Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay: Hours, Address, Bai Tu Long Bay Reviews: 5/5
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Bai Tu Long Bay is the name of an area located in the east of Halong Bay Vietnam. Although it shares many similar geological characters with Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is considered as off the beaten tourist track with many deserted and pristine beaches, no less impressive karst mountains. The Bay has a rich biodiversity with two ecosystems: a tropical, moist, evergreen rainforest ecosystem; and a marine and coastal ecosystem. The area has scarcely seen any tourist development. A large number of guests, through online research, wish to visit the Bai Tu Long Bay because it is much less crowded than Halong Bay. The only disadvantage is that it does not have many grottos. The nearest place for a visit (Vung Vieng Fishing village) is at around 20 km from tourist port.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Bai Tu Long Bay
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
4 within 5 kms
Attractions
20 within 10 kms
Dong Thien Cung
563
1 kmCaverns & Caves
Hon Ga Choi Island
246
1.5 kmIslands
Dau Go Cave
713
Caverns & Caves
Castaway Island
558
Islands
Sun World Ha Long Complex
182
Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks
Ti Top Island
1,104
Islands
Bai Chai Bridge
75
Bridges
Bai Chay Beach
45
Beaches
Quang Ninh Museum
46
Natural History Museums • History Museums
Pont Bai Chay
13
Bridges
Contribute
5.0
963 reviews
Excellent
810
Very good
116
Average
23
Poor
7
Terrible
7
Rebecca L
Melbourne, Australia73 contributions
I had initially planned to book a trip to Ha Long Bay with my 8 y/o daughter as part of our long weekend in Hanoi via one of the many sites on TripAdvisor. However, when I spoke with a friend who had been many times he recommended Bai Tu Long Bay as opposed to Ha Long given it is less frequented by tourists and the scenery is breathtaking. This was confirmed by the earlier reviews attached to this tour group, so I booked the day before. I knew I was paying approximately 3x the other advertised rates, however justified this given it would be limited to no more than 20 pax and the perception of a more exclusive destination.
As it happens, I paid 3x for exactly the same experience…. over crowded Ha Long Bay.
The communication prior to the trip was unresponsive and unhelpful. The operator arrived late and then proceeded to make 2 more stops to pack the bus. The promised break along the way was less than 15 mins from the ultimate destination for nearly 30 mins - a complete waste of time and a blatant attempt to promote another business.
The food was okay, however did not even include drinking water as part of the over-inflated rate.
The Bay is beautiful, however as every tour operator was trying to go to exactly the same place at the same time, ridiculously overcrowded. At the cave the overcrowding was so bad that it could have easily given rise to serious injury, especially given you didn’t have the option to turn back.
My advice would be to do your homework ahead of your trip and ensure you are given the opportunity to confirm the specifics prior. With so many tour operators at reasonable prices, you would do well to give this one a miss.
As it happens, I paid 3x for exactly the same experience…. over crowded Ha Long Bay.
The communication prior to the trip was unresponsive and unhelpful. The operator arrived late and then proceeded to make 2 more stops to pack the bus. The promised break along the way was less than 15 mins from the ultimate destination for nearly 30 mins - a complete waste of time and a blatant attempt to promote another business.
The food was okay, however did not even include drinking water as part of the over-inflated rate.
The Bay is beautiful, however as every tour operator was trying to go to exactly the same place at the same time, ridiculously overcrowded. At the cave the overcrowding was so bad that it could have easily given rise to serious injury, especially given you didn’t have the option to turn back.
My advice would be to do your homework ahead of your trip and ensure you are given the opportunity to confirm the specifics prior. With so many tour operators at reasonable prices, you would do well to give this one a miss.
Written 2 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
bhodgkinson
Preston, UK244 contributions
Sep. 2019 • Solo
Visited with Swan Cruises and I was not disappointed. The bay is a calm and serene environment with amazing sites throughout our tour. The views are spectacular and completely lived up to my expectations.
