Grand Pioneers 2 ventures out to discover untouched parts of Hạ Long Bay in a Heritage Journey. Photos of Việt Thuận Group

QUẢNG NINH -- Hạ Long is known all over the world for its timeless karst landscape, towering limestone pillars and spectacular caves and grottoes. It is also famous for its magnificent scenery, beautiful beaches and white sandy shores.

A newly launched superyacht, Grand Pioneers 2, and its Hạ Long Heritage Journey will bring tourists to the farthest corners of the UNESCO heritage site, where no other cruises go and where visitors can discover the bay's untouched natural beauty from a different perspective.

At 109.9m long, the six-deck Grand Pioneers 2, designed and made in Việt Nam, is the largest yacht in the bay. It provides 55 luxury cabins that can accommodate 160 overnight passengers, 320 sightseeing guests and a crew of 90.

Built at a cost of US$20 million, the superyacht is a true floating paradise that includes a four-season swimming pool, a cinema, a golf simulator, a spa, kids' club, two restaurants and a shopping centre, among other amenities.

Grand Pioneers (formerly Essence Grand) is a leader in eco-friendly luxury cruising in Việt Nam, seamlessly combining opulence with sustainability. The cruise utilises advanced technology, such as the Chiller air conditioning system, and uses eco-friendly paint to minimise environmental impacts. It also features rigorous safety measures, including water filtration systems and state-of-the-art fire protection.

Visitors enjoy a beautiful sunset while relaxing on Grand Pioneers 2.

Despite its lavish amenities, the cruise is designed to minimise energy consumption and emissions.

Grand Pioneers 2 will undertake a three-day voyage that brings tourists to Hạ Long Bay and neighbouring Bái Tử Long Bay, visiting places that no cruise has ever reached.

"The executive and unique tour is a high-end tourism product, honouring the unique global value of the heritage - the world's natural wonder of Hạ Long Bay in connection with Bái Tử Long Bay," said Director of Quảng Ninh Province's Department of Tourism Nguyễn Huyền Anh.

"The launching of this specialised, classy, ​​high-quality tourism product is a landmark event in Quảng Ninh. The tour's itinerary is in line with the province's orientation approved by the Prime Minister to develop Hạ Long - Bái Tử Long - Cô Tô - Vân Đồn for high-end tourism and sustainability."

A stunning view of Hạ Long Bay, one of the world's natural wonders. VNA/VNS Photo

As one of the 62 new tourism products of Quảng Ninh in 2024, Grand Pioneers 2 will take visitors through four heritage areas to discover the bay's aesthetic, geological, historical and cultural value.

Grand Pioneers 2 welcomes visitors at the Tuần Châu Port and takes them through all the tourist attractions at the UNESCO heritage, site such as Ti tốp and Đầu Gỗ islands as well as Sửng Sốt, Trống and Trinh Nữ caves.

It also leaves time for passengers to visit Đá Xếp Park, an outdoor geological museum, five ancient floating villages and Xương Rồng Island, where they can see a symbol marking the boundary of the World Natural Heritage site.

Tourists enjoy kayaking at Luồn Cave. Photo halongcity.gov.vn

From there, the cruise continues to Bái Tử Long National Park and ASEAN Heritage Garden, one of the richest and most diverse ecological areas of Việt Nam and Southeast Asia.

According to Lương Thế Tuyên, Deputy Director of Việt Thuận Group and operator of the Hạ Long Heritage Journey, the idea for this special cruise came from tourists' input and the desire to exploit the heritage site's full tourism potential.

"On peak days, there are about 200 cruise ships operating overnight on Hạ Long Bay. But we have only exploited one fourth of the heritage area, which is about ​​1,553sq.km and has nearly 2,000 large and small islands. The remaining three fourths is left undiscovered," said Tuyên.

Sửng Sốt Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Hạ Long, discovered by a group of French explorers in 1901. Photo halongcity.gov.vn

"Most cruises focus on the bay's core area. If visitors are here for the first time, they will really enjoy the beautiful scenery. But for those who come to Hạ Long for the second or third time and up, we don't have many experiences for them.

"Our heritage journey is the longest, furthest and most complete one. With three days and two nights, it is 10 times longer than a normal tour. For the first time visitors will pass through all the most beautiful areas and unknown corners in the bay before travelling to Bái Tử Long National Park and the waters of Vân Đồn Island.

Thiên Nga Islet in Bái Tử Long National Park, a little-known place compared to Hạ Long Bay. VNA/VNS Photo

"The national park and the ending point of Hạ Long Bay are two places that have never been visited by any cruise in the past.

"Our tour will give visitors the most complete experience of the bay, while they can feel at one with nature during our journey," he said.

Tuyên also added that the Hạ Long Heritage Journey was only the first part of Việt Thuận's plans for a voyage that would travel across Việt Nam in the near future. VNS