For first-time cruisers to Halong Bay, selecting where to travel can be just as challenging as choosing a suitable cruise for their first voyage. There are a dozen interesting itineraries available for Halong Bay overnight cruises. In this article, we will suggest the best recommended sailing routes so that you can know what to expect and book the one that best suits your needs.
I. Best Recommended Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
Exploring the core area of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the most popular 2-day cruise itinerary will take you to incredible sites such as Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, and Luon Cave. Let’s check out the following favored itinerary for your reference:
Day 1: Discover the natural wonders of Halong Bay
Upon arriving on Tuan Chau Island, a treasure nestled in the Gulf of Tonkin, you will check in at the Halong Bay Cruise’s waiting lounge. Your voyage on the Halong Bay Cruise will start with a tram ride from the hotel to the port for embarkation. As our cruise departs from the port, you’ll be surrounded by the crystal-clear, emerald waters of Halong Bay. It's an absolutely breathtaking picture that sets the tone for the thrilling adventures that are about to come.
A delicious buffet lunch is well prepared for you at the Le Marin restaurant to satisfy your appetite and enhance the experience. A short briefing about your cruise itinerary and safety regulations is given, and your eyes will be treated to a feast of remarkable vistas while you sail. Keep an eye out for the famous Ga Choi islet, the enigmatic Dau Go Cave, and the captivating Thien Cung Cave.
Titov Island is the first place you will explore. The island is named after Gherman Stepanovich Titov, a Russian cosmonaut. You have the option of swimming at the island's sandy beach or hiking the mountain to obtain a panoramic view of Halong Bay.
Moving forward, you will make a stop at Luon Cave, an amazing natural marvel in the heart of Halong Bay. Using a bamboo boat or kayak, you will be able to traverse beneath the limestone mountain and take in the stunning rock formations and pristine waterways.
As the ship anchors for the night, there are some special experiences for you to look forward to, such as a Happy Hour where you can relax with cool drinks, a cooking demonstration at the Piano Lounge for those who like cooking, and if the weather permits, a Filipino band could play for you.
Following a sumptuous dinner, you may unwind in the Le Piano Lounge with music and a view of the nighttime sea or experience many interesting activities like squid fishing, watching a movie, relaxing in the Jacuzzi pool on the sundeck, or in Le Parfum Spa.
In this tranquil boat setting, every moment promises something new to discover – a mix of natural splendor and delightful human touches, making it the best 2 days 1 night cruise in Halong Bay.
Day 2: Explore Further and Go Back to Hanoi
On the second day of your two-day, one-night cruise, enjoy a peaceful Tai Chi class on the L'Odyssée Sundeck as the sun rises. Your body and mind will be gently awakened, and a light breakfast thereafter will fuel you for the excursion that lies ahead.
Your journey takes you to Sung Sot Cave, the last destination on the schedule. The largest cavern in Halong Bay, this remarkable cave displays a surreal display of stalactites and stalagmites. These incredibly age-old formations, shaped over endless millennia, stir the imagination with intricate and mystical sculptures.
When you return to the cruise ship, a delectable premium breakfast buffet is waiting for you at Le Marin restaurant while Halong Bay Cruise retraces its route, passing by Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Ga Choi Islet. The last steps are finished - settling bills, checking out, and saying farewell as you cruise back to Tuan Chau Island.
Although this schedule presents a clear image, it should be noted that the trip is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and the bay management board. Rest assured, every adjustment keeps your experience at its center.
Best Halong Bay Cruises 2 Days 1 Night
II. Recommended Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise Itinerary with Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is becoming more and more popular with travelers as a geological extension of Halong Bay with equally beautiful natural splendors. A Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night itinerary around this bay region will offer visits to isolated sites and off-the-beaten-path gems. The best recommended schedule is as below:
Day 1: Hanoi - Halong - Lan Ha Bay - Viet Hai Fishing Village
11:00-11:45. Check in at Cruise’s Waiting Lounge (1st Floor, Terminal – Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City).
