Two Day Excite Cruises to Halong and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

A Balanced Look at the Two Day Excite Cruises to Halong and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Traveling through Vietnam’s iconic waters is a must-do for many visitors, and the Two Day Excite Cruises offers an intriguing way to experience the lesser-visited Lan Ha Bay while still enjoying the grandeur of Halong Bay. Instead of the busy tourist crowds that often overshadow Halong, this cruise takes you to a quieter, more peaceful part of the bay, with scenic landscapes, cultural stops, and relaxing activities.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the opportunity to explore Viet Hai Fishing Village, a place that retains its traditional charm, and the chance to paddle through Dark & Light Cave in a kayak or bamboo boat. The fact that you can unwind with a massage on deck or in your cabin while soaking up views adds a touch of luxury to the adventure.

However, one thing to consider is the relatively structured itinerary—if you prefer a completely spontaneous or free-form trip, this might feel a bit guided. And while the overall price of around $217.60 per person offers good value, it’s worth noting that extras like massages, kayaking, and beverages are not included and can add up.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love scenic cruising, cultural exploration, and comfortable amenities, especially those wanting a more tranquil, authentic feel rather than the busier Halong Bay crowds.

Key Points

• Scenic and peaceful: The itinerary focuses on Lan Ha Bay, which is quieter and less commercialized than nearby Halong Bay.
• Diverse activities: From fishing villages and caves to kayaking and fish foot massages, there’s a good mix of cultural and leisure activities.
• Comfort and luxury: The cruise features spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and options for onboard massages.
• Value for money: With meals, sightseeing, and transportation included, the tour offers solid value—though extras add to the cost.
• Authentic experiences: Visiting Viet Hai Village and Dark & Light Cave offers genuine insights into local life and natural beauty.
• Group size: The tour can host up to 120 travelers, which balances social interaction and space for privacy.

Discovering Lan Ha Bay on a Two-Day Cruise

Our exploration of the Two Day Excite Cruises reveals a well-crafted balance of comfort, scenic beauty, and culture. Starting early from Hanoi, you’ll be picked up around 8:30 am, giving you a chance to relax and settle in before heading to Bai Chay to board the cruise. This early start is typical for such tours and helps maximize your time on the water.

The Journey Begins: From Hanoi to Halong Bay

The transfer from Hanoi to Bai Chay is smooth, taking roughly an hour and 15 minutes by coach, with pickup arranged from the Old Quarter. Once at Bai Chay, you’ll check into the Boss Cruise at 35 Bai Chay, where the crew greets you with a welcome drink and a short briefing.

The first highlight is the speedboat transfer to the cruise, which adds a bit of excitement and helps you quickly get onto the water. This approach cuts down on the long transfers often associated with other tours and gets you onto the bay sooner.

Day 1: Exploring Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Fishing Village

By noon, you’ll be enjoying a delicious onboard lunch while taking in the majestic views of the bay’s islets and limestone formations. This meal, likely buffet-style, is highlighted as quite good with a variety of local dishes.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting Viet Hai Fishing Village, a traditional settlement that offers insight into local life. The village is described as primitive and tranquil, with visits to fish lakes, bee houses, and ancient homes. The tour also offers a fish foot massage—an authentic treat that many reviewers found delightful. One traveler noted that the village retains its “precious traditional cultural values,” making it a meaningful stop.

For those not interested in the village excursion, the cruise provides home-made cakes in the Piano Lounge. Alternatively, guests can relax on the sundeck or indulge in a spa treatment—both options promising a restful experience amid stunning scenery.

As sunset approaches, the boat anchors for the night. You might enjoy a cooking class or happy hour with canapes, fostering a social atmosphere onboard. Dinner is described as a “premium” affair, with a formal or semi-formal dress code—an unexpected touch of elegance in a nature-focused setting.

Post-dinner entertainment varies from live music at the Piano Lounge to squid fishing or catching a movie in your cabin, creating a cozy, relaxed vibe that many reviews appreciate.

