Bai Tu Long Bay Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-4 days

Best Time: February to April Read More

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"The Sister of Halong Bay"

Bai Tu Long Bay Tourism

Bai Tu Long Bay in Northeastern Vietnam is an extension of Ha Long Bay - A UNESCO World Heritage site -  located at a mere 30 km from it. However, this small distance creates a vast difference in the experience that you can have here! The same limestone karsts, teal blue waters and languid cruises minus the crowds of Ha Long Bay is what sets Bai Tu Long Bay apart from its sister destination.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is dominated mainly by the lush Bai Tu Long National Park that serves as an ideal location for trekking and for witnessing various colourful bird and butterfly species. The best way to witness the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay is through cruises. These can either be booked at Ha Long Bay Tourist Wharf or at Bai Tu Long Bay itself, the cost for these is approximately 300,000 VND Per Hour.

Things to do in Bai Tu Long Bay

1. Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park
Located in the Van Don district, with more than 2/3rd of the area as a marine ecosystem, the Bai Tu Long National Park is a thriving biologically diverse area. It is home to a whopping over 178 aquati (Read More)c plant species, 119 fish species, 132 invertebrate species, 106 coral species living in the sea and tidal, and a dozen of main birds of prey such as Burmese hawks, Japanese eagles, black hawks, as well as pretty birds such as white-rumped Shama, Big Coucal, and Hai Nam flycatchers. Located at the end of this mangrove marine area is Bat Cave, which is home of thousands of bats. Currently, Bat Cave is the home of many animals such as otters, golden monkeys, mongoose, and foxes. Bai Tu Long National Park is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts!

2. Co To Island

Co To Island
Located in Bai Tu Long Bay, Co To Island lies towards the northeast of Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam. It is part of the larger archipelago of the same name in the Gulf of Tonkin. Co To Island featur (Read More)es one of the most serene white sand beaches around Ha Long. Turquoise blue waters, a tranquil ambience around the beach, lovely sunsets, breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering seafood options and a number of interesting attractions make Co To Island a must-visit on your trip to Vietnam.

3. Vung Vieng

Vung Vieng
Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a quintessentially Vietnamese village near Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay. Vung Vieng is a small, tranquil floating Vietnamese fishing village situated around 25 km from (Read More)the mainland in the Quang Ninh Province. Located amidst karst boulders, this village is accessible only by boat. Vung Vieng can be reached by taking a motorboat from Tuan Chau Harbour. But upon reaching the village, you will have to transfer to smaller bamboo boats to go around, oared by natives of the area.

4. Quan Lan Island

Quan Lan Island
Quan Lan Island offers a picturesque retreat resplendent with white sand beaches. Quan Lan houses the beautiful Minh Chau beach. This beach is the most famous tourist location in Quan Lan Island. The (Read More)beach has white sands and the calm blue waters are ideal for surfing. Other water sports include Kayaking and Beach Volleyball. There are a number of beach cafes along the beach that serve authentic seafood and local beer. It is the perfect place to unwind.

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Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

An Overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay is an experience that cannot be aptly described in words. The cruises that cost about 7,000,000 VND - 10,000,000 VND per person are exclusive getaways and Bai Tu Long, with a relatively lesser crowd density than Halong Bay instils a sense of serenity in you. The cruise ships cover most of the major locations in the area. In addition to that, they also take you on boat rides to caves, kayaking and bamboo boating. The boats itself are exquisite and provide a great deal of entertainment. There are activities such as squid fishing, massage, sundeck yoga, stargazing, art galleries and an open bar at night keeps the drinks flowing and the chatter lively. The multitude of activities lined up will ensure that you have a fun-filled experience. This a definite no-miss!

Legends of Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay has legends connected to that of Halong Bay. 'Bai Tu Long', literally means 'Offspring of Dragon'. The dragon that helped the Vietnamese defeat their enemy is said to have bid farewell to its offspring just before she ascended to Heaven. The offspring dragons continued to live amongst the karst rocks in this area. Another slightly modified version of the legend states that when the Vietnamese ruler called on the Mother Dragon for help to defeat his enemies, the Mother Dragon descended at Halong Bay. She was so large that she occupied the entire area. The offspring descended at Bai Tu Long Bay.

