Bai Tu Long Bay: A Quieter, Less-Touristy Side of Ha Long Bay

1. Where is Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay lies just north of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, within the Gulf of Tonkin. Together with Ha Long and Lan Ha, it forms part of the same UNESCO World Heritage seascape. Because it sits slightly farther from the mainland, the bay remains quieter and less crowded than its famous neighbor.

The area stretches northeast toward Van Don and Co To, offering a serene landscape of limestone peaks, emerald waters, and untouched islands. It is about 180 kilometers from Hanoi and can be reached in around four hours by road, with most cruises departing from Ao Tien or Cam Pha ports.

1.1. The Legend of the Dragon

According to local legend, a Mother Dragon and her children descended from heaven to help the Vietnamese defend their land from northern invaders. As they moved across the sea, the dragons spat out jewels and jade, which turned into the limestone islands scattered across the Gulf of Tonkin today.

The place where the Mother Dragon landed became Ha Long Bay, while her son came down in Bai Tu Long Bay. The island of Bach Long Vi, known for its pure white sand, is said to be the trace left by the dragon’s tail.

The name “Bái Tử Long” means “Child Dragon Bowing Down”, a poetic reminder of this ancient tale. It gives the bay a mythical charm that still enchants travelers who sail through its quiet waters.

2. Best Time to Visit

The weather in Bai Tu Long Bay changes throughout the year, and each season offers a different experience. The best time to visit depends on what kind of trip you want.

• Spring (March to May): This is the ideal season with calm seas, clear skies, and pleasant temperatures around 25 to 30°C. It is perfect for sightseeing, photography, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
• Summer (June to July): Hot and sunny, great for swimming and kayaking, but sometimes affected by tropical storms and high humidity. It is best to check the forecast before traveling.
• Autumn (August to October): Often considered the most beautiful time of the year. The water becomes crystal clear, the air feels fresh, and visibility is excellent, which makes it ideal for overnight cruises and outdoor activities.
• Winter (November to February): Cooler and sometimes misty, creating a poetic and mysterious scenery. This is also the low season with fewer visitors and calm waters.

If you prefer tranquility, mild weather, and clear views, plan your trip between March and May.

3. How to get to Bai Tu Long Bay from Hanoi

Bai Tu Long Bay is about 180 kilometers from Hanoi, which takes around four hours by road. Most travelers reach the bay by car, shuttle, or bus before boarding their cruise at Ao Tien or Cam Pha ports. Once there, a short 15 to 20-minute speedboat transfer will take you to the main cruise ship.

Here are the most common ways to get there:

• Private car or limousine shuttle: The fastest and most comfortable option. Many companies offer door-to-door service from Hanoi hotels to the harbor. Limousines are air-conditioned, spacious, and ideal for small groups.
• Public bus to Van Don or Cam Pha: The most budget-friendly choice. Buses depart from major Hanoi stations such as My Dinh or Gia Lam. You may need to arrange your own transfer from the drop-off point to the port.
• Cruise operator transfer: Several Bai Tu Long Bay cruise companies include round-trip transportation from Hanoi in their packages. This is the easiest and most convenient option for first-time visitors.

If it is your first time cruising in Quang Ninh in general and Bai Tu Long in particular, the best option is to book a private transfer service or a cruise package that includes transportation from Hanoi.

3. Best things to do in Bai Tu Long Bay

A cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay is only the beginning. Beyond the boat, there are many ways to experience its beauty. Below, we share the best activities to enjoy in Bai Tu Long.

3.1. Bai Tu Long cruise

A cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay is the best way to take in the scenery. Spending two days and one night on a traditional wooden junk lets you slow down, feel the rhythm of the sea, and take in the limestone peaks all around. You can join a shared cruise or book a private one if you prefer a quieter and more personal experience.

From the sundeck or your cabin window, you’ll see the bay at its best. The water stays calm and glassy, especially at sunrise and sunset when the colors change softly over the cliffs. Meals are freshly prepared on board, often with seafood caught nearby, and you can join small activities such as kayaking, swimming, or visiting floating villages between stops.

3.2. Kayaking

Kayaking lets you reach quiet lagoons and hidden caves. It lets you reach quiet corners that larger boats cannot access, where the water turns emerald green and limestone cliffs rise all around you.

This eco-friendly activity is easy for anyone to enjoy. Glide slowly across the calm surface, pass under limestone arches, and peek into hidden caves and lagoons.

