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

Travelers looking for a serene escape from Hanoi often turn their gaze toward Vietnam’s iconic bay area. Our review of Two Day Excite Cruises to Halong and Lan Ha Bay offers an in-depth look at what this experience truly entails, based on detailed itineraries, guest feedback, and expert insights. Whether you’re after stunning landscapes, cultural excursions, or just a peaceful retreat on the water, this cruise might be just what you need — with some things to keep in mind along the way.

What we love most about this trip is how it combines authentic local experiences with the comfort of a well-equipped, spacious boat. First, the visit to Viet Hai Fishing Village promises a glimpse into traditional life that few other tours provide, along with opportunities for fish foot massages and visits to bee hives. Second, the Dark-Light Cave exploration offers both breathtaking geological formations and options for kayaking and bamboo boat rides—perfect for those wanting a bit of adventure. Third, the culinary offerings are noteworthy — plentiful, good quality, and served with spectacular views, making the dining experience a highlight.

The main drawback? The tour’s cancellation policy is strict; it’s non-refundable and requires good weather to run smoothly. This means if you’re traveling during a rainy season or unpredictable weather, you might need a backup plan. However, for travelers who love order and certainty, this is a fair tradeoff for a well-organized itinerary.

This cruise is best suited for those who cherish authentic cultural moments, scenic beauty, and a touch of luxury on the water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a balance of relaxation, adventure, and local flavor within a manageable two-day package.

Key Points

• Authentic experiences: Excite Cruises offers visits to traditional villages and local activities like fish foot massages.
• Comfortable accommodations: Spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and private verandas enhance the stay.
• Delicious, plentiful food: Buffet meals, including seafood and local dishes, are well-reviewed for taste and presentation.
• Balanced activities: Excursions include cultural visits, cave exploration, kayaking, and relaxing on deck.
• Good value: The price of around $217.60 per person covers most activities, meals, and transport, ensuring no hidden costs.
• Strict cancellation policy: Weather-dependent operation means flexibility might be limited if conditions turn poor.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

How the Day Begins: Early Pickup and First Impressions

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 8:30 am, which is quite convenient for travelers staying nearby. The transportation includes a speedboat transfer to Bai Chay, which adds a sense of adventure right from the start. Expect a comfortable ride with scenic views along the way, setting the tone for the scenic journey ahead.

Check-in at Boss Cruise and Initial Welcome

Once at Bai Chay, you’ll check in at the Boss Cruise dock, located at 35 Bai Chay, Halong. From there, a short briefing takes place in either the Piano Lounge or the restaurant, accompanied by a welcome drink. This moment helps set expectations and gives a sneak peek of what’s to come.

Navigating Lan Ha Bay: Lunch with a View

By 12:00 pm, guests enjoy a delicious lunch onboard, with panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay’s islands and islets. The buffet approach means you get to sample a variety of dishes—likely including fresh seafood—while soaking in the stunning scenery. Many reviews mention the quality of the food, noting that it’s quite good and satisfying after the morning’s travel.

The Excursion to Viet Hai Fishing Village

In the afternoon, at around 3:00 pm, the first major activity begins. The Viet Hai Fishing Village offers a glimpse into traditional life. Visitors can explore ancient homes, fish lakes, and bee hives, or indulge in a fish foot massage—something that many found surprisingly relaxing and authentic. One reviewer called it “a primitive and tranquil location with precious traditional cultural values,” which captures the essence perfectly. If you’re not keen on the excursions, you can stay onboard and enjoy homemade cakes in the Piano Lounge or relax on the deck, enjoying the magnificent views of Lan Ha Bay.

Evening and Nighttime on Board

By about 5:30 pm, the boat anchors for the night. The evening features options like a cooking class, happy hour, or simply unwinding with canapés and drinks. Dinner, served around 7 pm, is formal or semi-formal, with many guests mentioning the hearty and tasty buffet. Afterward, an array of leisure activities await—live music, squid fishing, spa treatments, or movies—making the evening both lively and relaxing.

Morning Tai Chi and Cave Exploration

Rising early, around 6 am, guests can participate in a Tai Chi session on the deck, a peaceful way to start the day. Following this, a light breakfast provides the energy for exploring the Dark-Light Cave, which is characterized by sparkling stalactites and a frog-jaw shape. The cave’s interior offers options for kayaking or bamboo boat rides, with one guest noting that sitting on the bamboo boat and exploring the cave’s interior was a highlight. The scenic lake beyond the cave is peaceful, surrounded by limestone cliffs—perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Second Day Activities and Disembarkation

After breakfast, the cruise continues with more scenic cruising until approximately 9:45 am when guests prepare to check out. The transfer back to Halong International Cruise Port is quick, and the tour concludes around 3:30 pm in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At roughly $217.60 per person, this cruise covers all major activities, meals, transportation, and even some extras like bamboo boat rides and Tai Chi. Many reviews highlight the quality of the accommodations—large cabins with private bathrooms and verandas—that make the experience feel luxurious. The inclusion of meals and excursions means travelers don’t have to worry about hidden costs, making the overall package both convenient and cost-effective.

Food and Drinks

The buffet meals are consistently praised for their deliciousness and variety. Onboard dining offers a chance to indulge in seafood and local dishes while enjoying spectacular views. The tour also provides two bottles of water in each cabin daily, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Cabin Comfort and Amenities

Guests generally find the cabins spacious and well-equipped, with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning, which is crucial in a tropical climate. The private verandas allow for quiet moments and excellent photo opportunities—something many guests appreciated, especially during sunset.

Excursions and Activities

Guests love the variety of optional activities, from cultural visits to kayaking and spa treatments. The excursions are designed to give an authentic taste of local life—visiting fish lakes, bee hives, and historic homes—rather than just sightseeing. According to one review, the dark-light cave exploration was especially memorable for its stunning stalactites and peaceful lake.

Limitations and Considerations

The cancellation policy is strict—non-refundable and weather-dependent. This means if the weather turns poor, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled, and refunds aren’t always guaranteed. Also, the group size can be up to 120 travelers, which might feel crowded for some, though many found the activities well-paced.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for adventurers and culture-seekers who want an immersive experience without sacrificing comfort. It’s perfect if you’re after beautiful scenery, authentic local encounters, and good food. However, travelers expecting a completely secluded, luxury-only experience might find the group size and schedule a bit busy.

If you’re traveling with limited time, enjoy a mix of relaxation and cultural exploration, and appreciate well-organized tours, this option offers a compelling value.

FAQs

What is included in the price?
The price includes meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast), sightseeing fees, onboard insurance, tax, service charges, bamboo boat rides, Tai Chi sessions, cooking class demonstrations, canapes, and two bottles of water daily. Accommodations are in a luxury cabin with an en-suite bathroom and air conditioning, and transportation is covered for pickup and transfers.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves some physical activity like kayaking and walking through caves, so those with mobility concerns should consider this.

Can I participate in activities I don’t like?
Yes. If you prefer not to join excursions like fish lake visits or cave exploration, you can relax onboard, enjoy the scenery, or indulge in spa treatments.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothes for daytime excursions, swimwear if you want to swim or use the spa, a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and a camera. Light layers are good for early mornings and evenings.

Are meals suitable for vegetarians or special diets?
The tour offers buffet meals, which usually accommodate various dietary preferences, but it’s best to specify any dietary needs in advance.

What is the check-in and check-out process?
Check-in occurs upon arrival at the cruise by 12:30 pm, with the cruise anchoring for the night. Disembarkation is after breakfast on the second day, around 10:15 am, with return transfers to Hanoi.

Can I upgrade my cabin?
The review mentions luxury cabins with private verandas, but no details on upgrades. It’s worth checking with the provider if higher-tier cabins are available.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather to operate. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
The provided information doesn’t specify Wi-Fi availability, so it’s likely limited or unavailable, emphasizing the disconnect from modern life.

How large is the group?
Up to 120 travelers, which can make for a lively atmosphere but might be crowded during meals or certain activities.

Final Words

Choosing a cruise like this offers a wonderful combination of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and comfort. The included excursions give you a taste of local life—fishing villages, historic homes, and caves—while the onboard amenities ensure you’re well cared for during your journey. The excellent food and spacious cabins elevate the experience, making it feel like a true getaway.

This tour suits travelers who value authenticity and relaxation without sacrificing convenience. Be mindful of the weather and cancellation policies, but if luck is on your side, this cruise will give you some unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s stunning bay area.

In the end, this cruise provides a balanced, well-reviewed experience with plenty of scenic, cultural, and culinary highlights. For those seeking an immersive yet comfortable adventure on the water, it’s a solid choice.