Excite Cruises 2-day Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Sailing through the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay, just 25 kilometers from the more famous Halong Bay, promises a quieter, more intimate setting. The 2-day Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi tour by Excite Cruises offers just that — a chance to unwind, explore local villages, and enjoy exceptional scenery. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances scenic cruising, cultural visits, and the chance to relax with spa treatments or a good book on deck.

What we really appreciate about this cruise is how it blends the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay with authentic touches like visits to Viet Hai Fishing Village and Dark-Light Cave. These aren’t just tourist spots; they’re windows into local life and geological marvels. The option to participate in activities such as kayaking, fish foot massages, or simply lounging on the sundeck makes it easy to tailor the experience to your mood.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite full on the first day, with a packed itinerary that includes transfers, boat rides, and excursions. If you prefer leisurely, unstructured days or have mobility concerns, it’s worth considering how much activity you want. This cruise suits travelers looking for a good mix of sightseeing, culture, and onboard comfort — especially those who appreciate good value for money.

Key Points

• Authentic cultural visits: Experience Viet Hai Fishing Village and local activities like fish foot massages.
• Beautiful scenery: Stunning views of Lan Ha Bay’s islets, caves, and tranquil waters.
• Varied activities: Kayaking, bamboo boat rides, Tai Chi, cooking classes, and relaxing spa options.
• Comfortable accommodations: A night in a luxury cabin with en-suite bathroom and air conditioning.
• Good value: Includes most meals, sightseeing fees, and onboard activities for $256 per person.
• Group size and logistics: Max 120 travelers with pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and coordinated transfers.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Excite Cruises Experience

How the Tour Starts: Seamless Pickup and Check-In

Your adventure kicks off early morning with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 8:15 and 8:45. This is a real plus — no need to worry about organizing transport or navigating your way to the port. Once onboard the speedboat, you’ll transfer to the cruise ship at Bai Chay, where the full experience begins with a warm welcome and a refreshing drink. This initial transfer set-up ensures guests are comfortably on board without the hassle of separate arrangements.

Day 1: From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

The first highlights are truly immersive. After a brief briefing in the Piano Lounge, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views of the bay’s islets and karsts, which is a wonderful way to start soaking in the scenery.

Next, the excursion to Viet Hai Fishing Village is a standout feature. Here, the focus is on experiencing local life — exploring fish lakes, bee hives, and ancient houses. A real highlight is the opportunity to try a fish foot massage, which many reviews mention as both relaxing and culturally interesting. One guest noted, “It was fascinating to see how the locals live, and the fish foot massage was surprisingly soothing after a morning of travel.” For those not keen on excursions, there’s always the option to enjoy homemade cakes at the lounge or simply relax on the deck with a spa treatment or some quiet time.

Later in the afternoon, the boat anchors in Lan Ha Bay at sunset, a magical time that offers fantastic photo opportunities. The optional cooking class or happy hour with canapes on the deck enhances the relaxed, social vibe. The evening dinner is described as “premium,” with a formal or semi-formal dress code, setting a more refined tone for the night. Guests can unwind with live music, cocktails, or even try squid fishing — activities that add a lively touch to the cruise’s peaceful setting.

Day 2: Exploring Caves and Morning Serenity

The second day begins early with Tai Chi on the sundeck, a peaceful way to start the day while taking in the fresh air. Breakfast follows, featuring baked pastries, coffee, and tea — simple but satisfying.

The key highlight here is the Dark & Light Cave exploration. This frog-jaw-shaped cave, with its sparkling stalactites and serene lake, attracts many reviews. Whether kayaking or sitting in a bamboo boat, you’ll get a chance to explore the interior at your own pace. Many find this the most memorable part of the trip, with one comment noting, “The cave was stunning, and paddling through it felt like stepping into a hidden world.” Afterward, a full breakfast is served to refuel before disembarking.

The Logistics and Comforts

The entire cruise is designed to maximize comfort and convenience. The cabins are described as luxury, with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and daily bottled water. The included transportation and sightseeing fees make this a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and activities. For those interested in extras like massages, kayaking, or beverages, additional costs are clearly outlined, ensuring transparency.

Authentic and Relaxing — The Real Value

The reviews highlight that the scenery is truly beautiful, with views of limestone cliffs, caves, and tranquil waters that evoke a sense of peaceful wonder. Guests also appreciated the good value — the trip includes most meals, activities, and entrance fees, which makes the $256 price seem reasonable for what’s offered. The food, especially the lunches and dinners, receives praise for being delicious and well-prepared, often described as “more than just average cruise fare” with some guests mentioning the tapas-style canapes as a highlight.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise suits travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, natural beauty, and onboard comfort. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who want a laid-back yet activity-packed getaway. If your idea of a perfect escape involves scenic views, authentic local experiences, and a touch of luxury, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The Excite Cruises 2-day Explore Halong and Lan Ha Bay offers a well-balanced, value-packed experience that’s ideal for those wanting to see the bay’s quieter side. The combination of scenic cruising, cultural visits, and optional activities ensures there’s something for all, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or both.

The trip’s strength lies in its authentic stops like Viet Hai Village and Dark-Light Cave, along with the comfort of a well-appointed cabin and thoughtful amenities. Although the schedule can be somewhat full, it’s designed to maximize your experience without feeling rushed. Plus, the inclusive nature of most meals and fees makes planning straightforward and stress-free.

For travelers seeking an authentic, scenic, and comfortable escape from Hanoi, this cruise delivers on all fronts — with the added bonus of good value and a friendly, professional crew to guide you along the way.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $256 fee covers most meals (dinner, breakfast, lunch), entrance and sightseeing fees, onboard insurance, tax, service charges, bamboo boat rides, Tai Chi sessions, cooking demonstrations, canapes, bottled water, and one night in a luxury cabin.

Is pickup from Hanoi included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 8:15 and 8:45 am, making logistics simple.

Can I participate in kayaking or spa treatments?
Yes, kayaking is available from $20, and spa treatments start from $10. These are additional costs, so you can choose to indulge or skip as you prefer.

What are the accommodation details?
Guests stay in a luxury cabin or suite with an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. All cabins come with two bottles of water daily.

What activities are offered on board?
Activities include cooking classes, happy hour, squid fishing, Tai Chi, and relaxing on the deck. Optional excursions include visits to fishing villages, caves, and local bamboo boat rides.

What is the itinerary like on day two?
The morning starts with Tai Chi, followed by a visit to Dark & Light Cave, where kayaking or bamboo boat rides are popular. Breakfast is served after the exploration before disembarking.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues or a preference for a slower pace might find the full schedule a bit busy.

What should I wear or bring?
Casual, comfortable clothing is best. Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and perhaps a raincoat, depending on the weather.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?
The provided info doesn’t specify Wi-Fi availability, so it’s best to assume limited or no internet during the cruise.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this cruise strikes a compelling balance of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and onboard comfort. It’s particularly well-suited for travelers who want a meaningful experience of Lan Ha Bay without the crowds of Halong. Expect good food, authentic stops, and plenty of opportunities to relax or explore at your own pace — making for a memorable, value-for-money getaway from Hanoi.