Explore Azela Cruise Ha Long Bay Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night from Hanoi

Exploring the Azela Cruise Experience in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay

Travelers looking to escape the crowds and experience Vietnam’s stunning waters will find the Azela Cruise tour a compelling option. This 2-day, 1-night journey from Hanoi offers a balanced blend of scenic beauty, authentic activities, and comfortable amenities. Unlike the crowded routes filled with hundreds of boats, Azela Cruise promises a quieter, more intimate exploration of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, making it an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and authentic encounters.

What we love about this experience is the focus on meaningful activities like kayaking through caves, swimming in quiet beaches, and enjoying local food prepared onboard. The guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enhancing the overall trip. However, keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of physical activity, so it suits travelers with moderate fitness levels. If you’re after a peaceful, immersive cruise with opportunities for adventure and cultural insights, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: A quieter route away from overcrowded boat traffic, focusing on Lan Ha Bay’s natural beauty.
• Activities Galore: Kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and cave exploration provide plenty of engaging experiences.
• Excellent Guides: Well-reviewed guides like Danh offer friendly, helpful service, making the trip smoother and more enjoyable.
• Quality Food: Delicious seafood and Vietnamese dishes served onboard, with options for vegetarian or vegan diets.
• Comfort and Convenience: All transport, meals, and activities are included, simplifying planning.
• Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 15 travelers) ensure a more personalized experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Day 1: From Hanoi to the Tranquil Waters of Lan Ha Bay

The journey begins early, with pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 AM from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel. The bus ride offers a scenic introduction to northern Vietnam, passing through the peaceful rice fields of the Red River Delta. This short break en route helps stretch your legs and soak in rural life before reaching the harbor around noon.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted warmly by the Azela Cruise crew, who will help you settle into your cabin and provide a refreshing welcome drink. The boat itself is described as more elegant than expected, with a clean, cozy setup that feels both luxurious and inviting. Once onboard, a hearty lunch featuring fresh seafood (with vegetarian and vegan options available) sets the tone for the voyage.

The cruise departs the typical crowded routes, offering stunning views of Cap Bai Island and Ngon Tay Island (Finger Islet)—these are just a couple of the unique islets you’ll see, far from the usual tourist bottlenecks.

Kayaking, Swimming, and Cave Exploration

In the afternoon, the real adventure begins. You’ll have the chance to kayak through narrow lanes of Kart mountains, paddling into caves like Dark Cave and Bright Cave—hang Sang and Toi caves, which have even been used as filming locations, including for King Kong. Reviewers highlight how special this activity is; one mentioned that the caves are “amazing,” and another loved rowing “through the narrow lanes of the Kart mountains.”

Swimming and snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay are also highlights, especially at quiet beaches where the water feels calm and inviting. Expect to see vibrant corals and schools of fish, providing a refreshing break from the boat. Many travelers loved this part; one reviewer called snorkeling “the highlight of the day.”

Later, the boat hosts a sunset party, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or fresh fruit while soaking in panoramic views of the setting sun behind mountain peaks—a moment that critics say is truly breathtaking.

Day 2: Culture, Cooking, and Return to Hanoi

After a restful night onboard, you’ll wake up to breakfast served on deck, with tea and coffee to start your day. The first activity is a visit to a Pearlfarm village, where you can see local fishmen produce pearls—an authentic glimpse into coastal life.

Next, you’ll have the chance to try fishing with traditional nets, a fun and sometimes humorous activity, according to reviews. One reviewer specifically appreciated the guide’s willingness to assist and make sure everyone had a good experience.

The highlight of the morning is a Vietnamese cooking class on board. Our guide demonstrates how to prepare classic dishes, which you can then enjoy for lunch. This hands-on experience adds a personal touch to the trip, allowing you to bring a piece of Vietnam home through your cooking skills.

By around 12:30 PM, it’s time to say goodbye to the boat and head back to Hanoi, arriving around 4:30 PM. The entire trip, including transport, meals, activities, and guides, is designed for convenience and value—covering everything you need for a memorable voyage.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At a price of approximately $193.85 per person, this tour packs in a lot. Meals, activities, and transport are included, which means you won’t be surprised by hidden costs. Compared to the usual crowded Ha Long Bay tours, Azela’s focus on quieter routes and personalized service justifies the slightly higher price point.

Guests consistently mention the quality of the food—fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes—and the attentive guides like Danh, who go above and beyond to ensure everyone is comfortable and informed. With small group sizes (max 15), you get a more intimate experience, perfect for those who prefer avoiding large crowds.

The itinerary balances adventure with relaxation. Kayaking and snorkeling cater to active travelers, while the peaceful moments on deck, watching sunsets or enjoying local cuisines, appeal to those seeking a slower pace. The included cooking class and pearl farm visit add cultural depth, making this more than just a cruise.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Physical fitness: The tour recommends a moderate fitness level, as activities like kayaking and cave exploration involve some physical effort.
• Dietary preferences: Vegetarian or vegan options are available upon request, so communicate your needs when booking.
• Group size: Small groups ensure more personal service but book early to secure your spot.
• Best travel age: While suitable for most, it’s ideal for travelers comfortable with moderate physical activities.
• Weather: As most activities are outdoors, check the weather forecast and pack appropriate gear, especially for sun protection and water activities.
• Timing: The tour operates from Hanoi, with pickup between 8:00-8:30 AM and return around 4:30 PM the following day, so plan your logistics accordingly.
• Value for money: You’re paying for a well-rounded experience that includes guided activities, meals, and comfortable accommodations, making it worth considering for those who want more than just a boat ride.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially mentioning Danh, who made the experience seamless and enjoyable. The prominence of kayaking and cave exploring resonates with travelers who love hands-on, adventurous activities. One reviewer expressed that their guide was “available at any time and went above to help,” which speaks volumes about the level of service.

The quality of food also gets high praise, with guests mentioning “delicious” meals and an impressive wine selection during the sunset party. The peaceful, less crowded route was a major positive highlight—many felt this was a more authentic way to experience the bay without the hustle of large tour groups.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-day Azela Cruise experience is perfect for travelers who crave a quieter, more personalized adventure in Vietnam’s famed waters. If you enjoy physical activities like kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing, you’ll appreciate the opportunities to engage directly with nature and local culture.

It’s also an excellent choice for those who value good food, attentive guides, and small-group intimacy. Nature lovers and adventure seekers who dislike the chaos of crowded tours will find this route offers a peaceful escape without sacrificing comfort or entertainment.

However, if your travel style leans toward luxury with minimal effort or you prefer a more relaxed, less active itinerary, this might require some consideration. The physical activities, while manageable for most, are a part of the experience and contribute to its authentic charm.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a worthwhile addition to your Vietnam itinerary.

FAQ

Is transportation included from Hanoi?
Yes, the tour includes bus transport from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel to the harbor and back, making it convenient and straightforward.

What are the meal options?
Meals are provided on board, including two lunches, one dinner, and a breakfast. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested in advance.

Can I participate in kayaking and snorkeling?
Absolutely. These activities are explicitly part of the itinerary, and you will have access to kayaks and snorkeling equipment during the trip.

What should I bring?
Pack water-friendly gear, sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable clothes. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for activities like kayaking and cave exploration.

How many people are on the tour?
The tour caps at around 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is there free time or optional activities?
Most activities are scheduled, but there’s ample time during the sunset and beach stops for relaxation or quick swimming.

What’s the quality of the guides?
Guides like Danh receive high praise for their friendliness, availability, and knowledge, significantly enhancing the trip.

Are the cabins comfortable?
Guests describe the rooms as clean and more upscale than expected, contributing to a cozy overnight experience.

Can I customize dietary preferences?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available, but it’s best to specify this when booking for smooth arrangements.

This Azela Cruise tour offers an excellent way to experience Vietnam’s stunning waters with a peaceful, activity-rich approach. Perfect for adventure lovers and those seeking a more authentic, less crowded journey.