Halong Bay Cruise in 2 Days 1 Night - What to Do and See?

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. It features thousands of islands and islets with stunning limestone formations rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. It is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. Halong Bay is also known for its abundant biodiversity, including endemic species of plants and animals. If you spend 2 days and 1 night in Halong Bay, we suggest you try the following fun & relaxing activities. Though depending on your itinerary, you cannot cover all the bullets, you can take the chance to try most of them.

1. Awesome things to do in Halong Bay for 2 Days 1 Night

Here are some popular activities to consider while visiting Halong Bay in 2 days and 1 night:

1.1. Hang out on the cruise’s sundeck

All of the boats, junk, and cruise sailing in Halong Bay have a sundeck where you can relax and chit-chat with your friends. If you visit Halong Bay on a big boat with a large sundeck, you will find a panoramic view of the magnificent bay.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Sundeck

1.2. Relax on the beaches

The white sand beaches of Halong Bay are some of the most popular and stunning beaches in North Vietnam. Tourists always seek to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on some of the bay's pristine beaches. You can visit Titov beach (on Titov island) and Soi Sim beach in Halong Bay. Besides, there is Ba Trai Dao Beach in Lan Ha Bay and Ban Chan Beach in Bai Tu Long Bay.

1.3. Work out at the cruise’s gym

Many cruises, especially luxury ones, provide a gym room onboard. You can still keep track of your fitness schedule while discovering Halong Bay. Gym on a cruise is a totally new experience. You may find working out with spectacular sea views more fun than doing it at home.

1.4. Get a massage/spa on a cruise

After a day excursion, a body massage is an ideal way to unwind. Pamper yourselves in the middle of the karst towers as you don’t have time for spa treatment when back to your busy working.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Massage

1.5. Join in cruise games: mini golf

Most luxurious cruise in Halong Bay has an onboard mini-golf course available. Spend your free time playing cruise's golf with your family and turn your time in Halong Bay more relaxing and memorable.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Mini Golf Course

1.6. Play board games

Playing board games is a great way to spend your downtime on a Halong Bay cruise, especially during evenings or when the weather is not ideal for outdoor activities. You can play board games like chess, checkers, cards, and others. It is a very fun and relaxing way to spend time with family, friends or other guests and can also be a good opportunity to make new friends. 

1.7. Sing karaoke songs

If you have singing talent, why not participate in a karaoke competition? Some cruises operate a karaoke room or lounge area where guests can sing along to their favourite songs. It definitely will add an extra level of fun and excitement to your cruise experience.

1.8. Taste the cruise’s restaurant food

The food experience on a Halong Bay boat and cruise is truly a highlight of the trip. The food is carefully prepared by experienced chefs, using the freshest ingredients and local specialties. In addition to the traditional Vietnamese dishes, guests can also expect to find a selection of Western and Asian dishes, including salads, grilled seafood, and stir-fry.

1.9. Learn to make Vietnamese dishes

Cooking classes are often organised onboard. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the local ingredients, cooking techniques and recipes used in Vietnamese cooking. The best part of the cooking class is that you can taste the dish you made on your own.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Cooking Class

1.10. Have a cocktail

You may want to visit the cruise bar and find out what are the best drinks on the cruise. Cocktails are often made using fresh, local ingredients and are expertly crafted by the bartenders on board. The bar areas are also usually stylish and comfortable, with a range of seating options, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the bay.

1.11. Go squid fishing

Try your hand at a new activity like catching squid. Squid fishing is typically done at night, using specialised lights to attract the squids to the boats. The boats are equipped with fishing rods and bait, and guests can participate in the actual fishing. If you can catch any squid, the chef will turn it on your table for the next meal.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Squid fishing

1.12. Kayaking

Kayaking in Halong Bay offers a unique opportunity to visit remote areas that can only be reached by water and to enjoy the natural beauty of the bay in a quiet and peaceful way. Visitors can paddle through narrow channels and into hidden caves, lagoons, see floating villages, and observe the vegetation.

1.13. Cave exploration

Halong Bay is home to many stunning caves and grottoes that offer a unique and fascinating insight into the geological and cultural history of the area. Some of the most popular caves to explore in Halong Bay include: Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave), Trong Cave (Drum Cave). We highly recommend visiting these caves with a local tourist guide to learn more about the geology, history, and cultural significance.

1.14. Visit a fishing village

The fishing villages in Halong Bay are a must-visit for travellers seeking a unique cultural and natural experience in Vietnam. On a Halong Bay tour, you have a chance to rent a kayak and explore the bay on your own. This will allow you to get up close and get a glimpse into the local culture and way of life of the fishermen.

1.15. Enjoy sunset & night view

When the sun sets on the bay, you will feel the romantic atmosphere and can admire the breathtaking beauty of the bay in a very different way. That is when you should order a cocktail to sip.

1.16. Take photos

The scenic beauty of Halong Bay is breathtaking and capturing the memories with photographs is an essential part of the experience. Most cruises in Halong Bay provide ample opportunities to capture stunning photos of the karst cliffs, floating villages, and serene waters.

1.17. Make new friends

You never know who you might meet on a joined Halong Bay 2-Day 1-Night cruise. Participating in various onboard activities is a great way to make friends with people of similar interests. Take advantage of the pool deck to spend time lounging by the pool, where you can strike up conversations with other passengers. Chat with your tablemates and ask questions to get to know them better.

