Bai Tu Long Bay: Travel Guide

Geographic

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it is part of the larger Halong Bay region and is located to the northeast of its more famous neighbor. Bai Tu Long Bay stretches over an area of ​​approximately 153 square kilometers, including a cluster of islands, limestone rocks, and numerous small bays.

Is Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay the same?

Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are two popular destinations located in the Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam. These two bays are often compared to each other, but are they really the same? The answer is no. Although they share similar landscapes and features, Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay have distinct differences that set them apart.

Ha long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its towering limestone karsts, emerald-green waters, and floating villages. It is also one of the most visited tourist spots in Vietnam due to its accessibility from Hanoi city. On the other hand, Bai Tu Long Bay is a less crowded sea with more quiet atmosphere and untouched islands scattered across a larger area.

Legends behind the name

Bai Tu Long Bay is located in the northeastern part of Vietnam and has become a well-loved place for travelers. People have lived in this area since prehistoric times, and signs of early life have been found in its caves and on its islands. The bay's name comes from a touching old legend about a mother dragon and her child.

The story says that many centuries ago, when Vietnam was fighting against invaders, the Jade Emperor sent Mother Dragon and her son to help protect the people. During the battle, Mother Dragon released magical pearls that fell into the sea and turned into the islands we see today. These rocky islands blocked the enemy ships, causing them to crash and sink.

After the victory, the dragons chose to stay instead of returning to the heavens. The place where the mother dragon landed became Halong Bay, meaning “the bay where the dragon descends,” and the area where her child stayed became Bai Tu Long Bay, meaning “the place where the dragon’s child shows respect.”

Besides the legend, Bai Tu Long Bay has played an important role in Vietnam's real history. In the 13th century, it was a key location in naval battles against Mongol invaders. It also became an active trading port, linking Vietnam with nearby countries like China and Japan.

The beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay

Although Bai Tu Long Bay is not as famous as its neighbor Halong Bay, it is just as beautiful, and in many ways, even more peaceful.

One of the most special things about Bai Tu Long Bay is its limestone formations. These rocky islands are spread across the bay and come in many different shapes and sizes. Some look like tall pillars rising from the sea, while others form caves or steep rocks.

There are hundreds of islands and islets to explore, including Poem Mountain, Frog Islet, Turtle Islet, and Thien Canh Son Cave. The best way to see them is by joining a cruise, where you can get as close as possible to these natural wonders.

Another highlight of Bai Tu Long Bay is its quiet and unspoiled beaches. Compared to nearby areas, the beaches here are less crowded and feel more natural. You will find soft white sand, clear blue water, and green trees all around. Some well-known beaches include Ban Chan Beach, Tra Gioi Beach, and Minh Chau Beach.

Besides its natural beauty, Bai Tu Long Bay is also a great place to enjoy fresh seafood. Local dishes are simple but full of flavour. You can try special foods like Sa Sung, along with popular choices such as lobster, fish, and different kinds of sea snails.

Attractions

Ban Chan Beach

Ban Chan Beach is a quiet and beautiful beach surrounded by high limestone rocks of Bai Tu Long Bay. Because it is closed in by nature, there is no Wi-Fi, no shops, and no place to stay overnight. You can only visit the beach on a one day cruise.

With soft white sand and clear water, Ban Chan Beach is a great place to swim, relax, or kayak while enjoying the peaceful scenery.

Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave is one of the most popular places to visit in Bai Tu Long Bay. It was discovered in 2010 by a local fisherman named Hoang Van Thong. The cave is famous for its special stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed naturally over millions of years.

Inside the cave, you can see many interesting rock shapes, small ponds, and even tiny underground waterfalls. Sunlight shines in from openings above, lighting up the rocks and making the cave feel magical.

Right outside the cave, there is a viewpoint where you can enjoy a wide, beautiful view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Vung Vieng Village

Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a small floating village on the edge of Bai Tu Long Bay, not far from Halong Bay. Around 50 fishing families live here, and many of them have stayed for generations.

The village is made up of floating houses sitting on the water. You can take a slow boat ride around the village to see daily life, learn about traditional fishing, and enjoy the quiet surroundings.

Bai Tu Long Bay National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park is one of the most protected natural areas in northern Vietnam. The park is home to many rare plants and animals that you won’t easily find in other parts of the country.

You may spot rare wildlife such as langurs, serows, hornbills, pheasants, sea turtles, small-clawed otters, and several unique coral and marine species. The park also protects limestone forest trees, mangroves, and special orchids that grow only in this region.

Cong Dam Area

Cong Dam Fishing Village is one of the most untouched and peaceful villages in Bai Tu Long Bay. The village is more than 340 years old and home to about 120 people who still live mainly by fishing.

Tourists usually explore Cong Dam by bamboo boat or kayak. You will slowly pass floating houses, quiet fish farms, and limestone mountains that surround the village.

Things to do

Taking a cruise

Taking a cruise is the most interesting activity in Bai Tu Long Bay. Most cruises start from Halong International Cruise Port and take you through quieter areas with fewer boats than Halong Bay.

These cruises often include stops at places like Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, and hidden beaches. Common activities are kayaking, swimming, cave visits, and bamboo boat tours.

You can choose a day cruise or an overnight cruise. Day cruises last about 6 to 8 hours. Overnight cruises usually last 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights with price starting from 110 USD per person per night.

Kayaking

The quiet and open space of Bai Tu Long Bay makes it ideal for kayaking. Popular spots include Cong Dam Village and Vung Vieng Village, where you can paddle through calm water and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Kayaking is often included as part of a cruise, but you can also rent a kayak directly at some fishing villages if you prefer to explore on your own.

Visit Fishing Villages

Fishing villages are a key part of Bai Tu Long Bay. These villages are built on the water and are home to local fishing families.

You can take a boat tour to see daily life, seafood farming, and traditional fishing work. It is a simple way to learn about this thousand-year local culture.

Best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay

The best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay is from February to April. During these months, the weather is dry and mild, with temperatures between 16°C and 28°C. The sea is calm, ideal for activities like cruising, kayaking, or swimming.

If you prefer fewer tourists, you can visit from September to October. This period is low season in Bai Tu Long, with few travel demand, but the weather is still suitable for most outdoor activities.

How to get there

There're many way to get to Bai Tu Long Bay.

From Hanoi to get to Bai Tu Long Bay, you'll need to start with a trip to Halong City by some means of transportaion as below:

• By Bus/Limousine: It's the most popular way. The Journey taking around 3 hours, with pick up and drop off at your hotels in both places. The rate for 1 way might be about 12 to 15USD.

• By Seaplane: It't kind of an expensive way to travel, however it would well worth the money as you could see the whole beautiful of the bay from above. Please reference Hai Au Aviation for rates and schedules.

• By Cruises: There're so many cruises to Bai Tu Long start from Hanoi. They offering a whole package including transportation to Bai Tu Long Bay and cruising in the Bay as well. You might between a day cruise or an overnight cruise, depending on your schedule.