Vietnam is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, and while Ha Long Bay often steals the spotlight, there’s another coastal wonder that deserves equal attention: Bai Tu Long Bay. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to experience the same stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters as its more famous neighbor but with far fewer crowds and a more authentic atmosphere. In this article, we’ll explore the wonders of Bai Tu Long Bay, its location, natural features, popular activities, and famous destinations that make it a must-visit for any traveler to Vietnam.
Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is a vast coastal area located in the northeastern part of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province. It is part of the larger Ha Long Bay region, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. While Ha Long Bay attracts millions of visitors each year, Bai Tu Long Bay remains relatively undiscovered, offering a more serene and untouched experience for those who venture off the beaten path.
The bay spans an area of approximately 158 square kilometers and is home to hundreds of islands, islets, and limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the emerald waters. The name “Bai Tu Long” translates to “the place where the dragon descended into the sea,” referencing an ancient Vietnamese legend about the formation of these majestic landscapes.
Where is Bai Tu Long Bay?
Location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xr7sJNLvxgoEG9FX7
Bai Tu Long Bay is situated to the northeast of Ha Long Bay, approximately 170 kilometers east of Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. The bay is part of the Van Don District in Quang Ninh Province and stretches from the coast of Van Don Island to the border with China in the north.
The most common starting point for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay is the coastal city of Ha Long, which serves as a gateway to both Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. From Ha Long City or Van Don district, visitors can take boat tours or cruises that venture into the less-traveled waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Cruise to explore Bai Tu Long Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a range of exceptional cruise experiences, with four standout options leading the pack.
- Treasure Junk, a charming boutique boat featuring 14 beautifully designed cabins, offering an intimate and luxurious experience in Bai Tu Long Bay. Crafted in traditional style, this vessel combines classic aesthetics with modern comforts. Treasur Junk offers both 1 night and 2 night cruises to explore Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Athena Cruise, one of the newest and most modern vessels in the area, provides a luxurious journey with its steel-hulled ship, offering three types of cabins and both 2-day-1-night and 3-day-2-night itineraries. The cruise features a spacious sundeck with a jacuzzi, fine dining options, and various activities while maintaining eco-friendly practices.
- Signature Cruise elevates the experience with its 5-star amenities, boasting 16 luxurious cabins with panoramic windows, gourmet dining, and unique excursions to less-visited areas of the bay.
- Dragon Legend Cruise, part of the Indochina Junk fleet, beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese design with modern luxury. With 24 cabins featuring private balconies and a focus on Vietnamese culture and cuisine, it offers exclusive access to certain parts of Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Swan Cruise provides a boutique journey with its smaller vessel, accommodating just 18 cabins and emphasizing personalized service and authentic local experiences.
Natural Landscape
The natural beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay is truly awe-inspiring. The bay is characterized by its thousands of limestone karsts and islets, which have been sculpted by millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity. These towering formations create a surreal landscape that seems to float on the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.
The geological diversity of the area is remarkable, with various types of rock formations, caves, and grottoes scattered throughout the bay. Many of these caves feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites, formed over millennia by the constant dripping of mineral-rich water.
The waters of Bai Tu Long Bay are home to a rich ecosystem, including numerous species of fish, mollusks, and arthropods. The area also supports a diverse array of plant life, with mangrove forests and seagrass beds providing important habitats for marine life.
One of the most striking features of Bai Tu Long Bay is its pristine beaches. Unlike the more crowded shores of Ha Long Bay, the beaches here are often deserted, offering visitors a chance to enjoy unspoiled stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Travel Experience
While Bai Tu Long Bay may be less developed than its famous neighbor, there are still plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy:
- Day Cruise & Overnight Cruise: The most popular way to experience Bai Tu Long Bay is by taking a cruise. Many companies offer overnight trips that allow visitors to explore the bay’s hidden corners and enjoy stunning sunsets and sunrises over the karst landscape.
- Kayaking: Paddling through the calm waters of the bay is an excellent way to get up close to the limestone formations and explore hidden lagoons and caves.
- Floating village visits: Vung Vieng floating village provide insight into the traditional way of life for local communities. Visitors can learn about their customs and even try their hand at squid fishing.
- Cave exploration: Many of the limestone islands feature impressive caves and grottoes that can be explored on guided tours as: Thien Canh Son cave, Thay cave…
- Hiking: Some of the larger islands in the bay offer hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding seascape.
Visiting sites
While exploring Bai Tu Long Bay, several notable destinations should not be missed:
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village: This floating village is one of the largest in the bay and offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local fishing communities.
- Thien Canh Son Cave: Located on Bai Tu Long Island, this cave features impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the bay.
- Tra San Beach: This pristine beach on Minh Chau Island is known for its white sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
- Quan Lan Island: One of the larger islands in the bay, Quan Lan offers beautiful beaches, historic temples, and opportunities for cycling and exploring local villages.
- Co To Island: Although technically outside of Bai Tu Long Bay, Co To Island is often included in extended itineraries and offers stunning beaches and a more developed infrastructure for longer stays.
- Bai Tu Long National Park: Established in 2001, this national park covers a significant portion of the bay and is home to diverse ecosystems, including mangrove forests and coral reefs.
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a serene and authentic alternative to the more crowded Ha Long Bay. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse activities, and off-the-beaten-path charm, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s Vietnam itinerary.