Choose Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Before heading to Vietnam, many travelers often hear concerns about overcrowding in Halong Bay. Whether or not you find it overcrowded depends on your definition of the term. However, the number of tourist in Halong Bay has indeed gone up in recent years, prompting many visitors to seek alternatives. This has raised a new question frequently asked in Hanoi: Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

If these names are new to you, they represent two stunning alternatives to Halong Bay within the same Gulf of Tonkin, a coastal region in northern Vietnam. Both locations boast the same magnificent limestone karsts and emerald waters, but each offers its own unique experiences and fewer crowds. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison by Halong Bay Cruise Trip to help you decide: Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay

1. Where are Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

1.1. Bai Tu Long Bay Location

Bai Tu Long Bay is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province, which is also home to the famous Halong Bay. Bai Tu Long Bay stretches from the eastern side of Halong Bay toward the Chinese border. It forms part of the Gulf of Tonkin and covers a vast area that includes a variety of islands, both inhabited and uninhabited, as well as the Bai Tu Long National Park, a protected area of significant biodiversity.

1.2. Lan Ha Bay Location 

Lan Ha Bay, on the other hand, is located south of Halong Bay, near Cat Ba Island, which belongs to Hai Phong Province. Though smaller in size, Lan Ha Bay boasts an impressive landscape of over 300 islands and islets, as well as sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Cat Ba Island serves as the primary gateway to Lan Ha Bay, and it is known for its rich biodiversity, both marine and terrestrial, as it houses the Cat Ba National Park.

2. Beaches in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

On both Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, you can still find pristine, quieter beaches. Ban Chan Beach in Bai Tu Long Bay is one such spot, with crystal-clear water and golden sands flanked by towering limestone cliffs. For a more expansive beach, Quan Lan Island offers wide stretches of sand and is much quieter due to its remote location, making it a paradise for those willing to explore independently.

Ban Chan Beach

By contrast, Cat Co Beaches on Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay can be quite crowded, particularly during peak season. If solitude is what you seek, head instead to Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach Beach), a secluded beach framed by three large limestone peaks, where you can enjoy kayaking or simply relax in a more peaceful setting.

>> Should you choose Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay for a Beach Getaway?

• Bai Tu Long Bay wins for its overall serenity and variety of beach choices.

3. Caves in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

When it comes to cave exploration, Lan Ha Bay edges ahead due to its greater number of options. Hospital Cave on Cat Ba Island is a remarkable historic site, once a secret Viet Cong hospital during the Vietnam War. It remains well-preserved, with rooms like the operating theater and cinema still intact.

Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long Bay is the primary cave attraction. Though smaller, it offers striking stalactites and stalagmites, making it worth the visit. The view from the cave’s entrance over the bay is also breathtaking.

>> Should You Choose to Explore Caves in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

• Lan Ha Bay takes the win for having more caves than Bai Tu Long.

4. Fishing Villages in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

Both bays used to have lively floating fishing communities, but these have gradually disappeared over time, leaving behind only a few well-maintained villages.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Vung Vieng Fishing Village in Bai Tu Long Bay gives visitors a taste of traditional floating life, with colorful houses and schools floating on the water. While it has become quite popular among tourists, it still offers a beautiful and educational experience.

In Lan Ha Bay, Cai Beo Fishing Village is considered one of the oldest floating villages in Vietnam, believed to have existed for thousands of years. This village feels more authentic than others in the region, as locals still rely on traditional fishing practices to make a living.

>> Should You Choose to Visit Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay Fishing Village?

• For its closeness to Cat Ba Island’s harbor and its authentic vibe, Cai Beo and Lan Ha Bay win this round once again.

Cai Beo Floating Village

5. Kayaking in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

Kayaking is one of the chillest ways to check out these awesome bays. You can get to cruise through these huge limestone mountains and super clear waters, it's so peaceful.

In Bai Tu Long Bay, Cap La, and Tra San are renowned for their calm waters and picturesque landscapes. Here, kayaking tours often allow you a half-day to explore the breathtaking beauty of the bay at your own pace.

Kayaking in Bai Tu Long Bay

Meanwhile, Lan Ha Bay’s Ba Trai Dao offers a similarly stunning experience, with its dramatic scenery and serene waters. Though both locations are excellent for kayaking, Bai Tu Long Bay has a slight edge due to its greater variety of quiet spots. 

>> Should You Choose to Kayak in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

• Bai Tu Long Bay takes the lead for its scenic beauty and expansive kayaking options.

Ba Trai Dao is a nice place to kayak

6. Tourists number in Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay

Both Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are less crowded alternatives to Halong Bay, but there are still differences.

Bai Tu Long Bay, while quieter than Halong, is starting to experience more tourists as it becomes a popular alternative. That said, off-season visits or overnight stays still provide moments of tranquil isolation.

Lan Ha Bay, on the other hand, is the more serene of the two, with fewer tourist boats and less development. The peace here is one of its greatest draws, though this could change as more tour companies shift their focus to this unspoiled area.

>> Is it More Favorable to Visit Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

• You can definitely find peace in both bays, but it's much easier to find in Lan Ha Bay.

Tourists in Lan Ha Bay

With a score of 3-2 in favor of Lan Ha Bay, it emerges as the overall winner. However, the decision ultimately depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. For more activities and scenic variety, Bai Tu Long Bay is a great choice. If you’re seeking serenity and fewer crowds, Lan Ha Bay is the place to be.

Whichever bay you choose, both promise the same iconic limestone mountains and crystal-clear waters in the vast Halong Bay Complex. If you still wonder how to choose, contact Halong Bay Cruise Trip to get the advice and best deals!