17 October 2008

Trails of Indochina expands Vietnam cruise portfolio

Trails of Indochina has announced plans to broaden its Halong Bay cruise operation in May 2009 expanding its existing fleet of traditionally built luxury junks with the launch of its third vessel, the Halong Violet.

Currently under construction in North Vietnam, once sea ready the 58-metre Halong Violet will join her sister vessels Halong Ginger and Halong Jasmin in operating upmarket cruise programs on the UNESCO World Heritage listed Halong Bay.

Her features include six luxury 42 square metre staterooms, an elegant restaurant, lounge and bar, a small library, gym and a massage room.

Following her official launch in May, Halong Violet will operate exclusively in the Halong bay area offering a series of one and two day cruises as well as catering to the regionÃ¢â¬â¢s growing charter market.

Alike the cruise programs designed for her sister ships, Halong VioletÃ¢â¬â¢s passengers will have the opportunity to participate in traditional temple ceremonies as well as trekking, cycling and exploring the regionÃ¢â¬â¢s famous Cat Ba Island and its national park.

Visits to floating villages and local schools by kayak and briefings the Vietnamese GovernmentÃ¢â¬â¢s Department of Conservation on the countryÃ¢â¬â¢s plans to turn Ha Long Bay into a Ã¢â¬Ëœliving museumÃ¢â¬â¢ are also expected to form part of the overall program.

Halong Violet and her sister vessels are operated by Trails of IndochinaÃ¢â¬â¢s Halong City-based associates Cruise Halong.

For more information, please contact Trails of IndochinaÃ¢â¬â¢s Australia/New Zealand Sales Office via email at oz@trailsofindochina.com.

A Report by The Mole