Picture this: the moon glinting off calm waters, the scent of sizzling seafood in the air, and the haunting silhouettes of limestone cliffs rising all around you.
That’s the setting for Dining Under the Stars, a new experience from boutique operator Ambassador Cruises.
On their overnight voyages through Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Halong and Lan Ha Bays, guests can now enjoy a truly unforgettable evening — fine dining served al fresco, with the natural beauty of the bays putting on a show of their own.
Executive chef Nguyen Gia Thien developed two exquisite five-course menus for “Dining Under the Stars,” both served on the ships’ 360-degree sundecks under a canopy of twinkling lights.
The softly illuminated setting, paired with a view of limestone karsts silhouetted against the night sky, creates an undeniably romantic atmosphere.
Diners can opt for either an international menu or a Vietnamese menu, each showcasing fresh and premium ingredients.
Among the international “Heritage By Night” offerings are roasted sea bass fillet with chorizo butter and zucchini emulsion, pan-seared beef medallion served with crispy potato and meat jus, and caramelized duck breast flambé with gnocchi and orange jus.
For a more local twist, the “Four Seasons” Vietnamese menu tempts guests with specialties including deep-fried Halong squid cake with young sticky rice, marinated beef and pomelo salad, and stir-fried scallop with organic mushroom.
No evening is complete without stellar entertainment, and the live international band delivers classic hits in English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indian, and Filipino six nights a week.
As Nguyen Cao Son, chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation owns and operates Ambassador Cruise, explains: “Our ‘Dining Under the Stars’ concept builds upon the magic of Halong and Lan Ha bays by creating a one-of-a-kind sensory experience under a canopy of stars.
Ambassador Cruise is a pioneer, bringing compelling new experiences to Halong Bay that encourage travellers to return again and again.”
Chef Thien’s recent sojourn in France provided the inspiration behind these menus. “My training in France was transformative in that I could honour my cultural heritage and embrace international gastronomic excellence,” he said, emphasising how the fusion of Western techniques and Vietnamese tradition informs each dish.
“Dining Under the Stars” is available for booking on all overnight journeys operated by Ambassador Cruise in Halong and Lan Ha bays.
During the warmer months, it will also be offered on select dinner cruises for an additional charge. Since launching its first vessel in 2021, Ambassador Cruise has built a reputation for luxury on Halong Bay, featuring vessels such as Ambassador I, Ambassador II, Ambassador Signature, and Lavoya Boutique Day Cruise.
Options range from overnight cruises to day trips and dinner sailings, each designed to showcase the stunning seascape and unique cultural elements of this storied corner of Vietnam.
