Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its emerald waters and over 1,600 limestone islands. A cruise here offers activities like kayaking, exploring caves, and enjoying local cuisine, making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
If the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay has been known by travelers around the world, the neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay is still off-the-beaten-track though both of them share many similar geological characteristics. Some people even see it as a laid-back alternative to the touristy bustle of Halong Bay. In this blog, Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours will give you an overview of Bai Tu Long Bay and some honest reviews of the Top 9 best choices of cruise Bai Tu Long Bay to fulfill your trip.
Bai Tu Long Bay has a good mix of islands and seas, making it one of the top 5 Southeast Asia greatest tourist destinations as rated by Gecko Travel. Whether you are planning for a mini-break or looking for a big trip with your family in Vietnam, Bai Tu Long could be the spark that you need.
Bai Tu Long Bay, a part of Quang Ninh province, comprises numerous islands scattered throughout the Gulf of Tonkin. Situated east of the well-known Halong Bay, it lies approximately 150 kilometers from the Chinese border and 170 kilometers east of Hanoi.
So, why is Bai Tu Long Bay worth a visit? Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam surprises visitors with its amazing landscape sites: impressive karst mountains, secluded and pristine beaches, tranquil floating fishing villages, magnificent caves and numerous limestone islands.
The Bay also boasts a rich biodiversity with 2 ecosystems: a marine coastal ecosystem and a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest one. Those who like to enjoy breathtaking scenery like Halong Bay but less crowded will find this place well-fitted with their expectations.
In addition, it is home to many amusing sightseeing destinations such as Cong Do Area, Vung Vieng Village, Bai Tu Long National Park, Da Xep Park, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Dam Area, and Tra Gioi Beach.
Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay
Spring and Fall have the most enjoyable weather to visit Bai Tu Long Bay, when the sky is clear, rainfall is low and the temperature is not too high. That favorable condition is perfect for various outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming or cycling to discover the picturesque bay. If you are looking for a luxurious experience, explore the best cruise Bai Tu Long Bay, to make the most of your visit.
The spring in Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam has a pleasant climate with an average temperature of 21°C. The bay has frequent drizzles and fog in February, increasing a little humidity levels in March, and sunnier in April.
The calm sea in spring is an advantage for visitors to experience water sports and outdoor activities, such as kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling. To make the journey even more rewarding, you can consider combining your trip with a Halong Bay cruise trip, which offers a variety of experiences in this area.
Best season to visit Bai Tu Long Bay
Considered the best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay, autumn season comes with enjoyable conditions. The sunshine is not extreme, the sky is clear, mild weather with a breeze. The average temperature is 26°C with low humidity and fewer rainy days making it perfect to enjoy on a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay. This is a good chance to go sightseeing and cruising to explore the magnificent beauty.
If you feel curious about the region, you can delve deeper into the connection between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long in the Gulf of Tonkin for a unique perspective.
>> Read more: Halong Bay in December: Weather and Best Travel Guide
Hon Gai Port is the departure point of cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay, and a trip normally takes:
*Note: All cruise companies have shuttle bus/limousine transfers either included in the price or at an additional charge (from USD 20 – 30/person/trip). If you find this service convenient, you should check to choose a reputable service provider in advance.
Get to Bai Tu Long by private car
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a wealth of activities for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion. Let’s dive into it!
Immerse yourself in the authentic fishing community of Vung Vieng Floating Village, situated in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, nearly 20 kilometers from the mainland. The village’s traditional character is shaped by its fishing nets and the lively atmosphere of local families. Explore this unique setting with a local rowing bamboo boat tour or navigate the community at your own pace by kayaking.
While sharing visual similarities with Vung Vieng, Cong Dam’s remote location and smaller population (around 120 people) create a unique atmosphere. Travelers can immerse themselves in the scenery via kayaking tours or experience local life by fishing with residents. The area also features diverse attractions, including limestone caves and picturesque beaches like Tra Gioi, Cay Bang, and Cat Oan.
