Welcome to Halong Bay, an incredible Unesco World heritage Site in Northern Vietnam, known for its breathtaking beauty, expansive karst formations and emerald blue waters. If you’re travelling to Vietnam, Halong Bay is a must visit destination. Although day trips from Hanoi are popular options for tourists in a rush, multi day cruises are perfect for travelers with a bit more time, seeking a wonderful experience, relaxing and unwinding amidst North Vietnam’s beautiful scenery! In this case you should no doubt explore the trusted and verified cruises offered by Halong Hub.
Compared to the 2 day 1 night cruise of Halong Bay, the Halong Bay cruise 3 days option allows for the opportunity to partake in more activities, and you also won’t feel like you’re being rushed on your time aboard the cruise ship.
The surrounding region is truly a sight to behold with its awe-inspiring landscapes. Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay offer stunning views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters. You can also explore some of the area’s popular tourist attractions such as Cua Van floating village, which is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the local fishermen. The Cat Ba National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and home to some rare species of flora and fauna. Bai Chay Beach, with its golden sands, is a perfect spot to unwind and bask in the sun. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the hidden caves that dot the coastline. To experience all of these sights, a Halong Bay cruise for three days and two nights is an excellent option that allows you to take in everything the region has to offer.
In this article, you’ll learn about the Best Ha Long Bay 3 Days 2 Nights Cruise In Paradise. There are various cruises that are available, from budget choices to more luxury options. Each promising a great trip through Ha Long Bay. You’ll also get a glimpse into the cruise itinerary of each so you have an idea of what to expect.
Unsure what the length of your trip should be? Read about the different Halong bay cruise itineraries best for you!
Wondering about your Vietnam travel itinerary? Check out the Ultimate Vietnam Travel Itinerary from North to South: Halong Bay and Beyond.
Table of Contents
What Should You Know Beforehand?
Where’s Your Destination?
There’s a few overnight cruise options besides Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay in the northeast, Bai Tu Long Bay in the east, and Cat Ba island in the south are spotted well worth considering too!
Need help picking the right bay? Learn about the 3 bays in Halong Bay!
Halong Bay Weather
Weather plays a crucial role in how your trip goes. Like most of northern Vietnam, Halong bay has four distinctive seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. As such, you should plan your trip accordingly.
March and April tend to be the months when the weather is the most pleasant in Halong Bay, with fresh air, sunny skies and calm seas everyday. Of course, this is entirely preferential. Take some time to consider what weather you’d like on your 3 days 2 nights stay.
Last but not least, don’t forget about monsoons! Cruise operators and ships are equipped to deal with this natural occurrence but in the worst scenarios, trips can be cancelled.
Confused about when to go? Find out more about the best time to visit Halong Bay!
What Time Do Halong Bay Cruises Start And Where?
The three common starting points for your Ha Long bay overnight cruise include Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, Tuan Chau Marina. All Halong Bay cruise itineraries begin around 12 noon.
Visitors from Hanoi tend to opt for a shuttle bus or private car from locations like the Hanoi old quarter. Travel takes around four hours. On the other hand, trips from Hai Phong or Quang Ninh are much faster, with taxi services taking between 45 minutes to an hour to get to your cruise port for check-in.
Want more travel information? Read more on 3 Airports near Halong Bay!
Cost Of A Halong Bay 3 Day Cruise
Costs of each overnight cruise depend on the individual cruise ship. A luxury cruise will obviously cost more than a budget option. You also need to consider when you plan to visit Halong Bay–Peak season tickets will always cost more!
Besides this, you need to take into account expenses like drinks, transportation to one of the bays, extra services (massage services, etc), and tips.
Now you have a better idea of what to expect, let’s take a look at some options to get you started!
Halong Bay 3 Day Cruises – Budget
Swan Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
There’s a lot to do in Ha long bay. If it feels difficult to decide what’s best for you on your trip, websites like Halong Hub provide a simple and convenient way of accessing all the information you need. Don’t think twice, book your 3 days 2 nights trip to Halong Bay now!
Kicking off our list at a starting rate of $120 per person, the Swan Cruise is a great budget option for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay. The traditional junk boat style is perfect to get you in the spirit for a cruise atop beautiful Vietnamese waters, with a total of eight rooms spread over three decks.
Day 1 features:
- Enjoy a welcome drink while attending a cruise briefing. The ship will set sail while you enjoy a delicious lunch.
- Visit Cap La island with its secluded and pristine white sand beach. Kayaking is possible here amongst the majestic formation of limestone karsts.
- Dinner is followed by activities like squid fishing or karaoke.
Day 2 features: Itinerary is split between two options based on weather conditions.
- Option 1: Cruise to Cong Dam area before reaching Hon Co island. Enjoy a bbq lunch before kayaking through the various hidden lagoons, or simply explore Cong Dam, a place often considered an outdoor geological museum. There’s a fishing village here too, making it possible to learn about the local life.
- Option 2: Hot lunch on the boat before you go bamboo boat rowing to Vung Vieng fishing village. Learn about a pearl farm and you’ll also have the chance to fish with the local fishermen too!
Day 3 features:
- Morning tai chi session while marveling at the bay’s landscape. Breakfast will be served on board before the boat travels to Thien Canh Son cave. Explore what is also called, “grass cave” due to the diverse flora and fauna flourishing nearby.
