Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. With its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests, it’s a must-visit destination for any traveler to Vietnam. In this blog, we’ll take you through an unforgettable Halong Bay 2 days 1-night cruise experience, offering tips to make the most of your journey and avoid tourist crowds.
Day 1: Discovering Halong Bay’s Wonders
Your first day in Halong Bay will be filled with exciting things to do. You’ll sail through the stunning landscape, explore mysterious caves, try your hand at kayaking, learn to cook Vietnamese food, and experience the bay’s nightlife. Here’s what you can expect:
Sailing through Halong Bay
As you leave the port, you’ll be amazed by the sight of Halong Bay. The boat moves smoothly through the water, passing by many green islands. These islands rise straight up from the sea, creating a magical landscape. You’ll see local fishing boats and maybe even some floating villages. The cruise staff will point out interesting rock formations and tell you stories about the bay’s history.
Visit caves
Halong Bay is home to many fascinating caves. Each cave has its own unique features and legends. Here are some of the caves you might visit:
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): This is the largest and most famous cave in Halong Bay. It has huge chambers filled with interesting rock formations.
- Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave): Known for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites, this cave looks like a grand palace.
- Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave): This cave has three main chambers and is rich in history.
- Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave): This cave is tied to a local love story and has a statue of a girl inside.
Kayaking adventure
In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to go kayaking. The staff will give you a life jacket and show you how to use the kayak. As you paddle, you’ll get close to the limestone islands. You might find small, hidden beaches or lagoons. Keep an eye out for the view on the islands or eagles flying overhead. The water is usually calm, making it easy and fun even if you’ve never kayaked before.
Cooking class
In the evening, many cruises offer a cooking class. You’ll learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. The chef will show you how to choose and roll the ingredients perfectly. You’ll also learn about Vietnamese herbs and spices. After you make your spring rolls, you get to eat them! This is a fun way to learn about Vietnamese food and culture.
Squid fishing
As night falls, you can try squid fishing from the boat. The crew will give you a special rod and bait. They’ll show you how to attract squid with a bright light. Squid fishing is tricky but fun. If you catch a squid, the chef might cook it as a late-night snack. Even if you don’t catch anything, staying up late under the stars is enjoyable.
Meals on board
Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy delicious meals on the boat. For lunch, you might have fresh seafood, Vietnamese noodles, and tropical fruits. Dinner is often a big buffet with many choices. You can try local dishes like clams with lemongrass or fish in caramel sauce. The dining room usually has big windows, so you can enjoy the view of Halong Bay while you eat.
Day 2: Admiring the charm of Halong Bay
Your second day starts early but is full of rewarding experiences. You’ll greet the day with Tai Chi, visit a beautiful island, have more time to swim or relax, and take in your final views of the bay. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Tai Chi Class
Early in the morning, you can join a Tai Chi class on the boat’s deck. Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese exercise that involves slow, gentle movements. The instructor will guide you through the moves. As you practice, you’ll see the sun rising over the islands. This peaceful start to the day helps you appreciate the calm beauty of Halong Bay.
Visit Titop Island
After breakfast, you’ll visit Titop Island. This small island has a lovely beach and a high viewpoint. You can climb to the top of the island for an amazing view. The climb is challenging – there are over 400 steps – but the view is worth it. From the top, you can see for miles in every direction. You’ll understand why Halong Bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Swimming at Titop Beach
At the foot of Titop Island, there’s a crescent-shaped beach with white sand. The water here is clear and usually calm. You can swim or just relax on the beach. The beach can get crowded, but it’s still a nice place to enjoy the water and sun. Remember to bring sunscreen and a towel from the boat.
Final cruise and brunch
As the boat heads back to the port, you’ll have your last views of Halong Bay. This is a good time to relax on the deck and take final photos. Many cruises serve a big brunch during this time. You can enjoy both breakfast and lunch foods while watching the scenery. It’s a chance to chat with other travelers and share your favorite moments from the trip.
Meals on board
On the second day, you’ll start with a light breakfast before the Tai Chi class. This might include coffee, tea, and pastries. The main meal is usually a big brunch served as you cruise back to the port. Brunch often includes both Western and Vietnamese dishes, giving you a final taste of local flavors before you leave Halong Bay.
By the end of your 2-day, 1-night cruise, you’ll have experienced the magic of Halong Bay. From exploring caves to kayaking, from watching sunsets to practicing Tai Chi at dawn, each activity shows you a different side of this natural wonder. The memories of green islands rising from blue waters, the taste of fresh seafood, and the peacefulness of the bay will stay with you long after your trip ends.
Type of Halong Bay 2 days 1 night cruise
Picking the right cruise for your Halong Bay adventure can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s what you need to know to choose the best cruise for you:
Types of Cruises Based on Price
When it comes to Halong Bay cruises, you have several options to fit different budgets and preferences:
Luxury Cruises
Luxury cruises offer top-notch service and amenities. You’ll enjoy spacious cabins with private balconies, gourmet meals in high-end restaurants, and on-board spas and fitness centers. With a high staff-to-guest ratio, you’ll receive personalized service throughout your trip.
These cruises cost more, but they give you a five-star experience on the water. Prices usually start from $150 to $500 per person per night, making them a splurge for special occasions or travelers who want the very best.