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Santos C
1 contribution
Feb. 2020
it absolutely was an excellent experience! The scenery was stunning, as well as the guide was really helpful, helpful and informative. We specifically appreciated Bai Tu Long Bay because there's barely additional boats around, offering many special events for restful reflection in the a great spot! Moreover, the meals was GREAT! We had been lucky to end up with four further people on the boat of ours, consequently it was the same as a private charter.
Written 22 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
raul d
Oslo, Norway1 contribution
Mar. 2020
This was undoubtedly the highlight of the journey of mine! We went on a three day cruise in Halong Bay as well as the surrounding region. The outstanding attractiveness of Halong Bay was breathtaking. We went kayaking often to beaches along with kayaking by way of a cave! I'd certainly go again because it was an experience I won't ever forget!
Written 19 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kerk L
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam3 contributions
Feb. 2020
The little dragon was equally gorgeous as the much more popular Halong Bay, though it's intended to be less hectic. We just had aproximatelly six boats all around us at night. Ready going fishing and kayaking in the spot. A really incredible place.
Written 8 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kelila L
1 contribution
Feb. 2020
We decide to have 2 days boat trip in the Bai Tu Long Bay. We enjoyed 2 days of excellent views & activities ready for us. We go to caves on the tiny island. Then we try kayaking and fishing out of the boat in evening. We liked the baking period. The following day we spent a great time in floating village. Generally there was tasteful and great meal served. The boat has 4 cabins. Most have been neat and built with a bathroom. The staff was just fantastic. They do proper care for each detail and ensure we felt more comfortable and secure at all times. I suggest this particular cruise.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sig B
1 contribution
Jan. 2020
A lovely experience, a peaceful and quiet journey, all the natural world, a moment to have and forget about everything, the classic time if you fall in natures claws. Highly suggested.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sherman S
1 contribution
Jan. 2020
The bay was gorgeous with a huge number of limestone kart islands. It looks as a "Paradise on Earth" The Vung Vieng villages & Thien Canh Son cave was impressive!
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tresa M
1 contribution
Jan. 2020
Great bay, much more personal and peaceful we had been on a private boat for a family of five. Pleasant to get much less folks around for kayak, views really just noticed some other boats near important attractions as kayaking/beach point, or caves, etc. Really a highlight of the journey of ours.
Written 2 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jude F
Perth, Australia7 contributions
Feb. 2020
We booked a cruise of Bai Tu Long Bay and Quan Lan Island with Ethnic Travel. The boat trip through the bay was fantastic - don't expect luxury - it was extremely rustic but still added to the appeal of the trip. The food onboard was cooked fresh, and was authentic and delicious. Quan Lan Island itself is disappointing - it's a former fishing village that the Government seems to be trying to turn into a tourist destination. It is a construction site and uninspiring. We rode around the island and went to a beach, which was nice, but it definitely didn't warrant a three-hour boat trip.
Would recommend visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, but not the island.
Would recommend visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, but not the island.
Written 3 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sheena S
New York City, NY7 contributions
Is there a 3 day cruise that takes you to BOTH Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay? I want to see both and am hoping there’s one cruise that does all of it rather than making two separate bookings and looking for time in between where I have to stay on land. Thanks!
Margaret C
Sydney, Australia496 contributions
I apologise for my delay, there are quite a number of cruises that do the 3 day cruise which takes in both bays but the one I loved was the Signature Cruises, they are simply the best, they take care of you wonderfully, have exquisite food and the cabins are out of this world.
Hi, we are doing a 3d2n cruise of Halong bay and cat ba but want to do an extra day trip to Bai Tu Long bay without going back to Hanoi. We mainly just want to kayak the caves and fishing villages. Does anyone know if this is possible.