11:45-12:30. Passengers are transferred to Cruise (in Gia Luan Pier) by speedboat.
12:30-12:45. A short welcoming briefing will be held at the Piano Lounge or at the restaurant.
12:45-14:00. Savor a delicious lunch while enjoying the majestic views of Lan Ha Bay’s islands and islets.
15:00-16:45. Your first excursion is to Viet Hai Fishing Village, a primitive and tranquil location with precious traditional cultural values. You will have a chance to explore features of the locals’ daily life, visit fish lakes, bee houses, ancient houses, or experience fish foot massage.
15:30-17:00. For guests who are not participating in the excursion, we will serve home-made cakes at the Piano Lounge. Guests can also stay onboard and opt for an afternoon of pampering at Spa* or relaxing on the Sundeck whilst admiring the magnificent scenery of Lan Ha Bay.
17:00-18:30. At sundown, Cruise will anchor overnight.
This is the perfect time for you to enjoy cooking class or Happy Hour* and Canapes at the Piano Lounge or on the Sundeck (depends on weather conditions).
19:00. Savor a delicious dinner with Chef’s special menu at the restaurant. (Dress code: formal/semi formal/smart casual)
21:00-23:00. After dinner, indulge in drinks* and enjoy live music at the Piano Lounge, squid fishing, a spa treatment*, or movies at your cabin.
Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Dark and Bright Cave
6:00-6:30. Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or at the Piano Lounge (depends on weather conditions).
6:30-7:00. Enjoy a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and freshly baked pastries at the Piano Lounge.
7:00-8:00. Explore Dark and Light Cave - a frog-jaw-shaped cave featuring marvelous sparkling stalactites in various shapes and sizes on the arch-shaped ceiling. This cave leads to a peaceful lake surrounded by limestone mountain cliffs. Kayaking and sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by locals are the best options for tourists to admire the cave’s interior (passengers can choose one of these two free activities).
8:30-9:30. Full breakfast is served at the restaurant.
9:30-9:45. Bill settlement and check-out at the reception at the first deck.
10:15-10:30. After disembarking from Cruise, passengers will be transferred to Halong International Cruise Port by speedboat. Transfer back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter in Hanoi.
Best Lan Ha Bay Cruises 2 Days 1 Night:
III. Why Choose Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night
Apart from the benefit of exploring the heritage bay without rushing as a day trip, a two-day, one-night cruise tour offers more time for passengers to travel further in the bay and enjoy various recreational facilities on board.
1. Luxury and Comfortable Accommodations
Two-day, one-night Halong Bay Cruises are divided into three main categories: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Whichever cruise type you’re traveling with, you will stay in enjoyable accommodations meticulously designed to provide unmatched comfort and modern amenities. If you’re not keen on outdoor activities, your cabin will be a perfect haven to take in the magnificent beauty of Halong Bay from a private balcony or through clear windows.
2. Personalized Services and Activities
Overnight Halong Bay Cruises are dedicated to creating a personalized experience for you, making sure that your two-day, one-night cruise across Halong Bay is nothing short of spectacular. Here, we've outlined a few of the exceptional services and experiences that will undoubtedly improve your trip:
- Spa and Massage: Most Halong Bay cruises offer an array of personalized messages, facials, and soothing therapies to suit your needs. When you are at sea, this is definitely something to consider for a relaxing vacation.
- Cooking Class: An onboard activity that allows passengers to sample delicious dishes and learn more about Vietnamese culinary culture. The cruise chef will guide you on how to make some traditional delicacies, such as fresh or fried spring rolls and fruit carvings.
- Tai Chi Class: All cruise ships offer a unique Tai Chi practice early in the morning on deck. Get up early to breathe in the fresh air and see the heritage bay's dreamy scenery at dawn.
- Kayaking: Kayaking through Halong Bay is the best way to experience this natural wonder and should definitely be on your bucket list. The bay's calm waters allow you to smoothly paddle around limestone islets and caves and reach places that cannot be touched by cruise ships.
