise has a total of 4 decks. The 1st & 2nd floors are mostly guest cabins, the 3rd & 4th deck is the public area and sundeck:

The 1st deck boasts Le Tonkin Restaurant and the reception area, next are 06 Delta Suites and 02 Captain Suites. At the bow is the Wine Cellar and a terrace.

The 2nd deck has 2 guest areas with 10 Ocean Suites and 02 Regal Suites. These rooms are on the higher deck so they have a better bay view. There is a library and boutique shop in the middle.

Especially, the Regal Suite and Captain Suite are next to the bow so guests are a priority to book private dining here.

Deck Plan 1 & 2

The 3rd deck is the complex of entertainment & relaxation areas. The indoor includes L’Indochine Restaurant, a gym room, a spa, a unique Art Gallery, and a piano Lounge. The outdoor has a bar and pool for guests to chill out.

The Sundeck has an area with many sunloungers for guests to relax or sunbathe, a perfect spot for a wonderful panoramic view.

Deck Plan 3 & 4

Heritage Binh Chuan provides many first-class facilities and social spaces to satisfy customers' needs. You can choose various areas to chill out on board.

Artful Lobby Lounge & Skylight

On the 1st deck, you may observe the bronze statue of the King of the Ship, Bach Thai Buoi on a lacquerware pedestal in the middle of the atrium. And look up, you may see the skylight, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that pours natural light into the ship.

The gorgeous skylight of the cruise

Le Tonkin Restaurant 

Le Tonkin is located on the 1st deck with décor reminiscent of authentic North Vietnam, hence the name “Tonkin”. With the classy design, it creates a perfect setting for a royal-themed dinner for up to 50 guests.

L’Indochine Restaurant

This 19th-century-Indochine-inspired restaurant mostly serves buffets during breakfast and lunch with the same capacity as Le Tonkin. With the huge floor-to-ceiling windows and stays on the 3rd floor, this restaurant is an ideal spot for viewing the bay during the meal.

Pretty L'Indochine Restaurant

Bach Thai Buoi Library & Van Don Shop

This 2nd-floor library has a rich collection of books on art, culture, architecture, and literature of French Indochina. Moreover, you can learn about Bach Thai Buoi, the famous King of ships in Vietnam.

Next to the library is the boutique shop. Here, you will find a gallery of selected handcrafted products, silks, and signature souvenirs (not for sale) designed especially for Heritage Cruises.

La Piscine Swimming Pool & Bar

Located on the 3rd floor, this is a large 4-season pool with an area of 32m2, and 1.2m deep where you can cool off. The pool size is one of the largest in the bay. Next to it are many sun chairs, and a Pool Bar, creating a perfect for you to enjoy drinks and wind down.

Enjoy the 360-degree view of the swimming pool 

L’Art de l’Annam

This gallery is on the 3rd floor next to White Lotus Spa. Here, you can observe original paintings, sculptures, antiques, and artisanal items. It does not require a fee to visit and the arts are regularly changed. 

L Art De L'Annam Gallery

The 2D1N journey cruising to Lan Ha Bay - Tra Bau - Dark & Bright Cave. The 3D2N tour will take you to Viet Hai Village & Ba Trai Dao on an extra day. On the 4D3N trip, you'll have a day tour on the 3rd day to explore more secluded spots on Cat Ba Island.

No matter which cruise you choose, there are many amusing activities you may take part in:

Kayak in Tra Bau

Explore Lan Ha Bay's beauty from a closer point of view by sailing your kayak and enjoying the fresh air is a nice experience in the afternoon of the 1st day.

NOTE: Depending on the weather conditions, the itinerary may be changed without prior notice.

Explore the charming Tra Bau Area

Explore Dark & Bright Cave 

The highlight of the 2nd day of the 2-day trip is that you will have around 1 hour to discover the stunning cave and limestone mountains on a rowing bamboo boat.

Rowing boat in Dark & Bright Cave

Discover Viet Hai Village

In the 3-day itinerary, you will have the whole morning on the 2nd day to cycle or travel by electric cart to explore traditional old houses and the local life in the serene Viet Hai Village.

Swim in Ba Trai Dao 

Another amusing activity of the 3-day trip. Let’s chill in the cool emerald water of the area and wash away your worries on the stunning beach of Ba Trai Dao.

Visit Trung Trang/ Quan Y Cave

For those who book the 4-day tour, be ready to explore the hidden beauty through various stalactites and stalagmites inside Trung Trang Cave/ Quan Y Cave in the morning. 

Then, you can visit the vibrant local market and learn about the process of making the unique Vietnamese fish sauce.

Practice Vovinam 

Find the inner balance for your body with the Vietnamese martial art on the sundeck at 6:00. This is one of the few cruises that teach Vovinam on board, which differs from the normal Tai Chi Class.

Unique Vovinam session in the morning

Spa

• Price: US $32 - 95
• Duration: 60 - 90 minutes

The spa services include herbal therapy facials and body treatments to an extensive range of methods all over the world like skin rolling, Thai stretching, Balinese massage, etc.

The Spa Menu

NOTE: The price is for reference only and is subject to change.

Moreover, while staying on the cruise, you can use many services and activities to entertain, such as reading in the library, practicing in the gym, swimming, squid fishing, seeing the art gallery, etc.

