Halong Bay overnight tour offers a unique chance to sleep on a cruise, enjoy sunset and sunrise over limestone islands, and experience the bay beyond a day trip.
I was really impressed with the overnight Halong Bay tour because of the feeling of floating on the sea, watching the sunset and waking up with the sunrise over the bay. This is a very worthwhile experience, especially for tourists who want to enjoy Halong Bay in a completely different way compared to day tours.
Halong Bay one-night tour – Overview for tourists
IIn my experience, a one-night Halong Bay tour is a very complete form of travel that combines sightseeing of the tourist attractions in Halong Bay Vietnam and relaxation, especially suitable for those who want to experience Halong Bay at a more leisurely pace.
The tour typically lasts 2 days and 1 night, with guests sleeping directly on the cruise ship in the bay instead of in a hotel on shore. A popular departure point is Tuan Chau port, with travel by cruise ship through prominent areas of Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.
Throughout the trip, the tour includes overnight cabin accommodation, meals, entrance fees, and activities such as kayaking and rowing, so I hardly had to worry about any additional costs. For me, this is a pretty reasonable option for those who want to enjoy the scenery while experiencing a true vacation on the bay.
Tour prices and the 03 most popular types of cruise ships
Before going, my biggest concern was the tour price and which type of cruise ship would be most suitable. In reality, a one-night Halong Bay tour isn’t as expensive as many people think, ranging from about 1.9 million to over 2.6 million VND per person (approximately 72 USD to 100 USD), depending on the cruise ship class and service quality.
At this price, I found it perfectly reasonable as it included meals, an overnight stay on the bay, entrance fees, and many special experiences.
| Type of yacht | Reference price | Size & Cabin | Service level | Suitable for whom? |
| 3-star cruise | ~1,900,000 VND (~72 USD) | Small boat, medium-sized cabin. | Basically, it has all the necessary amenities. | First-time travelers looking for a budget-friendly experience. |
| 4-star cruise | ~2,000,000 – 2,250,000 VND (~76-86 USD) | wider | Good service, good balance between sightseeing and relaxation. | Tourists want more comfort at a reasonable cost. |
| 5-star cruise | ~2,250,000 – 2,600,000 VND (~86-100 USD) | Spacious room, private balcony. | High-end, luxurious | Families, couples, and vacation-loving guests. |
In my experience, the price of a one-night Halong Bay tour usually includes:
- Two-way transfer service Hanoi – Ha Long – Hanoi (for group tours)
- One night’s cabin stay on a star-rated cruise ship.
- Meals on board (lunch, dinner, breakfast, brunch)
- Tickets for sightseeing tours on the bay.
- A tour guide will accompany you throughout the trip.
- Experiential activities: kayaking or rowing.
- Anchorage fees, basic travel insurance
In my opinion, when choosing an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, you should consider your budget and your experience needs: a 3-star cruise is suitable for budget-conscious travelers and first-timers, a 4-star cruise strikes a balance between comfort and cost, while a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise 1 night luxury offers a luxurious, spacious environment, ideal for relaxation and travel with family or couples.
Experiencing a real-life Halong Bay night tour
I register Halong Bay overnight tour. I went through Travel Halong, a reputable company specializing in organizing overnight cruise tours on the bay. Before going, I was absolutely thrilled because this was my first time experiencing an overnight stay on the bay, watching the sunset and sunrise over the sea, and participating in exciting activities only available on a cruise ship.
#1. Day 1 – From Hanoi to the port and boarding the ship
The first day on the Halong Bay overnight tour was truly exciting with many fun activities. From the moment we left Hanoi until the ship anchored in the bay, I experienced a journey combining sightseeing, water activities, and enjoying the cruise ship’s amenities.
Traveling from Hanoi to the port
I departed from central Hanoi early in the morning. A new limousine from the company picked me up at the designated meeting point; the seats were comfortable, spacious, and air-conditioned, making me feel at ease right from the start of the journey.
We began our trip around 3-4 hours to Tuan Chau port in Ha Long. Along the way, the car stopped several times, allowing me to relax, admire the scenery of the Northern Vietnamese countryside, and prepare myself for the experience of spending the night on the bay.
Arrive at the port – Board the ship
Upon arriving at Tuan Chau port, the sight of the charming yachts docked filled me with excitement. I chose a 4-star yacht with a spacious, comfortable cabin, fully equipped with amenities, as part of one of the popular Halong Bay tours 1 night.
Once on board, the staff assisted with check-in, secured my luggage, and briefly introduced the itinerary. The cabin, approximately 16-22 square meters, featured a comfortable double bed, large windows overlooking the bay, and ample space for me to move around freely.
The private bathroom, complete with shower, towels, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and toothpaste, provides a comfortable, mini-hotel-like experience. Personally, I found the cabin perfectly equipped for rest, relaxation, and preparation for an overnight stay on the bay, while still maintaining a cozy and close-to-nature atmosphere.
