Ha Long Bay Party Cruise: Oasis Bay for Backpackers and Friends
How a Ha Long Bay party cruise works: jumps, kayaks, trampoline and jacuzzis, a sunset happy hour and night-life on Oasis Bay, what's included and who it suits.
By AmGo Travel5 min read
A Ha Long Bay party cruise is a different trip from the quiet overnight cruise most brochures show. Instead of a calm evening and an early night, you get jumps into the water, a giant trampoline, jacuzzis on deck, a sunset happy hour and music until late. If you are travelling with friends, on a backpacker budget or simply want a lively night on the bay, this guide explains how a party cruise works, what a typical two-day trip on Oasis Bay looks like, what is and is not included, and how to decide if it suits you, from the AmGo Travel team in Hanoi.
What makes a party cruise different
Most overnight cruises on Ha Long Bay are built around calm: cave visits, a relaxed dinner and a quiet evening. A party cruise keeps the scenery but changes the mood. The emphasis is on being in the water and being social: swimming, diving, kayaking, a sunset party, then dancing, games or karaoke after dinner.
The cabins are also set up differently. On Oasis Bay, each air-conditioned cabin sleeps 2–3 guests, which suits friends sharing and solo travellers who want to meet people.
A two-day Oasis Bay party cruise, step by step
Day 1: Hanoi to the bay
- 8:00–8:30: pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Around 12:15–12:30: arrival at dock No. 26, Tuan Chau harbour. A tender boat takes you out to Oasis for a welcome drink and cabin check-in.
- Lunch: served in the dining area as the cruise sets off.
Afternoon: swim, jump and kayak
The cruise heads to a quiet part of the bay, away from the busiest routes. This is the heart of the trip: somersaults, backflips and dives off the boat, kayaking between the limestone islands, the giant trampoline on the water and the jacuzzis around the deck.
Evening: sunset party and night-life
- Sunset party: happy hour with buy-2-get-1-free drinks as the sun goes down over the karsts.
- Dinner: prepared by the chef on board.
- After dinner: dancing, games, karaoke or drinks in the jacuzzi. The last order at the bar is at 1:45.
Day 2: sunrise and back to Hanoi
- Morning: breakfast with the sunrise over the bay, then check-out and settling your bar bill.
- Brunch: in the dining area as the cruise heads back.
- Around 11:30–11:45: arrival at Tuan Chau, then the bus back to Hanoi Old Quarter, arriving around 16:00–17:00.
What is included, and what is not
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
- An air-conditioned cabin for 2–3 guests
- Meals as listed in the programme
- An English-speaking guide
- Kayak and trampoline
- Tea and coffee at breakfast
- In the cabin: a bottle of water per person, instant tea, coffee and snacks
- Sightseeing entrance fees
- The outdoor jacuzzi
Not included:
- VAT (8%)
- Drinks from the cruise menu, which you settle at check-out
- Tips and personal expenses
- Corkage, if you bring your own drinks on board
Because drinks are the main extra cost on a party cruise, it is worth deciding in advance roughly how much you plan to spend, and making the most of happy hour.
Is a party cruise right for you?
A party cruise is a good fit if you:
- Are travelling with friends, or solo and keen to meet other travellers.
- Want to spend more time in the water than in caves.
- Enjoy music, games and a late night.
- Are happy to share a cabin with 2–3 people.
It is probably not the best choice if you want a quiet romantic night, are travelling with young children, or prefer an early bedtime. For those trips, a calmer overnight cruise suits you better. Read our guide on how to choose a Ha Long Bay cruise to compare the styles.
If you do not have a night to spare, a day cruise can still give you a taste of the party atmosphere. The Sky of the Sea day cruise has a swimming pool on deck and ends with a sunset party of wine, tea, fruit and biscuits on the way back to the harbour.
Tips for a party cruise
- Pack light. A small bag with swimwear, a towel or quick-dry clothes, sun cream and a change of clothes for the evening is enough.
- Bring cash or a card for the bar. Drinks are paid at check-out.
- Know your limits in the water. Jumps and dives are part of the fun, but only do what you are comfortable with, and listen to the crew.
- Protect your phone. A waterproof pouch is useful for kayaking and photos on the trampoline.
- Rest on the bus back. The return to Hanoi takes most of the afternoon of day 2.
FAQ
What is a Ha Long Bay party cruise? It is an overnight cruise focused on social activities: swimming, jumps and dives, kayaking, a trampoline and jacuzzis in the afternoon, then a sunset party with happy hour, dinner, music, karaoke and games at night.
How long is the Oasis Bay party cruise? Two days and one night. Pick-up in Hanoi is at 8:00–8:30 on day 1, and you are back in the Old Quarter around 16:00–17:00 on day 2.
Are drinks included? No. Water, tea, coffee and snacks in the cabin are included, but drinks from the cruise menu are paid at check-out. During the sunset happy hour, drinks are buy 2, get 1 free.
Can I go as a solo traveller? Yes. Cabins are shared by 2–3 guests, and the social atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travellers.
Is there a quieter alternative? Yes. Most Ha Long Bay overnight cruises have a calmer pace, and day cruises such as Sky of the Sea let you see the bay without staying overnight.
Where can I book a Ha Long Bay party cruise? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides with an office at 61 Hang Ga, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, books the Oasis Bay party cruise and other Ha Long Bay cruises with pick-up from the Old Quarter. You can book at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
Ha Long Bay party and day cruises with AmGo Travel
See all Ha Long Bay tours, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a local trip planner will help you choose between a party night and a calmer cruise.
