A Halong Bay cruise 2 days is the sweet spot for most travelers.
The Halong Bay excursion is long enough to wake up surrounded by limestone karsts with mist still hanging over the water.
Short enough that you do not lose half your Vietnam trip to one destination.
If a day tour feels rushed and a three-day cruise feels excessive, this Halong Bay excursion is the right call.
This Halong Bay 2-day cruise suits travelers who want a proper bay experience without sacrificing their Hanoi or Sapa days.
You will board at Tuan Chau Port around noon on day one, sail into the quieter waters around Lan Ha Bay, kayak through the Dark and Bright Cave, swim off the boat, learn fruit carving from the head chef, fish for squid under deck lights, sleep on the water.
Do Tai Chi at sunrise, visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, and be back at Tuan Chau by 11:00 AM the next morning.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 (L,D)
11:30 – 11:45 PM: Arrive the Tuan Chau cruise port
You arrive at the Indochine Cruise private lounge at Lot 22, Tuan Chau International Marina.
Our Vietnam Trails Travel team assists you with the check-in procedures while you wait in the air-conditioned lounge.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Board the Halong cruise
You board the cruise. The crew serves a welcome beverage while the cruise manager explains the 2-day schedule and demonstrates the safety protocols.
International tourists welcomed aboard a luxury Ha Long Bay cruise
01:00 PM: Have lunch on the sea
Your guide will direct you to the dining area on the cruise to enjoy buffet lunch.
You can watch the scenery through the large windows as the cruise leaves the harbor and heads toward the Lan Ha Bay area.
02:00 PM: Relax and admire the landscape
You can relax in your cabin or walk up to the open decks.
The cruise sails past tall limestone karsts, giving you time to take photos of rocks shaped by the ocean over thousands of years.
03:30 PM: Dark and Bright Cave
The Indochine Sails takes you to the Dark and Bright Cave, located on the border of Halong Bay and Cat Ba National Park.
This site features a water tunnel that runs beneath a limestone mountain, leading to an enclosed sea lake.
You have two options here:
Kayaking: You paddle a two-person kayak yourself. You will need some arm strength to paddle but you can go at your own pace while moving under the low cave roof.
Bamboo Rowboat: A local fisherman rows you in a traditional bamboo rowboat.
This option requires no physical effort and allows you to easily take photos without getting wet. The group spends about 45 minutes exploring this area.
Family kayak adventure on Ha Long Bay
04:45 PM: Return to the cruise
You return to the main cruise. You can put on your swimsuit and jump into the bay for 30 to 45 minutes.
The staff gives you life jackets and shows you exactly where it is safe to swim.
You do not have to worry about strong waves because the water is very quiet here.
05:30 PM: Sundeck and golf
You watch the sunset on the sundeck or play a round of mini-golf.
The captain anchors the cruise in a quiet spot to keep the boat steady while you sleep.
06:15 PM: Join the cooking class
The head chef hosts a practical cooking class in the dining area.
You can learn the specific techniques to soften rice paper, arrange fillings and tightly wrap traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
Tourist making spring rolls on a Halong Bay cruise
The chef also demonstrates how to carve vegetables and fruits into decorative shapes.
07:15 PM: European fine-dining dinner
You sit down for a multi-course European fine-dining dinner prepared by the onboard culinary team.
08:30 PM: Free and easy
You spend your evening at leisure. You can stay indoors to play cards and dominoes.
Alternatively, you can walk to the back of the cruise to catch squid. Our staff shines bright lights on the water to attract squid.
A woman tourist squid fishing at night on the Indochine Sails Cruise in Ha Long Bay
Then, they hand you a bamboo rod and teach you exactly how to move it to catch one.
10:30 PM: Conclude day 1
The first day’s program finishes, and you sleep in your private cabin.
You can start your day in the restaurant. We serve a quick breakfast with tea, black coffee and fresh baked goods.
06:30 AM: Join the Tai Chi class
A teacher leads a 30-minute Tai Chi class on the top deck. You will use slow movements and deep breaths to wake up your body.
Morning Tai Chi session on Ha Long Bay cruise deck
07:15 AM: Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island
The crew transfers you to Cat Ba Island to visit at the Trung Trang Cave.
This dry cave spans 300 meters through the mountain interior, where you walk on a defined path to observe stalactites and stalagmites.
Group of tourists posing for group photo inside Trung Trang Cave
The roof of the cave is low in some places, so you will need to bend down as you walk. The whole walk takes about 45 minutes.
09:00 AM: Back to the cruise
You return to the cruise. You pack your personal belongings and leave your heavy luggage outside the cabin door.
Our staff collects the bags and carries them to the pier for you.
09:30 AM: Check out and brunch
You hand in your room keys and pay any remaining bar bills at the reception desk.
Afterward, you eat a heavy brunch in the main restaurant.
10:30 AM: Sundeck and return to mainland
You rest on the sundeck or in the dining room as the cruise navigates out of the bay and returns to the mainland.
11:00 AM: Conclude the excursion
The cruise arrives at Tuan Chau Marina. You step off the cruise and collect your luggage, finishing your Halong Bay cruise 2 days.
Travel tips:
ack a small overnight bag: Keep your main luggage in the car or storage; just take a small bag with your essentials (swimsuit, toiletries, and clothes for the next day) onto the boat.
Bring a light jacket: It can get windy and chilly on the sundeck in the evenings, even in warmer months.
Wear rubber-soled shoes: The paths inside Trung Trang Cave and the decks of the boat can be slippery.
Use waterproof bags: Keep your phone and camera in a dry bag during the kayaking and bamboo boat activities.
Carry cash for drinks: While meals are included, drinks and tips for the crew are usually paid separately at checkout.
Charge your camera/phone: You will want plenty of battery for the sunset, the sunrise Tai Chi, and the karst views—power outlets in cabins can be limited.
