Ha Long Bay is one of those destinations that seems to tick every box for travelers wanting a mix of stunning scenery, unique activities, and a touch of luxury. What makes it especially appealing for 2-day tours is how easy it is to pack iconic sights like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Luon Cave into a single trip. Plus, with options like kayaking among limestone islets or relaxing on a luxurious cruise, you can tailor your experience whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or just in need of a scenic escape. For example, the Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Boat with Balcony offers a pampering experience with kayaking, swimming, and a sunset party, wrapped in five-star comfort. Meanwhile, the Ha Long Bay: 2-Day Tour with La Pandora Boutique Cruise stands out for its cozy, boutique-style atmosphere combined with all-inclusive meals, making it a top choice for those who want a mix of comfort and exploration.
If you’re wondering about the variety of options, rest assured — this list covers everything from luxury cruises, adventure trips, to private experiences. Whether you prefer a luxury 6-star cruise or an affordable day-and-a-half journey, you’ll find a tour that fits your style and budget.
Quick Overview
The best 2-day tours in Ha Long include a variety of experiences to match different travelers’ needs. Some tours focus on luxury and comfort, like the 5-star cruises, while others emphasize adventure and local culture, such as kayaking, hiking, or visiting less touristy spots like Bai Tu Long Bay. Some tours include hotel transfers from Hanoi, making logistics easier, while others offer private cabins or boutique-style cruise ships. The list below provides detailed insights to help you find the right fit.
1. Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Boat with Balcony

This luxury 5-star cruise offers a 2-day tour that combines the classic beauty of Ha Long Bay with the more peaceful Lan Ha Bay. The boat’s balcony rooms let you enjoy stunning views from your cabin, making this a top pick for comfort and style. The trip includes kayaking, swimming, and a sunset party on the sundeck, which is perfect for those who want to relax while taking in the scenery. The cruise also features a cooking class and a visit to a cave, offering a well-rounded experience. Guests consistently praise the luxury level and attentive service, with a rating of 4.8/5 based on 59 reviews.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a luxurious experience with plenty of activities and want to enjoy the bay at a leisurely pace.
2. Ha Long Bay: 2-Day Tour with La Pandora Boutique Cruise

For around $129, the La Pandora Boutique Cruise offers a cozy, boutique-style experience. Its oriental design blends iron and wood, creating a warm atmosphere. All meals are included, and the ship provides kayaking, swimming, and a cooking demonstration. The tour also picks up and drops off from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, adding convenience. Reviewers highlight the friendly crew and excellent food, with five-star ratings from travelers like “Hung was brilliant—attentive, hilarious, and knowledgeable.”
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a luxurious, intimate cruise with a focus on local cuisine and attentive service.
3. Bai Tu Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night With Renea Cruise

Located in the less-visited Bai Tu Long Bay, this tour offers a quieter, pristine experience away from the crowds. It includes exploring geological formations, visiting floating villages, and kayaking around limestone islands. The focus is on natural beauty and biodiversity, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. At $154 per person, the tour balances affordability with a chance to see biodiversity and local life. Guests appreciate the peaceful environment and personalized service, making it a good choice for travelers seeking tranquility.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy biodiversity and serene waters.
4. 2-Day On 5 Star Cruise Halong Bay with Meals and Kayaking

This luxury cruise combines fine dining, kayaking, and swimming in a beautifully curated 5-star setting. The cruise offers two lunches, a dinner, and breakfast, along with night squid fishing for those who want extra fun after dark. The luxury cabins with en-suite bathrooms make it perfect for travelers seeking comfort. The reviews praise the detailed organization and the quality of the food. If you’re after a high-end experience with a full itinerary, this cruise is a solid choice.
Bottom line: Excellent for luxury seekers who want a comprehensive, activity-packed trip.
5. Hanoi: 2D1N Ha Long Bay by Amanda Premier Cruise

This mid-range cruise offers a blend of luxury and value, with all meals and activities included. The Amanda Cruise features a brand new vessel with scenic kayaking, swimming, and a cooking class. The guide’s enthusiasm and the quality of the cabin have earned high praise, and the tour includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi. It’s ideal if you want comfort without overspending.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers looking for a well-organized, all-inclusive experience at a reasonable price.
6. Traditional Halong Bay 2 Day 1 Night Private Cabin 5 Star

This private 5-star cruise offers a luxury experience with a private cabin and visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Activities include kayaking, swimming, and squid fishing, all framed by stunning bay views. The tour emphasizes personalized service and comfort, and reviews mention clean cabins and delicious meals. Starting with pickup from Hanoi, it caters to travelers seeking privacy and exclusivity.
Bottom line: Best suited for couples or small groups wanting an exclusive, luxurious experience with tailored activities.
7. From Halong: 2 Days / 1 Night with Halong – Lan Ha tour

