Halong Bay Cruise 3-Days 2-Nights: How to Pick the Best One! Reviews & Top Tips!

Looking for the best 3-day 2-night cruises in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to choose the perfect Halong Bay cruise for you. Including a detailed 3-day itinerary, tour reviews, different types of boat to choose from, and more.

Halong Bay is one of the most famous spots in Vietnam, and it’s easy to see why. With its unique landscape, floating villages and stunning natural beauty, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination.

Cruises in Ha Long Bay can be pretty expensive, especially 2-night ones, so it’s only natural to wonder whether they’re worth it and how to pick the best one.

We did our 2-night cruise in Halong Bay with Aspira Cruises. It was expensive and touristy, but still a great experience. However, there are some things I wish I’d known before booking our Halong Bay cruise.

So what are you waiting for? Dive in, learn from my mistakes, and start planning your perfect overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam!

What is Ha Long Bay? 

Halong Bay is a beautiful bucket list destination in northern Vietnam.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, the emerald waters of this large bay are dotted with thousands of limestone rock formations, hidden caves, dreamy beaches and small islands.

It’s a must-see stop on every Vietnam itinerary, and it’s easy to see why. Despite the popularity among travellers, which can make the bay rather busy, Halong’s magic remains.

Due to the popularity of Ha Long Bay, many cruises have started exploring also the neighbouring bays, namely Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

When choosing your 3-day 2-night cruise in Halong Bay, make sure to check the itinerary, as it will likely also include stops at the lesser known bays around it.

How to get to Halong Bay 

The easiest way to reach Ha Long Bay is by car, bus or shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi. It takes around 2 hours to drive from Hanoi.

You can opt to travel independently from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the public bus or private car, and then simply board your cruise when you arrive.

However, most tours will often include a transfer to and from Hanoi Old Quarter as part of the price. If it’s not already included, they can often add it for a small price.

If the difference isn’t much, I personally prefer to travel with the transfer organised by the cruise, since if there are any delays due to traffic, the cruise will have to wait for you. If you make your way independently and are delayed, you’re not guaranteed that the cruise won’t have set off without you.

How to choose the right Halong Bay 3-day cruise

Probably the biggest deciding factor is going to be your budget. On the most basic level, if you want your Halong Bay cruise to be three days and two nights of luxury, then you can expect to spend more.

But it’s not all about money. Essentially, it’s a choice between a few different elements:

Type of boat: The question here is basically the difference between a traditional boat versus a modern yacht with nice cabins. It may sound simple, but it’s true: the nicer the boat, the more you pay! 

Itinerary: The itineraries are all fairly similar, but there can be small differences and variations that can mean you go for one cruise over another. Check itineraries carefully and decide based on what you’d like to do most.

Target audience: Do you want to cruise on a party boat? Or would you like a more tranquil Halong Bay cruise for couples?

The bottom line here is don’t book a party cruise if you want to chill, and definitely don’t opt for something mature and quiet if you want to have a wild time!

Best Halong Bay 2-nights 3-days cruises 

Here are some of the best 2-night 3-day cruises in Ha Long Bay that you will find online.

5-star Aspira Cruise: Luxury 3 Day-2 Night Halong-Lan Ha Bay

We did our Halong Bay tour with Aspira Cruise, and I was pretty happy with our experience. Step aboard this beautiful luxury boat, and head off on an adventure to remember.

One of the best cruises in Halong Bay, the Aspira Cruise boat boasts spacious rooms with balconies, and even fancy bathrooms with a bath tub and view over the bay. 

On top of that, you also get to enjoy all of the tasty food served in the onboard restaurant, top quality great service and a top deck with a pool & lots of outdoor seating. 

Click here to book your Ha Long Bay cruise with Aspira Cruises!

From Hanoi: Halong Explorer 3-Day 4-Star Cruise

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, while still having a luxury experience, Phoenix Cruise is a great alternative.

The decor of the rooms is a bit more dated, and they don’t have private balconies or bath tubs, but they’re still spacious and the service onboard is that of a 4-star hotel.

The itinerary is very thorough, including many of the same stops as Aspira Cruise, and the price includes all meals and activities. It’s a more affordable luxury cruise.

Click here to book your Halong Bay 3-day 4-star cruise!

Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer

Rosa Boutique Cruise might be a 4-star ship, but the decor of the ship and service definitely resemble that of a 5-star cruise. This option also includes the transfer from Hanoi in the price.

Not only do you get a polished private room all to yourself, but the cruise also comes with meals included in the packages. You won’t get bored either, as activities include cooking classes, kayaking and even a happy hour.

Check out prices & availability for your Halong Bay cruise here!

