Bai Tu Long Bay: The Quiet Side of Halong

Bai Tu Long is the bay northeast of Halong. The landscape is the same, hundreds of limestone islands in green water, but far fewer boats come here. The fishing villages are still working villages.

What you can do

• Sleep on a boat Most trips are one or two nights on board, sailing between the islands.
• Kayak in the lagoons Quiet water, and often nobody else around.
• Visit Vung Vieng village A floating fishing village where people still live and work.
• Swim off the boat Clean water, and you will usually have it to yourself.

Good to know

• Fewer operators sail here, so book ahead.
• Storm season is July to September. Trips get cancelled.
• The route is regulated, so boats follow set paths.

Where it is

• Region: Quang Ninh province
• From Hanoi: about 3 hours to Hon Gai harbour
• From Ninh Binh: about 4 hours
• From Cat Ba: about 2 hours
• Coordinates: 20.92606, 107.25521
• Map: Open in Google Maps

How to fit it into your trip

Two days and one night on a boat is the normal trip. A good alternative if you think Halong is too busy.

Travelling around North Vietnam is easiest with your own driver. We arrange cars and drivers for trips like this.

Getting there: see Hanoi to Halong Bay, or let us plan your whole trip, airport to airport.

Photo: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.