- Squid Fishing: Onboard squid fishing under the starry night sky is an incredibly delightful experience in your 2-day voyage, and the best part of this activity is surely the results of your effort: a fresh squid dish cooked right on the boat.
- Bamboo Boat Trip: If kayaking is not your thing, embarking on a bamboo boat adventure is another way to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay. Rowed by locals, the boat will navigate through the narrow waterways and take you to the hidden gems of the bay.
- Sunset Party: Many 2-day, 1-night cruises provide a canapé party for passengers as the sun sets. Gather on the sundeck, savor some appetizing pastries and desserts, and take in the spectacular scenery of the bay in orange hues.
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III. Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Feedbacks from Clients
As a well-liked choice for most visitors, the 2-day cruising tour in Halong Bay has received a bunch of positive feedback on TripAdvisor or thousands of good reviews from our contented passengers. Here are some outstanding examples:
Feedback 1: Traveling Teo – 5 stars - 2nd time to Halong and still loving it
My second time in Ha long this time on Paradise Elegance with my buddies. Enjoyed chilling on the deck pool, soaking in the glorious sunset with martinis in hand. The food and service was exceptional. Even the organization of the tour from pickup to drop off was exceptionally smooth. Short out to Sophie who helped organize the trip and Corrrina who served us for all our meals on board…and even danced to the lovely live band.
Feedback 2: dixieredhen – 5 stars - Halong Bay Ambassador Cruise
Rosie from Ambassador Cruise helped us to arrange our trip. She encouraged us to get our Vietnam Visa. I suggest you get your visa in hand before you book any travel to save yourself any worry. You may be denied travel or entry without the visa.
Halong Bay is a lovely experience on an overnight cruise ship. The staff of Ambassador Cruise is excellent. The food is great. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was clean. The air-conditioning was cold.
We went into a giant cave that could have been the home of a few hundred people at one time. We also went by bamboo boat into a lagoon where monkeys were seen in the trees in large numbers. It was like the zoo.
We would definitely consider Ambassador Cruises for other excursions.
Feedback 3: Rosie - 6stars Essence Grand
Rosie helped me through whatsapp to book my stay on the -brand new 6 Stars mega yacht- Essence Grand. She gave a fair price and trew a little perk to my stay, which I very much enjoyed. The best part, she did not push to sell, the aggressive way some other agents do. Very smooth, professional, attentive process
IV. Frequently Asked Questions About Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night
1. Is it worth staying on a Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night?
Yes. It is totally worth joining an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. You will not only witness the bay’ breathtaking beauty but also indulge in its tranquility at night. Throughout the 2-day voyage, you will have ample time to enjoy the comforts of your cabin, admire the ever-changing scenery, relish the leisurely pace of exploration, and delight in all the onboard facilities.
2. What are the pickup and drop-off times in Hanoi for a Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night?
If you use the shuttle bus service, the pickup time from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is between 8:00-8:45 AM, the drop-off time at your hotel is between 2:30-3:00 PM.
Meanwhile, a private car can pick you up between 8:30-9:00 AM from hotels in Hanoi and drop you off at around 2:30 PM.
3. Is a Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night Tour expensive?
Depending on the type of cruise you choose and the departure date, the cost of spending two days and one night on a Halong Bay cruise may vary. Generally, the price is between 120-150 USD per passenger. The tour prices during the peak season will be higher.
4. Is kayaking included in the Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night price?
No. However, you should check out with our consultants to see if there is any offer on your cruise.
5. What activities and attractions are included in a Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night?
In general, a Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night cruise itinerary will include various activities such as kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, cooking classes on board, tai chi sessions, etc.
For Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night, you will visit popular sites like Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave, or Pearl Farm in Halong Bay.
Embarking on a two-day, one-night cruise trip in Halong Bay promises an exceptional experience of a lifetime. Whether you sail through the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay or follow the off-the-beaten-track itinerary in Lan Ha Bay, you will bring back cherished memories from your voyage when you return home.
For more detailed information on Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night itineraries and the best cruises in each bay area, feel free to contact our Halong Bay Cruise experts at any time.