On this cruise, you will enjoy sumptuous meals on board with various European, Asian, and seafood dishes different for each meal.

Usually, breakfast is served at 6:45, 13:30 for lunch, and 19:30 for dinner.

Royal Dinner

The culinary adventure will encourage you to learn more about Vietnam’s culture and traditions. Therefore, Heritage Cruise creates a traditional royal-themed dinner, where you will be served as Vietnamese royalty. 

Let’s listen to a captivating 16-string zither performance from professional artists while enjoying delectable delicacies served by staff dressed in Ao Dai.

Royal Dinner on Heritage Cruise

Other than that, the cruise caters to every request from guests, such as vegetarian meals, and in-room & private meals.

Drink

For beverages, each cabin will have free 02 bottles of mineral water. Other drinks will be charged according to the drink menu on board.

• Alcohol: from US $46/bottle, from US $5/shot.
• Cocktails: from US $7/shot
• Non-alcohol: from $4/shot.

The Drink Menu

NOTE: The drink price is for reference only and is subject to change.

Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise provides a limousine D-car or private car for round trips between Hanoi and Halong to ensure the utmost comfort (book with BestPrice Travel, need an extra fee).

Transport from Hanoi

The cruise offers door-to-door pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter around 8:00 - 8:30, then departing for Tuan Chau International Marina. It will take about 2.5 hours on the highway.

Transport from Tuan Chau Port

For those who transfer to Halong Bay alone, please be at the Heritage waiting lounge - Lot 28B Tuan Chau Marina before 11:00 to embark on time.

Waiting Lounge at Lot 28 Tuan Chau Marina

BestPrice's Overall Rating: 9.5/10

• Inspection date: September 9th & 10th, 2023
• BestPrice Travel Inspector: Mr. Huan Nguyen

Overall, Heritage Binh Chuan shows its outstanding aspect: a boutique vessel with a deluxe design and a unique Vietnamese vibe. If you enjoy the authentic experiences of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island but are no less luxurious, this cruise will be perfect for you.

Facilities & Amenities: 9.6/10

The onboard amenities are still very modern. The ship is clean and has a very prominent traditional style with an emphasis on wood and decorations. My overnight stay on board is not dull at all as there are various areas to chill out.

Pros

• Have a large 4-season pool with an area of 32m2.
• There is an Artful Lobby Lounge and skylight, which is exclusive on this cruise.
• Many spots to entertain, especially the art gallery, boutique shop, and Song Hong Lounge.
• 02 spacious restaurants with classic decorations and big windows overlooking the bay.

Cons

• The gym area is a bit small, it only fits 2 people.
• The library is near the staircase so it can be noisy at times.

Exquisite Le Tonkin Restaurant on 1st deck

Cabin & Suites: 9.4/10

The cabin is furnished with 1st-rate amenities and interiors. My Delta Twin Suite is spacious with a classic Vietnamese style that emphasizes the use of wood. The huge sea view window in front of the bed brings much-needed natural light to the room. 

Pros 

• All cabins are big (the smallest one is 33 m2) with private balconies and ocean-view bathtubs.
• Beautiful design with impressive oriental style and convenient facilities.
• The room has a nice fragrance.

Cons 

• The soundproofing is insufficient, I can hear the outside noise faintly.

Services: 10/10

The staff is also excellent and flexible in all situations. They are always willing to help and accommodate my requests.

Pros 

• The crew is incredibly hospitable, always smiling and welcoming.
• The cruise manager is indeed professional, able to multi-task with many guests' requests without skipping a beat, and in many languages.
• After each meal, the staff will ask your opinion if you are satisfied.

Food & Drink: 9.5/10

The food stays at a good rating, but not excellent in my opinion. However, the unique way of serving is what sets the dining experience apart from other cruises. The staff will wear Ao Dai to serve you and an artist will play a zither performance during the meal.

Pros

• A special royal dinner that can be seen only on this cruise.
• The food is varied from European to Asian dishes and not repetitive.
• Seafood is very fresh, well-cooked, and well-seasoned.

Cons

• The buffet is suitable for the masses but doesn't have a unique point.
• For a cruise focused on Vietnamese heritage, it may add more Vietnamese food.

Enjoy Tasty Meal

Itinerary & Activities: 9.3/10

In general, Heritage Binh Chuan's journey is exciting and brings visitors to the famous spots of Lan Ha Bay. Overall I found the rowing boat to to Dark & Bright Cave the most memorable as the geology of this place is very unique. 

Pros 

• One of the cruises has 4 days and 3 nights to explore the other hidden areas of Cat Ba Island. 
• The itineraries are not too rushed, suitable for tourists who prefer relaxing and families with kids.
• The only cruise has Vovinam class instead of morning Tai Chi.

Cons 

• The area for the cooking class was small so not many people could participate.

Wonderful boat tour to Dark & Bright Cave

Heritage Binh Chuan Reviews on TripAdvisor

• Number of reviews: 326
• Excellent: 301/326 reviews

Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise on TripAdvisor has received positive feedback about the uniqueness of the cruise design, the dinner, the cabins, and the hospitable staff. In contrast, there are still some complaints about the rush schedule for the 2-day tour, and the drinks are not good enough for the high price.

With 98% positive reviews, this cruise is still one of the best choices for a journey to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.

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