Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is located 170 km from Hanoi, in the northeastern region of Vietnam. To the southwest borders Ha Long Bay and the other side connects with the sea, Cam Pha City, and Co To Island. The bay features hundreds of islands of various sizes, some of which are home to local communities and so many fauna and flora.
Bai Tu Long overview (Source: Vivutoday)
This magical land is known as one of the world’s natural wonders. It keeps the pure beauty of a pristine archipelago. It also shows signs of the ancient Ha Long civilization from thousands of years ago.
Featuring stunning islands and miles of pristine white sand beaches, Bai Tu Long Bay has become an increasingly popular attraction for international visitors looking for an unforgettable experience.
Limestone and schist rocks form the islands in Bai Tu Long Bay. These rocks show an ancient landscape that formed about 300 million years ago. These landforms resulted from many uplifting and falling events that transformed continental areas into marine basins.
Many generations of fishermen have lived in Bai Tu Long for centuries (Source: Justfly)
From above, the bay looks like an old ink-wash picture that comes to life by the harmony of the sea and islands. It was formed by the unique karst erosion and weathering processes. On some of these islands, there are interesting rock caves, like Quan Cave (also called Navy Cave), which ships used to go to when the weather was rough.
Bai Tu Long Bay is deeply connected to Vietnam’s history, which has famous sites like Van Don. During the Ly Dynasty, almost 900 years ago, it was a busy seaport where boats docked, goods were all around, and traders from Thailand, China, India, and Japan came to trade and share their cultures.
Located in northern Vietnam, Bai Tu Long Bay experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year. For those seeking pleasant weather with clear blue beaches and sunshine, the best time to visit is early summer (March to May) and late autumn (September to November). During these periods, visitors can enjoy sunny days, cool breezes, and minimal rainfall, ensuring smooth exploration and relaxation.
From March to May, the weather in Bai Tu Long is cool with clear skies (Source: Vivuhalong)
To reach Bai Tu Long Bay, travelers must first travel to Hon Gai Port, where you can take a boat to the bay. Daily boat rides are available, making it easy for guests to arrange their journey. Simply buy a ticket at the pier, board a boat, and begin an exciting adventure to explore its magical beauty.
Read more: Halong Bay Trip full-day: Scenic Drive, Kayaking & Cave Exploration
Bai Tu Long National Park
The area includes a mix of forests, sea, and limestone islands, resulting in a complex nature with unique flora, fauna, and marine life. This makes it an ideal destination for people looking for a rare and engaging natural experience. Exploring this place is like traveling back to the Jurassic period, providing an unforgettable and remarkable adventure such as:
The rare Red Diospyros tree in Bai Tu Long National Park (Source: Laodong)
Soi Nhu Cave: A cave of immense archaeological value, where evidence of ancient Vietnamese inhabitants dating back approximately 14,000 years has been uncovered.
Doi Cave: This 10-hectare mangrove forest is home to trees over 100 years old and have 25–30 cm thick trunks. Many kinds of plants and animals live in the area, where freshwater streams and seawater move together through caves and cracks in the rocks. And there are many animals that live here including frogs, snakes, and crabs, as well as shrimp, clams, and horseshoe crabs that live in saltwater.
Cai De Cave: Cai De Tunnel Cave: A 500-meter-long underwater cave that cuts across a range of magnificent mountains. The cave's widest portion measures approximately 60 meters. Cai De Tunnel Cave is only accessible at low tide, as high tide floods the cave to the roof.
Thien Canh Son Cave
Thien Canh Son is a famous cave known for its pristine, mystical beauty, located in Bai Tu Long Bay, Quảng Ninh province. The road to the cave winds beneath the beautiful forest cover and consists of around 400 stone stairs. Although the entrance is small, passing through it provides a remarkable experience, reminiscent of rising to a heavenly dimension.
Inside Thien Canh Son Cave - Bai Tu Long (Source: Tripadvisor)
Entering the cave shows a beautiful natural treasure. The space is divided into two sections separated by a small passageway. Thousands of stalactites illuminate the cave's interior, producing an incredible view. The roof is ornamented with shining stalactites that formed over thousands of years.
Over time, nature has sculpted these formations into gorgeous shapes that recreate lotus flowers, plants, or animals. Each structure offers a unique story, providing unlimited inspiration for people with an artistic flair.
Vung Vieng floating village
Located 20 kilometers off the mainland in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture. Here, you can participate in traditional fishing and boat rowing techniques that are an important part of the community.
The Vung Vieng floating village from above (Source: Znews)
The village's appeal comes from its quiet ambiance, where fishing boats cast their nets and the cheerful noises of local life resonate across the lake. Visitors can explore the community by rowing with the people or renting a kayak to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the area at their leisure.
Minh Chau Beach
Minh Chau Beach, with its enchanting natural beauty, features an extensive expanse of soft white sand, pristine waters, and a stunning coastline that is bound to mesmerize every guest.
Minh Chau Beach - A pristine beach with white sand and a long, stretching coastline (Source: PYS Travel)
The unspoiled environment, combined with a vibrant and varied ecosystem, showcases a broad ancient forest that embraces the region, enhancing its allure. Minh Chau Beach on Quan Lan Island is a captivating destination that draws many couples eager to explore its beauty.
Kayaking through the caves
To truly experience the grandeur of Bai Tu Long Bay’s nature, you can explore the cliffs shaped by thousands of years of crashing waves, flocks of birds perched on rocky outcrops, and see the stalactites formed over millennia, the best way is to paddle a kayak.
Kayaking through rocky caves eroded by wind and seawater over millions of years (Source: Kenh14)
Cruise on Bai Tu Long
If you’re not physically fit enough for kayaking, don’t worry! There are also cruise services available, allowing you to explore Bai Tu Long Bay and the surrounding islands without exerting much energy, yet still visit every corner of the bay.
The sundeck of the cruise on Bai Tu Long (Source: Hercules)
Cruising on a Bai Tu Long Bay provides an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment. As the boat sails through limestone mountain ranges named after their natural shapes, such as Fighting Rooster Island, Roof Island, and Incense Burner Island, it provides incredible views for your picture.
However, the cost of renting a cruise ship is higher than renting a kayak, so it’s essential to consider which method of sightseeing is most suitable for you.
Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh has always been a beloved treasure on Vietnam's tourism map, showing the pristine and majestic beauty that nature gives us. If you're planning a trip to explore this destination, Asia King Travel is excited to be your companion on this memorable journey.
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