Day 2: The Caves and More Scenic Cruising

The next morning begins with a gentle Tai Chi session on the deck—a calming way to start the day, weather permitting. After a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries, you’ll set out to explore Dark & Light Cave, shaped like a frog’s jaw with sparkling stalactites. Here, kayaking or bamboo boat rides offer a chance to get intimately close to the limestone cliffs and shimmering lake inside the cave.

Following the cave visit, a hearty breakfast awaits, setting you up for the rest of the day. Before disembarking, you’ll check out and settle your bill, with most of the tour’s activities and amenities included in the price.

The transfer back to Halong International Cruise Port is quick, and the tour concludes with drop-off in Hanoi by late afternoon.

Analyzing the Experience: What’s in It for You?

This cruise experience balances scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and comfort. The focus on Lan Ha Bay means you’ll avoid the crowds and noise common in Halong, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility. The stops at Viet Hai Village and Dark & Light Cave enrich the trip, giving you real insights into local life and natural formations.

The meals—noted as quite good in reviews—are buffet-style, offering a variety of Vietnamese dishes. The inclusion of two main meals and snacks, along with water bottles, keeps you refreshed, though extras like beverages and alcohol are additional.

The cabins, described as spacious with private bathrooms and air conditioning, are a significant plus—perfect for unwinding after busy days of exploration. The onboard activities, such as fish foot massages, cooking classes, and live music, add a layer of relaxation and fun, especially if you’re traveling with friends or a partner.

While the tour is quite structured—covering key sights, meals, and activities—this ensures you get a comprehensive experience without feeling rushed. The group size of up to 120 travelers strikes a balance between social interaction and space, but keep in mind that during peak seasons, it might feel busier.

The Value Proposition

At $217.60 per person, this tour offers a lot for the price—two days of guided activities, meals, transportation, and accommodation. The inclusion of sightseeing fees and onboard insurance simplifies planning, but extras like massages, kayaking, and drinks can add up. From reviews, the overall impression is positive, especially regarding gorgeous landscapes and good food, though one reviewer mentioned the scenery appeared a little grayish due to cloudy weather—but that’s part of natural variability.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a relaxing escape with scenic views, cultural stops, and a touch of luxury, this cruise is a good fit. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers curious about local life beyond the busy tourist spots. Those wanting to avoid the crowds and enjoy the natural quiet of Lan Ha Bay will find this especially appealing.

The Sum Up

This two-day cruise offers a well-rounded experience combining scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and comfortable amenities. Its focus on Lan Ha Bay means fewer crowds, quieter landscapes, and a chance to truly unwind. The itinerary’s mix of kayaking, village visits, and cave exploration provides a good balance of activity and relaxation, suitable for travelers who enjoy varied interests.

The included meals and spacious cabins make the trip convenient and comfortable, while the optional activities like massages and cooking classes add special touches of local charm. The balance of guided excursions and free time allows for a personalized experience, with enough structure to ensure you see the highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

This cruise offers a solid value for those seeking tranquility and authentic scenery, especially for travelers who prioritize natural beauty over bustling tourist hubs. Just keep in mind that extras like drinks and activities beyond the included ones will require additional spending, so plan accordingly.

FAQs

Is pickup from Hanoi included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup from the Old Quarter Hanoi around 8:30 am, making it easy to start your adventure without extra logistics.

How long is the cruise each day?
Day 1 features around 6 hours on the water with activities, meals, and village visits. Day 2 includes about 4 hours of exploring caves and scenery before disembarking.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes two main meals—lunch and breakfast—as well as snacks and canapes. Drinks and beverages are extra.

Can I participate in activities like kayaking?
Yes, kayaking is available from around $20, and bamboo boat rides are included as part of the sightseeing. However, these are optional add-ons.

What accommodation is provided?
Guests stay in a spacious, luxury cabin with an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning, designed for comfort after active days.

Is this tour suitable for families or solo travelers?
While most travelers will find it suitable, the tour’s group size and structured schedule cater best to adults or older children interested in scenery, culture, and relaxation.

This cruise stands as a wonderful choice for anyone looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay with a touch of authentic Vietnamese culture, all while traveling comfortably. Whether you’re celebrating a romantic getaway or simply craving a peaceful retreat, you’ll find plenty to love here.