Bai Tu Long Bay boasts a serene and untouched natural landscape, with a peaceful life for its inhabitants. This area is considered a tourism goldmine with a lot of hidden potential. In recent years, this magnificent bay has left a deep impression and attracted many visitors.
Introduction to Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh, within the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam. The sea area of this island lies to the east and spans three districts and cities: Co To Island District, Ha Long Bay, and Cam Pha City.
The bay is famous for its hundreds of large and small islands, each with its own unique features. The residents here mainly live on the larger islands such as Van Don Island District, Quan Lan Island, Ngoc Vung Island, and coastal areas like Ben Do and Cua Ong. Fishing and aquaculture are the main livelihoods of the people.
Bai Tu Long Bay
The history of Bai Tu Long Bay dates back to the early days of Vietnam’s formation and defense. This name originates from the legend of Mother Dragon bringing her dragon children down to the earth, spitting precious pearls that formed islands to stop invaders.
In gratitude for the dragons’ help in defeating the enemy, people named the place where Mother Dragon descended Ha Long Bay, and the place where the dragon children descended Bai Tu Long Bay. It is said that the thousands of majestic islands in the sea were formed from this legend.
Exploring and Enjoying Bai Tu Long Bay
What makes Bai Tu Long Bay attractive? What to do in Bai Tu Long Bay? Find out below:
The Beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay captivates visitors with its rustic and mystical beauty of limestone and shale islands emerging on the water. The bay includes hundreds of large and small islands.
The population is mainly concentrated in Van Don Island District, Quan Lan Island, Ban Sen Island, Ngoc Vung Island, and coastal areas like Cua Do and Cua Ong. The residents primarily live off fishing and aquaculture.
The beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay
Interesting Activities in Bai Tu Long Bay
When traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay, you should take a dip in the crystal-clear, cool water and immerse yourself in the sea at the bay’s beaches. The pristine and fresh beauty of the beaches with white sand stretching along the shore will captivate you.
Swimming at Minh Chau Beach, Co To, Van Don, or Quan Lan Beach will give you a wonderful and relaxing feeling, freeing you from all worries and troubles.
Minh Chau Beach
Besides swimming, when in Ha Long, you must experience kayaking at least once. A kayak is a small boat usually for two people, and by moving in a kayak, you can explore every corner of Bai Tu Long Bay, as many destinations are inaccessible by larger boats.
Must-Visit Spots in Bai Tu Long Bay
Not only is Bai Tu Long Bay impressive for its mystical and pristine nature, but this majestic bay also has many fascinating attractions. Visiting eco-tourism areas or Bai Tu Long National Park, and enjoying famous seafood specialties, will make your trip even more interesting.
Here are some islands and island clusters you must explore: Monkey Island, Cap Ky Nhai, Cap Ky Gia, Hon Chong Cluster, Van Don Island, Ba Sao Island, and more.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Additionally, when in Ha Long, don’t forget to visit ancient temples and pagodas from the Ly Dynasty and listen to fascinating legends about the sea at Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
Exploring the unique culture in the villages of the San Diu, Tay, and Red Dao ethnic groups living on the islands is also an exciting experience.
How to Get to Bai Tu Long Bay
To reach Bai Tu Long Bay, you need to get to Hon Gai Wharf to board a boat to the bay. From the city center to Hon Gai Wharf, it takes about 10 minutes via the fastest route, which is 6.2 km. You will follow National Highway 18, turn right onto Tran Hung Dao – Le Thanh Tong – Le Quy Don, and turn left onto Long Tien for about 160 meters to reach Hon Gai Wharf.
From here, there are daily boats to Bai Tu Long Bay. You just need to buy a boat ticket at the wharf and board the boat to visit the bay.
Road to the boat departure point to visit Bai Tu Long Bay
Besides traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay by yourself, you can also join a tour or a Ha Long cruise with an itinerary that includes visiting Bai Tu Long Bay. This way, you don’t have to worry about transportation and can focus on enjoying the beauty of Bai Tu Long.
Travel Tips for Bai Tu Long Bay
Here are some travel tips for Bai Tu Long Bay compiled by worldjourneyer:
- The ideal travel time is from April to June, when the weather is warm and suitable for beach tourism. This is also not the peak tourist season, so it’s relatively quiet.
- When going to Ha Long, wear light and comfortable clothes, and don’t forget to bring swimwear.
- Besides personal belongings, bring your ID, phone/camera for taking photos, motion sickness medicine, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Don’t miss the local specialties in Ha Long such as squid cakes, sipunculid worms, horseshoe crabs, and fresh seafood like mantis shrimp, various types of snails, and clams.
Bai Tu Long Bay is a wonderful and unmissable destination on Ha Long Bay cruises. Don’t hesitate, pack your bags, and go on a trip to Bai Tu Long now!
