Overview of 2 Days 1 Night
Halong Bay remains an iconic destination for travelers visiting Vietnam, particularly in the northern region. While some opt for brief visits, many prefer to enjoy an extended stay to fully experience the bay's stunning landscapes. Among the various itineraries available, the 2-day, 1-night cruise is the most sought-after choice.
A 2-day, 1-night cruise allows for nearly 24 hours on the bay, with embarkation typically scheduled for 12:00 PM and disembarkation around 11:00 AM the following day. This itinerary offers a mix of activities both on and off the boat, allowing passengers to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay at various times throughout the day. While it may seem challenging to cover the bay’s vast scenery in such a short period, a well-structured itinerary ensures enjoyable experiences throughout your cruise vacation.
Activities Included in a 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary
Day 1
Upon arrival at the cruise port, a crew member will assist you with luggage check-in before guiding you to board the boat. A refreshing welcome drink and a safety briefing are typically provided before you check into your cabin and enjoy lunch. During this meal, the cruise will set sail towards the first destination.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to your first destination via a small tender boat. This could be a stunning cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, a sandy beach with sweeping views, or a kayak visit to a partially submerged cave. Notable highlights include Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island, and Dark-Bright Cave, among others like Tra Bau and Ao Ech.
After your excursion, you can partake in various onboard activities or relax on the top deck to witness a stunning sunset. Following dinner, options abound, whether it’s engaging in squid fishing, enjoying a movie, sipping from the bar, or simply unwinding in your cabin.
Day 2
Cruise operators often offer a Tai Chi or yoga session on the sundeck, where you can embrace the fresh air and rejuvenate your body and mind. Afterward, enjoy a light breakfast as the cruise sails to the next attraction. You'll then have time to freshen up, pack your belongings, check out of your cabin, settle any outstanding bills, and return to the dining area for a hearty breakfast. The journey concludes around 11:00 AM.
Pros and Cons
While a 2-day, 1-night cruise comes with significant advantages, there are also some drawbacks worth considering.
Pros
Reasonable duration
Travelers often spend multiple hours commuting from different locations, making a day cruise feel rushed and lacking in relaxation time. Conversely, the 2-day, 1-night cruise strikes a balance, offering a satisfactory experience for most visitors.
Affordable price
Overnight cruises typically cost more, but a one-night option allows for a more budget-friendly alternative than longer cruises, especially considering the travel time to Halong Bay. Various levels of cruises are available, including budget (3-star), mid-range (4-star), and luxury (5-star) options, providing ample chances to choose a budget-friendly stay with numerous activities.
Diverse activities and excursions
The additional time on the bay opens up numerous activities and excursions. A 2-day cruise features kayaking, swimming, rowing, hiking, and opportunities to witness the bay's beauty at dawn and dusk. Notably, activities such as cooking classes, Tai Chi sessions, sunset parties, and squid fishing can only be found on overnight cruises.
Cons
Limited hours on the bay
While marketed as 2 days, this itinerary includes nearly 24 hours. Due to daily cruise departures returning to the harbor for new passengers, some travelers may find the limited time insufficient for relaxation amidst scheduled activities.
Potential for crowded attractions
The high volume of cruise ships on the water can lead to a crowded experience at popular attractions, particularly during peak times. Less-trafficked routes are often included in longer itineraries spanning more than two nights, granting access to more secluded areas of the bay via smaller vessels.
Top 2-Day, 1-Night Cruises
Numerous cruises offer exciting 2-day, 1-night itineraries for exploring Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay, with prices ranging from approximately $100 to $300 per person. Here are some of the top options for 1-night cruises:
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Itinerary |
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Ambassador Cruise |
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Heritage Binh Chuan Cat Ba |
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Essence Grand |
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Elite of the Seas |
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Capella Cruise |
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Dragon Legend |
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Questions and Answers (6)
Hello, my family of 3, husband n 10 year old girl thinking of doing a 2d1n cruise to Halong Bay on 6 or 7 dec. May I know which is a suitable cruise for us?
@Lindy, You can consider cruises for families with more facilities onboard such as Capella, Heritage Binh Chuan, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, Catherine Cruise, Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise, etc. These cruises are top luxury cruises with spacious rooms, so it is more comfortable to add one extra bed for your girl. You can also make use of modern facilities on these cruises such as outdoor pool, mini golf, spa, fitness center, poker room, karaoke, etc.
Good morning, We are two friends from Spain currently living in Thailand. We will be in Hanoi for four days and we wanted to visit Ha long bay. Our concern is not to fall into the mass tourism, cruises that do not respect the environment and local community, but we are also on a budget. We were wondering if there were any possibilities of doing one. night and two-day trip to Ha long bay from Hanoi that meets this criteria. Thank you very much in advance, Best, Laura.
@Laura, For budget cruises, we have some options such as Swan Cruise, Renea Cruise for Bai Tu Long Bay and Sapphire and Alova Cruise for Lan Ha Bay. These bays are less touristy and include pristine attractions. The price ranges from $130 - 140/pax for a 2 days/1 night tour (excluding transfer). Regards,
Frequently asked questions
1. How many attractions does a 2-day itinerary include?
Current cruise itineraries for 2025 can include 2 to 4 attractions. On day 1, guests may visit 2 attractions during the afternoon excursion. Day 2 typically features 1 attraction in the morning, providing travelers with a more immersive experience.
2. Does the boat cruise all the time during the trip?
No. The boat sails through the bay, anchoring at attractions for visits and at designated sleeping areas overnight. For safety, boats are prohibited from operating after dusk.
3. What is included in a night trip?
Inclusions and exclusions vary for each cruise according to their specific policy. Typically, a 2-day journey in 2025 includes the following:
- 2-day, 1-night itinerary and program
- Cabins with air conditioning and private bathrooms
- Welcome drink
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- In-house English-speaking tour guide
- 4 meals on board: 1 lunch, 1 dinner, 1 light breakfast, 1 breakfast
- Activities listed in the program, such as kayaking, fishing equipment, and sampan boat rides
- Onboard insurance
4. Is 2-day or day cruise better?
A 2-day cruise in 2025 allows for deeper relaxation and extended enjoyment of nature, with around 24 hours spent onboard. Numerous activities are available to admire Halong Bay from sunrise to sunset. In contrast, a day cruise offers fewer activities at a lower cost, ideal for those short on time who still wish to experience the bay. Each option has its advantages, so the choice depends on personal preference.
5. Do I stay overnight on the ship or in the hotel on the shore?
For a 2D1N itinerary in 2025, you will enjoy an overnight stay aboard the ship. Board the vessel between 12:00 and 13:00, and disembark the following day around 10:30 to 12:00.