3.3. Vung Vieng Fishing village

Visiting Vung Vieng Floating Village is a truly authentic cultural experience in Bai Tu Long Bay. Floating fishing villages are not only a symbol of Ha Long Bay but also of Bai Tu Long, where fishing communities have lived for generations at the foot of the limestone cliffs.

Their wooden houses rest on calm waters, and daily life revolves entirely around the sea. Using traditional techniques passed down through centuries, locals continue to fish and farm seafood in harmony with nature. Exploring Vung Vieng allows you to glimpse the quiet rhythm of life on the water and feel the genuine spirit of this marine world.

3.4. Relax on Pristine Beaches

Bai Tu Long Bay is dotted with countless islands and islets, making it a perfect escape for beach lovers. Most of its shores remain quiet and untouched, with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. You can choose to unwind on Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Cong Do or Van Don, each offering a slightly different atmosphere but the same peaceful charm.

On these serene beaches, small local huts serve simple yet delicious Vietnamese dishes. Fresh seafood is the highlight, from crab and shrimp to grilled squid and fish caught that very morning. Spend a few hours swimming or an afternoon simply lying on the sand. The beaches of Bai Tu Long Bay offer a quiet escape surrounded by pure nature.

3.5. Bai Tu Long National Park

While exploring Bai Tu Long Bay, take some time to visit Bai Tu Long National Park, a protected biosphere reserve and ASEAN heritage site. Spanning about 16,000 hectares of land and sea, the park shelters mangroves, coral reefs, and a remarkable variety of wildlife. You can spot marine worms, mollusks, crustaceans, and many other small species that make up its rich ecosystem.

The coral reefs here are stunning, home to more than 400 species of fish and colorful marine life beneath the clear water. The whole area feels peaceful and untouched, a quiet corner of nature that anyone who loves the outdoors will enjoy discovering.

3.6. Join a Cooking Class on the Cruise

After a day of exploring the bay and enjoying the scenery, it is time to experience another side of Vietnamese culture through food. Many cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay organize small cooking classes where guests can learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as fried spring rolls or jellyfish salad.

It is a fun and relaxing activity that helps you connect with Vietnamese flavors and share moments with other travelers. You can taste your own creations while watching the sun set over the calm waters of the bay.

3.7. Tai Chi practice

The practice of Tai Chi at sunrise offers a gentle way to start the day. Originating from martial arts, Tai Chi is a physical discipline that forms part of the energy exercises in traditional Vietnamese medicine. A kind instructor will guide you through the basics as you greet the rising sun.

While the light slowly spreads across the limestone peaks of Bai Tu Long Bay, you move through soft and graceful postures that relax your body and clear your mind. The fresh air, the still water, and the calm rhythm of the morning create a peaceful atmosphere. Meanwhile, the crew prepares a hearty breakfast that you can enjoy right in the middle of this almost unreal seascape.

4. Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay?

Both Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay belong to the same UNESCO World Heritage seascape, but the atmosphere in each is quite different.

If you enjoy lively places with many boats, restaurants, and activities, Ha Long Bay is the better choice. If you prefer peace, quiet, and a more natural setting surrounded by limestone peaks and calm waters, Bai Tu Long Bay will suit you more.

For travelers with enough time, combining both bays in one itinerary is a great idea, offering a full picture of this stunning region. In the end, the best choice depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.

If you prefer serenity over nightlife and want to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty away from the crowds, Bai Tu Long Bay is the perfect place for you.

Another beautiful option is to take a cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Located next to Ha Long Bay, on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha offers equally breathtaking scenery and a quieter atmosphere.

Explore the bay complex in Quang Ninh province:

• Halong Bay
• Lan Ha Bay
• Halong Bay cruise

5. Suggested 2-Day Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise Itinerary

Here’s a sample 2-day, 1-night Bai Tu Long Bay cruise itinerary that most travelers follow. Each cruise may vary slightly, but this plan gives you a good idea of what to expect.

• Day 1: Hanoi → Cam Pha Port → Board your cruise → Lunch on deck → Kayaking & swimming → Cooking class → Seafood BBQ → Squid fishing.
• Day 2: Sunrise Tai Chi → Breakfast → Vung Vieng fishing village → Brunch → Return to Hanoi.

Every cruise has its own style, but this itinerary captures the highlights that make Bai Tu Long Bay such a peaceful and memorable destination.

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