Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay
Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, or Lan Ha Bay: Which Bay to Choose?
Gaining worldwide fame as a must-visit destination in Vietnam, Halong Bay is likely at the top of your travel list when doing trips to Vietnam. However, in recent years, it has become quite touristy and crowded. In response, local authorities have introduced new tour routes to Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay as excellent alternatives.
These neighboring bays, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha, are hidden gems that offer the same stunning limestone karst islands and tranquil, emerald waters as Halong Bay. They are ideal choices for those who appreciate natural beauty and prefer less crowded places.
In this blog, we’ll explore the unique features and activities of each destination, helping you choose Halong Bay vs Lan Ha bay vs Bai Tu Long Bay for an unforgettable trip.
The location of Halong bay, Bai Tu Long bay & Lan Ha bay on map
1. Halong Bay – The Graceful Beauty of Reputation
According to mystical legend, Halong Bay is where the mother dragon descended to help the Vietnamese fight off northern invaders. Before arriving, she sprayed diamonds, silver, gold, and jewelry, which transformed into numerous islands of various sizes, creating a natural barrier to protect the nation from the sea.
Halong Bay features 1,969 limestone islands rising from calm turquoise waters, forming stunning seascapes. Its geological significance and captivating beauty have earned Halong Bay the title of one of the New 7 Natural World Wonders, attracting a surge of tourists in recent years. During peak season, visitors can reach millions, making the bay increasingly crowded year after year.
Gorgeous landscape of Halong bay at sunset
Places to visit in Halong bay :
- Explore the massive and natural grottoes in Halong Bay, including dry grottos like Thien Cung, Dau Go, Me Cung, Sung Sot, and Trong, as well as water hidden tunnel caves such as Ba Hang and Luon.
- Visit authentic floating villages like Ba Hang, Hoa Cuong, and Cua Van by kayaking or taking a rowing boat ride.
- Relax on the beaches and conquer the summits for panoramic views of Halong Bay at Ti Top Island and Soi Sim Island.
Activities to take part : cruising, hiking to the caves or the summits, canoeing in Ti Top beach, kayaking or rowing boat rides to Luon cave or Cua Van floating villages, swimming, fishing…
The best way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay is by cruising among its thousands of limestone pillars, with stops at key highlights such as Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and Cua Van Floating Village. Nowadays, it’s a quick 2-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the Hanoi-Halong Highway. If you’re short on time, a Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi is sufficient to explore the main attractions with a 4-8 hour cruise. For a more immersive experience, consider an overnight Halong bay cruise (2-3 day itineraries) to fully relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay.
Admire scenic landscapes of Halong bay from the cruises
Our recommended Halong bay day luxury cruises : Genesis Cruise , Wonder Bay Cruise , La Casta Premier Cruise ( travel on highway & following the route of overnight cruises)
Our recommendation of Halong bay Overnight Cruises : Glory Legend Cruise, Pelican Cruise, Victory Star Cruise ,Paradise Cruises, Bhaya Cruises, Legend Cruises, La Regina Royal Cruise, Indochina Sails, Victory Cruise ,Violet Cruises……..
Embarkation & Disembarkation Points: Tuan Chau Marina Station or Bai Chai International Harbour
kayaking in Luon cave of Halong bay
If you would like to stay away from the crowd, there are two other bays of less touristic & natural sceneries for your alternatives : Bai Tu Long bay or Lan Ha bay?
2. Bai Tu Long Bay – the Hidden Gems.
Bai Tu Long Bay, known locally as where baby dragons once descended and paid homage to their mother dragon in Halong Bay, lies northeast of its more famous counterpart. Encompassing Bai Tu Long National Park, this bay boasts a vast area adorned with approximately 3000 rugged and towering islets, dotted with pristine white sandy beaches and floating villages. Still in the early stages of tourism development, Bai Tu Long Bay stands out for its breathtaking vistas, earning a reputation as one of Vietnam’s premier off-the-beaten-path destinations. Opting for Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in untouched nature, savor tranquility, and escape the tourist crowds.
Bai Tu Long bay capture from Thien canh Son cave
Places to visit in Bai Tu Long bay :Vung Vieng fishing village, Thien Canh Son cave, Quan Lan Island, Co To island, Bai Tu Long National Park… and so on.
Activities to take : kayaking to explore the bay, rowing sampan to visit Vung Vieng fishing village, swimming on beaches, hiking to Thien Canh Son cave, overnight on cruise.
Recommended Bai Tu Long day cruise : Day cruise to visit Bai Tu Long bay
Recommended overnight Bai Tu Long bay cruises : Indochina Junk, Garden Bay Legend Cruise, Dragon Legend Cruise, Treasure Junk……
Embarkation & Disembarkation Points: Bai Chay International Harbour
However, journeys to Bai Tu Long bay are good for leisure holiday makers.Let’s see what you can expect when doing a trip to Lan Ha bay – Cat Ba island?
