Ha Long Bay is known for being a World Heritage Site with marvelous scenery, crystal clear ocean, as well as breathtaking limestone islands and islets. However, Vietnam has more to experience; Ha Long Bay is not the only bay that can amaze you. There is also Bai Tu Long Bay – naturally secret heaven in the same city with Ha Long Bay. A Bai Tu Long Bay cruise is everything you need to explore this incredibly beautiful tourist destination. 

When to visit Bai Tu Long Bay

As it is a bay, the temperature is quite gentle and cool. The average temperature every year in this bay is 20-celsius degree. The perfect time to visit Bai Tu Long Bay is the summer, from April to July. Between June and August may also be a good time, but there may be some storms that disturb your enjoyable trip.

One interesting thing about Bai Tu Long Bay is that you can visit it anytime in the year without worrying it would be too crowded, even in the golden season. Until now, there are not many tourists who have traveled to Bai Tu Long Bay since the attention is all for Ha Long Bay. However, from many perspectives, Bai Tu Long Bay is picturesque; the scenery is even more natural than Ha Long Bay. 

How to get to Bai Tu Long Bay

To get to Bai Tu Long Bay, the most convenient vehicles are the bus and the mini-bus. The ticket price is in the range of 120.000 VND to 400.000 VND depending on your vehicle and class seat. You can book the ticket online. Or else, you can go directly to the bus station to buy a ticket and wait for the bus. It is suggested that you should book the ticket online in case it is running out. 

The duration of the journey from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay is 4 to 5 hours. If you intend to go from other provinces, you should reach Hanoi first, then go to Bai Tu Long Bay. Some recommended vehicles are Dai Phat Bus (at Luong Yen Bus Station), Nghia Anh Limousine, and Duc Phuc Bus (at My Dinh Bus Station), Duc Thanh Bus (at My Dinh Bus Station).

Suggestion for a perfect Bai Tu Long Bay cruise 

Choosing a cruise

Bai Tu Long Bay is not like Ha Long Bay. As it is less-touristy, the bay can still keep its naturally pristine view and clear air. Bai Tu Long is suitable for people who like a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The inhabitants here are extremely friendly and always willing to show you the beauty of this region. The perfect duration to stay in Bai Tu Long Bay is 3 days; you can have a 3-day cruise instead. 

Some tourist agencies are providing Bai Tu Long Bay cruises. As a result, you can travel around Bai Tu Long Bay without difficulty. You can book the cruise online or ask the receptionist in your hotel and hostel to book for you. There will be a tour-guide who ready to answer every question you have for Bai Tu Long. 

If you don’t want to have a cruise via a tourist agency because there will be many tourists in the same boat, you can ask the local people to carry you. Many local inhabitants own tourist boats at harbor. You can “book” a private tranquil cruise with them and enjoy your journey comfortably. 

Destinations and activities

No matter which one you choose, a cruise from a tourist agency or a cruise you book with local inhabitants, here are some great spots that you won’t miss in your Bai Tu Long Bay cruise:

– Vung Vieng Fishing Village: by visiting this village, you will acknowledge yourself about the custom and daily activities of a fishing village. It is a floating village that has been there for decades. You can kayak around the village and enjoy the distinctively tranquil atmosphere. 

– Thien Canh Son Cave: The cave is famous for the uniqueness. The boat can’t bring you inside the cave; you will have to climb stairs in order to be inside. If you go with a tour guide, he or she may tell you various old folks about how the cave and the limestone in the cave are formed. 

– Ban Chan Beach: This is the most famous beach in Bai Tu Long Bay. Welcoming not too many tourists, the beach is still well-preserved and unspoiled. The water is clear than ever, and you can have a lot of water activities here. If you stay overnight, you can have a BBQ party on this beach.

There are also Tien Ong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Tung Sau Pearl Farm, Ang Du Area, Ho Ba Ham Area, etc. to visit and explore. Besides, some activities that you definitely should join during your cruise are sunbathing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, diving, etc. The main dish for your meals during the cruise is fresh seafood. 

Bai Tu Long Bay has great natural biodiversity. Many distinctive species are preserved here, surrounded by limestone cliffs. As a result, Bai Tu Long Bay would be perfect for hiking, trekking, and climbing. If you are an adventurous visitor, Bai Tu Long Bay can satisfy you. 

Some tips for a better cruise

Don’t expect anything too fancy or luxurious since Bai Tu Long Bay is not a hot tourist spot. The scenery is still pristine and you would see fewer tourists than any other destination. Some boats may be junky. The Internet and wifi won’t work effectively in this region. However, the elegant landscape will replace that disadvantage. 

Remember to bring sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent to protect yourself from the environment. If you are allergic to seafood, you should prepare food for yourself. Also, a good camera is necessary as there will be lots of stunning views that you want to capture. 

If you want to enjoy the unspoiled bay with flawless limestones islands and islets, gorgeous caves, and peaceful atmosphere, a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise is the best. Once you visit Bai Tu Long Bay, you will never regret paying this destination a visit; you will be looking forward to coming back in the future.