Like her sisters Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay leaves a lasting impact on tourists from near and far with its harmonious blending of the lyrical beauty of the blue water and the untamed, powerful features of the towering limestone islands.

Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay, which encompasses the sea area of Cam Pha city and Van Don island district, is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin in northeastern Vietnam.

Panorama of Bai Tu Long Bay islands. — Panorama of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Despite being close to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay has a smaller population and has not been heavily exploited for tourism. Because of this, this bay still retains its pristine, poetic natural beauty, making it ideal for those who enjoy leisurely, tranquil cruise trips.

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay

With its pleasant, bright weather, summer is unquestionably the ideal season to explore Bai Tu Long Bay. The clear blue sea blends with the vast sky, and the islands are covered in green flowers, Bai Tu Long Bay this season has a lyrical beauty that will capture your heart.

Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay. — Cruising in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Thanks to the excellent weather, tourists have a fantastic opportunity to engage in enjoyable outdoor activities like kayaking and swimming.

Apart from that, tourists should be mindful when they visit the bay in June and July as these months are prone to storms or heavy rain, which might disrupt the schedule and activities.

Location & how to get to Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay, the smallest of Quang Ninh’s three bays, is situated next to Cam Pha City and Co To Island District, to the east of Ha Long Bay.

Visitors must travel to Tuan Chau Port, Hon Gai Port, or Ha Long International Port in order to rent a boat and explore Bai Tu Long Bay. The cost of a ticket to visit Bai Tu Long Bay on the Route 4 is above $10 per person.

Additionally, guests may take advantage of the greatest services and advantages by renting a cruise via the Fola Travel website. Grand Pioneers 1 and Grand Pioneers 2 are two cruise ships that are now very popular with tourists who want to see the most stunning locations in Bai Tu Long Bay on the special itinerary The Legacy Journey.

the grand pioneers 1 cruise in halong bay — Grand Pioneers 1 Cruise.

The La Muse day cruise will be the ideal option for those with limited time. You may visit Bai Tu Long Bay on a variety of schedules, including morning, afternoon, and eight-hour full-day, and you will undoubtedly have a great time.

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Xuong Rong Island, Da Xep Island

On a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, guests can appreciate the stunning landscape of the limestone islands, like green jewels following one another on the blue sea. Among these, Xuong Rong Island and Da Xep Island have become iconic landmarks representing Bai Tu Long Bay.

Local fishermen in Bai Tu Long Bay. — Islands in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave, located on Co Island, is Bai Tu Long Bay’s most magnificent limestone cave. In addition to enjoying the exquisite stalactite structure, tourists may enjoy the landscape of Bai Tu Long Bay and swim at the little beach at the base of Thien Canh Son Cave.

Quan Lan Island

This is a tranquil island with a lyrical beauty that is ideal for vacation or team-building. With a total size of approximately 10 square kilometers, the island offers numerous fascinating sights and activities, such as going to the beach, hanging out at the center market, or visiting temples and pagodas.

Family on Bai Tu Long beach. — Have fun on the beach.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Vung Vieng Fishing Village is one of the most picturesque spots in Bai Tu Long Bay, with its rustic yet charming appeal. You may learn how to fish with fishermen or rent a kayak to explore the colorful floating houses.

Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park is a national biosphere reserve with an incredibly diversified and rich flora and fauna habitat. It also has numerous rare genetic materials recognized in the Red Data Book.

Cong Dam Fishing Village

Cong Dam Fishing Village is a small floating community hidden among the limestone mountains of Bai Tu Long Bay. People here, like those in Vung Vieng Fishing Village, make their living primarily from fishing and tourism. When visiting Cong Dam Village, you can hire a kayak and explore the houses to learn more about their lives.

A small yellow kayak in Bai Tu Long water. — Kayaking around the bay.

Kayaking or renting a bamboo boat

Bai Tu Long Bay features numerous lovely calm water sites and water caves, such as Cao Cave and Cai De Cave, which are ideal for tourists to enjoy kayaking. For those who are afraid to row a boat alone, you may rent a bamboo boat rowed by local fishermen to explore the bay.

Bamboo boats sailing in Bai Tu Long Bay. — Bamboo boats exploring Bai Tu Long Bay.

Relaxing in the sea

One of Bai Tu Long Bay’s features is its collection of lesser-known lovely, pristine beaches. The long stretch of white sand and clear seawater that is little affected by humans are great places for you to relax.

Son Hao, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, or Co To beaches are all great spots you should visit.

Buy fresh seafood

When visiting the fishing villages in Bai Tu Long Bay, travelers should remember to buy fresh seafood captured by local fishermen as gifts for family and friends. The seafood here is fresher and less expensive than on the mainland, with a wide range of options, including fish, shrimp, crab, squid, and snails.

Try local dishes

Aside from purchasing seafood, you should also visit local eateries to sample the excellent meals available! Visitors could enjoy Bai Tu Long Bay’s delicacies, which include green crab with green pepper sauce, geoduck, and cockle soup.

Plate of grilled oysters and onion oil. — Enjoy wonderful seafood dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Bai Tu Long Bay more beautiful than Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay?

It’s difficult to determine which is the prettiest in the three bays, as they all have the same view of azure water winding around striking islands, but each has a distinct vibe. Halong Bay is the largest bay with a vibrant beauty, while Lan Ha Bay is smaller, less crowded, and boasts a serene ambiance. Bai Tu Long Bay is the smallest in the three bays, with a wild, pristine, yet charming beauty.

2. Which are the best Bai Tu Long Bay cruises?

Grand Pioneers Cruises are definitely the most high-rated Bai Tu Long Bay cruises. This cruise line is known for its luxury suites and countless entertainment venues, as well as the special The Legacy Journey itinerary that takes you exploring the best destinations in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Learn more about them here: Grand Pioneers 1 Cruise, Grand Pioneers 2 Cruise.

3. Are there any accommodation options in Bai Tu Long Bay?

There are not a lot of choices of accommodation inside Bai Tu Long Bay, so tourists usually stay on the mainland, in Cam Pha or Van Don City. From there, it’s easy to go to Halong Port and book a cruise to explore the bay.

If you want to go overnight on the sea of Bai Tu Long Bay, you can spend the night on the cruise or stay in fishing villages with local families.

4. How long does it take to go to Bai Tu Long Bay from Hanoi?

Just like Halong Bay, from Hanoi, you need to get to Halong City in Quang Ninh Province first. This took around 2.5 hours through the expressway. From the city center, you will move to the port, where you can get on a boat to Bai Tu Long Bay. Overall time will be around 3 to 3.5 hours.

5. What should you bring to Bai Tu Long Bay?

Depending on the season and weather, you can prepare your clothes accordingly. In addition, a swimsuit, sun protection, and comfortable shoes are things you should have in your bag.

Q&A content

Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay

Location & how to get to Bai Tu Long Bay?

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