A Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruise is one of the best ways to escape the crowds and enjoy the peaceful beauty of northern Vietnam’s limestone seascape. Located northeast of the famous Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long offers the same stunning views with fewer tourists. On this short cruise, you can explore caves, go kayaking, visit floating villages, and enjoy fresh seafood under the stars. In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know to plan the perfect Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruise journey.

Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is in northeastern Vietnam, right next to the famous Halong Bay. It lies in Quang Ninh Province, stretching from the northeast of Halong Bay to the Chinese border. It is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, and it shares the same calm waters and limestone landscape as Halong Bay. But Bai Tu Long Bay feels more peaceful and less crowded.

This bay is made up of hundreds of small islands and limestone karsts. Many of them are untouched, and some are completely uninhabited. The water is usually clear, and the air is fresh. The atmosphere feels more relaxing than Halong Bay, especially if you want a quiet experience.

On a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay (depending on the length and cruise), you’ll usually stop at:

Thien Canh Son Cave: This cave is hidden on Hon Co Island. You need to climb up a stone path to reach it, but the view from the top is beautiful. Inside, you’ll see limestone formations shaped like flowers, animals, and daily objects.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village: This is a floating village where you can meet local people and learn about their life on the water. You can explore it by bamboo boat or kayak.

Cong Do Island: This island has clean beaches and coral reefs. Some cruises stop here for kayaking or swimming.

Ba Trai Dao Beach: A quiet and beautiful beach with white sand. It’s a great place to relax or swim during a cruise.

Among the three bays (Halong, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha), Bai Tu Long Bay, in our opinion, is the best place for travelers who want a calm and natural experience. It’s less commercial, the scenery is just as beautiful, and the air feels cleaner. Cruises here often follow less-traveled routes, which makes the trip feel more special.

If this is your first time in Vietnam and you want to see the famous limestone islands without the noise and traffic of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a great choice.

Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise 2-day, 1-night itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave

08:20 AM – 08:45 AM: A shuttle bus picks you up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The drive to Ha Long City takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, passing through rice fields and small towns.

11:30 AM: You arrive at the cruise operator’s office in Ha Long City. There’s time to relax and freshen up in the waiting lounge before continuing to the port.

11:50 AM – 12:15 PM: A buggy takes you to Ha Long International Harbor. Cruise staff greet you at the dock and help with check-in procedures.

12:30 PM – 01:00 PM: Board the cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome drink while the crew shares the itinerary and safety instructions. Then check into your cabin and get settled.

01:15 PM: A seafood lunch is served in the dining area while the cruise sails into Bai Tu Long Bay. The views from the boat include limestone islands, quiet waters, and very few other ships.

02:30 PM: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave. It’s located on a small island called Hon Co. A short walk up a stone path leads to the cave entrance. Inside, you’ll see stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years. They look like natural sculptures and reflect the cave’s soft lighting. Outside, there’s a panoramic view of the bay.

03:00 PM: After the cave, join a short kayaking trip around nearby islands. This lets you get close to the limestone cliffs and explore small lagoons that larger boats can’t reach.

04:15 PM: Return to the cruise ship. Relax on the sundeck as the boat cruises slowly across Bai Tu Long Bay. The late afternoon is a good time to enjoy the scenery and take photos.

05:15 PM: Join a Vietnamese cooking class on the deck or in the dining room. You’ll learn how to make fresh spring rolls or other simple dishes.

07:00 PM: Dinner is served onboard. The meal includes a range of Vietnamese dishes, often with seafood. The setting is quiet and calm, with views of the bay under the stars.

08:00 PM: After dinner, you have free time. You can try squid fishing with the crew, have a drink at the bar, or relax in your cabin. The cruise anchors for the night in a peaceful part of the bay.

Day 2: Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Ha Long – Hanoi

07:00 AM – 07:15 AM: Wake up to the sunrise over Bai Tu Long Bay. Coffee, tea, and a light breakfast are served on the deck or in the dining room.

07:45 AM: Take a bamboo boat to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. This floating village has small homes built on rafts, fish farms, and simple boats. Locals here still follow traditional ways of living on the water. As you float through the village, you can see daily life and learn about the community’s fishing culture.

08:45 AM: Return to the cruise ship. There’s a short break for you to relax or pack your luggage.

09:45 AM – 10:00 AM: Check out of your cabin. Spend some time on the sundeck enjoying the last views of Bai Tu Long Bay as the cruise slowly heads back to shore.

