Reviewed · HA LONG BAY CRUISES
2 days Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay – Overnight Cruise 5*
Halong at night feels like another planet. This 2-day overnight cruise links Halong Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay, then mixes classic scenery with hands-on moments like cave exploring and a bamboo-boat trip to a fishing village. You’ll do it aboard Victory Star Cruises, a ship styled after traditional junks but built with modern comfort and safety in mind.
I especially love the small-boat time and the morning energy. Morning Tai Chi on the sundeck plus sunrise coffee and pastries makes Day 2 feel like a reset button, and I like that the schedule also includes a cooking class before dinner.
One thing to consider: the pace is structured and you start early from Hanoi, so it’s not for people who hate firm timelines. Also, the cruise depends on good weather, so your dates can shift if conditions aren’t right.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Victory Star Cruises: classic junk feel with modern comfort
- Getting to Halong: 7:30 pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter and port timing
- Day 1 on Bài Thơ: lunch cruise, Thien Canh Son Cave, and a Cong Do night
- Port check-in and your first big meal
- Thien Canh Son Cave: the scheduled break from just staring at views
- Swim or relax, then anchor for the night
- Sunset cocktail and onboard cooking class
- Dinner and night squid fishing (optional in spirit, scheduled in plan)
- Day 2: sunrise Tai Chi, bamboo sampan to Vung Vieng, then brunch and back to Hanoi
- Sunrise on the bay and Tai Chi on deck
- Coffee, tea, and pastries
- Bamboo sampan to Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Checkout, international buffet brunch, then off the boat
- Food on board: authentic Vietnamese meals plus a second-day brunch
- Price and value: what $203.08 buys you (and what it doesn’t)
- Who this cruise is best for (and who should pause)
- Practical tips to make it smoother
- Should you book this overnight cruise?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of this Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long overnight cruise?
- What time does pickup start in Hanoi?
- Where is the meeting point in Hanoi?
- What boat do you board for the cruise?
- Which activities are included across the two days?
- Is lunch included?
- Are breakfast and dinner included?
- Is an English-speaking guide provided?
- Are alcoholic drinks included?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key things to know before you go
