Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night

A 2 day 1 night cruise is the most popular and practical way to experience Halong Bay, and for good reasons. Most cruises embark around midday and return to the pier late the following morning, delivering close to 24 hours on board. This schedule allows travelers to enjoy both sunrise and sunset landscape of Halong Bay and for most first time visitors, this is the best option.

Within the 1 night journey, the experience is remarkably immersive. Falling asleep and waking up amid limestone karsts and calm emerald waters is a rare privilege that day trips simply cannot replicate. The itinerary, regardless of the destination being Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay, typically includes activities such as cave exploration, swimming in the emerald water, kayaking through quiet lagoons, and evening squid fishing, combining natural beauty with light adventure. The result is a compact yet memorable journey that captures the essence of Ha Long Bay without demanding excessive time and budget.

Why choose a 2 days/1 night cruise trip?

• Budget: Affordable

Halong Bay offers a wide spectrum of cruise options, with overnight trips starting from only around US$120 per person and can cost up to US$450 per person if you want ultra-luxury. This broad price range makes the 1-night cruise accessible to most travelers, regardless of budget. It is also a reassuring middle ground for those who feel a day trip may be too brief, yet remain uncertain whether a 2-night itinerary justifies the additional time and cost.

• Time: Reasonable 

For travelers eager to explore multiple destinations without feeling rushed, a 1-night itinerary strikes an ideal balance. A single day often feels compressed, while two nights can be excessive for first-time visitors. One night provides just enough time to appreciate the bay’s highlights at a comfortable pace and still maintain a flexible travel schedule..

• Experience: Just Right

Compared with day cruises that return to the harbor by late afternoon, and longer cruise durations that may repeat onboard activities, a 2-day/1-night cruise offers a well-rounded experience. Guests can enjoy Halong Bay/ Lan Ha Bay/ Bai Tu Long Bay at different timing of the day, and participate in a full range of activities, including cooking classes, sunset parties, squid fishing, Tai Chi sessions, spa treatments, and more. The experience is just right, without unnecessary repetition.

What activities are included in 2 days 1 night?

• Day 1

There are different routes to Halong, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay and in general, the activities are largely similar among different cruises.

Upon arrival at the cruise pier, guests are warmly welcomed by the crew and transferred to the vessel. After checking into the cabin, lunch is served in the dining area as the cruise begins sailing past thousands of limestone islands and islets. The afternoon excursion typically includes a visit to a signature cave—such as Sung Sot Cave, Dark & Bright Cave, or Thien Canh Son Cave—or a stop at scenic areas suitable for swimming and kayaking, including Tra Bau, Ao Ech, Luon Cave, or Titop Island.

Following the excursion, guests return to the ship for leisure time on board. This is when many travelers relax on the sundeck to watch the sunset, enjoy drinks during happy hour, observe a cooking demonstration, take a dip in the swimming pool, or book a spa or massage treatment.

In the evening, dinner will be served at around 7:00-7:30 pm. Then you will continue to enjoy the view of Halong bay at night, try squid fishing, play board games, socialize, or rest in your private cabin.

• Day 2

Day 2 normally starts with the Taichi session on the top deck. Early risers may like to hunt the best photo of dawn and try Taichi to refresh body and mind. While having a light breakfast, the ship proceeds to the second attraction. Travelers have around 1 hour for this excursion and back to relax and pack luggage for checkout. A full breakfast or early lunch will be ready in the dining area while the ship cruises back to the harbor. Disembark time is around 11:00 - 12:00.

What cruise offers the best 1-night trip?

There is no single “best” 1-night cruise for all travelers, as the ideal choice depends on budget, travel style, and expectations.

In general, mid-range and upscale cruises deliver the best value for a 2-day/1-night itinerary by balancing comfort, well-planned excursions, and quality service without straining your budget.

A good cruise is one that offer well-spaced cabins with private balconies, clear itineraries covering both an excursion and onboard activities, and strong guest reviews for food and crew professionalism. Choosing a cruise that sails quieter routes, such as Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, can further enhance the experience by avoiding crowded areas.

In 2026, many new cruises are launched such as Cycad Cruise (Bai Tu Long Bay), Celina of the Seas and Lyra Cruise (Lan Ha Bay), Paradise Legacy Cruise (Halong Bay) which offer novice travellers even more options to consider. If you need some honest local advice, do not hesitate to contact us for the latest update.