10:15 AM: Enjoy an early lunch on board. The cruise continues its route through scenic parts of the bay while you dine.

11:30 AM: The cruise docks at Ha Long International Harbor. From there, you transfer to a van and continue the journey to Yen Duc Village in Dong Trieu District. This village is known for its rice farming and traditional northern Vietnamese culture.

01:00 PM – 01:45 PM: Watch a water puppet show performed by local artists. The show takes place in a village pond and tells old Vietnamese stories using wooden puppets and live music.

04:00 PM: You arrive back in Hanoi. The tour ends here.

Best Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruises

Dragon’s Pearl Junk

Style: Traditional wooden junk
Cabins: 10
Good for: Couples, small groups, those who want an authentic and quiet experience

What to expect:
Dragon’s Pearl is built in the style of traditional Chinese sailing junks, giving it a classic and cozy feel. The itinerary focuses on less touristy areas of Bai Tu Long Bay. It includes kayaking, visiting Thien Canh Son Cave, and enjoying a BBQ lunch on the beach (weather permitting).

Our advice:
This cruise is great if you want a more local and intimate experience. The ship is small, so the service feels personal.

Dragon Legend Cruises

Style: Modern wooden junk
Cabins: 24
Good for: Couples, families, travelers who want comfort without crowds

What to expect:
This is the premium version of Dragon’s Pearl. The cabins are large, with bathtubs and sea views. The onboard restaurant serves Vietnamese cuisine with high-quality ingredients. It sails deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay and avoids busy spots. Activities include cave visits, kayaking, and exploring Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

Our advice:
Choose Dragon Legend if you want a balance between comfort and off-the-beaten-path travel. The boat feels luxurious without being overly formal. It’s a solid option for first-time visitors who want fewer boats around.

Starlight Cruise

Style: Steel-hulled modern cruise
Cabins: 32
Good for: Older travelers, people who prefer Western-style comforts

What to expect:
Starlight Cruise offers larger rooms with private Jacuzzis, a wine cellar, and even a mini-golf area. It’s more like a floating hotel. The cruise route covers parts of Bai Tu Long Bay, but it may feel less “remote” than smaller wooden boats.

Our advice:
This cruise suits travelers who prioritize comfort and hotel-like services. It doesn’t feel as intimate or adventurous as some others, but it’s smooth and relaxing.

Victory Cruises

Style: Traditional wooden boat
Cabins: 21
Good for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for a mid-range experience

What to expect:
Victory Cruise has been around for a while and offers a simple but pleasant experience. It includes standard stops like Thien Canh Son Cave and optional kayaking. Meals are Vietnamese-style, and the rooms are basic but clean.

Our advice:
It’s a good option if you want to visit Bai Tu Long Bay without spending too much. The service is friendly, though the facilities are older compared to newer cruises.

Garden Bay Legend Cruises

Style: Boutique wooden junk
Cabins: 10
Good for: Couples, solo travelers, those looking for peace and quiet

What to expect:
This is one of the smaller boats on the bay, which helps create a peaceful atmosphere. The staff often go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome. The route focuses on scenic parts of Bai Tu Long Bay and avoids crowded tourist areas.

Our advice:
This cruise is a good choice for travelers who enjoy slower travel and friendly service. It doesn’t have many luxury features, but it offers great value and a relaxed pace.

Best time for a Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruise

Spring (March to May)

This is one of the best times to visit. The weather is warm but not too hot, skies are clear, and there's little rain. The sea is calm, which makes kayaking and cruising more pleasant.

Our advice: April and May are great for comfortable weather and fewer domestic tourists.

Summer (June to August)

It’s hot and humid, and there’s a higher chance of storms. Some days can be very sunny, which is good for swimming and sunbathing, but cruises may cancel due to typhoons or heavy rain.

Our advice: If you choose summer, keep your schedule flexible in case of weather delays. Book a cruise that has clear cancellation policies.

Autumn (September to November)

This is another excellent time. Temperatures drop to a more comfortable level, and the sky often stays clear. The water is still warm enough for swimming.

Our advice: October is ideal—cooler than summer, but still bright and green.

Winter (December to February)

It gets cold, especially in January. There’s more fog and less sunshine. You may not feel like swimming, but the mist can give the bay a mysterious and peaceful feel.