Pingjelly
Hanoi, Vietnam33 contributions
I am sure travel agents in Hanoi are able to accommodate your request. However I suggest you join a cruise to Bai tu long bay. All the buses end up at Halong Bay jetty and then bum boat ride to transfer to your Cruise ship (where you will be staying the night). The itinerary of my 2D1N for a group of 14 guest, was on arrival at cruise ship we had lunch and then a short rest before meeting up , hop in bum boat, ride to kayak jetty where we paddle for approx. 20mins to the beach, swim, chill for maybe an hour and kayak back to jetty, to hop in bum boat again to go back to cruise , dinner and activities ( games or squid fishing. The next day, tai chi in the morning if you are an early riser, visit a cave and return to cruise ship, spring roll making activity, and while having lunch cruise ship start sailing towards Halong Bay and last ride on bum boat to the jetty to catch bus back to Hanoi. But for people staying another night, you will be transfer to join groups doing the Cat Ba instead of returning to Halong jetty.
Nicholas D
7 contributions
Hello
I am wondering about the cost of a 3 day 2 night package for 2 people to Bai Tu long Bay.
Thanks
VNbackpackershostel
Hanoi, Vietnam11 contributions
Bai Tu Long Bay Explorer Cruise offers its 2d1n for 95 usd for full package
DrBrox
Los Angeles, CA76 contributions
hello. we will be in ha long, how much is the trip without travel from/to hanoi? thank you.
Christina B
Paris, France21 contributions
Hello,
We took the 1st bus of CatBa express (better than goodmorning catba) and we found that the schedule was respected. We arrived to our destination in the center of Cat Ba just before 12:00.
Tabitha G
Jervis Bay, Australia21 contributions
Hi, I am in Vietnam with my family and would love to do this tour, however I am looking for a reliable tour company. Who did you use and would you recommend them, also price?
Yen
Hanoi, Vietnam31 contributions
Can you come my office at 116 Cầu Gỗ, i can recomment you
Michael Hunt
1 contribution
Hi Karen,
how did you find the weather in January - we are planning on a trip with 3 kids aged 10 to 14. Could you still swim? Did you go to Sapa? Any recommendations?
Thank you
cathy
Michael Hunt
1 contribution
Hi Dianne
We are thinking of travelling to Vietnam in January with the family (3 kids aged 10 - 14) - I am interested in if you thought it was too cold to enjoy? could you swim in Bai Tu? What cruise did you go on? Did you go to Sapa at this time of year? Any advice would be great.
Thanks.
Cathy
Kim T
11 contributions
Dear Cathy, For the cruise they have many different one. Most of them the same activities. Weather in January is okay to do swim and relax. You can search on Accu Weather. Or text me on WhatsApp +84979616836. Regards,
SCFamilyman
Portsmouth, UK87 contributions
Hi, can anybody recommend a company that uses the express way in both directions? We will only have one day and do not want to spend most of the day on a bus.
Peter C
Brisbane221 contributions
Just wondering how you found the water quality/cleanliness in general as some of the comments about the Bay portray it as very dirty...thanks :-)
Mallesh
Bengaluru, India13 contributions
Bai tu long bay is comparatively cleaner than Halong bay. As there are very fewer junks cruising the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bai Tu Long Bay
- Bai Tu Long Bay is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Bai Tu Long Bay tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 218 Bai Tu Long Bay tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Bai Tu Long Bay:
- Overnight Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise from Hanoi (From AU$199.79)
- All-Inclusive 3 Day/2 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Bus, Meals, Cave, Kayaking (From AU$396.49)
- All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with Meals, Kayaking, Caving, Beach in Halong (From AU$184.09)
- Bai Tu Long bay Luxury Cruise 2D/1N: Less touristy places, Kayaking, full meals (From AU$249.99)
- Available 1 (From AU$345.67)
- Hotels near Bai Tu Long Bay:
- (4.15 km) Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
- (3.78 km) Paradise Suites Hotel
- (7.45 km) Halong Plaza Hotel
- (5.81 km) Royal Lotus Halong Resort & Villas
- (5.31 km) Bhaya The Classic Cruise
- Restaurants near Bai Tu Long Bay:
- (6.39 km) Linh Dan Restaurant
- (5.81 km) Papa's BBQ
- (5.80 km) Avocado Restaurant
- (3.79 km) 1958 Restaurant
- (7.67 km) Wander Station