Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay: Your Ultimate Handbook

Nestled northeast of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay emerges as a hidden gem, often overshadowed by its renowned neighbor. Yet, its allure is undeniable, boasting a beauty that rivals Halong’s.

Encompassing the Bai Tu Long National Park, this bay, akin to Halong, is under the vigilant protection of the local authorities, both on its land and in its pristine waters.

Bai Tu Long Bay in Vietnam

Bai Tu Long Bay: A Snapshot

• Situated in the northeastern region of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay spans an expansive area of 158 km2.
• Hosting approximately 320,000 residents, primarily concentrated in Van Don district, Quan Lan island, and Ngoc Vung Island.
• Encompassing over 1,500 square kilometers, Bai Tu Long Bay stands as one of Vietnam’s largest bays.
• Renowned for its breathtaking natural vistas, characterized by towering cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and crystalline waters.
• Teeming with a diverse ecosystem, Bai Tu Long Bay harbors hundreds of plant and animal species, including endangered marine life.

Bai Tu Long Bay: An Overview

Vung Vieng Fishing Village in Bai Tu Long Bay

According to Halong legend, Halong Bay serves as the final resting place of a formidable mother dragon dispatched to aid early Vietnamese defenders against foreign intruders. Bai Tu Long Bay, in turn, is believed to be where her offspring settled and thrived. Translated to English, ‘Bai Tu Long’ signifies ‘Paying homage to the dragon’s descendants.’

Comprising numerous islands and islets, some renowned tourist spots while others remain undiscovered by foreign visitors, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a diverse tapestry. The bay is a sanctuary to various ecosystems, including mangroves, schist islands, coral reefs, and tropical forests.

Visitors to Bai Tu Long will find a landscape reminiscent of Halong Bay, almost an extension rather than a mere neighbor. Similar to Halong, the bay features majestic limestone karsts rising from serene emerald waters. Yet, in Bai Tu Long, the karsts appear slightly taller, more densely clustered, and attract fewer tourists. This aura of unexplored wilderness fosters a serene environment, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in contemplation amid their surroundings.

Embark on a Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise Adventure

Dragon Legend Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

The quintessential way to delve into the wonders of Bai Tu Long Bay is aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, offering an immersive experience curated by numerous cruise operators. These tours are designed to ensure guests make the most of their exploration, with an array of activities tailored for an unforgettable journey.

List of Cruises Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay:

Renea Cruises: Halong Port – Bai Tu Long Bay – Cong Do – Cap La Island – Thien Canh Son Cave

Indochina Junk (Wooden boat): Departure from Halong Cruise Port – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Yen Duc Village.

Swan Cruises: Departure from Hon Gai Harbor (164km from Hanoi, 32 km from Tuan Chau) – Bai Tu Long Bay – Cong Do – Cap La Island – Tra San – Thien Canh Son (Overnight stay onboard in Bai Tu Long Bay).

Bhaya Cruises: Departure from Tuan Chau Cruise Port – Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son – Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

Bai Tu Long Bay emerges as a delightful ‘off the beaten path’ alternative to the renowned Halong Bay, offering an equally enchanting experience not to be missed by those seeking memorable adventures in Vietnam.

Note: Due to a lower number of visitors, most cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay now operate exclusively on weekends.

Must-See Attractions in Bai Tu Long Bay

Cong Dam Fishing Village

Cong Dam Fishing Village

Cong Dam fishing village, situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, is a quaint settlement with a population of about 120 residents. This secluded locale serves as an open-air geological museum, showcasing magnificent mountains formed by towering rock formations. The village also boasts diverse natural features like coral reefs, underground limestone formations, and underwater caves. Surrounding Cong Dam are numerous idyllic islets and stunning beaches, such as Tra Gioi, Cay Bang, and Cat Oan beaches, renowned for their white sands and clear blue waters. The village itself presents a unique highlight—a small ancient settlement floating atop crystal-clear waters, preserving its traditional fishing culture.

Visitors can engage with locals, learning about their lives, overcoming challenges, and participating in activities like rowing, kayaking, fishing, and environmental conservation efforts.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village

Vung Vieng fishing village, situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, lies 24 km away from the mainland, rendering it one of the bay’s most picturesque attractions. Accessible via bamboo rowing boats or kayaks, visiting this floating village offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the daily lives of the villagers and witness the rich traditions of the local fishermen. Although once home to hundreds of residents who relied on fishing for their livelihoods, the village has since seen many inhabitants relocate to the mainland in pursuit of better opportunities.

