Taking the one night cruise is one of the most popular ways to explore this UNESCO world heritage site. In this article, I will help you to choose the best 1 night cruise on Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, as well as the itinerary for how to spend your 24 hours on the cruise.
Halong Bay is one of the top tourist attractions in Vietnam, located only 2.5 hours drive away from the capital city on the expressway. It is known for its stunning limestone karts that rise above the emerald water. When visiting Halong Bay, you can enjoy sightseeing, cave exploring, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and exploring floating villages.
To explore Halong Bay, you can choose to take the day cruise, 1-night cruise, or 2-night cruise. Which cruise to choose from depends on your available time, budget, and what you hope to experience.
Why take the 1 night cruise not 2 night cruise or day cruise?
In my opinion, taking the Halong Bay one-night cruise offers a perfect balance between taking the longer 2-night cruise and the quick day cruise. It offers more time to explore the bay without feeling too rushed like taking the day cruise or too expensive like taking the 2-night cruise.
With a one-night cruise, you will have 24 hours on board, experience Halong Bay at all times of the day, from sunrise, sunset, and at night. You will see more famous sights on the bay such as Ti Top island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Cua Van fishing village. You can enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, hiking, cooking class, squid fishing, and participate in a tai chi class.
The 2-night cruise offers more time for exploration and relaxation but it doubles prices compared to the one-night cruise. The Repetition of activities can become boring for some people. If you have time and budget, this one is a great option.
The day cruise can allow you to see many highlights of the Bay in a short time, but it can be hectic and feel rushed, especially if you travel from Hanoi. The total time on the road is already 5-8 hours, plus 4-6 hours on the road, making the day longer around 10-14 hours.
How to choose the Best one-night Halong Bay Cruises
Choose the right Cruise Route
When it comes to choosing the route in Halong Bay, you’ll have 3 options. They are:
- Halong Bay: The main and most popular route, home of iconic sights like Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave. Due to its popularity, Halong Bay is the most crowded bay.
- Lan Ha Bay: extension of Halong Bay, located south of Halong Bay, offering similar landscape but less touristy experience and cleaner water.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: off the beaten path and least touristy area, extension of Halong Bay, located east of Halong Bay.
In general, if you want to see famous spots, choose the cruise running on Halong Bay. If you want to explore Halong alternative but less crowded areas, head to Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.
Choose to best month to explore Halong Bay
The best time to explore Halong Bay is generally from October to April when the weather is stable with dry conditions, little rain and low risks of typhoons.
March to April and October to November have the best weather conditions with pleasant weather and blue skies, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Be mindful that the rainy season is from May to October and typhoons can occur during these months, especially from June to early September. Cruises may be canceled due to bad weather, so always regularly check the weather forecast if visiting the bay in the storm season.
Choose the Cruise Operator with good Reputation
When choosing a cruise company, I recommend reading the reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor, Google, or cruise websites to get an idea of the experience. Look for reviews on aspects like cleanliness, service, food, and itinerary.
If you want a more peaceful experience, choose the cruise Small Group Cruises for more personalized service. You can opt for a cabin with a private balcony or large windows for stunning views.
Consider booking a cruise with transfer included from Hanoi
I recommend booking the shuttle transfer for two way Hanoi and Halong port for a stress-free experience. They will pick you up and drop you off from Hanoi Old Quarter, and make sure you’ll be at the port on time for the cruise.
Alo take note that if you take the expressway, you’ll be in Halong within 2.5 hours, otherwise, it will be around 3.5-4 hours on a normal road. It is more expensive taking the expressway but it is well worth it, saving time traveling on the road.
How to Spend 1 night on Halong Bay Cruise
Most cruises will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi in the morning the first day, and arrive at Halong Bay by midday. You’ll be checked in around 12pm, greeted with welcome drinks, a short briefing, and then shown to your cabin.