Best Time to Visit Bai Tu Long Bay

How to Reach Bai Tu Long Bay

How to Reach Overview

Bai Tu Long Bay does not have great connectivity as it is located quite far from main cities. You will have to switch around and change transport, stopping over at a number of intermediate destinations before you reach the bay area. However the effort is all worth it as the spectacular scenery melts away all your complaints.

How to reach Bai Tu Long Bay by flight

The closest airport to Bai Tu Long Bay is the Noi Bai International Airport, located 40 km from Hanoi city, from which you can reach the bay area by bus or car. A unique way to splurge is to take a helicopter from Noi Ban to Halong Bay and travel to Bai Tu Long by road.

How to reach Bai Tu Long Bay by bus

Cai Rong is a small town centred about a T-intersection and so it doesn't have direct buses from Hanoi. From Hanoi, you may take a bus either to Halong Or Cua Ong. This journey takes about 5-6 hours. From Cua Ong, a Xe Om or a taxi can take you to Cai Rong.

How to reach Bai Tu Long Bay by waterways

An exciting way of reaching Bai Tu Long Bay from Halong Village is by speedboat. The ride takes about 90 minutes and offers you a breathtaking ride through Bai Tu Long Bay, costing 160,000 VND for Vietnamese and 200,000 VND for foreigners. It drops you off just south of Quan Lan village. You can also take a quick ferry ride (14,000 VND) or rent a private boat (1,600,000 VND) from Cai Rong

Local transport in Bai Tu Long Bay

Within the bay area, to get to islands, the only means of transport is boats and kayaks. To commute on land, you may choose to rent motorbikes (100,000 VND - 150,000 VND), bicycles (50,000 VND - 70,000 VND) or hail a Xe Om. Hailing Tuk-Tuks can be quite expensive as drivers tend to overcharge. (100,000 - 150,000 VND per vehicle per ride). However, if you wish to get into the gorgeous waters and witness the limestone formations, the best way is to hire a cruise from Ha Long Bay itself or at the Bai Tu Long Bay village (300,000 VND)

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Bai Tu Long Bay Photos

Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam
Bai Tu Long Bay - Located in Northeastern Vietnam
Bai Tu Long National Park - Protected Area
Co To Islands - Located in Quang Ninh Province

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FAQs on Bai Tu Long Bay

What are the places near Bai tu long bay?

The top places near to Bai tu long bay are Halong bay which is 7 km from Bai tu long bay, Hanoi which is located 147 km from Bai tu long bay, Sapa which is located 385 km from Bai tu long bay, Hai van pass which is located 63 km from Bai tu long bay, Haiphong which is located 59 km from Bai tu long bay

What are the top hotels in Bai tu long bay?

There are 644 in Bai tu long bay which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Bai tu long bay are Heritage Line - Ginger Cruise, Van Nam Hotel, Queen Motel, Stellar of the Seas Cruise, Full House The Apartment 2- seaview- up to 6 guests, Monica House. You can see all the hotels in Bai tu long bay here

What is the best way to reach Bai tu long bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay does not have great connectivity as it is located quite far from main cities. You will have to switch around and change transport, stopping over at a number of intermediate destinations before you reach the bay area. However the effort is all worth it as the spectacular scenery melts away all your complaints.
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What is the local food in Bai tu long bay?

The Bay area is a treasure house of seafood. Fish, Crabs, Lobster, Oyster, Octopus, Clam - you name it you have it! The Bai Tu Long Bay area has its share of authentic dishes cooked Vietnamese style. Some prominent dishes that you definitely should not miss include - Cha Muc (Bay Squid Sausage served with rice cakes or sticky rice), Sam dishes (Sam or Horseshoe crab is served with cakes, soup, noodles or rice), Oysters or Lobsters boiled in beer or lemongrass, Ngan (a special kind of hard clam) and Banh Gat Gu (steaming rice cake served with caramelized pork sauce).
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What is the best time to visit Bai tu long bay?

Bai Tu Long weather in the spring season (February - April) is incontestably the best. The water temperatures are relatively warm and this facilitates swimming. The heat and humidity are mild and the sun shines brightly through clear blue skies. There are a relatively fewer number of tourists during this season and this gives you the liberty to enjoy the location at your own pace.
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Who should visit Bai tu long bay?

  • Nature Lovers
  • Offbeat Tourists

What is not so good about Bai tu long bay?

Remote Location, Language barrier, Not many facilities

What is famous about Bai tu long bay?

Great scenery, Relaxing vibe, beautiful beaches

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