If kayaking is a must-try activity at Cong Dam Area and Vung Vieng Fishing Village, then swimming and snorkeling are funny things that should not be missed at Ban Chan beach.
Ban Chan is best known for its crystal clear water and white-sandy beach, and excellent visibility that is perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The rugged rocks and lush green forest on the surrounding areas add to its charm and make the beach majestic.
Swimming at Ban Chan Beach
Discover the vast Thien Canh Son Cave, a three-chamber wonder concealed by a dense forest near a cliff. Inside, the cave awakens the senses with formations resembling lotus blossoms, seals, newborn elephants, and flowers, and a ceiling sparkling with stalactites. A nearby beach, also named Thien Canh Son, provides a perfect spot for relaxation after cave exploration.
Bai Tu Long National Park has been recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Garden recently. Surrounded by gigantic rocky limestone mountains, the park covers nearly 16,000 hectares and is home to 37 species of birds, over 500 species of plants and hundreds of marine animals such as mussels, seagulls, and abalone. The core of Bai Tu Long National Park is the Ba Mun island group, which has around 800 species of diverse and rare plants.
Aside from its biological diversity, the park boasts wonderful natural landscapes, unspoiled beaches, archeological sites of ancient Vietnam, and vestiges of Van Don’s once-bustling trading port. Coming to the park at any time of year, visitors have an opportunity to get close to nature and grasp knowledge about nature thanks to the park’s wildlife enrichment programs.
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a vast expanse of unspoiled natural landscapes, accessible through various cruises showcasing breathtaking views. These cruises typically navigate through iconic sites like Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Village, Ban Chan Island, Cap La Island, and the Cong Dam Area, revealing majestic mountains and clear waters.
Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, including dining on cruise sundecks, night squid fishing, ancient village visits, cave exploring, beach barbecues, sunbathing – swimming in wild beaches and kayaking amidst limestone islands.
Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay lead you to breathtaking views
If you are looking for an unforgettable journey in Vietnam, a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise is not to be missed out. Let’s explore Top 9 best Bai Tu Long Bay cruises for your reference.
Signature Royal Cruise offers an unparalleled Bai Tu Long Bay experience, combining luxurious adventure with modern amenities and 5-star service. Its unique Renaissance-inspired design and state-of-the-art equipment ensure a sophisticated and memorable voyage through Vietnam’s stunning natural beauty.
Signature Royal Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
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Swan Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay captivates with its traditional wooden design, radiating classic charm. Though a 3-star vessel, it delivers an award-winning level of comfort and a full suite of amenities, rivaling larger ships and exceeding expectations.
Swan Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
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Dragon Legend Cruise excels in providing guests with an authentic and immersive cultural journey. Its interior design, inspired by Vietnamese traditions, is meticulously crafted to transport passengers into a world of rich cultural heritage and refined elegance.
Dragon Legend Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
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Experience the enchanting Bai Tu Long Bay aboard the Dragon’s Pearl Junk, a classically designed Chinese-style boat that promises an exceptional and memorable cruise.
Dragon’s Pearl Junk prioritizes cultural immersion, often incorporating activities and experiences that showcase local customs and heritage. With a focus on smaller group sizes, the cruise fosters a more intimate and personalized atmosphere, allowing for deeper connections with the surroundings and fellow travelers.
Dragon’s Pearl Junk
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Despite being nearly 18 years old and having undergone some renovations, L’amour Junk Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay has retained its traditional style with high-end wooden furnishings.
L’amour Junk Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay is pioneering one-cabin deluxe junk, offering an unparalleled romantic getaway. Every detail is meticulously crafted, from the ensuite room’s expansive sea-view window to the outdoor dining area’s panoramic landscape views. Handcrafted teak and oak furnishings create a luxurious ambiance throughout, from cabin to sun deck. Guests are welcomed with warm hospitality and engaging activities, ensuring a truly intimate and memorable experience.
