Ha Long Bay Day Cruise or Overnight Cruise Vietnam - Is it Worth it?
- Afrah F
- Nov 4
- 6 min read
The last stop on our Vietnam itinerary was Ha Long Bay. We actually had to choose between Sapa and Ha Long Bay since we had to shorten our trip due to visa concerns. Sapa felt like a journey of its own, so we decided to go with the famous day cruise at this UNESCO World Heritage Site instead. There are two options, a day cruise or an overnight cruise, and here’s how our experience went. Read our full 10-day Vietnam itinerary for the whole story.
Ha Long Bay is one of the most breathtaking natural destinations in Northern Vietnam. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know, from the best time to visit and what to pack, to whether the Ha Long Bay day or overnight cruise is worth it.
When not to visit Ha Long Bay?
Don't visit Ha Long Bay during the stormy season from June to August. The northern parts of Vietnam, including Hanoi, experience heavy rainfall and even floods.
Also, it's best to avoid Ha Long Bay during major holidays like;
Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet Festival - End of January)
Hung King's Festival (First week of April)
Reunification Day (30th April)
National Day (2nd September).
Our Ba Na Hills trip wasn't the most enjoyable because we went during the rainy season, and we advise travellers to pay attention to the weather before planning their trips to Vietnam to get the best out of their vacation.
What to buy in Ha Long Bay
You can buy dried seafood, squid paste and Ha Long Bay merchandise, or if you have a bigger budget, pearl jewellery can be an expensive but worthy souvenir item.
During the Ha Long Bay day cruise and the overnight cruise, you'll be taken to multiple shops selling souvenirs and food items like squid paste and textile shops. We were taken to a pearl farm village where we were shown how pearls were extracted and the varieties of pearls found. But as expected, these tours aren't just educational; they want you to purchase. But unlike the Turkey Zultanite scam, these stores don't lie to you or pressure you. You can decide or walk out freely.
How to get to Ha Long Bay?
It's a 2.30-hour drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Generally, the Ha Long Bay day and night cruise tours start from Hanoi's Old Quarter. They'd pick you up from your hotel at 8 a.m. (no breakfast), the drive and the pearl farm village visit will take around 3 hours. By mid-day, you'll be on board the cruise and served a buffet lunch.
If you'd like to go on your own, you must arrive at Hanoi and book a Taxi to the Bay port. There you can pay and board an available cruise for the day. Ha Long Bay overnight cruises are typically offered as packages, and you'll need to book one in advance.
We travelled to Hanoi from Hoi An, so we took the domestic flight from Da Nang. You can also take the sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
What is the best cruise for Ha Long Bay?
We recommend the Ha Long Bay overnight cruise. It's less rushed, packed with activities and more wholesome compared to the day cruise during which we felt like cattle being rushed to reach the end-point rather than enjoying the journey.
But if you’re wondering which is the best cruise line, here’s the catch: for the day tour, you don’t actually get to choose your boat. The operator assigns one to your group, and some of these vessels can be a bit worn out, even bumping into each other while docked.
Should I book a hotel in Ha Long Bay?
No, the tour itself provides you with full transport to Hanoi, and the overnight cruise covers the accommodation. Apart from the limestone karsts, there's honestly nothing else to do unless you want to explore the area and the neighbouring fishing villages. We recommend that you base yourself in Hanoi to save time and money.
What's included in the day cruise tour?
The Ha Long Bay day cruise, as I mentioned earlier, is super rushed and exhausting. But it's ideal for those with limited travel dates like us. After all, the views are only scenic at first, and if you want to cross it off your bucket list, this is a great option.
The Ha Long Bay day cruise itinerary includes:
8 a.m. - Pick up from the Hotel in Hanoi, Old Quarter
11 a.m. - Arrive at Pearl Farm Village / other Souvenir shop
12 p.m. - Arrive at Ha Long Bay Port
12.30 p.m. - Kayaking/Boat trip to see the famous limestone cliffs and karsts up close
1 p.m. - Buffet lunch on the cruise & lounging on the open deck
3 p.m. - Sung Sot Cave Hike & Ti Top Island (took almost 1 hour in the queue to enter the cave due to crowds)
5. p.m. - Back on the cruise, DJ, snacks and beverages on the open deck
6 p.m. - Offboarded and back on the bus
9 p.m. - Arrive in Hanoi, Old Quarter
What's included in the Ha Long Bay overnight cruise tour?
Though we personally did not experience the overnight cruise. Some of our friends took the Ha Long Bay overnight cruise recently (the 2-day cruise), and this was their itinerary. They mentioned the overnight cruise was slow-paced and ideal for couples and romantic getaways.
The Ha Long Bay overnight cruise includes:
Pick up and drop off from and to the Hotel in Hanoi, Old Quarter
Visiting sites: Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Tra Bau Area, Trung Trang Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island
Activities: Kayaking, Swimming, Squid Fishing, Spa, Cooking Class and morning Tai Chi on deck
All meals and snacks are provided for the duration of the trip
How much does the Ha Long Bay cruise cost?
The day cruise costs between 45$ to 70$, and there are tiers. Though we purchased the highest tier for 65$, we shared the same tour itinerary and buffet with others who had apparently bought the mid-tier packages at 50$. And we had no other benefit.
The overnight cruise varies from one cruise line to another. Generally, costs range from 150$ to 220$. You'll find Grand Pioneers, Capella Cruise and a few other large capacity cruises, which are more expensive, but offer a better onboard experience.
Do I need a Visa for Ha Long Bay?
Yes, Ha Long Bay is part of Vietnam. If you're arriving at the port via a different cruise line, you must have a Ha Long Bay Tourist Visa to enter the country. The waiver applies to citizens from Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and some European nations, where they can enter Ha Long Bay for a limited time period.
Is the Ha Long Bay cruise worth it?
Yes. If you want to tick it off the list, the day tour is great. It feels rushed, but it fits any quick tour itinerary well. If you're travelling as a couple and want something more relaxing. Or if you're on your honeymoon, it's better to get the 2 Day overnight cruise. Overall, it's something everyone should experience while in Vietnam.
Why do we think it's worth it?
The views are breathtaking: Photos don't do enough justice
It's super clean: We were told before 2020 that the bay was polluted with trash, but authorities have taken necessary action, and we saw no trash. We weren't allowed to carry plastic bottles either
There was a generous seafood buffet
The overnight cruise is affordable and offers a proper cruise experience
But of course, there were downsides:
The itinerary is stuffed and very specific, so you've got to follow it
If your tour guide (day tour) doesn't plan things well, you may have to skip certain destinations to make up time
The food isn't the most delicious compared to other food you try in Vietnam
The bay and port are super crowded
Ha Long Bay vs. Bai Tu Long Bay?
Both are the same, one just more peaceful. If it's your first trip to see limestone karsts, choose Ha Long Bay. It's mainstream and covers pretty much all. But if you want a less crowded place to enjoy the karst views, choose Bai Tu Long Bay.
Recently, an extended part of the limestone karst sea was opened for tour companies, and it's called Bai Tu Long Bay. This area has 2000 limestone structures and goes further northeast. Tours to this off-the-beaten-path destination will be somewhat more expensive compared to Ha Long Bay.
Final Thoughts on Ha Long Bay
Whether you choose the day cruise or the overnight experience, Ha Long Bay is one of those rare places that truly lives up to its fame. The emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and misty horizons make it feel almost unreal. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it can get crowded, but it’s still a must-see if you’re in northern Vietnam.
If we had more time, we’d definitely go back for the overnight cruise, slow down, and soak in the beauty a little longer. Planning your Vietnam itinerary? Ask your questions in the comments below!
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