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Cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay are increasingly sought after by travelers seeking pristine landscapes, cultural authenticity, and luxurious experiences away from the crowds of nearby Halong Bay.
On May 5, 2025, a significant milestone was marked in the development of Van Don tourism with the grand launch of two premium cruise ships—Crystal Holidays 991 and Crystal Holidays 992. These luxurious vessels began welcoming their first guests on an exclusive new voyage named “The Beauty of Van Don,” offering travelers a refined experience to discover the untouched, poetic charm of Bai Tu Long Bay—one of Vietnam’s most pristine coastal treasures.
A New Gateway: Ao Tien Port
Departing from Ao Tien Port, the state-of-the-art seaport in Van Don, the Crystal Holidays cruises bring a world-class journey that combines sightseeing, cultural discovery, and relaxation at the heart of nature. Ao Tien is not just a departure point but a symbol of the region’s growing infrastructure that supports high-end, sustainable tourism.
Three Exclusive Routes Offered by Cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay
Cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay: Crystal Holidays
Unlike the usual mass-market routes to more crowded locations, Crystal Holidays offers three specialized itineraries, each designed to showcase the untouched beauty and cultural richness of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Route 1: Wild Nature and Cultural Immersion
- Ao Tien Port – Tay Hoi Island – Lucky Cat Islet – Ban Sen Island – Nha Tro Cave
This route is ideal for nature lovers and culture seekers. Ban Sen Island, known for its aromatic cinnamon gardens and tranquil rural life, offers a chance to explore authentic island culture. Guests also visit Nha Tro Cave, a geological wonder tucked within the limestone mountains, offering a unique look at the bay’s ancient formation.
Route 2: Coastal Heritage and Marine Discovery
- Ao Tien Port – Phat Co Cave – Pearl Farm (Black Rock Islet) – Cong Lao Vong – Dua Islet – Minh Chau Island
Combining natural marvels and coastal culture, this route includes a visit to Phat Co Cave, a majestic natural site, and a rare stop at a local pearl farm, where visitors can witness the traditional process of cultivating pearls. It ends at Minh Chau Beach, often called the “white sand paradise” of Quang Ninh for its silky, clean shoreline.
Route 3: Mystical Caves and Limestone Landscapes
- Ao Tien Port – Cai De Cave – Cai Lim Cave
Perfect for cave exploration enthusiasts, this itinerary dives deep into Cai De and Cai Lim caves, two spectacular yet lesser-known caverns. Visitors are treated to dramatic limestone formations and an immersive sense of adventure in spaces rarely touched by tourism.
Crystal Holidays 991 & 992: 5-Star Cruising Redefined
The Crystal Holidays cruise ships are floating works of art—luxurious yet in harmony with nature. Each vessel has a capacity of 99 guests and spans three levels, offering multiple zones for dining, relaxation, and sightseeing, making it perfect for day trips or special occasions.
Elegant Interior and Panoramic Views
Crystal Holidays Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay
Step onboard and be welcomed by spacious interiors, plush leather seating, and full-length glass windows offering panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay. The design emphasizes comfort and openness, allowing guests to feel connected with the natural world while enjoying ultimate relaxation.
Gourmet Dining at Sea
Crystal Holidays Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay
One of the highlights onboard is its 5-star culinary experience. Guests can savor a generous seafood buffet featuring freshly caught specialties, or choose from an à la carte menu designed by professional chefs. Meals are served in an elegant restaurant with ocean-facing views, elevating the dining experience into a feast for all the senses.
Relaxation and Leisure Under the Sky
Crystal Holidays Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay
A standout feature is the jacuzzi deck overlooking the bay, where guests can unwind in warm water while surrounded by Bai Tu Long’s dramatic seascape. The spacious sundeck is perfect for sunbathing, photography, or simply enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and spectacular sunset views.
World-Class Safety and Professional Service
Crystal Holidays Cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay
Crystal Holidays cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay meet international safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for every guest. Onboard, a team of professional local tour guides enrich the experience with stories about Van Don’s culture, history, and people—creating a deeper connection between visitors and the land they explore.
Elevating Van Don Tourism to Global Standards
The launch of Crystal Holidays 991 and 992 marks a new chapter in Van Don and Bai Tu Long’s tourism journey. These luxury cruise offerings signify a shift toward premium, sustainable, and culture-driven tourism, aligning with Quang Ninh Province’s ambitious goal to attract 20 million visitors in 2025.
This new product doesn’t just enrich the local tourism landscape—it positions Van Don as a serious player on the regional and global travel map. The carefully crafted “Beauty of Van Don” itineraries are designed to deliver exceptional value while preserving the bay’s natural and cultural heritage.
A New Symbol of Van Don’s Tourism Renaissance
Bai Tu Long Bay
Van Don, a captivating coastal district of Quang Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam, is an emerging travel gem known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and strategic importance in the region’s tourism development.
Located within the Bai Tu Long archipelago, Van Don is blessed with a stunning landscape of limestone mountains, emerald waters, secluded beaches, and untouched islands, offering a tranquil alternative to the more crowded Halong Bay. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Van Don holds historical significance as one of Vietnam’s oldest trading ports and now plays a pivotal role in modern tourism with the development of Ao Tien International Port and Van Don International Airport. As a gateway to Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don is attracting more luxury cruise lines, eco-tourism projects, and cultural tours, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences, relaxation, and a deeper connection to Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.
More than just vessels of transport, Crystal Holidays Cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay are floating resorts where every journey becomes a symphony of nature, culture, and luxury. With unique exploration routes, 5-star service, and premium design, these cruises are poised to become the new icons of Van Don tourism, giving travelers unforgettable memories amid the majestic seascape of Bai Tu Long Bay.
I love traveling and have been working in tourism industry since 1996. Vietnam is my homeland so I would like to share with you my experience to discover this destination best!