This tour explores both Halong and Lan Ha Bay, with activities like kayaking, cave visits, and swimming. The local focus and delicious Vietnamese meals make it stand out. Travelers praise Cody’s enthusiastic guiding and the quality of the food, with 5-star reviews emphasizing the fun and comfort of the trip. It’s a good choice for those wanting a balancing of nature and culture.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want to see multiple bays and enjoy local cuisine.
8. Ha Long: 2 days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking

This adventure-focused tour combines hiking, biking, and kayaking in less touristy Lan Ha Bay. You’ll experience glowing plankton during night kayaking and visit tropical islands while hanging out with monkeys. For active travelers, it offers an unbeatable mix of nature, wildlife, and physical activity. The single review enthusiastically calls it “an unforgettable 2-day escape,” emphasizing the unique activities and scenic beauty.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers and nature lovers seeking adventure and serenity.
9. Hanoi: 2D1N Ha Long Bay by Amanda Cruise

This luxury cruise offers an elegant 2-day experience with scenic visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Its brand-new facilities and focus on comfort and scenic beauty make it stand out. All activities, kayaking, swimming, and a cooking class are included, with a highly positive review praising the delightful onboard experience. It’s ideal if you want luxury and scenic highlights in one package.
Bottom line: A top pick for luxury and scenic exploration.
10. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay 2-Days Cruise 6 Stars| Luxury Cruise

Catherine Cruise offers a 6-star luxury experience with this 2-day, 1-night itinerary. Highlights include kayaking at Luon Cave, visiting Titop Island, and enjoying gourmet meals. The luxury cabins and special activities like cooking classes and afternoon teas create a truly indulgent experience. Reviewers describe it as unforgettable and well-organized, making it a top choice for those who want premium comfort.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking top-tier luxury and exclusive experiences.
11. Cat Ba: 2-Day Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Plankton Excursion

This unique cruise combines a plankton lighting tour with staying overnight on a floating homestay—a rare experience. You’ll swim, snorkel, and explore less touristy areas of Lan Ha Bay, with a focus on local life. The lighting-up plankton at night is a highlight, though reviews mention some discomfort in the accommodation. It’s a good choice for adventure and authentic experiences.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous travelers who want to see plankton lighting and experience local life.
12. From Ninh Binh: Ha Long Bay 2 days 1 night on 3-star Cruise

This affordable 3-star cruise offers a relaxing escape from Ninh Binh, with visits to Sung Sot Cave and floating fishing villages. It emphasizes local culture, with sunset views over the bay. At $138, it offers good value with comfortable cabins and basic activities.
Bottom line: A smart choice for budget-conscious travelers wanting to explore Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty.
13. From Hanoi/Ha Long: Ha Long Bay 1 or 2-Day 5-Star Cruise

This flexible 1- or 2-day cruise offers luxury with options for short or extended stays. It includes swimming and kayaking, with spectacular limestone formations and hiking opportunities at Ti Top Island. Its high ratings reflect satisfaction with the service and scenery.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want luxury flexibility and scenic highlights.
14. From Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night With Transport

This well-priced tour combines transportation from Hanoi with a full 2-day cruise on Ha Long Bay. It features visits to Surprise Cave, kayaking, and swimming, with positive reviews for the organized activities and helpful staff. It’s a great choice if you want a straightforward, all-included trip.
Bottom line: Good value for first-time visitors wanting an organized experience.
15. Hanoi: Overnight Ha Long Bay 2-Day 1-Night Cruise

This budget-friendly cruise offers caves exploration, swimming, and scenic views. The balcony cabins provide stunning vistas, and reviews mention good service and delicious food. It’s suited for budget travelers who prioritize scenery and activities without luxury extras.
Bottom line: A solid, cost-effective option for those wanting a complete Ha Long Bay experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect 2-Day Tour in Ha Long
Picking the right tour depends on your budget, interests, and preferred style. If luxury is your priority, consider the 6-star cruise or the luxury Amanda cruises. For a more adventurous or authentic experience, tours like the Lan Ha Bay hiking and kayaking trip or the homestay plankton tour are excellent choices. Budget travelers might prefer the 3-star cruise, which offers good value without sacrificing scenery.
Think about logistics as well: those who want hotel transfers from Hanoi should look at tours that include pickup and drop-off. Consider your activity level—if you’re keen on biking or hiking, choose tours that feature these activities on less crowded routes.
Final Thoughts
Ha Long’s variety of 2-day tours means there’s something for all—from luxury experiences to adventure-packed trips. If you’re after ultimate comfort, the 5-star cruises are hard to beat. For active travelers, tours with kayaking, hiking, and biking offer a more energetic pace. And for those on a budget, there are affordable options that still deliver stunning scenery and memorable activities.
Booking early is always a good idea, especially during peak seasons from October to April. Remember, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, and a well-chosen tour can make all the difference in turning your visit into an unforgettable experience. Take your pick, plan ahead, and get ready for a spectacular journey.
