When planning a cruise in northern Vietnam, many travelers share the same concern:
Will it feel crowded?
Halong Bay is one of the world’s most famous natural wonders, attracting millions of visitors every year. While its beauty is undeniable, the growing number of cruise boats and day tours has made some travelers look for quieter alternatives. Bai Tu Long Bay, located just northeast of Halong Bay, is often mentioned as that alternative — but how different is it really?
Based on more than 10 years of cruise operations, Treasure Junks offers a clear, experience-based comparison to help you understand what to expect in each bay.
Why Crowd Levels Matter More Than You Think
Crowds don’t just affect how many boats you see. They directly shape the quality of your experience on the bay.
High visitor density can mean:
- Waiting in line to enter caves
- Limited time at beaches or viewpoints
- Kayaking in narrow, predefined lanes
- A more rushed and less personal experience
Understanding crowd levels helps you choose the bay that best matches your travel style — whether you prefer iconic highlights or peaceful exploration.
Number of Cruise Boats: The Most Important Difference
Halong Bay – Central Heritage Area
Halong Bay’s popularity is reflected in the sheer number of boats operating daily.
Key facts:
- Approximately 450–500 licensed overnight cruise boats
- Hundreds of day cruises depart every day
- During peak season (October to April):
- Popular sites may welcome 20–30 boats at the same time
- Congestion is most noticeable between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
What this means for travelers:
- Queueing at famous sites like Sung Sot Cave or Titop Island
- Kayaking is organized in fixed zones
- Time at each attraction is strictly controlled
Halong Bay remains visually impressive, but it often feels busy and energetic rather than peaceful.
Bai Tu Long Bay – A Noticeably Quieter Alternative
Bai Tu Long Bay operates under much stricter limitations, resulting in far fewer boats and a calmer atmosphere.
Key facts:
- Only about 30–40 overnight cruise boats operate regularly
- No large-scale day cruise traffic
- Many areas receive just 1–4 boats per day
What this means for travelers:
- Rarely any waiting time at attractions
- Large, open areas for kayaking
- Long stretches of sailing with minimal boat traffic
Operational insight from Bai Tho Junks:
“On many mornings in Bai Tu Long Bay, our guests can look around and see only one or two boats across the horizon.”
Crowd Comparison at Major Attractions
| Aspect | Halong Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay |
| Boats per site | 15–30 | 1–4 |
| Waiting time | Common | Rare |
| Kayaking | Busy, regulated | Open, flexible |
| Noise level | High | Very low |
| Overall feeling | Lively | Calm & immersive |
Activity-by-Activity Experience
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in both bays, but the experience differs greatly.
Halong Bay:
- Multiple kayak groups on the water at the same time
- Predefined routes and limited paddling space
- Shorter time windows due to crowd control
Bai Tu Long Bay:
- Wide, open lagoons with calm water
- Minimal interference from other boats
- More time to paddle, stop, and enjoy the scenery
Local expertise from Bai Tho Junks:
“Our captains often choose Cap La and Cong Do areas because the water is stable, the scenery is pristine, and boat density is extremely low.”
Swimming & Beach Time
Halong Bay:
- Titop Island offers a nice beach but is often crowded at midday
- Swimming areas are shared by many groups
Bai Tu Long Bay:
- Small, secluded beaches used by one cruise at a time
- Quieter swimming with more privacy
- Less pressure to return quickly to the boat
Bai Tu Long Bay:
Cave Visits
Halong Bay:
- Sung Sot Cave is large and impressive
- Often busy, with controlled movement inside
Bai Tu Long Bay:
- Thien Canh Son Cave is smaller but peaceful
- Easier to explore and photograph without crowds
Commercial Atmosphere vs. Natural Silence
Halong Bay
- Dense boat traffic
- Frequent tender movements and announcements
- Best for travelers who enjoy a lively, social environment
Bai Tu Long Bay
- Fewer boats and less noise
- No mass tourism infrastructure
- A more natural, untouched feeling
So, How Much Less Crowded Is Bai Tu Long Bay?
In practical terms:
- Bai Tu Long Bay has 70–80% fewer boats in most visiting areas
- Activities feel slower and less restricted
- The bay retains the atmosphere Halong Bay had many years ago
For travelers who value:
- Space and quiet
- Unhurried exploration
- Authentic scenery
Bai Tu Long Bay offers a clearly different experience.
A Perspective from Bai Tho Junks
Bai Tho Junks was among the pioneering cruise operators in Bai Tu Long Bay, operating there long before it became widely known. With over 30 years of continuous operations, our team understands:
- Safe navigation channels
- Tidal patterns and anchoring zones
- Which areas remain quiet — and why
This experience allows us to design itineraries that avoid congestion while ensuring safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Final Thoughts: Which Bay Is Right for You?
- Choose Halong Bay if you want famous landmarks and don’t mind crowds
- Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if you prefer tranquility, privacy, and a slower pace
Both bays are stunning — the difference lies in how you experience them.
If you’d like honest advice on choosing the right itinerary, Bai Tho Junks is always happy to help, based on real, long-term experience on the bay.
