How to Plan for Your First Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise?

By Ngoc Tu Dinh - October 16, 2024
How to Plan for Your First Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise?

Planning your first Halong Bay 2-night cruise can be a little overwhelming. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide everything you need to know.


Halong Bay is one of the must-see destinations in Vietnam, with its stunning natural beauty, serene waters, and lush green karst mountains. A Halong Bay 2-night cruise is the perfect way to experience the magic of this unique place, from kayaking through hidden lagoons to visiting breathtaking caves and hiking to the top of towering peaks. However, planning your first Halong Bay cruise can be a little bit overwhelming. That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to plan your first Halong Bay 2 Night Cruise, including tips on packing appropriately, arranging transportation, deciding on your itinerary, choosing the right time to go, and selecting a reputable cruise operator. With these guidelines in mind, you can ensure that your first Halong Bay cruise is a memorable and enjoyable experience.

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1. What to Pack for A Perfect Halong Bay 2-Night Cruise Trip

To have a perfect Halong cruise trip, prepare the necessary items in your luggage. You will need some more clothes than travel on a 1-night cruise. When packing for a 2-night Halong Bay cruise, it is important to consider the weather and the type of activities you will be doing. Here is a basic packing list you should have on your luggage: 

  • Important documents: Bring cash and important documents like your passport and travel insurance policy.

  • Sun protection: Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun.

  • Swimwear: If you plan to swim or participate in water activities, pack a swimsuit and a towel.

  • Camera: Don't forget to bring a camera or phone to capture the stunning scenery and memories.

halong bay cruise 3 days 2 night

Note: There are no laundry services on some cruises, in that case you should bring clothes to the mainland for washing.

So what personal items can we expect on a cruise? Almost all 3-5 star cruises have complimentary personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, slippers, shower towels, and hair dryers. Unless you don’t want to use disposable utensils, you can use these.

2. How to Get to Halong Bay

When planning a Halong Bay tour, you must consider how you will get to Halong Bay and how you will get back after your cruise. Normally, a Halong Bay 2 night cruise trip can start from Hanoi or a nearby destination like Ninh Binh.

The simplest and most convenient way to move to Ha Long for those in Hanoi is to book a round-trip D'car Limousine or a 16-seat bus (Shuttle Bus) between Hanoi and Halong. With 3 hours of driving, you are at the port to check in on the cruise. The shuttles are very modern, on the way there is a rest station for you to eat, shop for some things if you forget to take them along. Some cruises have included round-trip transportation in price, it's better to check inclusions and exclusions before settling the payment.

halong bay cruise 3 days 2 night shuttle bus
Shuttle bus - Halong Bay cruise in 2 nights

If you prefer more privacy and flexibility, you can hire a private car to take you and your group to Halong Bay. This option charges you a bit higher than the other shuttle bus, but it allows you to set your own schedule and make stops along the way.

See more: Check the price to rent a Hanoi - Halong private car

From my personal experience, I highly recommend you book shuttle bus services Hanoi - Halong with cruise operators. It is convenient and affordable for everyone. The car will pick you up at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter areas or Opera House. This service not only attracts international friends but also domestic tourists from other regions. 

No matter which transportation option you choose, it's important to book in advance and confirm the details with your cruise operator. This will help ensure that your trip to Halong Bay is smooth and hassle-free.

3. Halong Bay 2-night Cruise Itinerary

A 2-night Halong Bay cruise provides a balanced mix of activities, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Almost all Halong Bay cruise operators make itineraries to visit the most compelling caves, karst islets, fishing villages, and beaches. The following is a sample itinerary for a 2-night Halong Bay cruise with timing you may need to see through.

halong bay 2 night cruise map
Halong Bay Majestic Cruise's Map

Day 1

08:30 AM: Get picked up from your hotels in Hanoi
12:00 PM: Check-in at Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay
12:30 PM: Welcome drinks and a brief orientation on board
01:00 PM: Start cruising through Halong Bay karst and limestone while enjoying a delicious lunch served on board
04:00 PM: Take a guided tour of stunning caves
06:00 PM: Return to the boat and enjoy sunset cocktails and canapes
07:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner on board, evening activities

Day 2

07:00 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck
08:00 AM: Take a morning kayaking excursion to explore the serene waters and hidden lagoons of Halong Bay
10:30 AM: Return to the boat for a sumptuous brunch
12:00 PM: Visit the floating village and learn about the traditional way of life in Halong Bay
02:00 PM: Take a guided hike to the top of a towering island for panoramic views of the bay
04:00 PM: Return to the boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board
07:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner on board, evening activities

Day 3

07:00 AM: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck
08:00 AM: Take a morning excursion to other caves and beaches
10:30 AM: Return to the boat for a sumptuous brunch
11:30 AM: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay, and transfer back to Hanoi

4. Tips to Book Suitable Halong Bay Cruises in 2 Nights

4.1. Choose the right time to go

Halong Bay is a year-round destination, but you should decide a certain time to go suitable with your preference and schedule.

The ideal time to visit Halong Bay is from October to December and April to June, when the weather is cooler and drier. During this time, the temperature ranges from 20-30°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

May to July are the busiest months, when Vietnamese people travel to enjoy summer vacation.

August expects rains and a few storms visiting the North. You will have to be flexible in your itinerary, but many good deals for the Halong Bay cruise are available.

4.2. Choose Halong Bay cruise operator

Choosing a suitable Halong Bay cruise operator is crucial for ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience. Based on its reputation, facilities, customer service, and itinerary, you can select your best one.

See more: Halong Bay Cruise: Travel Guide 2024-2025


We hope this article has provided you with some helpful tips to prepare for your first overnight trip to Halong Bay in 2 nights. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact us directly via email: sm@izitour.com or WhatsApp: +84 382 536 266 for instant assistance. 

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Ngoc Tu Dinh
Travel Expert
I'm Ngoc Tu Dinh, a local travel expert from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Exploring Vietnam has been my passion for years, and I've spent 10 years as a tour guide throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. I hope that my understanding of Vietnamese culture, allow me to offer a unique perspective in this blog. Currently, I am based at IZITOUR. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, I'm here to help you make the most of it! Feel free to leave your comments at the end of the article. Your feedback is important, and I look forward to responding to you.

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04 Comments

  • Wim Cilliers
  • Wim Cilliers
    South Africa
Looking for cruise options from Hanoi in Halong Bay the first week of April 2024 for 2 nights-3 days
ReplyJun 11, 2023
    • Kayla Le
    • Kayla Le
      Vietnam
    Hi Wim, we have well received you request. Our travel consultant will contact you soonest via email. Meanwhile, she is available at Whatsapp +84 382 536 266 in case of emergency. Best regards,
    Jun 12, 2023
  • Dena Jewett
  • Dena Jewett
    Australia

I visited Halong Bay 3 years ago, took a day cruise. Now I am planning to come back with my wife for 2 nights. Your information is so useful to us. Thank you.

ReplyFeb 17, 2023
    • Kayla Le
    • Kayla Le
      Vietnam
    Hi Dena, you are welcome ^^ If you need any help to choose a suitable Halong Bay 2-night cruise, please send us a request to sm@izitour.com
    Feb 17, 2023

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