While Ha Long Bay is the destination everyone knows, seasoned travelers often whisper, “Try Bai Tu Long Bay instead.” Lying on the quiet eastern edge of a UNESCO-listed area, Bai Tu Long remains wild, peaceful and wonderfully authentic. With fewer cruise ships and more protected areas, the bay offers a slower, more intimate experience than its famous neighbor.
Cruising with Viet Sails lets you enjoy this tranquility to the fullest. Their boutique wooden boats, limited cabins, and attentive service create the perfect setting to explore quiet caves, pristine beaches, and hidden lagoons—offering travelers something increasingly rare today: space, silence, and a deep connection with nature, all without the crowds.
Here are 5 unique experiences you can only enjoy in Bai Tu Long Bay with Viet Sails, making it one of Northern Vietnam’s best-kept secrets.
Escape the crowds of Halong Bay and explore the untouched beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay, located on the northeastern side of the Gulf of Tonkin in Northern Vietnam. This serene bay is famous for its limestone karsts, hidden coves, and calm waters, offering a peaceful alternative to its more crowded neighbor.
Many travelers choose Bai Tu Long for one simple reason: tranquility. The waters are calm, crystal-clear, and far less crowded than in Halong Bay, providing a serene escape from noisy, congested tourist areas. You won’t encounter fleets rushing to the same photo spots, loud speaker boats, or crowded swimming zones. The cruise routes are carefully regulated to protect the environment, ensuring every journey is smooth, unhurried, and deeply relaxing.
Getting here is easy: most travelers start from Hanoi, with comfortable shuttle services taking around 3–4 hours to reach the main harbors. From there, you can board a traditional wooden junk boat or a small boutique cruise to begin your journey. With fewer boats and well-protected areas, you may feel as if the bay is all yours. Relax on secluded beaches, swim in emerald waters, and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this less-crowded bay.
One of the highlights of a Bai Tu Long cruise is kayaking through calm, crystal-clear waters. Guests can paddle through serene lagoons tucked between towering limestone karsts, explore narrow inlets, and get close to rock formations that larger boats cannot reach. Popular kayaking spots include Cap La Bay, Vung Vieng Lagoon, and small secluded coves that feel completely private.
Beyond kayaking, the adventure continues in the evening with night squid fishing on deck. Guided by our crew, you can try catching fresh squid under the stars while listening to the gentle waves of this less-crowded bay. It’s a fun, interactive experience that combines relaxation, entertainment, and a taste of local maritime life.
Whether gliding quietly through hidden lagoons during the day or enjoying a lively squid fishing session at night, this part of the Bai Tu Long cruise perfectly blends adventure, serenity, and authentic local culture.
Thien Canh Son Cave
Step inside Thien Canh Son Cave, one of the most enchanting spots in Bai Tu Long Bay. Its dramatic stalactites shimmer in golden light filtering through natural openings, creating a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere. Just outside, a tiny secluded beach invites quiet reflection or a peaceful picnic. Unlike the busier caves in Halong Bay, this one is often explored by small groups, offering the perfect backdrop for photography, storytelling with your guide, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature.
Vung Vieng Village
Vung Vieng is a charming fishing village where life seems almost untouched by modern tourism. Here, locals still row bamboo boats, cast traditional fishing nets, and live in floating houses that gently bob with the tides. Walking along the narrow wooden walkways, visitors get an authentic glimpse of daily life on the bay—from children playing along the shoreline to fishermen preparing their catch. It’s a cultural immersion that feels genuine, intimate, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the sea.
Cap La Village
Cap La offers a slightly different perspective on coastal life. This small fishing community is renowned for its pearl farms and centuries-old fishing techniques. Guests can observe local families at work, learn about sustainable fishing methods, and enjoy the calm beauty of the village tucked between limestone karsts. Visiting Cap La feels like stepping into a living postcard—every moment is a chance to appreciate the harmonious balance between nature and human life, making it an unforgettable part of a Bai Tu Long cruise.
Enjoy freshly caught seafood and Northern-style dishes prepared on your traditional wooden junk boat. From light herb-infused soups to grilled specialties, and even squid fishing adventures, dining on deck while gazing at hidden lagoons and limestone karsts becomes a memorable highlight of your journey.
Additionally, all guests are welcome to join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class. Learn to prepare simple, traditional dishes using fresh local ingredients while enjoying the scenic backdrop of the bay. It’s a fun, immersive way to connect with Vietnamese culture, creating memories both on and off the water.
While paddling through the bay or exploring the lagoons, keep an eye out for local marine life. You may spot playful mudskippers hopping along the shore, colorful small fish darting near the boat, or even tiny crabs scuttling across the sand. These small encounters with nature add another layer of wonder to your Bai Tu Long cruise, making the journey both delicious and delightfully alive.
Bai Tu Long Bay offers expansive skies for breathtaking sunsets on the bay and peaceful nights under a blanket of stars. As the sun dips behind the limestone karsts, the water reflects a golden-orange glow, creating a magical, serene atmosphere that few other destinations can match. With minimal light pollution and very few boats around, every evening feels private and unhurried—perfect for photographers, couples, or anyone seeking a restorative escape.
After the sun sets, the bay transforms into a calm sanctuary. Onboard, you can relax on deck, listen to the gentle lapping of waves, and gaze up at the constellations scattered across the night sky. The moonlight shimmers on the calm waters, and the quiet environment allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Northern Vietnam bays. It’s the perfect way to end a day of kayaking, exploring hidden lagoons, or learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes—a truly magical conclusion to your Bai Tu Long cruise.
Bai Tu Long Bay is truly a hidden gem of Northern Vietnam, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds of Halong Bay. From kayaking through hidden lagoons and exploring Thien Canh Son Cave, to savoring fresh Northern cuisine, joining a hands-on cooking class, enjoying night squid fishing, and witnessing stunning sunsets and starry nights, every moment on a Bai Tu Long cruise is crafted for serenity, adventure, and authentic experiences.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, intimate, and unforgettable journey, we highly recommend joining a Viet Sails cruise. Whether you’re a couple, solo traveler, or family seeking a quiet getaway, Bai Tu Long offers something special for everyone.