Our advice: If you don’t mind cooler temperatures and want fewer crowds, this season is fine. Bring warm clothes.

How to get to Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay shares the same starting point as Ha Long Bay: Ha Long International Cruise Port in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Most cruises start from here.

From Hanoi

This is the most common route.

By Shared Shuttle Bus: Most cruises offer a shared shuttle bus from Hanoi Old Quarter. The drive takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. Pick-up is usually between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM.

By Private Car: More flexible, faster, and comfortable. Travel time is around 2.5 hours via the Hanoi–Ha Long expressway.

By Seaplane (Hanoi to Ha Long): For a unique experience, Hai Au Aviation offers a 45-minute seaplane flight with aerial views of the bay. It’s expensive but memorable.

From Other Cities

You’ll need to take a car or bus to Hanoi first, then transfer to Ha Long. Some cruise companies offer private transfers from other cities but expect higher prices.

Bai Tu Long Bay 2 Days 1 Night Cruise Price

Prices vary based on the cruise level, season, and inclusions. Here’s a general breakdown per adult:

Mid-range Cruises

• Price: ~$140–$180 USD

• Examples: Victory Cruise, Garden Bay Legend

• Includes: Cabin, meals, entrance fees, kayaking, cooking class, and basic activities.

Luxury Cruises

• Price: ~$180–$250+ USD

• Examples: Dragon Legend, Starlight Cruise

• Includes: High-end cabins with sea views or bathtubs, all meals, guided activities, shuttle transfer (sometimes), and better service.

Children's Policy

• Usually free under age 5

• 50–75% of adult price for ages 5–11

• Full price for children 12+

Tips to save:

• Book early (1–2 months ahead) for discounts

• Travel in low season for cheaper prices

• Check if round-trip shuttle bus from Hanoi is included

What to pack for a Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruise

Pack light, but don’t forget these essentials:

Passport: You must bring your original passport to board the cruise. Copies are not accepted.

Sunscreen& hat: The sun reflects off the water, and there’s little shade during outdoor activities.

Swimwear: Bring a bikini or swim trunks if you plan to swim or kayak.

Light jacket: Evenings on the bay can be breezy, especially from October to March.

Comfortable shoes or sandals: You’ll need them for cave visits and getting on and off boats.

Camera/phone with storage: The limestone islands and sunset views are stunning.

Bug spray: Useful in warmer months, especially during evening activities.

Cash: For drinks, tips, or optional activities not included in your cruise price.

Can You Do a 1-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise?

Yes, you can, but options are limited. One of the best 1-day cruises is the La Muse Day Cruise.

Departure: Morning from Ha Long International Port

Duration: ~6 hours

Activities:

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave

Kayaking around limestone islands

Seafood lunch on board

Ideal for: Travelers short on time or staying nearby in Ha Long City

Our advice:
A 1-day cruise gives you a quick taste of Bai Tu Long Bay, but you won’t see the deeper, quieter parts. It’s best if you’re on a tight schedule.

Can You Do a 3-Day Cruise?

Yes. Many cruise companies offer 2-night itineraries that take you farther into the bay. Here's a typical 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary:

Day 1:

• Depart from Ha Long Port

• Cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay

• Visit Thien Canh Son Cave

• Kayaking and sunset views

• Cooking class and dinner on board

Day 2:

• Early breakfast

• Travel deeper into the bay or Lan Ha area (depending on the cruise).

• Swimming and kayaking in remote lagoons

• Optional beach BBQ or floating fishing village visit

• Overnight in a quiet part of the bay

Day 3:

• Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village

• Leisure time on board

• Cruise back to the port

• Lunch before disembarkation

Our advice:
A 3-day cruise gives you more time to relax and explore hidden corners of the bay. It’s ideal for slow travelers or those celebrating something special like a honeymoon.

Conclusion

A Bai Tu Long Bay 2-day, 1-night cruise offers the perfect balance of relaxation and discovery. You’ll get to enjoy peaceful waters, explore hidden caves, and experience life on the bay in just two days. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a more quiet and natural experience than Ha Long Bay. Now that you have all the details—from when to go, how to get there, what to pack, and which cruise to choose—the only thing left to do is book your tour. Let us help you make it simple and stress-free. Contact our agency today to reserve your Bai Tu Long Bay 2 days 1 night cruise and start your journey into Vietnam’s coastal beauty.

>>> Top 10 Best Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises : Day Cruise, 1 Night, 2 Nights