Vietnam’s northeastern coast is home to two of the country’s most stunning natural wonders: Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay. Both offer breathtaking landscapes of emerald waters dotted with limestone karsts, but each has its unique character and appeal. This article will compare these two magnificent bays to help you decide which one best suits your travel preferences.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is world-renowned for its spectacular seascape of limestone pillars and tiny islets. Its name translates to “descending dragon,” reflecting the local legend of its creation. With its iconic beauty, Ha Long Bay has long been a must-visit destination for travelers to Vietnam.
Bai Tu Long Bay, often referred to as HaLong Bay’s quieter sister, lies to the northeast of its more famous counterpart. Its name means “the place where the dragon children descended,” continuing the mythological theme. While sharing similar geological features with Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay remains less explored and more serene.
Halong Bay vs Bai Tu Long Bay, a quick comparison
| Feature | Halong Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay |
| Location | Located in the western part of the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. HaLong Bay is about 170 km away from the capital city of Hanoi. | Bai Tu Long Bay encompasses a sea area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, and Van Don Island District |
| Area and number of islands | Approximately 1,553 km², About 1,969 islands | Approximately 2,000 km², About 1,600 islands |
| Cruise Departure | – Ports: Ha Long International Port, Tuan Chau Port | – Ports: Vung Duc Port, Ao Tien Port, Van Don Port, Ha Long International Port |
| Cruise Package | Day cruise tours: V Dream Cruise Ambassador Cruise Amethyst Cruise Saquila Cruise Symphony Cruise Queen Cruise Overnight cruise tours Victory Star Cruise Ambassador Cruise Sea Star Cruise Elite of the Sea Cruise | Day cruise tours: Lamuse Cruise Overnight cruise tours: Treasure Junk Signature Cruise Indochina Junks Dragon Legend Cruise Grand Pioneers Cruise Athena Cruise |
| Kayaking Opportunities | Available, but tends to be crowded | Excellent opportunities, especially in Cong Do and Cong Dam areas |
| Best For | First-time visitors and bucket-list travelers | Those seeking tranquility and nature enthusiasts |
Natural Beauty and Landscape in Bai Tu Long Bay vs Ha Long Bay
Both bays boast similar geological features, characterized by thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters. However, there are subtle differences in their landscapes.
| Ha Long Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay |
| Ha Long Bay is known for its more compact arrangement of islands, creating a dense, almost maze-like environment. Its most famous formations, such as Titov Island and Sung Sot Cave, have become iconic symbols of Vietnam’s natural beauty. | Bai Tu Long Bay, while geologically similar, feels more spacious and open. Its islands are slightly more spread out, creating wider water channels between them. Bai Tu Long also boasts several untouched beaches and less-explored cave systems. The cave is smaller than caves in Halong Bay |
Travel Experience
The tourist experience in these two bays varies greatly, largely due to their differing levels of popularity.
Hạ Long Bay, being a globally recognized destination, can become quite crowded, especially during peak seasons. Visitors can expect to encounter many cruise boats and tourists at popular attractions, which may diminish the sense of tranquility and solitude that many seek in such a natural environment.
In contrast, Bái Tử Long Bay provides a more serene and authentic experience, with fewer tourists and cruise boats. This creates an opportunity for a deeper connection with the landscape and local culture. However, it’s important to note that Bái Tử Long Bay has fewer cruise options for both overnight and day trips compared to its more famous counterpart.
Both bays offer a variety of cruise choices, ranging from budget to luxury, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Common activities include kayaking, swimming, exploring caves and fishing villages, and enjoying fresh seafood meals on board. First-time visitors and bucket-list travelers Those seeking tranquility and nature enthusiasts
How to Travel to Hạ Long Bay and Bái Tử Long Bay
Both Hạ Long Bay and Bái Tử Long Bay are easily accessible from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The journey from Hanoi to either bay takes about 3 hours by car or bus, with most tour packages including shuttle service from Hanoi.
However, there are some differences in the departure points for cruises. Most cruises to Hạ Long Bay depart from either Halong International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau Marina, providing travelers with a wider range of cruise operators and itineraries.
In contrast, cruises to Bái Tử Long Bay typically leave only from Halong International Cruise Port. While this results in fewer options, it also helps maintain the bay’s more tranquil atmosphere.
If you want to go further to Bai Tu Long Bay, to visit Co To Island, Quan Lan island, and Ngoc Vung Island you have to depart from Ao Tien Port in Van Don District, 60 km from Halong City.
Pros and Cons in Summary
| Halong Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay | |
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Both Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer stunning natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. Your choice between the two should depend on your travel style and preferences.
If you’re looking for a well-established destination with plenty of options and don’t mind crowds, Ha Long Bay is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more off-the-beaten-path experience and value tranquility over luxury, Bai Tu Long Bay might be the perfect alternative. Hope this article helps you to plan your trip to Halong Bay.