1 night cruise selection over Halong, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay

Travelers curious about Vietnam’s famed waters often wonder whether to opt for a traditional cruise or seek a more offbeat adventure. This 1-night cruise package offers a well-rounded way to experience some of the most stunning and less crowded bays—Halong, Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha—without the hassle of multi-day commitments. While we haven’t been aboard ourselves, the details and reviews paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the promise of delicious Vietnamese cuisine onboard, including a cooking class that lets you learn local dishes. Second, the kayaking opportunities in each bay offer a chance to get close to nature and see less touristy spots. Third, the choice of three beautiful destinations allows travelers to pick the setting that suits their preferences—whether iconic Halong or the quieter Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha.

A potential drawback? The overnight fee of 700,000 VND per person isn’t included in the listed price, which might seem like an extra hassle or cost. Still, it’s a small price to pay for some of the most scenic moments you’ll encounter on this tour.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of comfort, adventure, and culture. It suits those who want a taste of Vietnam’s stunning bay scenery without an overly long trip or excessive planning. If you’re after a well-organized, authentic experience with plenty of photo-worthy moments, this cruise could be a great pick.

Good To Know

• Flexible Bay Options: Choose between Halong, Bai Tu Long, or Lan Ha Bay, each offering unique scenery and fewer crowds.
• Inclusive Activities: Kayaking, guided tours, and a cooking class add immersive touches.
• Meal Quality: The tour provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with reviewers noting the good quality and authenticity.
• Extra Costs: Overnight fee of 700,000 VND per person isn’t included, so budget accordingly.
• Group Size & Comfort: Limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Booking & Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance, perfect for flexible travel plans.

An In-Depth Look at the Cruise Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

The tour spans approximately 8 hours at each main stop, with a carefully curated itinerary to maximize scenic and cultural exposure. Here’s what you’ll encounter at each location:

Halong Bay: The Classic Icon

Sung Sot Cave is usually the first stop—an impressive limestone cavern filled with stalactites and stalagmites, perfect for those wanting iconic scenery. The guide’s insights bring the cave’s formations to life, making it more than just a photo stop.

Titov Island offers opportunities for swimming or hiking. Based on reviews, the island’s panoramic views are breathtaking, and many find the climb manageable even with moderate fitness levels.

Kayaking in Halong Bay is widely praised; travelers love the chance to paddle into quieter areas and see the bay from a different perspective. The guide often takes small groups along the water, providing tips and local insights.

Hon Ga Choi, the “Fighting Cock” island, is a symbol of the bay’s legend and offers a scenic backdrop for photos.

However, it’s worth noting that the admission tickets for certain stops, like the caves and islands, aren’t included in the tour fee—an extra expense you’ll need to account for.

Bai Tu Long Bay: Less Crowded, More Peaceful

This bay draws those seeking tranquility away from crowds. The highlight here is the Thien Canh Son Cave, which is less visited but equally stunning. The tour emphasizes an off-the-beaten-path journey, giving you time to appreciate untouched nature.

Kayaking here is especially serene, often described as “middle of nowhere” moments, perfect for nature lovers. In addition, you’ll visit Viet Hai Village by bike or electric car—an authentic way to observe local life, far from tourist hubs.

The reviewers appreciated that Bai Tu Long offers a less congested, more genuine experience, though it requires some physical activity, like biking or kayaking.

Lan Ha Bay: Adventure and Authenticity

Lan Ha Bay is praised for its natural beauty and quieter vibe. The tour includes exploring the Dark and Bright Cave, a highlight for its limestone formations and calm waters—great for kayaking.

The off the beaten path route ensures you avoid tourist traps, and many reviewers mention enjoying the less crowded, more authentic scenery.

Visiting Viet Hai Village here as well, by bike or electric vehicle, offers insight into local life. The natural surroundings are often described as pristine, with clear waters and lush greenery.

Food & Cultural Experiences

One of the most praised aspects across reviews is the quality of food on board. Expect local Vietnamese dishes, with some reviewers noting the meals are both tasty and well-presented. The inclusion of a cooking class adds a fun, interactive element—learning to make traditional dishes enriches the trip and provides a lasting memory.

The Cruise Cabin & Comfort

Though details about cabin quality are limited, the tour includes a cabin on the cruise as per the itinerary, offering a comfortable space to relax after a day of sightseeing. Given the group size is capped at 30 travelers, you can generally expect a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with attentive guides.

Costs & Additional Expenses

The overnight fee of 700,000 VND per person is a key expense to prepare for, as it covers access to certain stops and activities. While it isn’t included in the price, many travelers find this fee reasonable given the scenic value and the fact that it covers entrance to cave sites and other attractions.

Drinks beyond bottled water, tips for guides, and other personal expenses are not included. Pricing for extra beverages can be higher than usual, so if you enjoy a drink, budget accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

A couple of reviews stand out for their candid details. One reviewer mentioned a “HORRIBLE experience”, criticizing a third-party booking process and miscommunications about the start port, but also acknowledged the cruise staff and boat conditions as excellent. This highlights the importance of verifying details before booking to avoid surprises.

Conversely, a delighted traveler called it an “Ótimo Custo Benefício”, praising the comfortable rooms and good food during a 2-day, 1-night trip. The review pointed out that while drinks aren’t included, the overall value in scenery, comfort, and meals was worth the price.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

This tour suits travelers who want a short but immersive escape to Vietnam’s bays. It’s perfect if you value authentic sights, kayaking, and local cuisine. Those seeking a quieter, less commercialized experience will appreciate the Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay options.

Travelers with moderate physical fitness will find the kayaking and biking manageable, especially if they’re looking for a bit of adventure. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors or those on a budget, as the price point offers a substantial experience at a reasonable cost—if you’re prepared for the extra overnight fees.

Final Thoughts

A 1-night cruise over Vietnam’s bays is a fantastic way to see some of the country’s most beautiful waters without committing to multiple days. You’ll love the combination of delicious food, scenic vistas, and active pursuits like kayaking. The inclusion of cultural elements, such as village visits and cooking classes, enriches the experience beyond just sightseeing.

While the additional overnight fee is an extra cost to keep in mind, many travelers find it well worth the investment for access to quieter, less crowded spots. The limited group size helps foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, and professional guides ensure you get the most out of each stop.

This tour offers a great value for those eager to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty with comfort and authenticity, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Hanoi.

FAQs

Is transportation included for pickup? Yes, pickup is offered, making the start of your trip seamless from Hanoi or nearby locations.

How long does the cruise last? The entire experience lasts approximately 23 hours to 1 day, depending on the specific itinerary and stops.

What meals are included? You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the second day, all provided on board.

Are drinks included? No, extra drinks beyond bottled water are not included, and prices may be higher than usual.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

How many people are on the cruise? The maximum group size is 30 travelers, offering a more personalized experience.

What kind of physical activity should I expect? Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for kayaking and biking activities.

Is the tour suitable for families? Generally, yes, but consider the physical activities involved. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with moderate activity levels.

Do I need to book in advance? Yes, the tour is usually booked about 30 days ahead, especially during peak times, to secure availability.

Whether you’re after iconic sights, quiet nature, or a taste of local life, this cruise offers a compact but fulfilling adventure across Vietnam’s spectacular bays.