Halong Bay 3-Days 2-Nights Cruise Itinerary 

So what do you actually do for three days in Ha Long Bay? This is the exact itinerary we did during our Aspira Cruise. I included exact timings so you know how the days are structured.

Not all cruises will have the same itinerary, but they’re likely to be very similar. 

Halong Bay overnight cruises offer the chance to experience the beauty of the famous peaks and hidden lagoons of this UNESCO-recognised landscape. 

Read on to learn all about the best three day two night cruise in Halong Bay, with plenty of information about what’s included on a cruise, as well as the various activities you can expect to do on your trip. 

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day 1

9:00: Get picked up in Hanoi – Halong Bay cruises from Hanoi begin early in the morning and start with you being picked up from your accommodation.

You’ll make the two and a half hour journey (usually in an airconditioned minivan) by road up to Halong Bay. Once you arrive at the dock, it can take a while to check in and actually get on to the boat. 

12:30: Lunch onboard – By midday, you should be out on the water and off on the adventure around Halong Bay.

A delicious buffet lunch and welcome drink will be served up on board your cruise ship and you can spend a while soaking up the beautiful surroundings. 

15:30: Explore on a kayak – It’s time to get active with a trip out on a kayak to Light & Dark Cave.

The caves aren’t actually a cave, instead you pass through a short cave-like tunnel before arriving in a huge “hidden” lagoon surrounded by cliffs. It’s really stunning and a fun way to spend the afternoon. 

If you don’t know how to kayak, you can also jump onboard a bamboo boat that gets rowed by local people. That way, you can still experience the beauty of Light & Dark Cave, without having to paddle yourself.

17:30: Free time – After a busy day of travel and exploring Halong Bay, it’s time to return to the boat and chill out.

Relax on the deck and watch as the sun sets over the famous jutting peaks, take a swim around the cruise ship or perhaps enjoy the swimming pool. There is also a spa onboard, so you could also take advantage of the massage services. 

18: Vietnamese cooking demonstration – What better place to learn how to cook a classic Vietnamese dish or two than surrounded by the iconic Halong Bay scenery.

The onboard cooking class will be led by a local cook who’ll teach you and a small group how to whip up some mouthwatering meals.

19: Dinner – Finally, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour and sit down to a meal with your fellow passengers.

Dining on the deck under the stars is the perfect way to round up a day of discovery in northern Vietnam. 

21: Night squid fishing – The day isn’t over quite yet. Nighttime brings the chance to catch fresh squid in the waters surrounding the boat.

Learn the ropes from the guides on board and try your luck at catching squid that live in the bay. 

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day 2

6:30: Tai Chi class – Rise and Shine. The second day of your Halong Bay cruise begins by seizing the day and joining a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck of the ship.

Greeting the day by taking part in this moving meditation is the ideal way to really appreciate where you are and prepare yourself for a day full of discovery ahead. 

7:30: Breakfast – You’ve moved your body, now it’s time to fuel up with some fresh breakfast along with your fellow passengers. 

8:30: Transfer to Cat Ba Island – Next up, you’re going to head off on a cruise to Cat Ba Island and around Halong Bay.

This part of the trip isn’t done on the main cruise ship, instead, you get transferred to a smaller day cruise ship. The cruise through Halong Bay is very scenic so you’re going to want to snap a lot of pictures.

On arriving at Cat Ba Island, you’ll be given a bike to cycle to Viet Hai Village. The route is very pretty with lush forests clinging to limestone cliffs that are surrounded by rice paddies.

At the local village, there’s the chance to see traditional houses and experience a more laid-back, rural way of life. 

12: Back to the cruise ship for lunch – After a busy morning, lunch is enjoyed back onboard the smaller cruise ship. Make sure to fill up as an active afternoon awaits. 

14: Kayak to Ba Trai Dao – It’s time to get back out on the water on a kayak and explore more of Halong Bay’s hidden gems.

Your guide will lead you to Ba Trai Dao, another attractive lagoon area that’s similar to Light & Dark Cave. 

17:30: Back to Aspira Cruise main boat – At the end of the day, you’ll be taken back to the main cruise ship where you can spend some time unwinding on board after an action-packed day. 

19:30: Dinner – One of the best things about a Halong Bay two night cruise is that you get to really soak up the scenery of the area.

Spending a second night on the ship allows you to kick back, unwind and soak up the area’s natural beauty. And there’s no better way to do that than to enjoy a delicious meal with your fellow passengers. 

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day 3

6:30: Sunrise Tai Chi lesson – Another beautiful morning on your Halong Bay three day cruise starts with Tai Chi at sunrise. 

