Best Halong Bay Overnight Cruises

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay continues to captivate visitors with its stunning natural beauty as of 2025. Characterized by an extraordinary landscape dotted with majestic limestone karsts, countless islands and islets, enchanting caves, and the tranquil flow of emerald waters, this destination remains a paradise for nature lovers. Additionally, the region's charming rustic fishing villages add cultural richness, making Halong Bay an essential stop on any traveler’s itinerary in Vietnam.

Cruising is undoubtedly the most immersive way to appreciate the ethereal charm of this remarkable site, and a variety of vessels—from traditional wooden boats to modern steel cruise ships—offer unique experiences and unforgettable adventures filled with genuine discoveries.

For comprehensive details about this breathtaking destination, explore the following guide on cruising within Halong Bay!

Top Attractions

Ti Top Island

Featuring a crescent-shaped golden sandy beach and a magnificent mountain cloaked in lush greenery, Ti Top Island offers an ideal backdrop for a range of water sports and exploration activities. Visitors can embark on an exhilarating 450-step trek to the summit, rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the bay, providing a picturesque setting to capture precious memories.

Fascinating Caves

Halong Bay boasts an impressive selection of intriguing caves and grottoes, such as the sparkling Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Thien Cung Cave, among others. Each cave presents its own unique charm waiting to be uncovered. Many can be accessed via boat or kayak, enhancing the exploration experience and creating lasting memories.

Cua Van Fishing Village

This unique floating village, Cua Van, consists of over 170 rustic houses on rafts, accessible only by boat. Nestled within a scenic backdrop, it offers visitors an insight into the peaceful lives of local fishermen and holds historical significance, ensuring a meaningful experience for tourists.

Tung Sau Pearl Farm

This charming pearl farm showcases the intricate and meticulous process of pearl cultivation. This elaborate process requires time and various factors that enhance the value of pearls. A visit to the pearl farm offers guests a rich educational experience and culminates in a showroom displaying stunning pearls.

Best Activities

Kayaking

While cruising, don’t miss the thrilling experience of kayaking—a chance to glide through crystal-clear waters and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural surroundings. Kayaking also serves as a unique way to explore hidden caves while enjoying the magnificent scenery. The calm waters make this adventure particularly delightful and unforgettable.

Bamboo Boat Riding

As an alternative to kayaking, bamboo boat rides offer a serene and culturally enriching experience. Accommodating 4 to 6 people, these traditional Vietnamese boats are perfect for families or groups looking to create cherished memories. Bamboo boat tours provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to embrace the moment and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Mountain Climbing

Many cruises also include trips to Ti Top Island, where mountain climbing is a truly rewarding activity, offering sweeping views of the bay. The hike not only provides a fascinating exploration but also showcases the stunning landscapes that surround you.

Onboard Activities

Cruise itineraries are thoughtfully planned to offer an enriching experience. Engaging activities such as Tai Chi sessions, Vietnamese cooking classes, relaxing spa treatments, and massages ensure each guest enjoys their time onboard.

With so many exciting options available, it can be overwhelming to choose. Here are the 10 best cruises to consider for your overnight stay.

Best Overnight Cruises in Halong Bay

Guests can choose between 2D1N and 3D2N overnight cruises. Whether you opt for an stay of one night or two nights, each cruise experience is akin to staying in a floating hotel with modern amenities. Alongside daytime excursions, overnight cruises come alive in the evening, featuring gourmet dining, spa treatments, and entertaining night programs.

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Known for its vibrant nightlife, the Paradise Elegance cruise ensures you’ll be entertained from dusk till dawn. This modern vessel features a piano bar with live music during sunset, a fine European-style dinner, and various nighttime activities including squid fishing and cocktail sipping on the deck.

Overnight activities include: Sunset happy hour with "buy one get one free" drinks, live music events from an international band, a European-style dinner, squid fishing, and relaxation.

Room details: This cruise houses 31 cabins, each with a private balcony overlooking the bay, ranging from 25 sqm to 35 sqm, divided into categories including deluxe balcony cabin, executive balcony cabin, elegance balcony suite, and captain’s view terrace suite.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Luxurious and contemporary room designs offering superior amenities.
• Dynamic nighttime entertainment options.
• All-inclusive packages covering attentive services and Vietnamese-European fusion meals.

Stellar of the Seas Cruise

For those seeking a romantic experience, the Stellar of the Seas cruise offers luxurious modern accommodations and evening entertainment such as a panoramic bar, spa, and a restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining options. Candlelit dinners or BBQ meals by the swimming pool create a magical ambiance for couples.

Overnight activities include: An evening cooking class, foot bathing relaxation, live music, and options for squid fishing or movie watching post-dinner.

Room information: The cruise features 22 luxurious rooms, including junior suite, senior suite, executive suite, and president suite, each with its own balcony or sun terrace that boasts stunning views of the bay.

Reasons to choose it include:

• A 5-star floating hotel with superior units and amenities.
• Diverse overnight experiences catering to a variety of guests.
• Contemporary room designs with excellent services and options for dining.

Elite of the Seas Cruise

The luxurious Elite of the Seas cruise ranks among the top choices for overnight excursions, featuring high-end 6-star accommodations. Facilities include indoor-outdoor bars, a wine and cigars cellar, and rejuvenating spa treatments.

Overnight activities include: Enjoying sunset views, golfing, relaxing near the seasonal pool, dining on a BBQ or set menu, indulgent drinks at the wine cellar, squid fishing, and casual movie nights.

Room details: The cruise offers 35 elegant rooms, ranging from 23 sqm to 60 sqm, each equipped with private balconies, high-quality amenities, and complimentary services such as fresh flowers, welcome fruit, a bottle of Chilean wine, and a 30-minute foot massage.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Diverse room categories with complimentary services suitable for various guests.
• Engaging day and night entertainment programs.
• Excellent dining options with open kitchens serving BBQ, buffets and a la carte menus.

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

The Scarlet Pearl cruise, designed in a modern catamaran-yacht style, offers a unique experience on Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. The cruise is designed for night festivities, allowing ample relaxation time in the sleeping area.

Nighttime activities include: Watching the sunset from the deck, joining happy hour specials, cocktail sipping, and enjoying a delightful fusion meal.

Room details: The cruise features 23 cabins divided into 4 themed suites, with the largest accommodating up to 150 sqm, each room providing splendid views of the bay from spacious balconies.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Luxurious, spacious rooms with exceptional amenities.
• Dining options highlight traditional Vietnamese and international dishes.
• The uniquely Akoya spa offers treatments utilizing pearl powder.

Heritage Line - Ylang Cruise

The Heritage Line - Ylang cruise resembles a sparkling piece of art during the night on the pristine waters of Lan Ha Bay. Renowned for its engaging evening activities, it features a large spa with steam and sauna facilities, an exquisite restaurant, and a late-night Jacuzzi.

Overnight activities include: Tea tasting sessions, indulgent massages, and sampling a multi-course dinner.

Room information: Guests can choose from signature suites, Regency suites, and premium Regency suites, ranging from 40 sqm to 54 sqm, with accommodations designed in a traditional Vietnamese style featuring Indochina elements. Each room faces a private balcony with picturesque bay views.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Spacious and convenient suites for a luxurious overnight experience. The architecture incorporates both Vietnamese and Indochina design styles.
• Top-quality spa services available throughout your stay.

Orchid Premium Cruise

The 5-star Orchid Premium cruise boasts some of the largest cabins in Halong Bay, prioritizing it as top tier for overnight vacationers. With a blend of Indochine architecture and French elegance, this upscale cruise offers unforgettable experiences, including beautifully designed cabins, 24/7 butler service, cooking demonstrations, and lively night entertainment.

Overnight activities include: Cooking classes, sunset happy hour specials, squid fishing, movie nights, and board games.

Room details: The cruise offers five types of accommodations including the orchid premium suite, family premium terrace suite, premium terrace suite, family terrace suite, and terrace suite, with room sizes ranging from 45 sqm to 96 sqm.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Extremely spacious rooms with luxury amenities, akin to a 5-star resort.
• A wide variety of onboard entertainment programs to keep guests engaged.
• Cuisines offered cater to various tastes, fusing Asian and European flavors.

Capella Cruise

For a fully entertaining overnight cruise, the Capella cruise is unmatched. This luxurious 5-star cruise showcases stunning architecture that harmoniously blends Indochinese aesthetics with modern yacht design. Expect a wide range of activities, highlighted by an inflatable water slide, Oasis and Ocean pools, a mini golf course, and a Cigar & Poker Club.

Overnight activities include: Relaxation in the Oasis and Ocean pools, golf games, sunset happy hour festivities, gourmet dinners, and dynamic entertainment in the Cigar & Poker club.

Room information: The cruise comprises 30 cabins designed under a contemporary luxury theme, ensuring indulgence. Each has a private balcony or terrace for relaxation and ocean breezes. Options include oasis suite, harmony suite, sky suite, sky terrace suite, la suite de Capella, owner suite, harmony family suite, and sky family suite.

Reasons to choose it include:

• A wide array of entertainment amenities, fostering social interactions and enjoyment.
• A unique inflatable water slide, snorkeling, and diving possibilities.
• A vast deck suitable for meetings and events.

Genesis Regal Cruise

With an overnight stay on the Genesis Regal Cruise, guests can explore the lesser-known areas of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. The cruise anchors in the tranquil Tra Bau area, providing a restful setting.

Evening activities include: Relaxing in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, indulging in spa services, enjoying music with fruits and cakes, and engaging in various onboard activities.

Room information: The cruise features en-suite cabins categorized into seven types, with all rooms designed to 5-star standards, each measuring 32 sqm, equipped with private balconies overlooking breathtaking views of the bay.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Luxurious accommodations and services with multiple room selections.
• Delightful nighttime entertainment options like karaoke, movie nights, and squid fishing.
• Journeying through pristine areas of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island combined in one experience.

Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan

Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan remains among the most luxurious options, sailing through Lan Ha Bay. This cruise captures the elegance of ancient design and offers splendid culinary experiences across various venues, including L’Indochine restaurant & bar, multiple lounges, a wine cellar, and a pool bar.

Overnight activities include: Sunset parties, afternoon tea, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet dinners.

Room information: The cruise features 20 air-conditioned suites showcasing French-Indochina charm and Vietnamese design. The regal suites are the largest at 46 sqm and equipped with private balconies featuring two sunbeds.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Opulent design steeped in history with modern amenities.
• A plethora of cutting-edge entertainment options aboard.
• A few vessels offer extended cruise itineraries of up to 4 days and 3 nights.

Sena Cruises

Sena Cruises blends traditional styles with modern comforts. The overnight trip promises an array of enjoyable activities. Visitors can unwind at the spa, socialize on the sundeck, or participate in nighttime entertainment.

Overnight activities include: Happy hour sunset parties, cooking classes, cocktail sipping, squid fishing, and karaoke.

Room information: The cruise consists of 16 cabins featuring traditional designs, categorized as Sena terrace suite cabins, balcony deluxe cabins, balcony deluxe connecting cabins, balcony executive cabins, and balcony executive connecting cabins, with room sizes from 25 sqm to 50 sqm.

Reasons to choose it include:

• Flexible itinerary options to visit either Dark & Bright Cave or Three Peaches area on the first day.
• Ample and engaging onboard entertainment choices.
• Varied room types accommodating diverse group sizes.