A 1-Night Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay: What It Really Feels Like

One night in Bai Tu Long Bay is enough to kayak in a quiet lagoon, watch the sunset from the deck, fish for squid after dinner and visit a floating village the next morning. On Treasure Junk’s 2 days 1 night cruise, you spend about 22 hours on the water: you board around midday and return to port at 10:30 the next morning. Here is how those hours pass.

The cruise at a glance

Day 1: from the harbor to Cong Do

Lunch is served as the boat leaves the busy harbor behind. As you eat, the open water around Halong City gives way to the limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, and you see fewer and fewer boats.

In the afternoon, you kayak in the Cong Do area. The water here is usually calm, so you can paddle close to the cliffs at your own pace. If you prefer not to paddle, you can stay on the sundeck and enjoy the view.

At around 17:00, guests gather on the sundeck for the sunset. Drinks are served and the crew gives a cooking demonstration while the light changes over the islands. Dinner follows, and at 21:00 you can try squid fishing from the boat, a simple and relaxed way to end the evening.

Day 2: sunrise and Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Mornings in Bai Tu Long Bay are quiet. Join the short Tai Chi session at sunrise, or simply take your coffee to the deck.

After breakfast, you take a bamboo boat to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. You pass floating houses and the small rowing boats that families use to fish, to sell goods and to move around the village. It is a real village, not a show, so please be respectful when taking photos.

Brunch is served on the way back to the harbor. If you booked the shuttle, you are back in Hanoi at around 14:30–14:45.

Itinerary may change depending on weather, tide and port authority conditions.

What is included

Included: cabin with air conditioning and private bathroom, welcome drink, one bottle of water per guest per night, all meals in the itinerary, entrance fees, shared kayak or bamboo boat, cooking demonstration, Tai Chi, squid fishing, sunset party, English and Vietnamese-speaking guide, onboard insurance and service charges.

Not included: transfer between Hanoi and Halong (limousine or private car on request), drinks, spa and massage, tips and personal expenses, VAT, and holiday surcharges at Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year.

Is one night enough?

For most travelers, yes. One night covers the main experiences of Bai Tu Long Bay: kayaking, sunset, a night on the water and the fishing village. It suits travelers with a tight schedule in northern Vietnam, couples on a short break and families with young children.

Choose two nights if you want a slower pace or more time away from other boats. The 3 days 2 nights cruise adds a full day deeper in the bay, with Thien Canh Son Cave and a traditional pearl farm. Read our comparison: 2D1N or 3D2N in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Why Treasure Junk for a short cruise

On a one-night trip, organization matters, because there is little time to make up for delays. Treasure Junk is operated by Bai Tho Junks, one of the first companies to introduce overnight cruises on Halong Bay, sailing these waters since 1991.

The boat is small: 14 cabins for up to 30 guests. That means smaller groups when kayaking or visiting the village, and quiet evenings on deck. Twelve Deluxe cabins (14 m²) have ocean-view windows, and two Suites (43 m²) have a private balcony and a jacuzzi. Treasure Junk was launched in 2017 and renovated in 2020; it has a steel hull with warm wooden interiors in a traditional junk style.

Before you go

• Passport: bring your original passport. The port authority checks it at boarding. Send us your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date in advance.
• Transfer: the drive from Hanoi takes about three hours. Ask us to arrange a limousine or private car.
• Wi-Fi: available in the restaurant and bar, but the signal can be weak far from the mainland.
• What to pack: swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and any personal medicine.

FAQ

How long is the Treasure Junk 1-night cruise?

About 22 hours on board. You board at around 12:15 on day 1 and arrive back at the harbor at 10:30 on day 2.

Is the transfer from Hanoi included?

No. We can arrange a limousine or private car on request.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the port authority cancels the cruise because of the weather, you can choose a refund or change your date.

Which cabin should I choose?

Deluxe cabins suit most couples and friends. Choose a Suite if you want more space, a private balcony and a jacuzzi.

Ready to plan your night on the bay? See the full 2 days 1 night itinerary or send us your dates through the booking enquiry form.