2 Days: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise with private balcony

A Complete Look at the 2-Day Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise with Private Balcony

Imagine floating on emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone islets, with the comfort of your own private balcony. For just $150 per person, this 2-day, 1-night cruise explores the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Vietnam. Led by knowledgeable guides (and sometimes featuring fun group activities like cooking classes and sunset parties), this experience blends natural wonder with relaxed luxury.

We particularly appreciated the private balcony rooms, giving us a chance to enjoy the scenic views in peace—perfect for sipping tea at sunrise or watching the sunset without the crowds. Another highlight was the chance to visit caves like Sung Sot or Thien Canh Son—a chance to see some of the bay’s most dramatic formations.

A possible drawback is that the price doesn’t include transportation to and from Hanoi, which adds a little extra planning and expense. Also, if you’re traveling solo and prefer your own space, note that there’s a single room supplement of 1,500,000 VND.

This cruise suits travelers who value authentic experiences, scenic beauty, and a good balance of activity and relaxation. If you’re comfortable with basic group arrangements and looking for a budget-friendly but memorable stay on the water, this tour is a smart choice.

Key Points

• Affordable luxury: At $150, this cruise offers good value considering the private cabin and included activities.
• Comfortable accommodations: Private balcony rooms allow for personal scenic moments.
• Engaging activities: Cave visits, kayaking, and sunset parties add variety.
• Authentic experience: Visit a floating village and explore UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours before.
• Extra costs: Transportation to Hanoi and single room fees are additional considerations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Ha Long Bay on a 2-Day Cruise

Ha Long Bay is a must-see for anyone traveling to northern Vietnam. Its dramatic limestone karsts rising from the sea create a landscape that feels almost surreal. While many visitors opt for day trips, spending a night aboard a cruise offers a chance to slow down, soak in the views, and experience the bay at a more relaxed pace.

This particular tour, priced at $150 per person, balances affordability with comfort. The private balcony rooms are a standout feature, providing an intimate space to enjoy the scenery. Having your own balcony means you can get up early or stay out late, watching the changing light over the waters and islets without feeling like a tourist in a crowd.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

The adventure begins with a pick-up in Hanoi around 8:00 or 8:30 am—an efficient way to start your day. The transport is typically a shared transfer, so expect a comfortable journey of about four hours, depending on traffic. Upon arrival, you’ll check in on the boat, enjoy a welcome drink, and receive a safety briefing before setting sail.

Lunchtime aboard is a highlight—you’re treated to a delicious meal while cruising past limestone islets and sparkling waters. The scenery is so captivating we found ourselves constantly distracted. After lunch, the crew takes you to visit a cave, such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Thien Canh Son, both boasting impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Some guests quoted the caves as “absolutely stunning” and “the highlight of the trip.”

After exploring the caves, you might opt for kayaking or a swim near Titop Island or a secluded beach, providing a refreshing break from the boat. As the afternoon progresses, there’s a sunset party on the sundeck— a relaxing moment to toast the day and enjoy panoramic views. Dinner follows, with optional activities like squid fishing or karaoke to keep the fun going into the evening.

Day 2: Morning Activities and Return to Hanoi

The next morning begins with Tai Chi on the sundeck—a gentle way to start the day. A light breakfast follows, after which you can choose to explore a floating village by bamboo boat or kayak—a chance to see local life up close.

Before heading back, you’ll enjoy a brunch as the boat cruises back to the port. Expect to arrive in Hanoi by around 3 pm, giving you time to relax and plan your next adventures.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all meals (lunch, dinner, breakfast, and brunch), entrance fees, and activities like cave visits and kayaking. An English-speaking guide is included to help you navigate and understand the sites. Your accommodation in a private cabin with an en-suite bathroom offers comfort and privacy, making the experience more enjoyable.

However, the transportation to and from Hanoi is an extra cost—about 500,000 VND per person for a round-trip bus. If you prefer a single room, there’s a fee of 1,500,000 VND, which ensures you won’t have to share.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Travelers should bring sunglasses, sun hats, swimwear, and waterproof gear. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and a biodegradable sunscreen to protect the environment. Since alcohol isn’t permitted onboard, plan accordingly if you want to enjoy drinks.

The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old and requires some physical mobility for paddle sports and cave visits. Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

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What to Expect From the Experience

The scenery of Ha Long Bay is genuinely breathtaking, with towering limestone formations and emerald waters. The boat itself is comfortable, with the private balcony rooms providing a peaceful retreat. During the day, you’ll have plenty of chances to explore caves or kayak in quiet waters—most reviews mention that the caves are “beautiful and well worth the visit,” giving you a sense of the bay’s natural grandeur.

Evenings are relaxed, with sunset parties and opportunities for socializing. The sunset views from the deck are often described as magical, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange over the limestone silhouettes.

One reviewer commented, “The sunset party was a highlight—drinks, good company, and one of the best views I’ve seen.” The cave visits are also praised for their size and formations, providing a tangible sense of the natural forces that shaped the bay.

Day two’s floating village visit offers insight into local life, with some travelers describing it as “eye-opening” and “a chance to see the everyday realities of those living on the water.” The gentle start with Tai Chi and the cruise back to Hanoi make for a relaxing conclusion.

The Authenticity and Value

For the price, this cruise offers considerable value—including private accommodation, a variety of activities, and the chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural sights. It strikes a balance between comfort and exploration, catering to travelers who want the convenience of a guided tour without sacrificing the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The included meals and activities mean you spend less worrying about extra costs and more enjoying the scenery. Plus, the flexible booking policy adds peace of mind for trip planners uncertain about their dates.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want private comfort and authentic experiences. It suits those looking for a relaxing yet engaging trip that combines nature, local culture, and a touch of adventure. If you enjoy scenic views, cave exploration, and being on the water, you’ll find this tour a memorable highlight of northern Vietnam.

However, if you prefer fully organized transportation, or are traveling in a large group that might benefit from tailored arrangements, you might want to explore other options or consider the additional transportation costs.

Final Words: Is This Experience Worth It?

In short, yes. For around $150, you get a private balcony, caves to explore, kayaking, and one night on the water—a rare combination of comfort and adventure that makes this cruise stand out. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate value for money and want to experience Ha Long Bay without sacrificing comfort.

The inclusion of authentic activities like cave visits and floating village excursions means you’re not just passing through, but truly experiencing the bay’s natural and cultural environment. The sunset views and peaceful mornings on deck are worth the price alone.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience—a perfect way to see one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes at a reasonable cost, with enough flexibility to suit varied travel styles.

FAQ

Is transportation to and from Hanoi included?
No, the tour price doesn’t include transportation. You’ll need to arrange or pay for a round-trip bus (about 500,000 VND per person).

Can I book for just one person?
Yes, but a single room supplement of 1,500,000 VND applies if you prefer your own space.

What meals are included?
All meals—lunch on day 1, dinner, breakfast, and brunch on day 2—are included in the price.

Are activities like kayaking and cave visits optional?
These activities are included in the tour, but you can choose whether to participate.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), and waterproof gear.

Is this tour suitable for seniors?
It’s not recommended for people over 95 years old or those with limited mobility, as some activities involve physical effort.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How do I pay?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later—booking is flexible.

What’s the best time to go?
While not specified, the tour’s flexibility makes it suitable year-round, but consider weather conditions for the best views—generally dry season months.

To sum it up, this 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise with private balcony combines comfort, authenticity, and value, making it a splendid choice for those wanting to experience Vietnam’s natural wonder in a relaxed setting. It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. Whether honeymooners, solo travelers, or small groups, you’ll find this cruise offers a memorable, well-rounded journey through one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: