Era Cruise 2 day Explore Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Experience the Best of Halong and Lan Ha Bays with Era Cruise’s 2-Day Tour from Hanoi

If you’re looking to explore Vietnam’s iconic Halong Bay and the nearby Lan Ha Bay in style, this 2-day cruise with Era Cruise offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, comfort, and authentic experiences. For around $334 per person, you get to see some of Vietnam’s most famous sights—think limestone karsts, hidden caves, and floating villages—without feeling rushed. The trip begins in Hanoi, with convenient pickup, and takes you through a carefully curated route that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and a bit of local culture.

Two things we love about this tour are the luxurious boat amenities and the fantastic seafood lunch—both really elevate the experience. The boat feels like a floating boutique hotel, and the lunch spreads are a highlight, offering fresh seafood with a view. Also, the inclusion of activities like kayaking and Tai Chi means you can enjoy the scenery actively and peacefully.

One potential consideration is that the tour does involve a fair bit of travel by boat and minivan, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly. Plus, the non-refundable policy means you’ll want to be sure your plans are firm before booking.

This tour appeals best to travelers who want a comfortable, well-organized experience that combines iconic sights with some leisure. It’s suitable for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, love good food, and want to see the highlights of one of Vietnam’s most photographed landscapes without losing sight of comfort and authenticity.

Key Points:

• Stunning scenery: Experience limestone islands, caves, and beaches that make Halong Bay legendary.
• Comfort and amenities: The cruise ship offers luxurious cabins, a rooftop deck, and a bar for relaxing after a day of exploring.
• Authentic local sights: Visits to Cua Van Floating Village and Lan Ha Bay’s hidden beaches give a taste of traditional Vietnamese life.
• Delicious cuisine: Fresh seafood lunch and Vietnamese cooking demo highlight the tour’s focus on good food.
• Active options: Kayaking and Tai Chi sessions allow you to engage with the landscape on a personal level.
• Efficient itinerary: Well-planned stops maximize sightseeing while allowing downtime to unwind.

An In-Depth Look at the Era Cruise 2-Day Experience

Starting Point and Transportation
The adventure kicks off early in the morning with a pickup from your Hanoi hotel. This is a real plus—no need to worry about navigating through busy Hanoi traffic. You’re then whisked away by comfortable van to Hai Phong, arriving around 11:30. The transfer process itself is smooth, and the early start means you’ll be on the bay before the crowds.

Cat Ba Island and Support Vessel
Once in Hai Phong, you’ll board the support vessel to transfer from the dock to the main cruise ship. This short ride is a chance to get your first glimpse of Lan Ha Bay’s calm waters and limestone formations. At this point, you’re welcomed aboard with a complimentary drink, and the crew will guide you through safety procedures—always reassuring on a boat of this size.

The Cruise Ship and Cabin Comfort
The ship itself is described as luxuriously-appointed, offering a level of comfort that makes the journey as enjoyable as the scenery. You’re encouraged to explore the ship, relax on the rooftop deck, or settle into your cabin. This combination of comfort and style is what makes this cruise particularly appealing—no cramped bunks here, but a genuine chance to unwind in style.

First Day Highlights
Your first stop is Lan Ha Bay, where a delicious seafood lunch awaits. The food is a standout—the menu features fresh, local ingredients served in a setting that emphasizes the natural landscape. After lunch, you’ll cruise past Da Chong Islet, with its historic lighthouse built by the French over a century ago, adding a dash of history to the natural beauty.

Next, the cruise takes you through the Cua Van Floating Village, home to about 300 residents. Here, you’ll see traditional stilt houses and learn about the local fishing culture. The white sandy beaches and limestone outcrops are perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.

Activities and Leisure
In the late afternoon, you can kayak around Ba Trai Dao Beach, or simply relax in the waters—crystal clear and inviting. The tour emphasizes balance: time to explore actively and relax leisurely. As the sun sets, the ship cruises to your overnight anchorage, where you can enjoy happy hour, a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and a signature dinner.

Evening on the Bay
Evenings on the cruise are an experience in themselves. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, perfect for unwinding after a day on the water. You might indulge in a spa treatment, watch a movie, or try squid fishing under the stars—adventure or relaxation, your choice.

Day Two: Mornings and Hidden Grottoes
The morning begins with Tai Chi on deck—an excellent way to start the day, especially with the calm bay as your backdrop. A light breakfast, then a peaceful boat ride to Dark & Bright Grotto, famous for its dramatic limestone formations. You’ll take local rowing boats into the grottoes, feeling like you’ve stepped into a natural wonderland.

Return Journey
After the grotto visit, the cruise begins its return, with a final brunch on board. Around 11:30, you’ll say farewell to the crew and head back to Hanoi, feeling a mixture of relaxation and awe.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Quality of Guides and Service
Guests often mention the knowledgeable crew, who are attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The safety briefing is thorough, and the crew makes everyone feel comfortable, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler.

Food and Drink
The seafood lunch and the Vietnamese cooking demo are frequently praised. The food is not only fresh but presented beautifully, making for much more than just a meal. The drinks list, with specials like two-for-one offers, means you can enjoy a well-made cocktail or local wine with a view.

Authentic Experience
Visits to floating villages and kayaking give you a chance to see the local way of life and enjoy some gentle activity amidst spectacular scenery. These are real highlights that Offer a taste of life beyond the postcard-perfect landscapes.

Value for Money
While the price is on the higher side, it includes transportation, accommodations on a luxury boat, most meals, and various activities. The quality of the experience and the level of comfort make it a good value, especially for those seeking a hassle-free, all-in-one adventure.

Possible Drawbacks
The non-refundable policy requires travelers to commit upfront, which might be risky if weather conditions turn poor. Also, the tour involves a fair amount of boat travel—if you’re sensitive to motion, prepare accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, well-organized way to see Halong and Lan Ha Bay. It suits those who appreciate delicious food, comfortable accommodations, and active exploration with kayaking and cultural visits. It’s also perfect for people who enjoy a social atmosphere with a small group of fellow travelers, yet enough privacy and personal space.

FAQ

Is transportation to the cruise included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Hanoi hotel and transfer to Hai Phong, making the journey hassle-free.

What’s the duration of the cruise?
The tour lasts approximately two days, with activities and sightseeing scheduled throughout both days.

Are meals included?
Most meals are included—the tour offers breakfast, lunch on Day 1, and a brunch on Day 2. Optional additional beverages and extra services like spa treatments are extras.

Can I kayak or participate in active activities?
Absolutely. You can kayak at Ba Trai Dao Beach or join Tai Chi sessions on deck. The tour encourages active engagement with the scenery.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothes for daytime activities, swimwear for the water, sun protection, and perhaps a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, provided they are comfortable with boat travel and walking. The relaxed pace and amenities make it accessible.

Final Thoughts

The Era Cruise 2-day tour provides a balanced, comfortable, and authentic way to experience the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Its combination of well-planned activities, luxurious amenities, and delicious local cuisine makes it a solid choice for travelers craving a memorable escape. Whether you’re in it for the scenic vistas, the cultural insights, or the relaxed luxury, this cruise delivers on multiple fronts.

It’s especially suited for those who prefer a premium experience but still want to connect with nature and local culture. If your idea of travel includes good food, stunning views, and a touch of comfort, this tour could be the highlight of your Vietnam adventure.