1. How To Get There
There are several buses departing from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long bay. In nearby cities, limousine services are also available so that you can travel to the bay quickly and comfortably. However, you still need to find a cruise to visit the bay later.
If you have already booked a Bai Tu Long cruise, the cruise company will probably have a pick-up shuttle bus for more convenience.
It is even a lot less hassle when you book a Hanoi or Halong bay tours that includes a Bai Tu Long day in the package. In that case, everything is well-planned. All you have to do is to follow the arrangements and enjoy the trip.
2. Best Time To Visit Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long bay looks magnificent all year round, so it mainly depends on your own preferences.
If you want to marvel at the limestone towers and emerald waters glittering in the sunlight, spring (January to April) and late autumn (October to November) would be the best bet. At that time, the weather is mild with less chance of rain, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy all the fun at Bai Tu Long.
Budget-minded tourists may be interested in the period between May and September, as many cruise ships offer generous discounts on cabins. However, summer is also the peak season of local tourism, so you may find the area a bit crowded.
From July to August, Bai Tu Long bay is likely to experience periodic hurricanes and storms. These natural events only last for a few days but may cause unexpected changes and delay in your itinerary. Therefore, it is better to avoid this period of time.
Read more: Best time to visit Halong bay
3. Which One To Choose, Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay?
Again, it mainly depends on your own definition of a perfect destination. I will list out the pros and cons of both places, so you can make a well-informed decision.
There is not much to talk about Halong Bay as it is already internationally famous. The bay is large and houses lots of popular tourist destinations. In addition, tourists can reach it within a short time.
But as a highly touristy destination, Halong Bay is indeed crowded and expensive.
Meanwhile, Bai Tu Long bay takes longer to visit as it is further from the mainland. But to make up for that, it is quiet with several primitive attractions. The landscapes and biodiversity are well preserved.
Which one to choose
4. What To Do In Bai Tu Long Bay?
4.1. Bai Tu Long National Park
Bai Tu Long National Park is a must-visit destination when you come to Bai Tu Long Bay. The whole park consists of over 40 islands along with lagoons, inland swamps and of course, seawater.
The park looks absolutely gorgeous with lush forests and floating rocky islands surrounded by emerald green water with such diverse geography. That is not to mention majestic caves in limestone mountains and golden sandy beaches, which will enchant any visitor.
In addition to beautiful landscapes, Bai Tu Long National Park is also home to hundreds of species of floras and faunas. Many rare animals are also found here, even those listed in the Red Book of Vietnam.
More excitingly, Bai Tu Long National Park is largely untouched. It is indeed the perfect ecological tourist destination as well as a getaway into nature for anyone.
The national park
4.2. Thien Canh Son Cave
Thien Canh Son Cave is a part of the Cong Do area, which belongs to Bai Tu Long Bay. It was formerly known as Hang Co.
To reach Thien Canh Son Cave, you need to climb up about 100 stone steps. It is quite exhausting but totally worth it. When entering the cave, you will feel like Alice in Wonderland. The whole cave is filled with sparkling stalactites and stones of all shapes and sizes, along with naturally carved images on the walls.
At the peak of Thien Canh Son Cave, you can feast your eyes on the dreamlike beauty of Bai Tu Long bay from above. There are also other activities such as swimming and kayaking.
Read more: Top 9 caves must-visit in Halong bay
Thien Canh Son cave
4.3. Ban Chan Beach
Ban Chan Beach is a hidden gem located in the south of Bai Tu Long Bay. Surrounded by towering karst landscape, the beach stretches for several kilometers with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
That is not to mention the lush vegetation and casuarina trees on the island. Everything combines to make Ban Chan beach a perfect getaway for travelers.
Ban Chan beach
4.4. Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng is the heart of Bai Tu Long bay. It is a small village consisting of more than 100 fishing families who have lived on boats for generations. The whole area looks tranquil, with colorful fishing boats drifting along the serene waters.
Apart from sightseeing the idyllic beauty of nature, there are many other fun activities in Vung Vieng floating village. For example, you can join the local fishermen to catch fish and enjoy fresh seafood at the end of the day. Kayaking and squid fishing are also must-try activities for tourists.
Vung Vieng fishing village
4.5. Cong Dam Area
Cong Dam area is a large outdoor geological museum. It is home to underground lakes and caves with lots of coral reefs underwater. Coming to the Cong Dam area, tourists also have a chance to discover the local lives at a traditional fishing village.
And of course, there are many exciting water activities such as fishing with the locals, going kayaking and swimming on white-sand beaches.
Cong Dam area
5. Best Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise
5.1. Signature Cruise
This wooden-hulled 5-star cruise guarantees a laid-back luxury experience for all guests in Bai Tu Long Bay with royal-style furniture and a wide range of premier services. Run a 2-day and 3-day cruise to visit Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. The cruise is designed according to modern architecture in harmony with traditional Asian style.
The cruise is fully equipped with professional Spa and Massage services. Surely you will help you have an enjoyable visit to Halong Bay and relax with Signature Cruise.
Signature cruise
5.2. Emperor Cruise
This is one of the most luxurious cruises in Bai Tu Long bay. It provides guests with an all-inclusive cruising experience, which means there is no bill to pay at the end. As an added perk, meals are always available at your request. This can be considered as one of the most luxurious boats on the bay.
Empero cruise
5.3. Paloma Cruise
Paloma impresses all guests with 18 standard cabins equipped with modern interiors and classic style. Its route involves popular Bai Tu Long bay destinations such as Vung Vieng village, Thien Canh Son cave, and Cong Dam area.
This attracts many visitors with a unique itinerary and a team of passionate, open, and experienced staff.
Paloma cruise
5.4. Swan Cruise Bai Tu Long bay
Swan is a mid-range cruise with different cabins for all kinds of travelers. It offers superb cuisine from Vietnamese to international dishes. Currently, the fleet has a total of 3 boats (8 cabins, 9 cabins, and 12 cabins). with full equipment will bring you a comfortable and convenient trip..
Swan cruise Bai Tu Long bay
Parting Thoughts
Bai Tu Long Bay is a great alternative to Halong Bay, especially for those who want to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature and escape the hustles and bustles of touristy areas. If you want to book any cruises, please feel free to contact us. We are guarantee about quality and offer the best prices in Hanoi old quarter. Get a full refund if you do not feel happy with our services.
Go Viet Trip has shared with you everything you need to know about Bai Tu Long bay. If you need any more help please contact us through email: Goviettrip@gmail.com or hotline +84968667589. We are very happy to assist you.
Author Hoan Nguyen
He has over 10 years of experience working in the tourism sector and operator. He has traveled to many places in Vietnam and around the world.
