Halong Bay Cruise 3 Days/2 Nights
If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay and you have time to spare, a 3-day 2-night cruise will be the best option.
3 days 2 nights: 85 Cruise itineraries
Peony Cruise 3 Days
Best value
Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise 3 Days
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan 3 Days
Our recommendations
Capella Cruise 3 Days
Most favorite
Orchid Classic Cruise 3 Days
Nostalgia Cruise 3 Days
Our recommendations
Grand Pioneers Cruise 3 Days
Our recommendations
Grand Pioneers Cruise 3 Days
Indochine Premium Cruise 3 Days
Paradise Elegance Cruise 3 Days
Questions & Answers (0)
FAQs
Is 3 days/2 nights the longest itinerary in Halong Bay?
No. There are 3 or 4-night itineraries on Halong bay cruises as well. However, 2-night is one of the 2 most common itineraries.
If I booked 1 night, can I extend one more night on Halong Bay cruises?
Yes. You can surely extend one more night. However, the different program between the 1-night and 2-night itinerary is Day 2. You should ask for an extension in advance of your travel date. In case you are on the cruise already, the duration extension is subject to availability and you may experience the repeated itinerary.
If my parents will not join many activities, is 3 days/2 nights suitable for them?
Yes. 3 days/2 nights is suitable for all travelers. The itinerary is not only for more activities but also more relaxation and a less rushed itinerary. Your parents can absolutely enjoy the time onboard and view Halong Bay.
How many meals are included in a 3 day 2 night itinerary?
The 3 day 2 night itinerary will include lunch-dinner on Day 1, breakfast-lunch-dinner on Day 2, and breakfast-lunch on Day 3.
Are lunches and dinners on the 1st and 2nd night the same?
No. For all 3 day 2 night passengers, the lunch and dinner on the 2nd night will be changed. Kindly note that the lunch on Day 2 is usually served on the day boat.
Do we change the cruise on Day 2?
Usually, a small boat will pick you up on Day 2 for excursions until the afternoon. You will come back to your main boat at around 3:00 - 4:00 pm depending on each itinerary.
Can we skip the morning activities and just join the afternoon ones on Day 2?
No. On Day 2, the day boat will pick you up for excursions and you will not have access to your cruise until afternoon. If you do not move to the day boat in the morning, you will stay on the cruise while it comes back to the cruise pier, drops off the current passengers, and picks up new ones.
Is there the same cooking class and sunset party on the 2nd night?
Yes. Onboard activities are repeated no matter the short or long itineraries. You can join once again or choose to join on the first or second night. Besides, since Day 2 is usually more active than other days, you are suggested to join these activities on the first and simply rest and relax on the second night.
Which cruises include a biking trip to Viet Hai Village? Do we stay for one night on Cat Ba island in a 3 day 2 night itinerary?
Many cruises offer a biking trip to Viet Hai Village such as Heritage, Orchid, Genesis, Elite of the Seas, Scarlet Pearl, etc. There are currently no cruises offering 1 night on Cat Ba Island. You just visit Cat Ba Island in the daytime and overnight onboard.
Which is best for 3 days and 2 nights, Halong, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay?
All three bays offer a variety of activities on a 3 day 2 night itinerary. Depending on your preference, if you want to see the renowned World’s Heritage Site with more bustling attractions, choose Halong bay. If you prefer more quietness and secluded attractions, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay would be ideal.
3 Day Cruise Itinerary
Though more costly than an overnight trip, 3 day 2 night itinerary is widely favored by visitors who can afford both time and budget. Similar to 2 day 1 night itineraries, a 3 day 2 night itinerary also starts at noon on the first day and ends at that time on the third day. As a result, travelers will have a total of almost 48 hours on the boat.
Why is a 3 day 2 night itinerary recommended?
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Access to more secluded part of the Bay
The shorter duration offers access to classic stopping points of Halong bay so you will run into more tourists along the way. On the other hand, a 2-night itinerary brings you to visit the much further areas and enjoy the unbeatable tranquility on the second day. Moreover, since there are not many guests choosing 2 nights, the second day would be the highlight of the whole trip thanks to the maximum privacy and less-crowded attractions.
- Leisurely schedule
Although the 1-night trip offers both recreation and relaxation activities, visitors still find it a bit busy due to the continuous transfer from/to Hanoi in 2 days and a bunch of onboard activities to try. Choosing a 2-night itinerary will provide you with more resting time among activities. Better still, you can take advantage of the repeated onboard activities on the first or second night to choose the most suitable time to join without missing any.
What activities are included in 3 day 2 night itinerary?
Normally, Day 1 and 3 in the 2-night itinerary are the same as Day 1 and 2 in the 1-night itinerary. The difference is on Day 2 when visitors are transferred to a smaller boat to easily access further parts of the bay. Guests join the day boat for excursions and come back to the big boat in the late afternoon.
- Day 1
After check-in onboard, travelers check in the cabin and rest a bit before lunch is served in the dining area. The ship starts cruising to Halong Bay, crosses some signature islands and islets of the bay, and arrives at the first stop at the time you finish your lunch. Travelers have around 1 - 1.5 hours at the first point. Some cruises include 2 outdoor activities in the afternoon while some have only one and provide more time for relaxation.
After excursions, guests are invited to take advantage of onboard facilities such as a spacious sundeck for sunset watching, a swimming pool for relaxing, a mini golf course or club for entertaining, and so on.
A cooking class, sunset party, or Happy Hour are unmissable activities before dinner. In the evening, no shortage of recreational and relaxation programs are available such as squid fishing, massage service, games, etc. End of Day 1.
- Day 2
Starting with Taichi on the sundeck, Day 2 is full of outdoor activities. After savoring breakfast, a Day boat picks you up for excursions. It could be a full day of kayaking and swimming or leisurely lay down on a pristine beach. Those who book a Lan Ha Bay cruise may join a cycling trip on Cat Ba Island as well.
A Vietnamese-styled lunch will be served on the day boat. You continue the afternoon activities or can opt to stay on the boat to rest, sightsee and enjoy the serenity of the secluded area.
The day trip will finish at around 15:00-16:00 and you will come back to your main vessel, relax in the cabin or join the trip with new passengers.
- Day 3
The last day to enjoy Halong bay also starts with a Taichi session on the top deck. Light breakfast is served while the ship cruises to the last attraction in the itinerary. You also spend 1 hour discovering the bay and then come back to freshen up and pack your luggage for check out. You will enjoy an early lunch in the dining area before disembarking at around 11:00.
