Bai Tu Long Bay

Accounting for three-quarters of the famous Halong Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bai Tu Long Bay is a hidden bay that draws tourists from all over with its untouched beauty. In comparison to Halong Bay, it's still clean, not overly crowded, and incredibly charming. When you cruise through the bay, it feels like you've found paradise on Earth.


With its fantastic marine eco-tours and breathtaking beaches, Bai Tu Long Bay is a dream come true for beach lovers. Halong Bay Cruise Trip will tell you why it is worth doing a Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise!

1. The legend of Bai Tu Long Bay

Legend has it that Mother Dragon and her Child Dragon were sent from the heavens to safeguard Vietnam from foreign invaders. These amazing creatures sprinkled numerous pearls into the sea, creating an unbreachable wall of limestone that stopped the invaders in their tracks. After their triumph, the dragons were so captivated by the stunning scenery and the warmth of the Vietnamese people that they chose to stay on earth instead of returning to heaven.

The place where Mother Dragon touched down became known as Halong Bay, while the spot where Child Dragon settled became Bai Tu Long Bay. This enchanting tale adds an aura of magic and intrigue to the bay's rocky islands and captivating green waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay Overview

2. Things to See & Do in Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam still maintains its pristine and beautiful natural landscape to this day. When you take a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, you'll be amazed by the white sandy beaches, the unique shapes of the islands, and the fresh atmosphere. You can also enjoy views of mangroves stretching out, and may even spot clams and shells on the sand.

Some must-see spots include Cong Dam Floating Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Do Area, Cong Dam Area, Vong Vieng, Da Xep Park, and Tra Gioi Beach. Additionally, you can explore some of the largest and most developed islands like Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong, and Cong Tay. These islands have beautiful beaches that are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.

Islands in Bai Tu Long Bay

3. Things to Do in Bai Tu Long Bay

3.1. Hiking in Bai Tu Long Bay

A visit to Bai Tu Long National Park is an absolute must. It’s one of only seven amphibious national parks in Vietnam for a mix of both land and water-based ecosystems. Established in 2001, the park protects a variety of endangered species of birds, animals, and plants. Hiking here gives you a chance to appreciate both the natural beauty and the wildlife that call this area home.

3.2. Kayaking in Bai Tu Long Bay

One of the best ways to truly experience Bai Tu Long Bay is by kayaking. Paddling through the bay lets you get up close to the limestone karsts, Bai Tu Long Bay Cave and the quiet life of floating villages. Kayaking also offers access to more remote parts of the bay that larger boats can’t reach.

Besides, you can hop on a bike and explore the dense forests on the islands. It’s an exciting and unique way to explore the natural wonders of Bai Tu Long.

Thien Canh Son Cave

3.3. Swimming in Bai Tu Long

If you’re into swimming or water sports, Bai Tu Long Bay is an ideal destination. The calm waters in Ban Chan Beach and the relatively low number of tourists compared to neighbouring Halong Bay make it perfect for swimming, relaxing, or even trying your hand at sunbathing.

4. Weather in Bai Tu Long Bay

 Bai Tu Long Bay has two main seasons: a hot, humid summer and a cold, dry winter. The temperatures are from 15°C to 25°C, so you can visit any time of year. If you're into beaches and adventure, summer is great for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities in Bai Tu Long Bay luxury cruise. 

But if you want a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists, consider visiting in the winter. You can still enjoy the beautiful views without the crowds.

Bai Tu Long Bay National Park

Bai Tu Long Bay is suitable for travellers seeking to explore less touristy corners of Vietnam. In addition to the well-known Halong Bay Cruises, there are numerous Bai Tu Long Cruises available for your consideration. Below are popular itineraries for Bai Tu Long Bay, including 2-day-1-night and 3-day-2-night options.

5.1. Bai Tu Long 2-day 1-night itinerary

DAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Thien Canh Son (L, D)

07:30 – 08:00: Our van will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the drive to Hon Gai International Harbour.

12:00 – 13:00: Board a traditional junk boat and start your journey towards Bai Tu Long Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before setting sail.

13:00 – 15:00: Relish a delicious lunch while cruising past the iconic limestone formations.

15:15 – 18:00: Arrive at Thien Canh Son Cave for a guided exploration, followed by time at Hon Co Island to swim, kayak, or relax on the white sand beach.

18:00 – 20:00: Enjoy dinner on board with fresh seafood, and relax under the stars as you cruise back.

Bai Tu Long in Summer

DAY 2: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)

07:30 – 08:30: Start the day with breakfast and a serene view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

08:30 – 09:30: Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by traditional rowboat and experience local life on the water.

10:00 – 12:00: Return to the junk boat, check out, and enjoy lunch while cruising back to the harbour.

14:00 – 17:30: On the way back to Hanoi, stop at Yen Duc Village for a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists.


Swimming in Bai Tu Long Bay

5.2. Bai Tu Long 3-day 2-night itinerary

DAY 1: Hon Gai Harbour – Bai Tu Long – Cong Do (L, D)

7.30 - 8.00: Our van will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and head towards Hon Gai International Harbour.

12.00 - 12.30: Climb an ancient red-sail junk boat to your home for the next 2 nights. 

12.30 - 13.00: Enjoy a welcome drink upon checking in and listening to a quick safety briefing.

13.30 - 15.00: Take in the astounding rock pillar formations from the deck on the cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay while indulging in a succulent local lunch.

15.00 - 17.30: We wind around the plethora of stunning limestone outcrops and head to the ancient Cap La Fishing Village and stunning Tra San Bay which can be explored via swimming or kayaking.

17.45 - 19.00: We head back to the junk boat and freshen up for dinner.

19.00 - 21.00: Eat a delicious seafood dinner as the night rolls in. Relax on the deck or in your cabin as we drop anchor in the serene Cong Do area for the night.

Visit Bai Tu Long Bay local village

DAY 2: Cap La – Cong Dam – Thien Canh Son Cave (B, L, D)

07.30 - 08.00: Take in the morning view of Cong Do with a cup of tea or coffee. A beautiful breakfast will be served in the newly formed shadows of the landscape.

08.00- 10:00: The boat will start its cruise to Cong Dam in Bai Tu Long Bay along the rock-sided path.

10:00: In the hidden lagoons and open air you can kayak around the stunning geological park of Cong Dam.

12:00: We will rest on a hidden beach and enjoy a barbecue lunch.

13:30: Climb back aboard as we start the cruise back to Cong Do.

16:30: We arrive at Hon Co Island and walk to the well-concealed Thien Canh Son Cave for a thorough exploration of its peaceful interior.

17:30: Head back to the boat for a well-earned drink as we cruise back to Cap La.

19:00: Have dinner in the sanctity of Cap La as we drop anchor there for the night.

DAY 3: Cap La – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hon Gai (B, L)

06:45: Wake up on your final day to breakfast on board as we begin our cruise to the Vung Ha area of Halong Bay.

08:00: We arrive at the remarkable Vung Vieng Fishing Village by rustic rowboat and discover a completely different way of life.

10.00: We climb back aboard our junk boat one last time to check out of the cabins and set sail towards Hon Gai International Harbour with lunch.

11:30 - 14.30: We disembark from the boat and begin our drive to Yen Duc Village, where local artists will display their craft in water puppetry.

14.45 - 17.30: We arrive back in Hanoi for the end of the tour.

Enjoying beach getaway in Bai Tu Long Bay

So, if you want to get some experience like Halong Bay but an intimate one, you should consider booking a Bai Tu Long cruise. And Halong Bay Cruise Trip is here to assist with any request for a Bai Tu Long Bay tour with premium promotions and the best deals!

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