Deluxe Cruises
Deluxe cruises balance luxury and affordability. They feature comfortable cabins, some with balconies, and quality dining options offering both Western and Vietnamese cuisine. You can participate in activities like cooking classes and tai chi sessions. These cruises include standard excursions to popular Halong Bay sites.
While you won’t get all the fancy extras of a luxury cruise, deluxe options offer a great experience without the high price tag. You can expect to pay around $120 to $200 per person per night for a deluxe cruise, making it a popular choice for many travelers.
Budget Cruises
Budget cruises cater to travelers watching their spending. They provide basic but clean cabins and simple, tasty meals featuring local Vietnamese dishes. You’ll still enjoy standard activities like kayaking and cave visits, though tour groups may be larger.
While you won’t get fancy frills, you’ll still see the same beautiful sights of Halong Bay as everyone else. Prices for budget cruises typically range from $100 to $150 per person per night, making them an excellent option for backpackers or those who prefer to spend their money on other parts of their Vietnam trip.
Private and Charter Cruises
For a more personal touch, you can book a private cabin or charter an entire boat. Private cabins on regular cruises give you more space and sometimes extra perks like priority service or exclusive dining options. Chartered boats are perfect for families who want to keep kids on a familiar schedule, groups of friends celebrating a special occasion, or companies planning a unique team-building trip.
Prices for private and charter options vary widely based on the boat size and level of luxury. A small, basic charter might start from about $500, while larger, high-end boats for bigger groups can cost several thousand dollars per night.
Cruise Styles
The style of boat you choose can shape your Halong Bay experience:
Boutique Junk Boats
Junk boats are traditional-style vessels that add to Halong Bay’s magic. Made of wood with distinctive sail shapes, they offer a more intimate atmosphere with fewer cabins. Often more budget-friendly, junk boats give you a feeling of stepping back in time. They’re great for photographers and those seeking a traditional vibe. Cabins are usually cozier than on modern ships, which many find adds to the charm.
Modern Cruises
Modern cruise ships offer more amenities and space. These larger vessels provide better stability and often have more facilities like gyms, spas, and larger sundecks. They usually offer better views from higher decks. Modern cruises typically fall in the deluxe to luxury price range, catering to travelers who want to explore Halong Bay without sacrificing modern comforts. Cabins are often more spacious, sometimes featuring floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies.
When you’re picking your cruise, think about what matters most to you. Do you want luxury touches or are you happy with the basics? Do you prefer a traditional feel or modern comfort? Your budget will play a big role but also consider the kind of experience you want to have in Halong Bay. Some travelers love the idea of a wooden boat with creaking timbers and billowing sails, while others prefer the stability and amenities of a larger, modern vessel.
Above is just an overview of Halong Bay cruises that we offer. For more information about cruise deals and to get advice from our travel experts, you can contact us via this form or email [email protected].
Tips for beating the crowds
Halong Bay is popular, but there are ways to avoid big crowds:
- Try to choose a cruise that goes to less-known caves or islands like Bai Tu Long Bay, these places are often just as beautiful but less crowded.
- Wake up early to enjoy the morning activities. Many people sleep in, so you’ll have a quieter experience if you start your day early.
- If you can, visit Halong Bay in May, June, July, October, and December. There are usually fewer travelers during these months, but the weather is still nice.
- Look for a cruise on a smaller boat. Smaller boats can go to areas that big ships can’t reach. This means you might see parts of Halong Bay that many tourists don’t visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 2-day 1-night cruise enough for Halong Bay?
Yes, a 2-day, 1-night cruise can give you a good experience of Halong Bay. You’ll have time to see the main sights, enjoy activities like kayaking or visiting caves, and experience sunset and sunrise on the bay. If you have more time, a 3-day, 2-night cruise allows for a more relaxed pace and visits to more remote areas.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Halong Bay is from March to May, and September to November when the weather is mild and visibility is good. However, each season offers a unique experience:
- Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather, occasional drizzle, perfect for admiring the bay
- Summer (May to August): Hot with occasional storms, but vibrant green scenery, perfect for water activities
- Fall (September to November): Warm and dry, ideal for outdoor activities
- Winter (December to February): Cool and misty, creating a mystical atmosphere, perfect for photography
How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
Most cruises start from Tuan Chau Marina. This port is about 160 km east of Hanoi. You can get there by car or bus, and the trip takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Many cruise companies offer a bus service from Hanoi to the port. This is very helpful and saves you the trouble of arranging your own transport. If you book a cruise with this service, you can relax and enjoy the scenery on your way to Halong Bay.
Is the water clean enough for swimming in Halong Bay?
The water quality in Halong Bay can vary depending on the specific location and time of year. Many cruise itineraries include stops at beaches or lagoons where swimming is safe and enjoyable. However, it’s always best to follow the guidance of your cruise staff about where and when it’s safe to swim.
How much does a Halong Bay cruise cost?
The cost of Halong Bay cruises varies widely depending on the length of the trip, the quality of the boat, and the services offered. A 2-day, 1-night cruise can range from budget options around $120 per person to luxury experiences costing $200 or more per person.
Hope this travel blog has been your perfect companion in planning your Halong Bay 2 days 1 night cruise. From the stunning scenery to the exciting activities, Halong Bay offers a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure – start planning your Halong Bay cruise now!
Mo Nguyen – from Vietnam Travels Online
