Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam: A tropical paradise of endless charm & intrigue

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Explore one of the best destinations in Vietnam – Bai Tu Long Bay (Source: Collected)

Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam used to be very underrated due to its close proximity to the legendary Ha Long Bay. However, this tropical destination has gained significant traction, becoming one of the premier Vietnam travel destinations. In this article, you will learn more about the activities here as well as some much-needed tips to enjoy your time to the fullest.

1. Is Bai Tu Long Bay worth visiting?

The short answer is yes, but Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam still draws considerable comparison to one of Vietnam’s most beloved destinations, Ha Long Bay. These two tropical paradises share many similarities, most prominently being situated in Quang Ninh Province.

Bai Tu Long is characterized by turquoise water doubling as a background for majestic rock formations. It is home to everything tourists may want to experience at a tropical location, such as pristine beaches, bustling fishing villages, lush forests, beautiful islands, and mysterious caves.

The scenery of Bai Tu Long has captured the hearts of many visitors (Source: Collected)

2. Top things to do in Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam

2.1. Island hop

Bai Tu Long has some of the most gorgeous Vietnamese islands that can even rival the ones in Ha Long Bay. To visit these islands, tourists can rent a boat or go on a cruise to feast their eyes upon the scenery. It is also advisable to hire a tour guide while visiting these natural wonders to learn more about the historical and cultural aspects that will go unnoticed otherwise. Some of the best islands in the bay for your consideration are Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong, and Cong Tay.

2.2. Get immersed in the beauty of nature at Bai Tu Long National Park

One of the most amazing national parks in Vietnam is situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, which welcomes nature enthusiasts to discover its flora and fauna. This is the natural habitat of over 2,000 animal species, including brown pigeons, golden monkeys, pythons, otters, deer, bears, etc. Additionally, it offers visitors a serene atmosphere to let loose and immerse themselves in the peacefulness.

Bai Tu Long National Park welcomes nature enthusiasts (Source: Collected)

2.3. Enjoy beach activities

When visitors choose a Bai Tu Long Bay day trip, chances are they will want to spend the day having some water fun. The sand, sun, and sea are the perfect tropical combination for relaxation and recreation in the bay. If you are looking to chill, swimming and sunbathing should be ideal. On the other hand, adrenaline junkies can get their daily dose of excitement from snorkeling, jet skiing, kayaking, and other water sports at beaches like Ban Chan.

2.4. Explore mysterious caves in Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam

The mysterious caves in Vietnam are always fun to explore and Bai Tu Long has plenty of them. The stalactite and stalagmite formations can leave you in awe while the unspoiled atmosphere will make you feel like traveling to a whole different realm. Remember to lace up your hiking boots and prepare the necessary safety measures before swinging by caves like Thien Canh Son.

Uncover the allure of the caves in Bai Tu Long (Source: Collected)

2.5. Take a cruise

What if you want to see all that the bay has to offer? Booking a Bai Tu Long cruise will not only get you around the bay’s most famous attractions but also bring you a pleasant hospitality experience. It is advisable to book a Bai Tu Long Bay tour package and let one of the following cruise companies take care of the entire itinerary: Signature Cruise, Paloma, Dragon Legend Cruise, Renea Cruise, and Swan Cruise.

2.6. Experience the local life at pristine fishing villages

While Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam is widely known for its natural beauty, the cultural aspect is not any less significant. The locals here make a living mainly from fishing and tourism, so there are many traditional villages in the area opening their doors to visitors. These villages allow visitors to get to know the locals and try their hands in fishing. Two of the most popular villages in the area are Cong Dam and Vung Vieng.

Get to know the locals at the traditional fishing villages (Source: Collected)

2.7. Visit historical sites

Every destination in Vietnam has a backstory and Bai Tu Long also has interesting tales waiting to be uncovered. To learn more about the history of the area, tourists should book a tour with the local guides as these experts know the destination like the back of their hand. The guides will lead you to significant spiritual attractions like Tram Gian Pagoda, Quan Lan Temple, Van Don Pier, etc.

3. Essential travel tips for your first trip to Bai Tu Long

3.1. How to get to Bai Tu Long Bay?

First, you need to make your way to Quang Ninh Province. Most tourists opt for a passenger bus from Hanoi, which typically takes 3 hours. At your drop-off point in Quang Ninh, you can easily take a taxi to continue to Bai Tu Long. In case you have booked a cruise, the cruise company will usually offer transportation to Hon Gai Port, which is the departure point of the cruises to Bai Tu Long.

You can prepare a Bai Tu Long Bay map for ease of navigation (Source: Collected)

3.2. When is the best time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam?

This will depend on Bai Tu Long Bay weather, considering that most of the activities here will take place outdoors. That being said, the best time to visit the bay is from October to April, which coincides with the dry season. However, the period from May to September, although characterized by significantly more rainfall, is still ideal for visitors to experience the tropical vibe of the area.

3.3. What to eat on your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam?

Quang Ninh Province is known for seafood in general, so the signature delicacies here will revolve around the freshest catch of the day. It is highly recommended that visitors give these dishes a taste:

• Grilled seafood (shrimp, lobster, oyster, etc.)
• Blue king crab
• Squid sausage
• Horseshoe crab
• Clam soup with spinach

The delicious cuisine of Bai Tu Long is another reason for your visit (Source: Collected)

3.4. Which is better to visit, Ha Long Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long vs. Ha Long is one of the most common comparisons in Vietnamese tourism. Ha Long Bay is the better known destination of the two, having received recognition from UNESCO. Meanwhile, Bai Tu Long has been underrated for some time. However, as Vietnam is becoming more and more prominent on the Asian tourism map, it has gathered a lot of attention in recent years.

In fact, there is a legend surrounding the birth of these two destinations. It is believed there were two dragons coming down from Heaven to help Vietnamese people fend off invaders. After the battle, the dragons chose to stay, one in Ha Long Bay and the other in Bai Tu Long Bay. The two bays have more interesting legends like this one, and to learn more about them, visitors should take their time exploring both for the best experience possible.

During your visit to these bays, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long can be your accommodation of choice. Vinpearl offers ease of transportation due to its close proximity to the bays, as well as luxury amenities like ocean-view rooms, swimming pools, and fine dining.

Enjoy an exquisite hospitality experience with Vinpearl

After exploring Bai Tu Long, consider extending your trip to other destinations in the country like Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc. In these destinations, be sure to visit the entertainment complexes of VinWonders, including VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium, VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc. There is something for everyone at VinWonders, from exciting games and eye-catching performances to cultural activities.

Swing by the entertainment complexes of VinWonders to have a great time

>>> Book tickets to VinWonders Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Nam Hoi An, VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium and VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park to take your vacation to the next level!

Bai Tu Long Bay Vietnam is a gorgeous destination in Northern Vietnam. This tropical paradise offers all sorts of activities, from exploring the great outdoors to having fun at pristine beaches. So, pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and pay this gem of a destination a visit.