7:30: Breakfast – Enjoy a tasty breakfast on the boat and get ready for your last day of adventure in Halong. 

8:30: Kayaking to a fishing village or swimming to Ba Trai Dao Beach – The last activity of your trip will usually involve taking a kayak out to explore a local fishing village, or you might spend a few hours swimming around the picturesque Ba Trai Dao Beach. 

11:30: Disembark & return to port – It’s time to head back to the bustling streets of Hanoi or you might be making your way on your Vietnam itinerary. 

What does a Halong Bay overnight cruise include?

Halong Bay cruise itineraries vary depending on the company you use.

Most cruise tour companies will include the same sorts of activities. Think kayaking, cooking classes and swim stops. For a more in-depth itinerary, you might want to spend a little more and book a Halong Bay luxury cruise. 

Before booking your cruise make sure to check what’s included in the price. Generally speaking, most cruises will include all activities, transfers and all meals.

One thing ours didn’t include was drinks, so just bear in mind you’ll have to pay extra for both alcoholic and soft drinks. 

Is a Halong Bay 2-night cruise worth it?

Honestly? I would say no. I think it’s definitely worth the time, money and effort to visit Ha Long Bay, but embarking on a one-night Halong Bay cruise is enough.

In my opinion one night is enough, as it gives you enough time to see what the beautiful scenery has to offer.

One reason that a Halong Bay two night cruise isn’t really worth it is the activities. You end up repeating pretty much the same activities over the three days you’re onboard. 

The extra day isn’t used to go somewhere new or completely different, as it needs to stay in the area to receive the new 1-night guests. You just end up doing and seeing more of the same.

Plus, Ha Long Bay cruises are all pretty expensive, even the cheaper options. It doesn’t make much sense to spend so much more to not receive anything more.

In short, one night is enough to see all the good bits: see Halong Bay at sunset, experience the bay at night time, all while having a luxury stay onboard the boat.

Two nights just has a much higher price tag than seems reasonable for more of the same.

What to pack for a Halong Bay cruise

Passport/visa documents: You usually need these to book a Halong Bay cruise in the first place, and you may actually be turned away if you don’t have them with you when you embark. Best to bring just in case.

Raincoat: This is a Southeast Asia essential for wet season travel. Nobody wants to get soaked when you’re out trying to sightsee, or trying to have a luxurious time aboard a boat!

Sunscreen: And when it’s sunny you’ll want sunscreen to protect from sunburn and harmful UV rays.

Sunhat and sunglasses: Same reason as above. It’s not fun getting sunburnt!

Hiking shoes: Some sturdy footwear that you know won’t slip on rocks is a good idea for hiking activities on a Halong Bay cruise.

Water bottle: Many cruises give you complimentary water, but if you have a decently sized refillable bottle of your own, fill that before you come so you have a reserve supply.

Power bank: If you join an overnight cruise you will have sockets to charge in your cabin, but if it’s a day cruise you might not have easy access. So better safe than sorry, you don’t want your phone dying on you as you snap pictures of Halong Bay!

Adapter: There are actually three different plug types used in Vietnam, so it’s best just to get a universal adapter so you’re prepared.

Best time to visit Halong Bay

For the best chance of fine, dry days, October to November is the best time to explore Halong Bay. Temperatures are mild and the rain usually stays away. 

Visiting anytime between February to April may be cheaper, but it also means that the famous bay won’t look anywhere near as impressive when compared to the dry season as there’s a lot of drizzle and fog.

While some would argue that the misty gives Ha Long Bay an air of ethereal and mysterious beauty, having visited in March (we were constantly surrounded by grey fog and covered by grey skies), I would argue that’s not true and visiting in dry season is better.

High season runs between May to September, and sees crowds of domestic tourists also making their way to the region. 

Final thoughts on the best 3-day 2-night cruise Halong Bay

There you have it, the ultimate guide to doing a 3-day 2-night cruise in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam! Have you done an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Ha Long Bay is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and famous sights in Vietnam. However, while I definitely recommend joining an overnight cruise, I don’t personally think a 2-night cruise is worth it.

Save some money, and put that budget towards seeing other beautiful places in Vietnam like Ninh Binh (with its iconic sights like Hang Mua Viewpoint, Bich Dong Pagoda and Bai Dinh Pagoda), or Sapa.

Because at the end of the day, the extra day will just have you repeating more of the same activities. One night will be enough to kayak through the caves, see the stunning views and enjoy a luxurious cruise experience.

I hope you found my guide about Halong Bay cruises useful, and that it will help you choose the perfect 2-night 3-day Ha Long Bay cruise for you!

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