# Ha Long Bay Day Cruise vs Overnight: Which to Book (Honest Review + Tips)

By Prashant & Sunaina · 3 August 2026 · https://www.psvlogs.in/blog/ha-long-bay-day-cruise-review

> Day cruise or overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay? What our ~₹3,500 day cruise included (Surprise Cave, Luon Cave, Ti Top Island), extra costs, and 6 tips before you book on Klook.

When we were booking Ha Long Bay, we found lots of videos, but none that clearly explained **which cruise to book, what's actually included, and what it should cost**. Klook alone lists dozens of options. So here's our honest breakdown.

Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8-92eXFAXA

## Day cruise vs overnight: the real difference

Both kinds of cruise start around **11 am–12 pm** and visit the **same main attractions until about 5 pm**. On an overnight cruise you then get a cooking class or sunset party, one extra spot the next morning, and you're back at the dock by about 11 am.

The price difference is huge: overnight options were around **₹30,000** when we checked, while our premium day cruise was about a tenth of that, **roughly ₹3,500**. For us, one extra spot wasn't worth it.

## The cruise we picked

After a lot of research we chose the **Sunlight Grand** day cruise on Klook. It's budget-friendly but premium: clean rooms, a pool on deck (many cruises don't have one) and lovely staff. It delivered everything it promised, even evening snacks.

The meeting point was about 9 minutes' walk from our hotel. On board we were seated for lunch right away, and the boat left about an hour later than the stated 11 am because of check-in.

## What you see

1. **Luon Cave**: a lagoon you enter by **bamboo boat or kayak** (both were included). A speedboat ride is extra (**350,000 VND each**), and you get about 50,000 VND back if you skip the included option. We chose the bamboo boat because kayaking in that sun would have been brutal.
2. **Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave**: about **150 steps** up and a huge cave inside. You get about 40 minutes. It took us 45 because of the crowds.
3. **Ti Top Island**: swim at the beach or climb to the viewpoint. Locals call this area "King Kong island" because *Kong: Skull Island* was filmed around here.

## 6 tips before you book

1. **Don't come in May or June.** It's too hot to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
2. **Bring your own water in a steel or glass bottle.** Plastic bottles aren't allowed, and a 300 ml can on board cost **30,000 VND** (beer was 15,000!).
3. **Pack swimwear** for the deck pool or Ti Top beach.
4. **Check the pickup point on Klook.** Ours wasn't a hotel pickup. If you haven't had confirmation, WhatsApp the number at the bottom of the Klook voucher.
5. **Carry cash.** Cards attract a **4% surcharge** on board.
6. **Choose the Indian veg or non-veg meal when booking.** The regular buffet had just one vegetarian curry, while the Indian option gets you two sabzis, dal, rice and more.

Use code **SUNNSHANT** on Klook for 10% off.

## FAQs

**Is an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise worth it?**
For us, no. The overnight cruises cover the same main stops plus one extra spot, and cost about 10 times more. A good day cruise covers the highlights.

**When should I avoid Ha Long Bay?**
May and June. We went in early summer and were drenched in sweat. Come in good weather to really enjoy it.