With L’amour Junk Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay, you can have a chance to visit some attractions and take part in outdoor activities:
L’amour Junk Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
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Paloma Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay is your home away from home while you are traveling in Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay. You will have the most comfortable and unforgettable experience not only by the exquisite luxury and the intimate setting in decorating but also by professional, friendly staff and excellent services. Boarding on Paloma Cruise is an amazing way to admire the exceptional and serene natural beauty of Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay – UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
Highlights in the Paloma Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay trip:
Paloma Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
Treasure Junk cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay, a less visited and quieter alternative to Halong Bay, offers a secluded and peaceful experience for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. A 3-day 2-night trip or a 2-day 1-night trip on Treasure Junk offers an unforgettable experience of relaxing in luxurious cabins and savoring delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Taking a journey with Treasure Junk, you will discover some hidden caves, kayak through majestic lagoons, and visit a traditional pearl farm. Besides, you can have a chance to learn more about the daily life of local fishermen in Vung Vieng fishing village.
Highlights in the Treasure Junk Bai Tu Long Bay trip:
Treasure Junk Bai Tu Long
Renea Cruise offers a luxurious exploration of the enchanting Bai Tu Long Bay in Vietnam. Its diverse cabin options make it an ideal choice for couples, families, and groups seeking an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Renea Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay
Grand Pioneers II Cruise distinguishes itself in the route Halong Bay – Ha Lan Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay by elevating the concept of sustainable luxury to new heights. Its signature experience is a harmonious blend of opulent design, exceptional service, and a deep, unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.
This manifests in cutting-edge eco-friendly technologies, from advanced waste management systems to energy-efficient operations, seamlessly integrated into the luxurious onboard experience.
Guests are treated to spacious, elegantly appointed suites with panoramic bay views, gourmet dining featuring locally sourced ingredients, and a curated selection of wellness and recreational activities, all designed to minimize ecological impact. The cruise’s itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to showcase the natural splendor of Halong Bay while educating guests on its delicate ecosystem.
Grand Pioneers II aims to create not just a vacation, but a transformative journey, where indulgence and environmental consciousness coexist, leaving a positive footprint on both the traveler and the destination.
Grand Pioneers II Cruise distinguishes itself in Bai Tu Long Bay
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Bai Tu Long Bay is a hidden gem in the northeast of Halong Bay, offering the same stunning landscapes but with a more peaceful and more relaxed atmosphere. You can consider Bai Tu Long Bay as an alternative, less touristy Halong Bay.
In comparison to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is quieter and less crowded and offers a more relaxed experience. The area has fewer choices for cruise tours but it’s not an issue because you still have the 9 best cruise options we have recommended above.
Bai Tu Long Bay shares similar scenery but is often considered more natural, feeling like you are lost in time. Activities are more low-key such as exploring the less visited cave named Thien Canh Son, kayaking in crystal clear waters whilst still visiting the remote fishing communities to learn about daily life of fishermen.
Being less frequented, Bai Tu Long Bay is less impacted by tourism and has maintained a cleaner environment. However, reaching Bai Tu Long Bay takes a longer time to travel and is not available as a day trip option.
Bai Tu Long Bay is less crowded and offers a more relaxed experience
>> Read more: Lan Ha Bay Vietnam – All things you should know 2025
In conclusion, Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours have introduced an overview of Bai Tu Long Bay, the weather and convenient transportation to get here. Hopefully with the Top 9 best cruise Bai Tu Long Bay, you can choose the most suitable option for yourself to have a special memorable experience.
It takes over 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. You can book shuttle bus/limousine transfers with reputable cruise companies either included in the price or at an additional charge (from USD 20 – 30/person/trip).
A trip on the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise costs from 159$/person for 2 days and 1 night. This affordable rate includes delicious meals, top-notch services, and exciting activities such as kayaking through caves, swimming in a wild beach, visiting remote fishing villages,…
You can book a Bai Tu Long Bay tour on our website halongbay.tours for the best offer with high-standard transportation service to Bai Tu Long Bay and many special gifts. All is for your best memorable cruise trip to Vietnam ever.
