Sena Cruises 3D2N – Viet Hai Village (Deluxe Balcony room)

Planning a trip to Vietnam and seeking an authentic, immersive experience beyond the overcrowded Halong Bay? The Sena Cruises 3D2N journey offers a well-rounded adventure with a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural discovery. This review covers all the essential details to help you decide if this trip is a good fit for you.

What immediately draws us in about this cruise are its focus on lesser-visited areas like Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village, the opportunity for kayaking and biking, and the chance to enjoy a luxurious, yet authentic, boat experience. We also love that the itinerary includes a local fishing house visit, outdoor activities like snorkeling and swimming, and a sunset party—making it feel truly dynamic.

That said, a potential consideration might be the duration—it’s a full 3 days packed with activities, which could be a bit intense for travelers seeking a more relaxed, leisurely trip. Also, since the tour is popular and books about 60 days in advance, securing your spot may require some planning.

This experience seems perfect for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural insights, and scenic vistas, especially if they’re looking to avoid the crowds of Halong Bay’s more commercialized tours.

Key Points

• Unique Itinerary: Combines both Lan Ha Bay and the less-visited Viet Hai Village
• Outdoor Activities: Kayaking, biking, snorkeling, and swimming included
• Authentic Encounters: Visit a fishing house and local village lifestyle
• Beautiful Scenery: Stunning sunsets, limestone caves, and emerald waters
• Flexible Options: Pickup service and a mobile ticket make it convenient
• Strong Value: All meals, guided tours, and activities included for $340

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

This tour’s detailed schedule underscores its focus on combining leisure with adventure. Starting around 8:10 AM with hotel pickup, you’ll be transferred to the main boat by tender—an experience in itself, as you cruise out into the bay. The first day culminates with a lunch onboard, followed by a visit to the Dark and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay. This area is famed for its natural beauty and offers prime opportunities to bamboo boat rides or swimming in its emerald waters.

According to reviews, the caves are not just picturesque but also provide a chance to fully relax amid stunning limestone formations. One guest shared that they particularly enjoyed the poetic scenery, which is exactly what you want when exploring these iconic waters.

In the evening, you’ll watch the sunset over Lan Ha Bay—a perfect moment for photos or simply soaking in the panoramic view. The included cooking class introduces you to Vietnamese spring rolls, adding a fun cultural touch.

Day Two: Active Discovery and Local Life

The second day is packed with outdoor activities, starting with an early morning Tai-chi session on the sun deck, which sets a peaceful tone for the day. After a light breakfast, you’ll head to Viet Hai Village by bike or tram, passing through lush rice fields and stopping to visit traditional straw and bamboo houses. This is a rare opportunity to connect with local lifestyles that many travelers miss.

One reviewer mentioned that the guide was very knowledgeable, making it easy to understand the local traditions and history. The biking trail offers beautiful views and a chance to see the quiet, authentic side of Vietnam.

Later, you’ll have time at a pristine beach for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging. The water here is described as emerald green, and the absence of crowds means you can truly relax.

Day Three: Adventures and Return to Hanoi

The final morning features sunrise Tai-chi again, followed by kayaking or sampan rides around Frog Pond or Tra Bau Area—the filming locations for Kong Skull Island. A review from 2018 confirms these areas are visually stunning and add a touch of adventure, especially if you’re a film buff.

After a leisurely breakfast, you’ll check out and head back to Hanoi, arriving around mid-afternoon. The journey back is smooth, and most travelers find it a perfect way to unwind after days filled with exploration.

Transportation, Group Size, and Overall Comfort

Transportation is well-organized, with hotel pickups included, making your onboarding seamless. The boat itself offers a luxurious yet rustic atmosphere, with a Deluxe Balcony room providing plenty of space and views. The group is kept to a maximum of 35 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and better interaction with guides.

Reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, who are fluent in English and eager to enrich your understanding of the sights and local life. The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and the option for free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure add peace of mind.

The Value of This Tour

At $340 per person, this tour includes all meals, outdoor activities, guided excursions, and entertainment like the sunset party and cooking class. When you break down the included experiences—kayaking, biking, cave visits, local house visits, and scenic vistas—the value is clear. You get a comprehensive, adventure-filled getaway that covers diverse interests.

Compare this to other trips that might charge extra for activities or skip authentic local encounters. Here, everything is bundled in a straightforward price, making it easier to budget.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and biking, as well as those who appreciate culture. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a less commercialized alternative to the crowded Halong Bay tours, with a focus on authentic local experiences and scenic beauty.

It’s also suitable for those who don’t mind a packed schedule—if you prefer a slow-paced, relaxed holiday, you might find this itinerary a bit full on. The tour’s small group size and knowledgeable guides make it a good choice for travelers who want personalized insights and a more intimate journey.

The Sum Up

The Sena Cruises 3D2N tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, nature, and culture, making it a standout choice for travelers eager to explore Vietnam’s hidden waterway gems. The combination of kayaking, biking, and local visits ensures that you’ll experience Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village in ways that larger, more tourist-focused tours often miss.

The quality of guides, stunning scenery, and inclusive meals make this a true value-for-money experience. While the itinerary can be busy, it’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time and see the best of what this peaceful, picturesque corner of Vietnam has to offer.

If you’re after an authentic, active, and scenic escape—without sacrificing comfort—this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes all meals on board (3 lunches, 2 light breakfasts, 2 dinners), guided excursions, kayaking or sampan boat rides, a cooking demonstration, and a sunset party.

Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is available for those who book the transfer service, with a pickup window between 8:10 and 8:30 AM.

What activities are available during the tour?
You can kayak or row a sampan in Lan Ha Bay, bike or tram in Viet Hai Village, swim and snorkel at beaches, and enjoy outdoor Tai-chi sessions.

Are there any additional costs?
Drinks, tips, personal expenses, and surcharges for holidays like Christmas, New Year, or Tet are not included. Any extra services not listed are also at your own expense.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 35 travelers, which helps maintain a more personal and flexible experience.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour date. Cancellations due to bad weather receive a full refund, and trip changes are handled case-by-case.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues may want to check on specific activity requirements like biking and kayaking.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, travelers book about 60 days ahead, reflecting its popularity and limited availability.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious first-timer, this Sena Cruises adventure promises a mix of scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and outdoor fun that’ll stay with you long after you return home.