Nevertheless, Vung Vieng remains a tranquil haven, boasting captivating landscapes and offering insights into the unique floating lifestyle of Halong Bay.

Caves

Bai Tu Long Bay is adorned with numerous awe-inspiring caves, each with its own distinct charm. Delving into these caverns can evoke a sense of tranquility as you marvel at the glistening stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by occasional beams of sunlight filtering through. Among the most renowned caves is Thien Canh Son Cave, accessible via a hidden path beneath the dense forest canopy, promising an unforgettable experience.

Beaches

Bai Tu Long Bay boasts an abundance of stunning beaches, rivaling even the famed Halong Bay. These beaches exude natural beauty, with pristine white sands and refreshing emerald waters, all framed by the iconic limestone karsts.

Ban Chan Beach stands out as one of the bay’s most popular and expansive stretches of shoreline. Swimming and snorkeling at Ban Chan Beach are highly recommended, given Bai Tu Long’s crystal-clear waters and excellent visibility, ensuring a memorable aquatic experience.

Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a rich biodiversity within its boundaries. As a designated national biosphere reserve, the park boasts a diverse ecosystem teeming with flora and fauna. Visitors to Bai Tu Long National Park can marvel at the untamed beauty of islands like Tra Ngo Lon, Ba Mun, Sau Nam, and Dong Ma, as well as the rugged limestone mountains that encircle the valleys. The park provides a habitat for numerous plant and animal species, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Moreover, exploring the villages of the Tay, San Diu, and Red Dao communities, nestled on the islands of Bai Tu Long, offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local inhabitants, who are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature.

Climate & Weather

Bai Tu Long Bay exudes its enchanting beauty throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, for those seeking temperate, sun-kissed days with stable weather conditions, the ideal times to visit are early summer (January to May) and late autumn (October to November). During these periods, sunshine is more abundant, rainfall is minimal, and weather patterns are relatively predictable compared to the frequent storms experienced from July to September.

Late June to August witnesses a surge in domestic tourism, resulting in a slight peak in business activity. It’s advisable to take this into account while planning your visit during these months.

Transportation Guide to Bai Tu Long Bay

Book seaplane to Halong Bay at vietnamseaplanetours.com

Bai Tu Long Bay, a hidden gem rivaling the famed Halong Bay, rests peacefully in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Various transportation options pave the way to this picturesque destination:

By Bus

Departing from Hanoi, travelers can board a bus bound for Hon Gai Bus Station. From there, a smaller bus or minivan transfer awaits to ferry passengers to the port, where boats await to cruise Bai Tu Long Bay.

By Boat

Daily boat tours from Halong Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay offer a seamless journey. These tours typically entail a bus or minivan ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay, followed by a scenic junk boat voyage to Bai Tu Long Bay. This option appeals to those eager to explore the bay without committing to an overnight boat stay.

By Seaplane

For a more exclusive and luxurious experience, seaplane services offer direct flights from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. This mode of travel treats passengers to breathtaking aerial views of the bay and its surrounding islands.

>> Book seaplane Hanoi to Halong Bay here!

Note: While Bai Tu Long Bay lies in close proximity to Halong Bay, it boasts a quieter, less developed ambiance with fewer tourists and less robust infrastructure. This makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Optimal Times for Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay

Typically, the prime time to venture into Bai Tu Long Bay falls between October and April, characterized by mild, dry weather and excellent visibility. However, this period marks the peak tourist season, leading to increased crowds and higher tour and accommodation rates.

From May to September, Bai Tu Long Bay experiences its low season, with hotter, more humid weather and a greater likelihood of rainfall. Despite these conditions, this period offers a quieter atmosphere with fewer visitors, presenting an appealing option for those seeking a serene and less touristy experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, delving into the wonders of Bai Tu Long Bay promises an unforgettable journey amidst breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Whether kayaking through the serene waters of Vung Vieng Fishing Village, marveling at the intricate beauty of Thien Canh Son Cave, or basking in the sun on the pristine shores of Ban Chan Beach, every moment in this hidden gem of Vietnam is filled with awe and wonder. While the optimal times for exploration may vary, with peak tourist seasons offering bustling excitement and low seasons providing tranquil serenity, the allure of Bai Tu Long Bay remains constant throughout the year.

With this ultimate handbook as your guide, embark on a voyage of discovery and immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay.