Bhaya Cruises is expanding its onboard programming in Ha Long Bay with a new season of wellness, creative and cultural experiences designed to connect travelers more deeply with Vietnam and its traditions.
The late-summer and autumn program brings the second installment of Soul Sanctuary to Bhaya Soul, while The Au Co introduces The Heritage Journey, a new series celebrating Vietnamese art, craftsmanship and cuisine.
Set against Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters and limestone karsts, the two programs offer different approaches to experiential travel. Soul Sanctuary focuses on relaxation, mindfulness and personal wellbeing, while The Heritage Journey introduces guests to Vietnamese folk art and culinary traditions through hands-on workshops.
A New Chapter for Bhaya Soul
The program follows a milestone year for Bhaya Soul, which was selected for TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026.
The 20-cabin vessel was recognized for its wellness-focused approach to cruising in Ha Long Bay. Its accommodations are designed in the style of a boutique hotel, with private terraces and soaking tubs positioned to take advantage of views across the bay.
Rather than treating wellbeing as a single onboard amenity, Bhaya Soul incorporates mindful experiences throughout the journey. The returning Soul Sanctuary series builds on that approach with workshops and guided sessions scheduled from August through November.
Herbal Workshops Inspired by Vietnamese Botanicals
Soul Sanctuary begins in August with Herbal Eye Sachet Workshops aboard Bhaya Soul.
During the sessions, guests create aromatic eye pillows using traditional botanicals. The activity combines Vietnamese herbal knowledge with a practical relaxation ritual, giving participants a handmade keepsake inspired by their time on the water.
The workshops are scheduled for August 6 and 16, with additional September dates expected to be announced.
Beyond the creative element, the sessions reflect the wider philosophy behind Soul Sanctuary: encouraging travelers to slow down and pay closer attention to simple sensory experiences while cruising through Ha Long Bay.
Sound Baths Among Ha Long Bay’s Limestone Karsts
In October, the program shifts toward sound-based relaxation with guided Healing Sound Bath Experiences.
The sessions use handpan and crystal singing bowls to create a meditative soundscape intended to calm the mind and relieve tension. Ha Long Bay’s quiet waters and towering limestone formations provide a particularly atmospheric backdrop for the experience.
The sound baths are scheduled for October 12 and 29.
These sessions are designed to offer a contrast to more active shore excursions, giving guests an opportunity to pause and experience the landscape without a structured sightseeing agenda.
Yoga and Breathwork in November
Soul Sanctuary concludes in November with guided yoga and breathwork sessions on November 11 and 21.
Mindful movement and controlled breathing are used to help participants reconnect with their bodies and settle into the slower rhythm of the voyage. Depending on conditions and scheduling, the surrounding bay may provide a natural setting for early-morning or restorative practice.
The combination of yoga, breathwork, sound and botanical workshops positions Soul Sanctuary as more than a conventional spa program. It reflects the growing interest in travel experiences that incorporate wellness into the destination rather than separating it from the journey.
Travelers interested in extending that style of trip through Vietnam can also explore DRIFT’s coverage of Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, where local healing traditions and cultural activities are incorporated into the guest experience.
The Heritage Journey Debuts Aboard The Au Co
Alongside Soul Sanctuary, Bhaya Cruises is introducing The Heritage Journey aboard The Au Co.
The new program focuses on Vietnamese creativity and cultural traditions through a series of art and culinary workshops. Guests are invited to participate directly, transforming familiar Vietnamese symbols into personalized souvenirs while learning about their origins.
The program begins with Nón Lá Painting workshops on August 5, 15 and 21.
The nón lá, Vietnam’s recognizable conical hat, has long served a practical purpose by providing protection from sun and rain. It has also become an enduring symbol of Vietnamese identity. During the workshop, guests decorate their own hats with floral patterns, landscapes and other designs inspired by the country.
Discovering Vietnamese Folk Art
In September, The Heritage Journey will feature Bamboo Mask Painting workshops.
Handcrafted bamboo masks appear in Vietnamese folk performances and cultural celebrations, often representing colorful characters drawn from traditional stories. The workshops allow guests to paint their own masks while learning about the imagery and storytelling associated with the art form.
Exact September workshop dates will be announced closer to the season.
By presenting these traditions in an interactive format, the program gives travelers a more personal way to engage with Vietnamese culture. The finished masks also provide a meaningful alternative to mass-produced souvenirs.
Learning to Make Bánh Trôi
The cultural program continues in October with Bánh Trôi Making classes.
Bánh trôi are traditional Vietnamese glutinous rice dumplings commonly associated with Tết Hàn Thực, or the Cold Food Festival. Usually filled with sugar and served with sesame seeds, the delicate sweets carry culinary and cultural significance.
During the onboard classes, guests will learn how the dumplings are prepared while discovering the customs and stories surrounding the dish. October dates are expected to be announced as the program approaches.
The activity expands The Heritage Journey beyond decorative art, using food as another way to introduce guests to Vietnamese family life and tradition.
Cruising Ha Long Bay with Greater Purpose
Together, Soul Sanctuary and The Heritage Journey reflect a broader shift in luxury travel. Guests increasingly want experiences that provide a sense of place, whether through wellness traditions, local food, artistic practices or conversations with cultural experts.
“The enthusiastic response to our inaugural Soul Sanctuary series confirmed that today’s travelers are looking for experiences that nurture both wellbeing and meaningful connection,” said Mr. Nam, CEO of Bhaya Cruises.
He added that the new season is designed to celebrate the spirit of Ha Long Bay while giving travelers opportunities to slow down, reconnect and experience Vietnam from a fresh perspective.
Bhaya Cruises has operated in Ha Long Bay since 2007 and now manages a fleet of vessels offering voyages through Ha Long, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays. Its collection ranges from intimate private cruises to larger heritage-inspired vessels and wellness-focused journeys.
The new seasonal programs will be available on selected departures from August through November. Travelers should confirm the latest dates and onboard schedules directly with Bhaya Cruises before booking.
