Halong Bay - Choose 1 Day Trip or Overnight Cruise?

Halong Bay (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long) is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. The Bay is dotted with 1,969 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 km2. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2003. For many local and international tourists, this place is like something right out of the movies. The best way to get to Ha long City is by car, minibus or bus from Hanoi which is only 170km away and take only 2hours and half. If your budget is not a problem, an hour-long helicopter transfer from Hanoi is also available.

Halong Bay Day Trip or Overnight Cruise

Ha Long Bay Cruises Booking are available at almost every hotel and travel agency in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is an impressive geographical formation in the North of Vietnam. It has over 1,900 islets with pristine beaches, limestone caves, inland lakes, and floating fishing villages. Declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2003, the best way to experience this landscape is on the Boat Cruise. Depending on your budget and time, you can opt for a luxurious cruiser or budget diesel-powered junk to explore Ha Long Bay.

Halong Day Cruices or Overnight Boat

Do allow for at least one night staying on boat as there are plenty of things to see and do here. These cruises usually include English-speaking guides, hotel transfers, and entrance fees, meals, and on-board entertainment. If you do not have much time in Hanoi, a day trip to Halong Bay is a good idea. But if you have time, we recommend at least 2 days 1 overnight on the cruise. And here is our recommendations about Halong Bay Day Trips or Halong Overnight Cruises if you travel from Hanoi.

1. Halong Bay Day Trips Opportunities:

A day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi take about 3 hours bus journey, and you then normally have from 4 to 6 hours for boat cruise in the bay. The time is short but still adequate to visit some of the best parts of amazing Halong Bay with:

Have a Glimpse of the beautiful Halong Bay:

If you’re traveling to Vietnam on a low budget and a shortage of time but still want to explore Halong Bay, you’ll definitely love the economically day trip program. Most day cruises go to prominent attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Titop Island so you can have an overview of the bay as well as join some typical activities such as swimming, kayaking, and climbing.

One-day tour with Adventure Journey: you will be transferred from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car / van/ bus then embark on the Cruise at mid-day. The traditional wooden junk sails through beautiful islets such as Fighting Cocks, Incense Burner, and stopover Surpring Cave – one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay. Having delicious lunch whil boat is cruising around the bay.

Admire the spectacular Halong Bay view from the top.

For those who have higher budget and want to reach Halong Bay in the most unique and time-saving way, getting aboard a seaplane is the best choice. Instead of 4 driving hours, a seaplane, operated by Hai Au Aviation will take you only a 60-minute scenic flight to Halong Bay. Don’t miss the chance to take stunning photos of the bays from the height of hundreds of meters.

Flight Schedule from Hanoi to Halong and Return

Flight Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Public Fare
Flight Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time	16 Apr – 30 Sept 2023	1 Oct – 31 Oct 2023
Hanoi - Halong	9:00	10:00	7.750.000 VND	9.700.000 VND
Halong – Hanoi	12:30	13:30	7.750.000 VND	9.700.000 VND
Hanoi - Halong	14:30	15:15	4.200.000 VND	4.200.000 VND
Halong - Hanoi	16:00	16:45	5.550.000 VND	6.950.000 VND

Pros:

For visitors with a shortage of time and a tight budget, spending a day tour on Halong Bay is the optimal way to capture the views.
Day cruises specialize in well-researched itineraries that take you to the worthiest places.
Those who have seasickness and kids should also choose this kind of program.

Cons:

With only 4 or 6 hours on board, you won’t be able to delve into the local culture and visit all tourist destinations.
You do not have a chance to take part in beach sports and overnight entertainment activities onboard.

2. Why should you choose Halong Bay Overnight Cruises?

Unlike the rush one-day cruise, an overnight cruise program opens up many opportunities for you with plenty of time to experience all fascinating and thrilling activities in the bay with A lot of fun-filled of daytime activities board and offshore.

For Overnight Cruises: At noon, you’ll check-in the cabin and then have lunch at the restaurant. Interesting activities on day one are visiting the limestone islands area, swimming on Titop Beach, cooking class, Happy Hour, and evening entertainment with nightlife activities on board.

The most significant benefit when you take an overnight cruise in Halong Bay is that you can enjoy Halong Bay and also Lan Ha Bay at its fullest and most enjoyable ways. Also you will have chance to learn more about history and life of local fisherman and their tradition.

You will have chance to visit the best limestone caves, swimming on the beach, have chance for kayaking to explore the bay, joining squit fishing at night time, doing morning Tai Chi, Hiking and Trekking in National Park of Cat Ba and also discover Lan Ha Bay before disembarking the ship.

Pros:

Grasp the in-depth knowledge about Halong Bay
Participation in an abundance of many activities

Cons:

An overnight cruises are not suitable for those who traveling with short time.
Some budget-minded travelers may not afford the program with higher cost.

3. How Many Days Should You spend in Halong Bay?

It is really depending on your travel time and prepaired budget. If you have time and budget, we recommend you to do 3 Days and 2 Nights Cruises or Halong Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruises to visit Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park on Cat Ba Island. But if you have very short time and traveling on a tight budget, Halong Bay 1 Day Trip from Hanoi is also an ideal option to do.

4. Our Conclusion: You Should Stay on Overnight Cruises.

Both day tours and stay on overnight cruises have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, depending on your situation in terms of time, money, and preference, you should choose the program that suits you the best.

Some Pictures about Halong Bay Day Trips & Overnight Cruises:

Halong Bay 1 Day Trip