Travel and scenic views of the bay
As the ship left the harbor, I was immediately captivated by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Limestone islands rose from the vast blue sea, the afternoon sun sparkling on the water’s surface.
The boat traveled at a slow speed, allowing me to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take photos without feeling seasick. I relaxed on the deck, enjoying the cool sea breeze and the vast view of the bay; the feeling was completely different from traveling on shore.
Afternoon activities
After enjoying a delicious seafood lunch on the boat, I prepared for the afternoon’s kayaking activity. To get to the kayaking area the group of tourists from the main ship to the Hang Luon area, near the small limestone islands. This is one of the famous areas of Ha Long Bay, with clear, calm waters and few large ships passing by, making it ideal for kayaking.
Upon arrival, the guide will demonstrate step-by-step how to use a kayak or rowboat. While emphasizing safety rules, the entire group felt confident even on their first try. The kayaking area was quite spacious and not too crowded, with each group assigned separately to experience the pristine natural scenery fully.
I kayaked about45 – 60 minutes. I enjoyed the beautiful scenery while feeling the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves. After rowing, I was taken to Titop Island for swimming in the sea. The water here is veryinside and clean. The waves were gentle, the sand was fine and white, perfect for swimming or relaxing. I swam and played on the island for about 30 minutes. Later we returned to the canoe to head back to the ship, continue our afternoon journey, and prepare for dinner.
Dinner and evening activities
Dinner on the boat was delicious, featuring famous fresh seafood dishes from Ha Long Bay such as steamed shrimp, grilled squid, steamed fish, and stir-fried clams, all served right to my seat. I felt full and completely ready for the exciting activities of the evening.
After the meal, I joined squid fishing activities take place right on the ship’s deck. No need to go anywhere else. The guide provides bait and instructions on how to fish, making it easy for first-time visitors to try their hand at it. I spent about 1-1.5 hours for squid fishing. Relax and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere on the bay.
The interesting thing is the squid caught can be prepared by the kitchen staff right on the boat. Grilled or stir-fried, to be enjoyed immediately, creating a feeling that is both fun and delicious. After catching squid, if you still want to, I can join in. Karaoke or a light party on deck. Interacting with other tourists creates a fun atmosphere. A vibrant yet relaxing way to end the first day of our experience in Ha Long Bay.
Night on the ship
Upon returning to my cabin after a long day exploring the bay on one of the popular Halong Bay tours 1 night, I drifted off into a peaceful and comfortable sleep. Because the boat was securely anchored with strong chains, I didn’t feel any seasickness; only the gentle sound of waves and the cool sea breeze lulled me into a deep slumber.
#2. Morning of Day 2 – Watch the sunrise and take a stroll on the ship
I woke up very early to admire the sunrise over the bay. I took a walk on the deck, breathing in the fresh air and feeling the vastness of nature.
Afterward, I enjoyed a light brunch on board, consisting of bread, eggs, pastries, fresh fruit, juice, and coffee or tea. The meal was just enough to energize me for the next leg of the journey, while also providing a relaxing and comfortable feeling amidst the peaceful setting on the bay.
After brunch, the boat began its return to Tuan Chau port, where the tour ended. On the way back, I continued to admire the stunning limestone islands and enjoy the last sea breeze; the peaceful feeling from the night on the bay still lingered, making me truly want to return again.
05 things to keep in mind for first-time night tour travelers
If this is your first time experiencing a Halong Bay overnight tour while planning to travel Vietnam, I recommend saving it. Here are some key points to ensure a comfortable and fulfilling trip:
- Choose the right type of yacht: If it’s your first time and you want to save money, a 3-star cruise ship is perfectly adequate. For more comfort, a private balcony, or if you’re traveling with family, consider a 4-5 star cruise ship.
- Bring familiar personal items: Although the cabin is fully equipped with towels, toothbrushes, soap, etc., if you are sensitive to packaged products, you should bring your own personal toiletries.
- Prepare comfortable clothes: Lightweight clothing, comfortable sneakers or sandals, and a light jacket for cool evenings on deck.
- Ready for outdoor activities: Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or sun-protective clothing for activities like kayaking, swimming, or exploring the island.
- Don’t worry about seasickness: When the ship is anchored for the night, it moves very slowly and is secured by large chains, so you won’t get seasick; just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the bay.
Conclusion
My Halong Bay overnight tour experience truly left me with many unforgettable impressions. If this is your first time visiting Halong Bay, I recommend choosing a cruise that suits your needs and budget, preparing necessary clothing and personal items, and getting ready to enjoy all the activities on the bay. This trip will surely bring you a sense of peace and relaxation, making you want to return again and leaving you with lasting memories of the stunning beauty of Halong Bay.