Other budget options
1. A Class Legend Cruise
Highlights: Halong Bay, Sung Sot cave (Surprise cave) Titop island/So Sim island, see a floating school at Cua Van floating village, Luon Cave.
2. Glory Legend Cruise
Highlights: Halong Bay, Titop island, take a rustic rowboat to Cua Van village, Me Cung cave (Maze cave), attend a cooking class, Sung Sot cave.
Halong Bay 3 Day Cruises – Mid-Range & Luxury
Paradise Sails Cruise Halong Bay
Our mid-range option is Paradise Sails Cruise. Starting at $138 per person, this seas cruise will have you traveling between the rocky islands of Halong Bay in style.
Day 1 features:
- Arrive at Tuan Chau marina before being driven to Paradise Sails cruise. The cruise itinerary will be explained while you enjoy a welcome drink, followed by lunch in the restaurant.
- Visit the Tung Sau pearl farm and receive a crash course in pearl cultivation. Afterward, visit Titop island (Titov island), known for its beach which is shaped like a crescent moon. Either hike the mountain for a view of Halon Bay or enjoy swimming in the clear blue waters.
- Partake in a cooking class before dinner. Meals are served in the onboard restaurant with a chic interior that’s great for , followed by any relaxing activity of your choosing. Squid fishing, a movie, or a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa are popular choices.
Day 2 features:
- Take a day cruise to Luon cave. Marvel at the beauty of the natural formation on a traditional rowing bamboo boat, or a kayak.
- Enjoy a buffet lunch on deck while Paradise Sails passes scenic spots on Halong Bay like Trong cave, Trinh Nu cave, and Hang Dau islet.
- Visit Cua Van fishing village. In the past, Cua Van used to be one of the largest floating villages! Surrounded by a cluster of islands, the weather is always calm.
- Sunset party on the deck before enjoying your last sumptuous dinner onboard.
Day 3 features:
- Explore Sung Sot cave, also known as “surprising cave” for its size and staggering natural beauty.
- Cruise back to Tuan Chau marina and end your 3 days 2 nights trip ends there.
Other Mid-Range & Luxury Options
1. Peony Cruise
Highlights: explore Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright cave, let loose at a sunset party, mingle with locals at Viet Hai village, Cat Ba island.
2. La Regina Legend Cruise
Highlights: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Van Boi beach, Trung Trang cave, explore Dark and Bright cave, relax at Ba Trai Dao beach, see the fish farms at Viet Hai village.
Halong Bay 3 Day Cruises – Ultra-Luxury
Stellar Of The Seas Cruise Lan Ha Bay
For those who want a luxurious cruise that will visit Lan Ha bay, look no further than the Stellar of the Seas Cruise. From the moment you start cruising, a sense of paradise will have you feeling like you’re in a dream. Starting at $234, each luxury cabin comes with a private balcony, shower, and bath. There’s even a jacuzzi and golf putting green on the top deck!
Day 1 features:
- A cruise through the ancient Cat Ba area visiting Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor and discover natural lagoon areas belonging to Lan Ha bay.
- Summit on the sundeck for sunset, and enjoy a complimentary cocktail demonstration. watch the sunset or just relax in the swimming pool, golf course, or fitness area.
- Join for a short cooking demonstration where the chef will guide you on how to make famous traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. Here you will understand the culinary culture of the Vietnamese.
- Feast on a BBQ dinner served under the stars.
Day 2 features:
- Join a Tai Chi session for the early risers on the sun deck. Tai Chi helps focus the mind and conditions the body. There is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands with an experienced teacher!
- The luxury cruise will head to Viet Hai village. This is one of the remaining fishing villages in Lan Ha Bay, located on Cat Ba island. The residents of Viet Hai village are poor in material wealth but rich in love, and you can get a glimpse into their lives on a bicycle trip through the area.
- Dinner is served on the boat.
Day 3 features:
- Immerse yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets as you sail through the calm emerald waters before exploring the Dark & Bright Cave.
- On the final day, get closer to the scenery and take a local bamboo boat rowed by a guide to explore the caves.
Other Ultra-luxury Cruise Options
Elite of the Seas
Enjoy 6-star comforts such as a fine dining restaurant, an outdoor & indoor bar, a wine and cigar cellar, a mini-golf course, swimming … you name it! It has all the top tier amenities.
Elite of the Seas is your perfect choice if you’re looking for a memorable experience in the jaw-dropping Halong Bay area. Hop on board and grab a drink!
Highlights: Con Vit Islet, Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor, cycling down quaint country roads around the Viet Hai fishing village, kayaking between towers of limestone to the Dark and Bright Cave grotto.
Swim between karst limestone islands and outcrops to isolated lagoons and caves in the Ao Ech Area.
Looking forward to your Halong Bay luxury cruise?
Surround yourself with breathtaking landscapes, unwind on the upper deck of your boat, enjoy dinner dates beside a natural wonder, and enjoy both onboard and offboard experiences. Compared to a day trip, when you book a longer cruise of 2 nights and 3 days, you really have time to soak it all up and make the most of your experience when you visit Ha Long Bay.
