Bai Tu Long Bay: Things to do & travel guide

Where is Bai Tu Bay located?

Possessing hundreds of large and small islands, Bai Tu Long Bay includes Van Don island district, part of the sea area of Ha Long city and Cam Pha city. Bai Tu Long Bay borders Ha Long Bay to the southwest and Cam Pha city to the west.

Bai Tu Long Bay ( Google Maps) 

Unlike Ha Long Bay, most of Bai Tu Long Bay has not yet exploited many tourism activities, preserved the natural landscape and is home to many local people. These are the points that make Bai Tu Long Bay different, attracting tourists.

What's interesting about Bai Tu Long Bay?

If you love the peace, the wild, filled with cultural colors and want to have a true vacation, then Bai Tu Long Bay is the destination worth trying. The area of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay in particular is a natural wonder like a watercolor painting, combining the harmonious beauty of the water. Hundreds of islands spread over an area of 157.8 square kilometers and rich local fishermen's life create a magical attraction for all visitors.

Photo: @inlovewithclarity - The wild beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay

Bordering the vibrant Ha Long Bay to the southwest, Bai Tu Long Bay is famous for its many unpolluted beaches, ancient fishing villages and mysterious caves. Stepping on a bamboo boat carried by a local ferryman, you will have the most authentic view of the beauty of the fishing village. Meanwhile, those who love to explore will be extremely impressed with Thien Canh Son cave like a fairyland. Vung Vieng fishing village - Thien Canh Son cave is also a familiar tourist route exploited by many ships.

Photo: @_untamedwanderlust_ - Unique floating houses in Vung Vieng fishing village

 In addition, swimming and water sports activities in the bay are also very diverse thanks to a series of natural beaches such as Minh Chau, Quan Lan, Co To and Van Don beaches.

Some attractive destinations on the bay

Photo: @junnieee__beanieee__ - Experience swimming, playing and camping on Quan Lan island

• Thien Canh Son Cave: Thien Canh Son cave or Co cave with thousands of years old limestone stalactites cleverly hidden under the dense forest canopy. Until now, this is still a little-known attraction for tourists and retains its mysterious and unspoiled beauty.
• Vung Vieng fishing village: this is the local cultural center of Bai Tu Long Bay. You won't find anywhere else but the idyllic beauty of floating houses, fish farming areas and the friendliness of the people like here.
• Quan Lan Beach: Located in the area of Quan Lan island, Quan Lan beach attracts the most visitors in the summer to enjoy swimming, playing, and camping. This is one of the cleanest beaches on the bay.
• Cap La Island: a great place for kayaking to explore the surrounding landscape.

Must-try experiences in Bai Tu Long Bay

Photo: @alick_sumoonthong - Exciting boating experience in Vung Vieng fishing village

• Kayaking in Vung Vieng fishing village: the oldest fishing village on Bai Tu Long Bay with charming beauty attracts tourists to join an exciting kayaking trip. Here, you can not only visit the fish farming area, raise pearls, immerse yourself in nature, but also meet the people and learn about local life.
• Explore Thien Canh Son Cave on foot: a challenging experience that requires endurance but also brings great emotions as you cross paths hidden under the forest canopy and climb hundreds of stone steps to admire Admire the majestic beauty of the stalactites in the most beautiful cave in Bai Tu Long Bay.
• Swimming, sports at the beach: the beach on Bai Tu Long Bay is famous for its clear blue water, endless white sand beaches that are ideal for swimming and many other summer activities.
• Visiting Bai Tu Long National Park: this is the perfect place to visit for tourists who want to be close to nature. Covering an area of ​​more than 15,000 hectares, Bai Tu Long National Park has a diverse ecosystem, home to many species of birds, plants, and marine animals such as seagulls, mussels, and abalone.

Means of transportation to Bai Tu Long Bay

Almost all cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay depart from Hon Gai wharf and bus is the most popular means of transportation to get here. Hon Gai Wharf is located in the northeast of Ha Long City and is connected to the mainland by Bai Chay Bridge.

From Hanoi, you can choose any bus from My Dinh bus station to Bai Chay bus station (Ha Long). When you arrive, you can choose to take a taxi or motorbike taxi from Ha Long city across Bai Chay bridge along Highway 18 to Tran Hung Dao - Le Thanh Tong street to reach Hon Gai wharf. You can also get on the bus routes to Cam Pha bus station such as: Nghia Anh Limousine, Van Don Xanh Limousine, Duc Phuc... The frequency is from 5 to 15 minutes/trip and the price is from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/way. Average travel time is 4-5 hours.

From Hai Phong, the easiest way to get to Bai Tu Long Bay is to go to Lac Long bus station or Binh bus station to catch buses to Bai Chay bus station. There is a bus every 15 minutes. The total journey time is about 1.5 hours and the fare is from 40,000 VND (local bus and Phuc Xuyen sleeper bus) to 200,000 VND if you choose Minh Hieu Limousine (9 seats). After arriving in Ha Long city, you will easily catch a taxi or motorbike taxi to Hon Gai wharf.

Although transportation to Bai Tu Long Bay is available, if you want the most convenience, you should choose to book a tour including round-trip transfers from travel agencies.

Some cruise ships visit Bai Tu Long Bay

Signature Cruise explores Bai Tu Long Bay

The ideal time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay

Photo: @tripzozo - Choose the right time to have a great vacation on Bai Tu Long Bay

• The weather in Bai Tu Long Bay is very mild and pleasant, the average temperature only ranges from 15°C to 25°C. Like Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay has 2 distinct seasons: summer from April to October and winter from November to March.
• Visitors can visit the bay at any time of the year, but the most suitable time is from February to May and from October to November with extremely mild air, warm sunshine, and little rain. On the contrary, the period from July to September often occurs heavy rain and storms, so you should avoid traveling at this time.

Notes when visiting Bai Tu Long Bay

• Because the attractions on Bai Tu Long Bay are far apart, the cruises, usually only provide overnight service. Therefore, you should take the time to choose a minimum itinerary of 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights to fully explore the beauty of the bay.
• Some activities such as walking, kayaking require you to be in good health and well prepared.
• Travel experience and do not forget to enjoy delicious seafood dishes such as tu comei, jumping snail, grouper...
  
   

See more: Cruises visit Bai Tu Long Bay