Trying to decide between a Ha Long Bay day trip vs overnight cruise, or something a little off the beaten path like Cat Ba Island?
I’ve done two of the three — a 2018 overnight cruise and a 2024 day tour — and almost booked the third — so here’s how they actually stack up, from real experience.
If you’re basing out of Hanoi (like most travelers), this guide breaks down the best boat tours by cost, vibe, and time commitment. I’ll share what I liked, what I’d skip next time, and how to choose the right one for your trip.
Quick heads up: This post may contain affiliate links to gear, hotels, flights, or experiences I’ve used — or genuinely recommend. If you book through one, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
🛏 Hanoi as Your Launchpad
If you’re booking a Ha Long Bay tour, you’ll almost certainly be starting in Hanoi — and your hotel choice matters more than you’d think. Pickup times can be brutal (as early as 6:30 a.m.), so staying in the Old Quarter simplifies everything.
Beyond logistics, the Old Quarter is exactly where you want to be if you’re hoping to immerse yourself in Hanoi’s energy. It’s a maze of narrow, atmospheric streets packed with street food, tiny shops, and tour offices — the real backpacker-trodden core of the city.
It’s also home to the famous Ta Hien Beer Street. I had already quit drinking by my second visit, but on my first trip I got more than my money’s worth at the street-side beer stalls. Even sober, it’s a great place for people-watching and soaking up the chaos.
I highly recommend the Hanoi Allure Hotel — the location is perfect, the rooms are small but spotless, and it was way more comfortable than the budget hotel we tried later to save a few bucks (huge regret). Stick with what works.
Thinking about a trip to Ha Long Bay?
Start your journey here — search flights to Hanoi from your closest airport using this quick tool:
🚤 Tour Comparison at a Glance
| Tour Option | Best For | Duration | Cost (est.) | My Experience | Book It |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🛥️ Ha Long Bay Day Tour (2024) | Tight schedule, casual travelers | 12–13 hrs | $45–$75 | ✅ Took via Klook’s Cozy Bay Cruise | My Pick: Cozy Bay Cruise Tour All Options: Browse Ha Long Bay Tours |
| 🌅 Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise (2018) | Couples, slower pace, photography | 2D1N | $120–$250+ | ✅ Took similar cruise solo | Book Aspira Cruise |
| 🌿 Cat Ba + Lan Ha Bay (Future Pick) | Quieter vibe, more active travelers | 1–2 days | $100–$200 | ❌ Didn’t get to go — next time! | 2-Day: Cat Ba + Lan Ha Bay Tour 1-Day: Day Trip from Hanoi |
🛥️ Cozy Bay Day Cruise via Klook
This is the one I did with my wife in early 2024 — we wanted something efficient and budget-friendly without missing out on the iconic Ha Long Bay scenery. Cozy Bay Cruise via Klook looked like the best-reviewed day tour option, and overall, I was genuinely pleased with the experience.
We booked this as a quick detour before heading up to Sapa for our main adventure. My wife had never seen Ha Long Bay, and I’d done the overnight cruise back in 2018. We didn’t need more time in Hanoi, so this one-day tour was an easy way to revisit the bay and still rest up for our six-hour minivan ride to Sapa the next day.
👉 Need details on that ride? Here’s exactly how we got from Hanoi to Sapa — and a breakdown of the three primary options: How to Get from Hanoi to Sapa
Booking through Klook was smooth, and communication was excellent. A rep followed up right away with pickup instructions (they picked us up directly in front of the Hanoi Allure Hotel), and everything was on time and hassle-free. Our guide, Binh, was a highlight — fluent in English, full of personality, and genuinely fun. From the moment we boarded the bus, he had the whole group engaged.
The group was mostly Indian travelers, which made for a super lively sunset “party” on the way back — Bollywood music, dancing on the top deck, and Binh fully leaning into the energy. I’ve got video proof. It was one of those weird, joyful travel moments you don’t plan for, but fully enjoy.
Once on the boat, the views were everything I remembered from 2018 — jagged limestone karsts rising from the water in every direction. The weather was perfect, and the included buffet lunch was better than expected. The kayaking stop was the real highlight: about an hour paddling through a low cave and into a wide, peaceful bay surrounded by cliffs. Yes, it was touristy — but not so much that it ruined the atmosphere. If kayaking’s not your thing, there’s also a rowboat option handled by locals that gives you the same experience.
The downsides? A mid-morning stop at a textile factory, which was basically a thinly veiled shopping stop. Not for me, but some others seemed into it. And the visit to Sung Sot Cave was kind of a zoo — every tour group seemed to arrive at once, and we had to shuffle single-file through the cave in humid, sweaty conditions. Ti Top Island was the same: crowded, not super special, but a decent chance to cool off in the ocean.
Still, for less than $40 USD, it was a great day. Pickup was around 6:30 a.m., and we were dropped off in Hanoi by about 8 p.m. The views, the kayaking, the lunch, and the group vibe far outweighed the drawbacks. If you’re short on time or just want a solid intro to Ha Long Bay without committing to an overnight, this tour nails it.
👉 Book the Cozy Bay Day Tour on Klook
🎉 Rooftop Dance Party (Yes, Really)
We weren’t expecting it, but this sunset moment turned into a full-on Bollywood rooftop dance party, courtesy of our guide Binh and the amazing energy of the Indian travelers on board. It was chaotic, loud, and unforgettable.
🌅 Overnight Cruise on Ha Long Bay
Looking back, I probably should’ve flipped my itinerary — I did the luxury overnight cruise solo in 2018 and the budget-friendly day tour years later with my wife. The overnight experience was lovely, but the boat was packed with couples…and solo Johnny here.
They were all friendly and welcoming, but there’s no getting around the slight awkwardness of dining alone on a boat designed for romance. While everyone else had candlelit tables for two, I had my own table for one — and a lot of wait staff attention.
That said, the experience was still a memorable one. Everything offered on the Cozy Bay day tour — kayaking, cave visits, a beach stop — was also included on the overnight cruise. We also visited a local pearl farm, which was scenic and informative, even if I wasn’t exactly in the market for jewelry. The major difference was the pacing: long, slow stretches of sailing through the karsts with time to lounge on the top deck, nap, or — in my case — read a book in a private cabin with limestone cliffs passing by. It was quiet, scenic, and a bit meditative.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely — but especially for couples. The onboard meals were excellent, the cabins felt like boutique hotel rooms, and waking up on the bay was magical. But as a solo traveler doing it over Tet (when much of Hanoi was shut down), it felt a bit too luxe-for-one. If I had more time or someone to share it with, I’d absolutely do it again. If not, I’d probably just stick to the day tour.
👉 Check Aspira Overnight Cruise on Klook
🌿 Cat Ba Island + Lan Ha Bay Tour
On our most recent trip in 2024, Cat Ba Island really caught our attention. Since I’d already done Ha Long Bay once, I was eager to try something new — and Cat Ba seemed like a quieter, more local-feeling alternative. From everything I read (and some tours I bookmarked), it looked like a great option for travelers who want a little bit of hiking and jungle with their boat trip.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it work logistically. Most of the better Cat Ba itineraries require an overnight stay — either on the island itself or on a boat cruising through Lan Ha Bay — and we had a Sapa hotel reservation waiting for us. If I had a do-over (and better time padding), I probably would’ve picked Cat Ba instead of repeating Ha Long Bay. But you live and learn.
👉 But hey — Sapa didn’t disappoint. If you’re planning that leg too, here’s how we tackled it without a guide and made the most of our time there: Self-Guided Travel in Sapa, Vietnam
Still, I’ve done the research — and GetYourGuide seemed to offer the best Cat Ba tour options in terms of value and flexibility. If you have time for a 2-day detour, the Lan Ha Bay scenery looks nearly identical to Ha Long but without the same tourist traffic. If you’ve already done the Ha Long route or just want a mix of kayaking and jungle hiking, this is the alternative I’d book next time.
👉 Check 2-Day Cat Ba + Lan Ha Bay Tour
👉 See 1-Day Cat Ba Tour from Hanoi
🧭 How to Choose the Right Ha Long Bay Tour
If you’re stuck between a one-day cruise, a luxury overnight, or trying something a bit different like Cat Ba Island — you’re not alone. I’ve done two of these options and seriously considered the third, so here’s how I’d break it down depending on your trip priorities.
🎒 Just want to check the box? Go with a day trip.
You’ll be up early and back late, but a solid day tour like Cozy Bay delivers the core Ha Long Bay experience: scenic views, kayaking, cave visits, and a buffet lunch — all for around $40. If your time in Vietnam is limited or you’re pairing this with other adventures (like Sapa), the day trip is a no-brainer.
👉 Book the Cozy Bay Day Tour on Klook
💑 Traveling as a couple? The overnight cruise is made for you.
If you’ve got the time and want to slow things down, an overnight cruise is a more luxurious, romantic option. You’ll have a private cabin, multi-course meals, sunset from the deck, and a much more relaxed pace. I wouldn’t recommend it for solo travelers (learned that one the hard way), but for couples? 100% yes.
👉 Check Aspira Overnight Cruise on Klook
🌿 Want fewer crowds and something more active? Cat Ba is your move.
If this is your second time to Ha Long Bay — or you just prefer to get a little off the main tourist trail — Cat Ba and Lan Ha Bay offer a quieter, more nature-forward experience. Think kayaking, jungle trekking, and a local island vibe. You’ll want at least two days to do it justice.
👉 Check 2-Day Cat Ba + Lan Ha Bay Tour
👉 See 1-Day Cat Ba Tour from Hanoi
🧠 My Picks
If it’s your first time and you’re short on time:
👉 Cozy Bay Day Tour
If you’re traveling with a partner and want to relax:
👉 Overnight Cruise (Aspira or similar)
If you want something a little different or quieter:
👉 Cat Ba Island + Lan Ha Bay Tour
✅ Quick Pros and Cons Comparison
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the main pros and cons of each tour option to help you compare at a glance.
| Tour Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Day Tour | Cheap, efficient, easy to book | Crowded, rushed, long bus ride and late return |
| Overnight Cruise | Scenic, slower pace, private cabin | Costs more, takes 2 days |
| Cat Ba Tour | Less crowded, active, authentic vibe | More transfers, requires overnight |
❓ Ha Long Bay Tour FAQs
Is a day trip to Ha Long Bay worth it?
Yes — if you’re short on time, a day trip gives you the essential Ha Long Bay experience: cruising through limestone karsts, kayaking, cave visits, and a decent lunch. It’s fast-paced, but well worth it for first-timers or travelers on a tighter itinerary.
What’s the difference between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay?
Both offer stunning scenery, but Lan Ha Bay (near Cat Ba Island) is generally less crowded and slightly more rugged. You’ll still see limestone karsts and calm water, but with fewer tour boats and a more local vibe.
Should I book my Ha Long Bay tour in advance?
Yes — especially during high season (Nov–April) or if you’re booking a specific cruise like Cozy Bay or Aspira. Most tours include hotel pickup, and booking ahead ensures a smoother experience and better communication with the operator.
Can you do Cat Ba Island as a day trip from Hanoi?
Technically, yes — but it’s a long day and the logistics can be tricky. Most travelers get more out of Cat Ba by staying at least one night, either on the island or as part of a 2-day Lan Ha Bay cruise.
Which Ha Long Bay tour is best for couples?
The overnight cruise wins here. You’ll get a private cabin, slower pace, better meals, and more time to enjoy the scenery without rushing. It’s a great option if you’re not on a tight schedule.
🧭 More Vietnam Travel from Colorado Saram (Sapa, Phu Quoc + More)
- 🥾 Trekking Sapa Without a Guide
How we explored rice terraces, villages, and viewpoints without a tour group. - 🚐 How to Get from Hanoi to Sapa
All your transport options from minivans to sleeper buses — what we’d recommend (and skip). - 🚡 Fansipan Cable Car Guide
Everything you need to know about Vietnam’s highest peak — tickets, timing, and what to expect. - 🌤️ Phu Quoc: Dry vs Rainy Season
Our honest take on when to go — and what it’s really like in the off-season. - 🏝️ 5-Day Phu Quoc Itinerary
Beaches, food, island hopping, and everything else we crammed into one perfect week.
