Top Ha Long Bay Overnight Tours

There are plenty of high-quality Ha Long Bay overnight tours to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Amanda Cruise—Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay—All Inclusive 2D1N & 3D2N

• Halong or Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise Options from Hanoi

• Paradise Elegance Cruise 2 days 1-Night Halong Bay Tour

• Halong Bay—Le Journey Cruises—All-Inclusive 2D1N and 3D2N

• Top Tier: Overnight Ha Long Bay Cruise 5-Star, Balcony Cabin—2D1N

Overnight Ha Long Bay tours are surprisingly affordable, with options at the lower end of the price scale for less than US$100 per person, though you may need to pay for extras such as entrance fees and kayaking. Prices increase depending on inclusions, group size, and type of boat, with premium experiences aboard a luxury superyacht reaching US$950 per person.

Yes, guided Ha Long Bay overnight tours are well worth it—onboard guides cover the bay's geology, culture, and folklore as you cruise past limestone karsts. Many itineraries bundle in cave visits, kayaking, and swimming, with all meals included. Round-trip transportation from Hanoi is typically offered, giving you a full experience without coordinating each element yourself.

Per one customer who booked the Halong or Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise Options from Hanoi, "Fantastic luxurious trip to Ha Long Bay which was enjoyable from start to finish. Everything was so easy to organise, we were picked up in a high end bus from our hotel and taken to the most beautiful boat. The boat was nicer than some of the hotels we stayed in in the cities. The highlight of the trip were the staff. They were kind, helpful, funny and very personable. We loved the activities and I even managed to catch a squid when fishing! You will not be hungry on this boat, with delicious food and a buy one get one free happy hour on the first night too! Brilliant trip, would highly recommend to anyone."

Read descriptions carefully before booking—inclusions vary by tour, with entrance fees, drinks, and activities included in some excursion packages, but not all. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the best conditions with clear skies and mild weather, so book well in advance if you're traveling during these peak months.

Pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, and hat, plus a light layer for the evening, since temperatures can drop once the sun goes down. If you want to see the sunrise over the karsts, check timings and set an alarm: it’s a moment not to be missed. Tipping in Vietnam is appreciated, so bring some cash in Vietnamese dong—around 200,000 dong per cabin for a 2-day, 1-night cruise is reasonable for good service.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Ha Long Bay aside from overnight tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Ha Long Bay Speedboat Rentals

• Ha Long Bay Seaplane Tours

• Ha Long Bay Multi-Day Cruises

• Ha Long Bay Kayaking Tours

• Ha Long Bay Shore Excursions

Tours typically cover all onboard meals, cave entry fees, kayak trips, bamboo boat activities, a guide, and accommodation in a private cabin, though check individual tour details, as this can vary. Round-trip transfers from Hanoi are also included on many tours. Alcoholic drinks aren’t typically covered on standard tours, so budget for this before you board.

It depends on the type of boat and the option you book. Cabins are typically private, with en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Budget and midrange options offer smaller, comfortable cabins, while luxury cruises feature larger cabins, often with private balconies and sunbeds. Cabin sizes and styles vary, so check tour listings before booking to find an option that suits you.

A 2-day, 1-night cruise typically covers all meals onboard: lunch on arrival, dinner the first evening, breakfast, and often lunch the next day, too. Menus are generally a mix of Vietnamese and international dishes, with seafood a common fixture. Most cruises can accommodate vegetarians or special dietary needs if asked in advance.

Pack light. Along with your usual overnight essentials, take a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, and sturdy walking shoes for exploring caves. You might also want to pack a lightweight raincoat, as Ha Long Bay sees sporadic rainfall, particularly in the summer months. Also, bring some Vietnamese dong in cash for drinks and tips.

The spring and fall months offer the most favorable conditions: dry weather, calm seas, and clear skies. Summer is warmer but brings a higher chance of storms and occasional cancellations. Winter can be misty, though many travelers find the atmosphere adds to the scenery. If you're looking to save money, May to September tends to offer lower prices and better availability.