Are you planning a Halong Bay cruise but unsure whether to choose two or three days? Both options offer unique experiences and unforgettable views. In this blog, we will break down the key differences, highlight what each itinerary covers, and help you decide which suits your travel style best. Let’s dive into it!
2-day-1-night Halong cruise
A Ha Long Bay 2 day cruise offers a perfect taste of the bay’s magic, ideal for travelers on a tight schedule. You will start your trip at 12:00 and have 24 hours of enjoying Halong’s beauty. As you have only a day, the itinerary will be short but still cover the highlights of Halong Bay. The main activities take place mainly in the afternoon of day one and the morning of day two. The price for an overnight cruise may range from US $125 – $350/ person.
After boarding, your trip will kick off with a tasty lunch. Then, you will have time to check in and rest in your room. At about 15:00, we will start with the first activity, kayaking. You will glide through turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone karsts. You will join the cooking class at sunset and learn to make flavoured Vietnamese dishes, like spring rolls. Depending on the cruise, you may participate in “Happy Hour” buy 1 get 1 drink.
You will kick off day 2 with some exercises of the Taichi class – a martial art. After a light breakfast, you can visit a famous cave in Halong, like Trung Trang Cave or Sung Sot Cave, depending on the itinerary. For the rest of your spare time, you can tour the ship and enjoy the high-end facilities like the gym room or jacuzzi pool. If you want relief after tough days, just take some spa treatments.
3-day-2-night Halong cruise
With the 3-day-2-night cruise, you will have 48 hours to immerse in the charm of Halong Bay. The itinerary is long enough to visit most of the top-list attractions and experience the exclusive activities on the bay. However, it still ensures you have plenty of time to enjoy the luxurious on-board services. Halong Bay 2 nights cruise is ideal for travellers who cherish chilling exploration and desire to connect with Halong’s beauty at a deeper level. Generally, the cruises will cost you about US $250 – $650/ person.
Day one welcomes you with a delightful lunch on deck as you sail towards lesser-known islands. After a room check-in, it is time to enjoy kayaking through secluded lagoons and visit famous caves, such as Luon Cave or Trung Trang Cave. After an exhausting day, you can chill with a sip at the Sunset Party. Or else, you can join the cooking class about a Vietnamese dish.
On the second day, we will continue our journey to the unique caves in Halong in the morning. Some cruises differ in their itinerary by visiting renowned islands, typically Cat Ba Island or Cactus Island. Then, you will explore remote fishing villages, where locals warmly share stories of life on the bay.
The final day greets you with a mesmerizing sunrise, casting a golden glow over the bay. After a leisurely breakfast, you will visit one last scenic spot that offers a perfect photo opportunity. Then, we will return to the ship and return to shore.
Which is better: 2 day or 3-day Halong Bay cruise?
There are several factors to consider when comparing a 2-day versus a 3-day cruise. Here is a breakdown of the key points to help you decide which duration might suit your travel needs:
Price
Due to additional services, meals, and activities, 3-day cruises generally cost 1.5 times more than 2-day ones. Therefore, they are a good choice for travellers who want to experience Halong Bay without committing too much financially.
Travel duration
If you are time-abundant, a 3-day cruise will be the best option, as you can enjoy Halong slowly. You can explore the bay’s attractions and exclusive activities with the extra day. A 2-day cruise is perfect for travellers on a tight schedule, providing a quick yet captivating glimpse of Halong Bay’s highlights.
Experience
On your second day, you could still explore the beauty of Halong Bay through various famous destinations. However, it would be limited to visiting places and engaging in outdoor activities. Further, you might not spend time enjoying the cruise services offered. A 3-day cruise provides a profound experience since there is a considerable amount of time you spend relaxing and exploring most areas. In case you do not mind the amount charged and travel time taken, the three-day option is the best.
Whether you are looking forward to taking a 2-day cruise or a 3-day cruise in Halong Bay, they differ in terms of attractions and unforgettable experiences. If time is scarce, a short trip will do the trick; however, one extra day will be perfect for uncovering more treasures. In order to make the most out of the cruise in Halong Bay, it is crucial that you take into account these three points before deciding on your tour packages.
