Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay? It’s a question that puzzles many travelers planning their Vietnamese adventure. Both bays boast breathtaking scenery, with karst islands rising from clean clear waters. But beneath the surface, these two destinations offer quite different experiences. Let’s explore what makes each bay unique and help you decide which one fits your travel style.
Location and Access
Halong Bay sits in Quang Ninh Province, about 170 kilometers east of Hanoi. Most travelers take a shuttle bus or a private car from Hanoi to Halong City, which takes around 4 hours. From there, boats leave from Tuan Chau Marina. The trip is well-organized, with many cruises offering door-to-door service from Hanoi hotels.
Bai Tu Long Bay is northeast of Halong Bay, in the same province. It’s a bit farther from Hanoi, about 200 kilometers. Travelers usually take a similar bus ride to Halong City, and then board a boat at Hon Gai International Harbor. The extra distance means slightly longer travel times, but the routes are well-established.
Landscape and Scenery
Halong Bay is famous for its thousands of limestone islands, which come in all shapes and sizes and create a magical seascape. The water is a beautiful green color and clean. You’ll see lots of boats moving around, from traditional junk boats to modern cruise ships.
Bai Tu Long Bay shares the same type of landscape, with limestone islands dotting the sea. The scenery is just as beautiful as Halong Bay, but there’s a key difference: fewer boats. This means the water often looks calmer and clearer. You might spot more wildlife here, like sea eagles or monkeys, because there’s less human activity.
What to Do and See
Halong Bay Activities
- Sail through the bay on a luxury cruise or a traditional junk boat, marveling at the thousands of limestone islands rising from the clear water.
- Descend into the depths of Dau Go Cave, known as the “Cave of Wonders,” to see its three vast chambers filled with otherworldly rock formations.
- Paddle a sea kayak through the Luon Cave, emerging into a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering limestone walls.
- Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, surrounded by the bay’s iconic karst landscape.
- Watch the sunset from the top of Titov Island, painting the sky and sea in vibrant hues.
- Join local fishermen for an evening of traditional net fishing, learning their time-honored techniques.
- Visit the Cua Van floating village to learn about the history and daily life of the bay’s floating villages through interactive exhibits.
- Relax with a spa treatment on your cruise ship, enjoying a massage with panoramic views of the passing scenery.
- Savor a seafood feast on the deck of your boat, featuring fresh catches prepared in traditional Vietnamese style as you drift among the islands.
Bai Tu Long Bay Activities
- Take a less crowded cruise experience, exploring the serene beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay on smaller, more intimate boats.
- Explore Thien Canh Son Cave, marveling at its beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in a peaceful setting.
- Kayak through the tranquil waters of the Vung Ha area, paddling around karst islands and into hidden coves.
- Relax on the pristine sands of Ngoc Vung island, enjoying the quieter atmosphere compared to Halong Bay.
- Visit Vung Vieng fishing village to learn about traditional fishing techniques and experience local life on the water.
- Explore Quan Lan Island by bicycle, visiting its temples and long stretches of beautiful beaches.
- Participate in squid fishing at night, with a better chance of seeing bioluminescent plankton due to less light pollution.
- Take part in a tai chi session on the deck of your cruise ship as the sun rises over the bay.
- Visit Cap La Village on the islands to experience traditional Vietnamese rural life and join in some farming activities.
- Explore the mangrove forests in the Bay Area, learning about this unique ecosystem and its importance to the environment.
Remember, while many activities are similar between the two bays, Bai Tu Long Bay generally offers a more serene and less crowded experience, focusing on natural beauty and tranquility.
Crowds and Tourism
Halong Bay is very popular as a must-see destination in on your Vietnam tour, so this shows in the number of travelers. During high season (March to May, September to November), the main areas can get quite busy. You’ll see lots of boats, especially around the famous sites. This can make it feel a bit crowded at times, but it also means there’s always something happening.
Bai Tu Long Bay sees far fewer visitors. Even in high season, it feels quiet and less touristy. You might only see a few other boats during your whole trip. This makes it feel more like an undiscovered place, which many travelers enjoy. However, it also means there are fewer facilities and services available.
Best Time to Visit
Both bays have similar weather patterns. The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November when the sky is clear and the temperature is cooler. December to February can be chilly, so bring a jacket. Summer (May to August) is hot and can be rainy, with occasional storms. August is the wettest month, and some cruises might get canceled if a big storm comes.
