Day, overnight and luxury cruises
Three words cover most listings. A day cruise returns to the harbor the same afternoon. An overnight cruise sleeps on the ship, either one night (2 days/1 night) or two nights (3 days/2 nights). "Luxury" is how an operator positions a ship, not a fixed class, so two luxury ships can differ a lot.
Time on the water is shorter than the label suggests. One operator lists boarding at 12:00 and disembarking at 10:00 am on regular departures, so "two days" is about 22 hours aboard. Private charters can be more flexible on departure, but disembarking stays at 10:00 am.
Cruise types compared
Examples published for 2026. Prices change with date and cabin.
| Type | Time | Example price in 2026 | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day cruise | About 8 hours | $71 per seat, $87 with Hanoi transfer | Meals, visit fees, insurance and taxes were included in that example |
| Overnight, 2 days/1 night | Midday to 10:00 am next day | $355 to $520 per cabin | Kayak was excluded in that offer, transfer extra |
| Overnight, 3 days/2 nights | Two nights | $613 to $912 per cabin | Kayak was included in that offer, transfer extra |
| Luxury ship | 2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights | – | No common class, compare cabins and routes |
The day cruise figure is an operator's display example with a September date, not a confirmed fare for your trip. The overnight figures come from a booking agent for two cabin types on one operator's ships, and the unit is the cabin, not the person.
Our picks: day and overnight cruises
A day cruise, a two-day cruise and a 4-star cabin option.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Two-day cruise in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay
One night on board in a sea-view cabin, with all meals, kayaking and a sunset party. Single cabins cost extra: $60, or $80 on the 5-star and $125 on the 6-star option.
Check availability →
Two-day 4-star cruise with a private cabin
An air-conditioned private cabin, meals, entry to Sung Sot, Ti Top and Luon, kayaking and a cooking class. Drinks beyond the welcome drink and water are extra.
Check availability →
Ha Long Bay day cruise with lunch and kayaking
An English-speaking guide, boat trip, lunch, kayak or bamboo boat and a sunset party. A Hanoi transfer comes only with the option you choose; other drinks and meals are extra.
Check availability →Ha Long Bay cruises
Day cruises and overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, with live prices and availability.
The types in detail
What each one means in practice.
Day cruise
The example eight-hour day cruise includes a breakfast and lunch buffet, visit fees, insurance, taxes and service charges, plus a bamboo boat. The same page shows full prepayment, a $10 per person fee if you cancel up to 7 days before arrival and no refund after that. Those are one operator's terms, not a rule for the bay.
Day tours compared →Overnight cruise
Meals on board are included according to that operator, while the excursions depend on route and weather. The visit fee for one night is VND 550,000 on VHL2 and VND 500,000 on VHL3 and VHL4; two nights cost VND 750,000 and VND 650,000. The fee covers up to 24 hours or 48 hours from departure.
Luxury ship
One luxury ship lists 2 days/1 night and 3 days/2 nights with stops such as Tien Ong, Cua Van and Ba Ham. No single price is published there. Ask what sets the ship apart, for example cabin size, balcony and dining, and compare it with the standard ships on the same route.
Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha
Some cruises use the quieter Bai Tu Long routes instead of the classic bay. Overnight ships can also link Ha Long and Lan Ha under rules that took effect on April 1, 2026. For the Lan Ha side see Lan Ha Bay.
Bai Tu Long guide →Family and holiday extras
One booking agent lists a $50 per adult and $25 per child surcharge on December 24 and 31. Children under 6 sharing a parent's bed are free, ages 6 to 11 pay $90 per night and from 12 the adult category applies. A hotel shuttle from Hanoi and back was $34 per person.
What kayaking costs
It depends on the offer. The same ship can exclude kayaking on the short trip and include it on the long one. Operators recommend life jackets for excursions, kayaking and swimming, so ask for one in your size.
Kayaking and caves →What to check before you book
The wording differs more than the prices do.
Per cabin or per person
Some agents price the cabin, others the seat. Divide before you compare, and check which taxes and fees are added at the end.
Which harbor
Departures use Tuan Chau and the Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay, and they are not the same place. Since July 1, 2026 the port lists VND 80,000 return per person, separate from the bay fee. See the Hanoi transfer guide.
Storm suspensions
On August 22, 2026 departures and overnight stays were suspended from 7:00 am because of storm no. 4. Neither a ship nor a ticket overrides a suspension, so ask what happens to your booking. See weather and best time.
Sales from passing boats
Visitor rules ask you not to buy from boats that pull alongside and not to leave trash in the water. In early 2026 authorities reported asking to suspend the contracts of 15 ships for violations such as these.
How far ahead to book
Operators sell by ship, cabin, date and guests. No general rule says you must book weeks ahead, but a specific ship and cabin may be gone, so book early for holidays.
Ha Long Bay cruises: frequently asked questions
Is a day cruise or an overnight cruise better?
A day cruise suits one outing to the caves and a kayak or bamboo boat ride. An overnight cruise adds a sunset and morning on the water, but you board around midday and leave by 10:00 am, so it is shorter than two full days.
Are meals included on a Ha Long Bay cruise?
One operator lists meals on board as included, and the eight-hour day cruise example includes a buffet. Other operators differ, so check drinks, extras and the final total before you pay.
How much does an overnight cruise cost?
One booking agent lists $355 to $520 per cabin for 2 days/1 night and $613 to $912 per cabin for 3 days/2 nights between October 1 and December 31, 2026, for two cabin types. The unit is the cabin, and a Hanoi shuttle was extra.
Can I swim and kayak on a cruise?
It depends on the route, the weather and the offer. Kayaking was excluded from one short trip and included in a longer one. Swimming is not guaranteed anywhere, and Soi Sim beach has been closed to visitors since 2020 according to a 2026 report.
What happens if a storm hits on my dates?
Authorities can suspend departures and overnight stays, and a booked ship does not override that. Ask the operator about changes and cancellations before you pay, and check forecasts a few days ahead.