Bai Tu Long Bay: The Quieter Side of Ha Long
Bai Tu Long Bay explained: how it differs from Ha Long Bay, what a 2-day cruise looks like, and how three cruises compare, from Cap La Island to Vung Vieng village.
By AmGo Travel5 min read
Bai Tu Long Bay is the quieter side of Ha Long. It sits right next to the famous bay, with the same limestone islands rising from emerald water, but far fewer boats share the view. For travellers who want a night on the water with more calm and less traffic, it is often the better choice. This guide explains what makes Bai Tu Long different, what a 2-day cruise looks like, how three of our cruises compare and how to choose, from the AmGo Travel team in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Bai Tu Long Bay or Ha Long Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay lies to the north-east of the main Ha Long Bay routes. The scenery is the same family of karst towers, caves and sheltered lagoons, but the mood is different:
- Fewer boats. Most day boats and many overnight cruises stay on the classic Ha Long routes, so Bai Tu Long feels wilder and calmer.
- Same departure port. Cruises leave from Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay, so getting there from Hanoi is the same as for Ha Long.
- Quiet anchorages. Nights are peaceful, which makes the sunset party, squid fishing and sunrise Tai Chi feel more special.
If you want the busiest highlights, Ha Long is fine. If you want space, choose Bai Tu Long. For a wider comparison of the bays, read our guide to choosing a Ha Long Bay cruise.
What a 2-day Bai Tu Long cruise looks like
Each ship has its own timetable, but a night in Bai Tu Long Bay usually follows this rhythm.
Day 1: boarding, kayaking and sunset
- Port check-in around midday at Halong International Cruise Port, then a tender to the ship, a welcome drink, a safety briefing and cabin check-in.
- Lunch as the ship sails deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Afternoon on the water: kayaking between the islands and swimming, or a cave visit, depending on the ship.
- Sunset party and cooking class: learn to roll fresh Vietnamese spring rolls (nem cuon) on deck as the light fades.
- Dinner and the evening: a set dinner on board, then squid fishing, board games or a drink under the stars.
Day 2: Tai Chi, a cave and the return
- Sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck, or a coffee with the view.
- Breakfast, then a morning visit, often to Thien Canh Son Cave.
- Brunch or lunch as the ship sails back to port.
- Disembark late morning, ready for the road back to Hanoi.
Three cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: Cap La Island and Thien Canh Son Cave
This is our all-in-one option. Our bus can collect you from your hotel in Hanoi between 7:45 and 8:30, on request. On day 1 you kayak and swim at Cap La Island, then join the sunset party with a nem cuon class or fruit and vegetable carving. After dinner there is squid fishing and puzzle or board games. Day 2 starts with Tai Chi, then the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. You disembark around 11:15 and are back in Hanoi around 15:30. Cabins have an ocean-view window, and kayaking and the cooking class are included.
Signature Cruise: a five-star wooden ship with orange sails
Signature is the one people photograph: a five-star wooden ship with orange sails. In the afternoon you kayak among the islands or swim at a beach in Cong Do, then join a cooking class with the head chef before a fusion set dinner. Next morning, Thien Canh Son Cave means nearly 200 steps up to two chambers of stalactites, followed by the white-sand beach below. Families like the Exclusive Suite and the connecting Elite Family Suite. Transfers from Hanoi are not included, but our team can arrange them.
La Regina Classic: good value in a quiet bay
La Regina Classic is the good-value choice. You visit Thien Canh Son Cave on the first afternoon, then enjoy happy hour, a spring-roll class, dinner and squid fishing. On day 2, after Tai Chi and a light breakfast, you visit Vung Vieng fishing village by bamboo boat or kayak, a peaceful look at life on the water. Cabins range from Deluxe Ocean View to the Terrace Suite. As with Signature, Hanoi transfers can be arranged.
How to choose
- Want everything arranged from Hanoi, including the bus? Choose the Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise.
- Want a special ship or a family suite? Choose Signature.
- Want a floating village and good value? Choose La Regina Classic.
All three include an English-speaking guide on board, the meals in the itinerary, the activities listed and entrance fees for the sights. Bring your passport or ID card for check-in, and tell us about allergies or vegetarian meals when you book. Routes and times can change with the weather and the bay authority's rules.
FAQ
How do I get to Bai Tu Long Bay from Hanoi? Cruises leave from Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay, Ha Long. The Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise offers a bus from your Hanoi hotel on request, and for Signature and La Regina Classic our team can arrange transfers.
Is Bai Tu Long Bay quieter than Ha Long Bay? Yes. It shares the same landscape but sees far fewer boats, which is the main reason people choose it.
Can I kayak in Bai Tu Long Bay? Yes. Kayaking is included at Cap La Island on the Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise and at Cong Do on Signature. On La Regina Classic you can visit Vung Vieng village by kayak or bamboo boat.
Where can I book a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise? AmGo Travel, a Vietnamese team of trip planners and guides based at 61 Hang Ga in Hanoi's Old Quarter, books Bai Tu Long Bay cruises and transfers from Hanoi. You can book online at amgotravel.com or message the team on WhatsApp.
What should I pack? Swimwear, a towel for kayaking, sun protection, a light jacket for the evening deck and your passport or ID card for check-in.
Bai Tu Long Bay cruises with AmGo Travel
See all Ha Long Bay cruises and tours, or message AmGo Travel on WhatsApp and a local trip planner will help you pick the right ship and cabin.