The local experience
In Halong Bay, you’ll see more signs of modern tourism. Souvenir shops, big harbors, and fancy hotels are common in Halong City. The floating villages, while interesting, sometimes feel set up for travelers.
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a more old-fashioned feel. The nearby towns are smaller and less touristy. If you visit a fishing village, it might be a real working community rather than one that caters to visitors.
Cruise Options
Halong Bay has a huge range of cruise options. You can find everything from cheap day trips to luxury overnight cruises on big ships. Many cruises offer extras like cooking classes, tai chi sessions, or evening squid fishing. The boats range from traditional wooden junks to modern, almost hotel-like ships.
Bai Tu Long Bay has fewer options, but the cruises tend to focus more on the natural experience. The boats are often smaller and more traditional in style. While you won’t find as many luxury options, the trips usually feel more personal. Activities tend to center around enjoying the quiet beauty of the bay.
>>> Click here to find your best cruise to Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay!
Food and Drink
On Halong Bay cruises, you’ll often find a mix of Vietnamese and Western food. Many boats have big buffets with lots of choices. The seafood is usually very fresh, caught right from the bay. Fancier cruises might have fine dining options with wine pairings.
Bai Tu Long Bay cruises usually focus more on local flavors. You might eat family-style, sharing plates of traditional Vietnamese dishes. The seafood is just as fresh, and you might even see it being brought in by local fishermen. Drinks are usually simpler, with local beers and basic cocktails available.
Environmental concerns
Both bays face challenges from tourism, but Halong Bay has been affected more due to its popularity. There have been problems with water pollution. Efforts are being made to protect the area, like limiting the number of boats.
Bai Tu Long Bay is in better shape environmentally because it has had less tourism. The water tends to be cleaner, and there’s more visible marine life. However, as it becomes more popular, similar concerns are starting to arise.
Trip length—how long should you go for?
The ideal trip length depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek. Both bays are accessible from Hanoi, with most tours including transportation from the city to the port. A two-day, one-night cruise is generally the minimum recommended stay to fully appreciate either destination, though three-day cruises allow for a more relaxed experience.
Halong Bay
With its variety of attractions and activities, Halong Bay offers an ideal 2 to 3-day itinerary. This duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of its iconic scenery, visits to caves, island hopping, and cultural experiences.
>>> Check out the best Halong Bay tour options here!
Bai Tu Long Bay
For those desiring a tranquil escape and a deeper connection with nature, a 2 to 3-day trip to Bai Tu Long Bay allows ample time to explore its hidden gems, engage with local communities, and immerse oneself in the serenity of this pristine bay.
Let’s take a look at our top-rated Vietnam package tours that include these amazing destinations:
- Amazing Ninh Binh & Halong Bay 3 days: combine a visit to the holy area of Ninh Binh, known for its breathtaking beauty and intriguing history, with a relaxing overnight cruise in Halong Bay, price from $287 per person.
- Northern Charm Discovery 8 days: discover the essence of northern Vietnam: 1000-year-old capital city of Hanoi, the beautiful mountainous area of Sapa, and the iconic Halong Bay, the peaceful Ninh Binh, price from $607 per person.
- In-depth Vietnam Explore 20 days: see the finest of Vietnam, from the culturally rich Northern capital to the white sandy beaches and picturesque highlands of the Central area, and conclude with a delightful trip to the South, price from $1.896 per person.
Above are just some recommendations. You can also customize your tours with these two fascinating bays and other destinations in Vietnam, choosing your own itinerary, accommodations, the best things to do, and get advice from our travel experts by contacting us via this form or email [email protected].
So, what is the best choice between the two?
Choosing between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay ultimately comes down to your travel preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for a well-rounded experience with plenty of activities, amenities, and luxury options, Halong Bay is likely your best bet. Its established tourism sector ensures that you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, from five-star cruises to budget-friendly day trips.
On the other hand, if you prioritize tranquility and a more authentic experience, Bai Tu Long Bay might be more your speed. Here, you can enjoy similar landscapes to Halong Bay but with a fraction of the crowds. It’s ideal for those who don’t mind trading some conveniences for a deeper sense of peace and connection with nature.
As you are considering visiting Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay, it’s clear that both destinations possess their own unique charm and allure. Bai Tu Long Bay is enticed by its secluded tranquility, unspoiled landscapes, and intimate encounters with nature. In contrast, Halong Bay captivates with its legendary beauty, iconic limestone formations, and a wide array of activities. Consider your preferences for crowd levels, accessibility, and trip length when choosing your ideal destination.
Mo Nguyen – from Vietnam Travels Online
