Heritage Line Ginger
Halong Bay

Sailing among the thousands of karst islands that dot Halong Bay aboard the luxurious ‘Ginger’ is our favourite way to witness this phenomenal landscape. The Heritage’s latest vessel is arguably the most comfortable and sophisticated boat to stay on here and is especially handsome at sunrise and sunset as nature’s golden glow transforms its signature saffron-coloured sails into brilliant rich shade.

Built to resemble a traditional wooden junk, the Ginger features timber-panelled lounges, shimmering silks and Indochina-style furnishings. With just 12 cabins, the boat offers an intimate means of exploring the lesser-known Lan Ha Bay area in style. All of the elegant cabins have been recently refurbished in a delicate Indochinese-Vietnamese design and come with vast windows, which provide striking views over the scenic bay. To enjoy an even better view of the ever-changing landscape, just slide open your suite’s glass door and step onto your own private balcony to soak in the impressive surroundings alfresco. Choose between the Junior Suites with their simple yet effective design, the Signature Suites on the upper deck with their pretty décor, or the huge Regent Suites with their pin-perfect location and intricate detailed furnishings, including gold leaf ceilings and hand-made lacquer panels. While the categories differ in size, all come complete with luxurious marble en-suites, so you are bound to feel spoilt wherever you stay.

As the sun rises, you can join a relaxing Tai Chi class on the deck of this beautiful boat before indulging in a fresh breakfast rustled up by the great chefs aboard. The friendly kitchen staff also offer a Vietnamese cooking workshop, letting you in on their culinary secrets and teaching you the recipes for flavoursome local delicacies. To add to this, Ginger provides excursions during the day: take your pick between exploring islets and caves by kayak, cycling around authentic fishing villages and swimming on carefully-selected beaches. Or simply enjoy the amenities on board, the best of which are arguably the oval swimming pool encircled by sunbeds and parasols, and the tranquil light-filled spa, which successfully combines relaxing treatments with serene vistas visible through the vast floor-to-ceiling windows.

At dusk, we recommend wandering to the boat’s cosy bar to the swap stories with the other guests on plush sofas and enjoying dinner on the deck while the shadowy islets glide past. All in all, a stay on Ginger makes for a memorable and special experience.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson