2D1N vs 3D2N: Which Viet Sails Cruise Should You Choose?

When cruising Bai Tu Long Bay, choosing between a 2-day, 1-night or 3-day, 2-night cruise can shape your entire experience. Both Viet Sails itineraries offer comfort, luxury cabins, Vietnamese cuisine and peaceful routes through Bai Tu Long Bay – the peaceful, pristine sister of Ha Long Bay.

The difference is not in quality, but in depth. How long do you want to be isolated from the world, and how deeply do you want the bay to stay with you?

Here is a full comparison table to help you choose the cruise that suits your time, personality and travel goals.

Bai Tu Long Bay
Viet Sails Cruise

2 days 1 night experience – The best destinations of Bai Tu Long Bay

  • Total time: ~24 hours on the water
  • Duration: Day 1 (~12:30 PM) → Day 2 (~11:45 AM), return to Hanoi ~2:30 pm

This is the ideal itinerary to explore Bai Tu Long Bay, designed around the highlights and iconic activities of a typical Bai Tu Long Bay cruise.

What does the 2-day 1-night itinerary include?

Day 1

  • 11:30 – Check in at the port
  • 12:30 – Departure & welcome guide
  • 13:30 – Vietnamese lunch (seafood soup, pancakes, grilled oysters…)
  • 15:30 – Kayaking at Cap La Island, exploring hidden lagoons
  • 18:00 – Sunset party + spring roll making class + fruit & tea
  • 19:00 – Cozy dinner on board
  • 21:00 – Optional squid fishing or relaxing on deck
  • Overnight at a peaceful anchorage in Bai Tu Long Bay

Day 2

  • 6:45 – Buffet breakfast
  • 8:00 – Visit Thien Canh Son Cave 
  • 9:00 – Check out + brunch
  • 11:45 – Disembark
  • ~14:30 – Back to Hanoi 

 

Suitable for:

✅ Travelers with limited time in Vietnam

✅ First-time cruisers

✅ Couples who want to have a romantic overnight getaway

✅ Budget travelers

✅ For multi-stop trips (Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa…)

Bai Tu Long Bay
Sunset at Bai Tu Long Bay

3 Days 2 Nights Experience – Immerse Yourself in Bai Tu Long Bay

  • Total time: ~48 hours on the water

This itinerary includes everything from a 2D1N cruise — plus a day of deeper exploration into the wildest corners of Bai Tu Long Bay.

What does the 3-day 2-night itinerary include?

Day 1

→ Same as Day 1 of 2D1N

Day 2

  • 8:30 AM – Transfer to Day Cruise
  • 9:30 AM – Thay Cave: Explore hidden stalactites, swimming, kayaking
  • 11:30 AM – Lunch on Day Cruise
  • 1:00 PM – Vung Vieng Fishing Village (Pearl Farm + Bamboo Boat)
  • 2:30–3:30 PM – Free Kayaking in a deserted area
  • 4:00 PM – Return to Main Cruise + Second Sunset Party
  • 7:00 PM – Another Multi-course Vietnamese Dinner
  • 8:30 PM – Night Activities (Squid Fishing or Stargazing)

Day 3

→ Same as Day 2 of 2D1N

✅ The Real Meaning of Extra Day

1. Real Relaxation:

Most travelers need more than 48 hours to fully relax. On a 3D2N cruise, you really slow down — something that can’t happen on a 2D1N.

2. Deeper Cultural Connections:

The extended tour to Vung Vieng Village offers real-life conversations, cultural exploration, and insights into traditional life in Bai Tu Long Bay.

3. More Value Every Day:

3D2N includes more activities, such as: Cave exploration (Thay Cave), day boat exploration, additional kayaking, more sunset parties, and additional meals.

4. Closer Connections with the Crew:

With longer stays, the crew will have more time to remember your preferences, stories, and food choices, which provides a warm and intimate experience.

Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay

Quick Comparison Table

Factor

2D1N

3D2N

Time on water

24 hours

48 hours

Nights aboard

1 night

2 nights

Caves visited

1 (Thien Canh Son)

2 (Thay + Thien Canh Son)

Village experience

No

Yes (extended)

Day boat transfer

No

Yes (deeper access)

Cooking classes

1

2

Sunset parties

1

2

Kayaking sessions

1

2+

Meals included

3 meals + brunch

6 meals + brunch

Decompression time

Minimal

Complete

Best for

Time-limited travelers

Those seeking immersion

Still not sure? Ask yourself these 5 questions

How much time do you have in Vietnam?

Short trip → 2 days 1 night.

More relaxed itinerary → 3 days 2 nights.

What is your travel style?

Focus on the highlights → 2 days 1 night

Slow travelers → 3 days 2 nights

Is this a special occasion?

Honeymoon/anniversary → 3 days 2 nights for maximum romance and depth.

Total cost vs. value per experience?

2 days 1 night is cheaper.

3 days 2 nights offers more experiences per day.

Would you return to Vietnam?

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip → choose 3 days, 2 nights to explore the best of Bai Tu Long Bay.

 

Both itineraries often have different pricing promotions. Check our website for current discounts and last-minute deals.

 

Contact us:

  • Address: 33C Pham Ngu Lao, Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
  • Email: info@vietsails.com
  • Hotline/WhatsApp: +84 906 272 467 (Ms. Anna Nguyen)