3. Lan Ha Bay – Various Choices of Activities.
Situated south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay shows pristine landscapes and retains a more untouched beauty compared to its renowned counterpart. Despite being the smallest of the three well-known bays, Lan Ha Bay is featured with 400 limestone outcrops draped in lush greenery, gracefully adorning turquoise waters. As part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, it offers a range of enjoyable activities: from tranquil kayaking expeditions through hidden caves and karst formations, to swimming along 139 naturally pristine white sandy beaches. Cycling enthusiasts can explore Cat Ba National Park, while adventurous souls can conquer its peaks for panoramic views of the bay.
Trips to Lan Ha Bay are easily accessible via Tuan Chau Marina in Ha Long city or Cai Beo Pier in Cat Ba town. Whether opting for day cruises or overnight excursions, visitors can explore highlights such as Cai Beo fishing village, Dark & Light caves, Ba Trai Dao beach, Viet Hai fishing village, and Hospital cave.
Compared to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay remains relatively untouched, akin to Bai Tu Long Bay, making it a favored destination among nature and tranquility enthusiasts. For adventure seekers with more time, Cat Ba Island is a must-visit. Extend your stay there to enjoy outdoor activities like challenging treks through Cat Ba National Park, summiting its peaks, rock climbing, or cycling to Viet Hai fishing village.
Places to visit in Lan Ha bay : Dark – Light water hidden caves, Ba Trai Dao beach, Ancient Cai Beo floating village, Hospital cave, Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai fishing village, long & short treks to conquer summits of Hai Quan, Ngu Lam in Cat Ba national park, Cannon Fort……..
Recommended activities: kayaking or rowing boat rides in Dark – Light caves, Tra Bau area & Ba Ham lake area, swimming in Van Boi or Ba Trai Dao beaches, cycling across Cat Ba national park to visit Viet Hai fishing village, trekking to visit Cat Ba national park, overnight on cruise……
Recommended day cruises to Lan Ha bay : Serinity Explorer Cruise
Recommended overnight cruises to Lan Ha bay : La Regina Legend Cruise, Genenis Regal Cruise, Serinity Cruise, Era Cruise, Mon Cheri Cruise, Perla Dawn Sails, V’spirit Premier Cruise, Sunlight Boutique Cruise……
Embarkation & Disembarkation Points: Got Pier ( Hai Phong city) or Tuan Chau Marina Station (Ha Long city) or Beo Pier (in Cat Ba town)
Cat Ba langurs – rarest primates in Lan Ha bay – Cat Ba national park
Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay – Which One is Right for Your Choice?
We’ve provided detailed insights into Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay, giving you a comprehensive understanding to help you choose the perfect destination for your upcoming journey to Halong bay. However, to make sure of a great trip to this nature wonder, the key factor is choosing the right cruise of highly-rated recommendation & interesting travel itinerary with your loved activities, which will surely maximize your enjoyment & relaxation.
For local travel support and expert advice, feel free to contact us via email at [email protected] or reach out on WhatsApp at +84.988451530. Our team is dedicated to suggesting the ideal cruise for your memorable trip.
Have a great trip exploring this natural wonder !
Golden Holiday Travel Team !
Frequently Asked Questions
The “better” bay depends on your travel style. Halong Bay is the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for massive caves like Sung Sot and the panorama from Ti Top Island—perfect for first-timers who want the “classic” postcard view. Lan Ha Bay offers clearer waters and fewer crowds, making it ideal for kayaking and adventure lovers. Bai Tu Long Bay is the quietest and most pristine of the three, best suited for travelers seeking authentic serenity and a deeper connection with nature.
Geographically, Lan Ha Bay is the southern extension of the Halong Bay archipelago. While it shares the same stunning limestone karst landscape, it is located in a different administrative province (Hai Phong) and falls within the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. Because it is managed differently, fewer boats are licensed to operate here, which is why it remains less crowded and offers a more boutique cruising experience compared to the central Halong route.
The primary difference is tourism density and authenticity. While Halong Bay can see hundreds of boats daily, Bai Tu Long Bay is strictly regulated to keep boat numbers low. This results in a much quieter atmosphere, better water visibility, and more authentic interactions at places like the Vung Vieng floating fishing village. While it takes slightly longer to reach the port from Hanoi, the reward is an “off-the-beaten-path” feeling that Halong Bay no longer provides.
Most standard 2-day/1-night itineraries focus on one specific bay due to strict maritime licensing. However, travelers who book a 3-day/2-night cruise with Golden Holiday Travel often have the opportunity to venture further into the “border” areas where the bays meet. Some premium vessels also offer specialized itineraries that transit between the busy landmarks of Halong and the quiet lagoons of Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long.
Thanks to the new highway, the travel time from Hanoi to the Got Pier or Tuan Chau Marina (the main gateways for Lan Ha Bay) has been reduced to just 2 to 2.5 hours. This makes Lan Ha Bay a highly convenient option for travelers who want to maximize their time on the water and minimize their time on a shuttle bus.
As a licensed tour operator based in Hanoi, Golden Holiday Travel provides unbiased advice based on current bay conditions and boat quality. We don’t just sell tickets; we curate experiences. Whether you need a private car transfer to the pier or a hand-picked 5-star boutique cruise, our local experts ensure you choose the route that fits your budget and expectations, avoiding the “tourist traps” and focusing on the true beauty of the Gulf of Tonkin.
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