You’ll have the first lunch on board while the boat cruises through the bay, offering stunning views of the limestone karsts. Depending on which bay you choose to cruise, you’ll have different routes, but most cruises will stop at a cave, a beach (island), or a floating village for exploration.
In Halong Bay, you will visit places like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Cua Van floating village.
In Lan Ha Bay, the cruise will likely stop at Dark-Bright Cave, Viet Hai village on Cat Ba island, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Van Boi Beach, and Cai Beo fishing village.
In Bai Tu Long Bay, you’ll have the chance to explore Thien Canh Son cave, Ban Chan Beach, and Vung Vieng floating Village.
In the late afternoon, you can head to the upper deck for Sunset, Happy Hour, or a cooking demonstration where you can learn to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
In the evening, you can have a nice multi-course dinner, and activities such as squid fishing, chilling at your cabin, or having a relaxing massage.
In the morning on the 2nd day, you can wake up early for the Tai Chi Session, followed by the light breakfast, a small exploration, and a brunch before returning back to shore. You’ll be at the harbor around 11:00 AM and be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving around 3pm.
The Best Halong Bay Cruises for 2 days and 1 night
Paradise Elegance Cruise
Paradise is a popular cruise operating on Halong Bay. It has 31 cabins and departs from Gate 3-4 Tuan Chau Port. The cruise’s shuttle bus will pick you up in Hanoi around 8am in the morning, you’ll be at the cruise around 12pm. Major stops of Paradise include Titop Island, Luon Cave, and Sung Sot Cave. You can have cooking class and tai chi class on board as well as beach activities like swimming, and kayaking.
Indochina Sails
Indochina Sails is a 4-star cruise, departing from Tuan Chau Port and will take you to famous attractions in Halong Bay. It has 23 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. It’ll take you to many popular spots such as Surprise Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Cua Van Floating Village, and Pearl Farm.
Ambassador Cruise
Ambassador Cruise is a popular cruise on Halong Bay. It has 46 cabins, Outdoor Jacuzzi, and Elevator. It departs at Halong International Cruise Port and takes you to visit iconic sights such as Luon Cave, Ti Top island, and Sung Sot Cave. It passess Fighting Cocks Islet, Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave.
The Best Lan Ha Bay Cruises for 2 days and 1 night
Capella Cruise
Capella Cruise is a luxury cruise in Lan Ha Bay. It will depart from Tuan Chau Marina and take you to visit famous sights such as Ao Ech and Dark & Bright Cave. It will have normal activities such as tai chi class, Vietnamese cooking class, swimming, kayaking, and Squid fishing. You can stay in a cabin that has a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub for a luxurious experience.
Orchid Cruise
Orchid Cruise is one of the top cruises on Lan Ha Bay. It will depart from Tuan Chau Port, and take you to places like Trung Trang Cave, Tra Bau, and Ao Each area. This is a family-friendly cruise, featuring 14 cabins, all have private balconies and bathtubs. Other facilities include theSky Bar and jacuzzi pool on the sundeck. Price includes all meals (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast) and Sightseeing entrance fees.
Mon Cheri Cruise
Mon Cheri Cruise is a beautiful cruise taking the Lan Ha Bay routes. It has 18 cabins, an outdoor jacuzzi pool, and mini golf on the upper deck. This cruise will pass amazing islets and islands, stop at Tra Bau Area for kayaking, and Cat Ba island and Trung Trang Cave for exploration.
The Best Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises for 2 days and 1 night
See more:
- The Best 3 Days 2 nights Halong Bay Cruise and Itinerary
- How long should you spend in Halong Bay?
- Best Months to visit Halong Bay
- Best places to Stay in Halong Bay
- Halong Bay Day Cruise or Overnight Cruise
- Best Halong Bay Day Trips from Hanoi
These are everything you need to know for taking the 2 days and 1 night cruise in Halong Bay. It explained how to find the best overnight cruise and recommend some top cruises to choose from. I hope you’ll have a memorable time in Halong Bay.