Bai Tu Long Bay: The Complete Guide
Bai Tu Long Bay is a bay and national park that sits directly northeast of Halong Bay, and while it may be Halong’s lesser-known neighbor, it is without a doubt, equal in beauty! The Bay encompasses Bai Tu Long National Park and like Halong Bay, is an area protected by the local government on both land and sea.
- Bai Tu Long Bay is located in the northeastern Halong bay and encompasses a total area of 158 km2.
- It incorporates a population of about 320,000 inhabitants, residing mostly on Van Don district, Quan Lan island and Ngoc Vung Island.
- Bai Tu Long Bay covers an area of over 1,500 square kilometers, making it one of the largest bays in Vietnam.
- Bai Tu Long Bay is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its towering cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
- Bai Tu Long Bay is home to a unique ecosystem, including hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and several species of endangered marine life.
Overview
According to the legend of Halong, Halong Bay serves as the final resting place of a brave mother dragon, sent to assist the early Vietnamese in protecting their homeland from foreign invaders. It is believed that Bai Tu Long Bay is where her offspring descended and chose to stay. The term ‘Bai Tu Long’ translates to ‘Bowing down and showing respect to the dragon's children’ in English.
Bai Tu Long is comprised of hundreds of islands and islets, some recognized as popular tourist destinations and others remaining relatively undiscovered by international visitors. This stunning bay hosts diverse ecosystems—guests can find mangroves, schist islands, coral reefs, and lush tropical forests.
Map of Bai Tu Long Bay (Google Maps)
Visitors to Bai Tu Long will observe that its landscape mirrors that of Halong Bay, with Bai Tu Long being more an extension of Halong than a neighboring entity. Similar to Halong Bay, gigantic limestone karsts emerge from the calm emerald waters. However, in Bai Tu Long, these karsts appear slightly taller, their density is greater, and the number of tourists is significantly lower. This combination fosters a delightful sense of seclusion, enabling visitors to truly appreciate their surroundings in serenity.
Cruise Bai Tu Long bay
The best way to explore Bai Tu Long Bay is undoubtedly by joining a tour on a traditional wooden junk boat. Numerous cruise operators provide guests with opportunities to fully enjoy Bai Tu Long Bay, offering various activities to enhance their experience.
List of cruises visiting Bai Tu Long Bay:
| Cruises | Departure Port | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Swan Cruises Halong Bay | Hon Gai Harbor (approximately 164 km from Hanoi, 32 km from Tuan Chau) | Bai Tu Long Bay - Cong Do - Cap La Island - Tra San - Thien Canh Son (Overnight onboard in Bai Tu Long Bay) |
| Indochina Junk (Wooden Boat) | Halong Cruise Port | Bai Tu Long Bay - Thien Canh Son Cave - Vung Vieng Fishing Village - Yen Duc Village |
| Bhaya Cruises | Tuan Chau Cruise Port | Bai Tu Long Bay - Thien Canh Son - Vung Vieng Fishing Village |
Bai Tu Long Bay presents a remarkable 'off the beaten path' alternative to the more renowned Halong Bay. It should not be missed by anyone seeking an extraordinary experience in Vietnam.
Notes: Most cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay now primarily operate on weekends due to a decrease in visitor numbers.
Visit our complete guide to the best cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Things Not to Miss
Fishing Village
While visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, a must-see attraction is Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the lives of the fishing families who have settled in this picturesque area. One of the best ways to explore Vung Vieng is by kayak. Kayaking offers a fun and accessible means of transportation, as the waters are typically calm and serene. This allows you the flexibility to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
Caves
The bay is also home to numerous famous caves of Halong Bay, each unique and breathtaking in its own right. Exploring these caves can provide a nearly spiritual experience as you admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by the occasional beams of light piercing through the rock formations. Among these, Thien Canh Son Cave stands out and can be accessed by a scenic hidden path that winds beneath the lush canopy of the forest.
Beaches
Bai Tu Long Bay boasts a plethora of beautiful beaches that may even rival those of Halong Bay. Many of these beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, featuring soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking views of the iconic limestone karsts.
Ban Chan is arguably the most popular and largest beach in the bay. Swimming and snorkeling at Ban Chan Beach are highly encouraged, given Bai Tu Long’s clear waters and excellent visibility, perfect for underwater exploration.
Weather & Climate
Bai Tu Long Bay remains a stunning destination year-round, with an average temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C. For the most temperate and sunny weather, the optimal times to visit are early summer (from January to May) and late autumn (from October to November). During these months, visitors can expect more reliable sunshine, reduced rainfall, and generally less unpredictable weather in contrast to the period from July to September, when storms are more common.
Bai Tu Long Bay weather average:
| Months | High / Low (°C) | Rainfalls (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18°/11° | 29 mm |
| February | 18°/12° | 15 mm |
| March | 25°/17° | 70 mm |
| April | 27°/19° | 95 mm |
| May | 32°/26° | 150 mm |
| June | 33°/25° | 220 mm |
| July | 31°/24° | 255 mm |
| August | 33°/24° | 240 mm |
| September | 31°/24° | 150 mm |
| October | 28°/20° | 85 mm |
| November | 25°/18° | 50 mm |
| December | 18°/13° | 30 mm |
Note: The figures provided reflect the weather data in Bai Tu Long Bay for 2023. Sources: Nchmf.gov.vn
From late June through August, expect a surge in domestic tourism; it is advisable to plan accordingly for potential increases in local business activity during this peak season.
FAQs
1. How to get to Bai Tu Long Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay is a stunning yet less-frequented alternative to the renowned Halong Bay, situated in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. As of 2025, there are several options to reach Bai Tu Long Bay:
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By bus: From Hanoi, you can board a bus to the Hon Gai Bus Station (newly renovated), and then take a local minivan or taxi to the port. As of 2025, the phone number for Hon Gai Bus Station is +84 204 385 2929, should you need to contact them for schedules or inquiries.
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By boat: Numerous daily boat tours now operate from Halong Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay. These packages often include a van transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, followed by a cruise on a traditional junk boat to explore the captivating scenery. This remains a favored choice for day-trippers who prefer not to overnight on the water.
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By seaplane: Seaplane services from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay continue to offer breathtaking aerial views of the stunning landscapes. Companies like Hai Au Aviation provide flights, and reservations can be made through their official website or by calling +84 24 6258 3444.
Note: Bai Tu Long Bay retains its charm as a less commercialized option compared to Halong Bay. It offers a tranquil and authentic experience for visitors seeking to enjoy natural beauty without the heavy tourist crowds.
2. When is the best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay?
The ideal period for visiting Bai Tu Long Bay spans from October to April, characterized by mild temperatures, minimal rainfall, and good visibility. This timeframe marks the peak tourist season, leading to larger crowds and elevated prices for tours and lodging. Conversely, the low season runs from May to September, where the weather shifts to hotter and more humid conditions with a higher incidence of rain. This off-peak period appeals to travelers seeking a quieter, more relaxed experience away from bustling crowds.