1.18. Enjoy jacuzzi and bathtub

Many luxury Halong Bay cruises offer jacuzzis and bathtubs on their vessels. Relaxing in a hot tub or bathtub while taking in the stunning scenery of Halong Bay can be a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that availability may vary by cruise and booking in advance is recommended to ensure you get the experience you desire.

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Jacuzzi

Please note: Activities may vary based on weather and cruise schedules, so you can plan accordingly.

2. Suggested Halong Bay 2 days 1 night Itinerary

Day 1:

• Embark on a scenic cruise tour: This is the most popular activity in Halong Bay, where you can admire the stunning scenery of the bay while on board a traditional junk boat. Most cruises offer activities such as kayaking, island hopping, and cooking classes.

• Visit the Floating Village: This is a unique opportunity to witness the daily life of the local fisherman community and their floating homes.

• Explore the Cave of Wonders: There are numerous caves in Halong Bay, but the most famous is the Cave of Wonders, also known as Thien Cung Cave. This cave is filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, making it a must-visit attraction.

• Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the boat

Day 2:

• Get up early for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck

• Visit Ti Top Island: This is a beautiful island with a stunning beach and a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

• Take a Cooking Class: Vietnamese cuisine is famous all over the world, and taking a cooking class in Halong Bay is a great way to learn more about the local food culture.

• Return to the boat for brunch before disembarking and returning to the mainland

3. Recommended Halong Bay 2-day 1-night cruises in 2025

3.1. Indochina Sails Premium - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Indochina Sails Premium Cruise offers high-end amenities and services, such as private cabins with en suite bathrooms, gourmet meals, and scenic cruising through the bay. If you're looking for a more upscale experience and are willing to pay for it, the Indochina Sails Premium Cruise might be worth considering.

>> See the real-time price of Indochina Sails here

3.2. Bhaya Classic Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

Bhaya Classic Cruise is known for its traditional junk boats, which offer a unique and authentic way to experience Halong Bay. The boats are designed in the traditional style and offer comfortable accommodations, gourmet meals, and a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave exploring.

>>See the real-time price of Bhay Cruise here

3.3. Paradise Elegance Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Paradise Elegance Cruise is a luxury cruise operator in Halong Bay, Vietnam. The cruise offers a range of high-end amenities and services, including spacious and well-appointed cabins, fine dining options, and a range of on-board activities and excursions. The Paradise Elegance Cruise places a strong emphasis on customer service, with a highly trained and professional crew available to meet your every need.

>> See the real-time price of Paradise Elegance here

3.4. Halong Majestic Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

Halong Majestic Cruise is known for its unique and luxurious experience, offering spacious and well-appointed cabins and suites, along with high-end amenities such as private balconies, gourmet dining options, and a range of activities and excursions.

>> See the real-time price of Halong Majestic Cruise here

3.5. Glory Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Glory Cruise features spacious and elegantly designed cabins, a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine, a bar with stunning views of the bay, a spa offering a range of treatments and a sun deck for guests to relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. It is also equipped with modern amenities and facilities, such as air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi and satellite TV, to ensure that guests have a comfortable and memorable stay.

>> See the real-time price of Glory Cruise here

3.6. Pelican Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Pelican Cruise features a fleet of modern and well-designed boats, each equipped with spacious and comfortable cabins, a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine, a bar with stunning views of the bay, and a sun deck for guests to relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

>> See the real-time price of Pelican Cruise here

3.7. Stellar Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Stellar of the Sea Cruise features well-appointed cabins and suites, each designed with an emphasis on comfort and luxury style. It offers a range of dining options, from a restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine to a bar with stunning views of the bay.

>> See the real-time price of Stellar Cruise here

3.8. Starlight Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The Starlight Cruise features spacious and well-appointed cabins, each with a private balcony and all the modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi and satellite TV. The restaurant on board serves a fusion of local and international cuisine, and guests can relax in the bar or lounge on the sundeck. The cruise also offers a spa for guests to enjoy a range of treatments and pampering services.

>> See the real-time price of Starlight Cruise here

3.9. La Regina Royal Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

The cruise features luxurious cabins, a dining room, a bar, a sundeck, and a spa, among other facilities. It also offers various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and island-hopping tours. The cruise is designed to provide passengers with a high-end travel experience while exploring the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay.

>> See the real-time price of La Regina Cruise here

3.10. Rosa Boutique Cruise - Halong Bay 2 days 1 night

Rosa Cruise is a luxury junk boat that operates in the stunning Halong Bay, Vietnam. The boat offers a unique and intimate experience, with only eight cabins available for guests. The Rosa Cruise offers a variety of activities to keep guests entertained and engaged, including kayaking, fishing, cooking classes, and traditional bamboo boat rides. Guests can also relax on the sundeck, take in the breathtaking views of the bay, or enjoy a massage at the spa.

>> See the real-time price of Rosa Boutique Cruise here

Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night - Explore Ba Hang cave

Whether you are a solo traveller, a couple, or a family, a Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the beauty of this stunning region. So don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience and book your trip to Halong Bay today!

See more:

• Best Month to Visit Halong Bay for Great Weather
• Halong Bay Cruise Travel Guide
• Why Northeast Vietnam Should be Your Next Adventure