Bai Tu Long Bay vs Cat Ba Island: Which One Is Better for Your Trip?

Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and our deep knowledge of Northern Vietnam.

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1. Landscape & Untouched Beauty

Bai Tu Long Bay is often called “the real Halong Bay” by travelers who have visited both.

• Fewer tourist boats

• More dramatic, untouched limestone formations

• Many areas feel like you have the sea to yourself

Cat Ba Island, while beautiful, has more visible human presence:

• Larger tourist boats in some areas

• Developed town with hotels and restaurants

• But still has many quiet corners in the National Park and remote beaches

→ If “wow, this feels untouched” is important to you → choose Bai Tu Long Bay.

2. Overnight Experience & Cruise Style

Bai Tu Long Bay is cruise territory. Most travelers stay 1–3 nights on board.

• Luxury cruises with 10–20 cabins

• Mid-range traditional wooden junks

• Small group, intimate atmosphere

• Many itineraries include floating fishing villages

Cat Ba Island offers much more variety:

• 3–5 star resorts

• Budget hostels & guesthouses

• Homestays in fishing villages

• You can stay multiple nights and explore the island by scooter/motorbike

→ If you want a classic Halong cruise experience → Bai Tu Long Bay
→ If you want flexibility, longer stay, and island life → Cat Ba Island

3. Activities & Things to Do

Cat Ba Island wins easily in terms of variety:

• Cat Ba National Park hiking & wildlife spotting

• Beaches (Cannon Fort, Monkey Island, Lan Ha Bay beaches)

• Rock climbing (one of the best spots in Vietnam)

• Kayaking & snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay (often quieter than Halong)

• Motorbike/scooter adventure around the island

Bai Tu Long Bay is more focused on:

• Kayaking around karst formations

• Visiting floating fishing villages

• Cave exploration

• Relaxing on the sun deck with peaceful views

→ If you want active, varied activities → Cat Ba Island
→ If you prefer relaxed, nature-focused cruising → Bai Tu Long Bay

4. Price Comparison (2026-2027 estimated average per person)

Verdict on price: Cat Ba Island is clearly the budget-friendly option, while Bai Tu Long Bay is positioned as a more premium, peaceful experience.

5. Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if you:

• Want the most peaceful, less crowded Halong experience

• Prefer staying on a cruise with all-inclusive services

• Are looking for luxury or mid-range comfort

• Travel as couple, family, or small group seeking tranquility

• Don’t mind paying more for exclusivity

Choose Cat Ba Island if you:

• Want to save money while still enjoying beautiful scenery

• Like mixing cruising with land activities (hiking, beaches, climbing)

• Prefer more freedom and flexibility in accommodation

• Are backpackers, solo travelers, or active adventurers

• Want to stay longer (3–5 nights) and explore the island deeply

Option 1 – Pure Peace & Luxury (Bai Tu Long focus)

• Day 1: Hanoi → Bai Tu Long cruise (overnight)

• Day 2: Full day cruising, kayaking, cave, fishing village

• Day 3: Morning activities → back to Hanoi

Option 2 – Active & Budget-Friendly (Cat Ba focus)

• Day 1: Hanoi → Cat Ba by high-speed boat (stay on island)

• Day 2: Cat Ba National Park hike + beach time

• Day 3: Lan Ha Bay cruise (day trip) + rock climbing

• Day 4: Morning free → back to Hanoi

Option 3 – Best of Both Worlds (Legend Travel Group style)

• Day 1–2: Bai Tu Long 2D1N cruise (peaceful experience)

• Day 3–5: Cat Ba 3 days (active island life)

• Day 6: Back to Hanoi or fly out

• Best time to go: November–April (dry season) for both

• Worst months: July–September (rainy, typhoon risk)

• Booking advice: Book 2–4 months in advance during peak season (Dec–Feb)

• Motion sickness: Most cruises provide ginger tea; take medicine if needed

• Eco-friendly tip: Choose cruises with good waste management & no single-use plastic

There is no “better” destination — there are two different experiences:

• Bai Tu Long Bay = peace, luxury, classic Halong feeling, fewer people

• Cat Ba Island = variety, budget-friendly, active, island lifestyle

Many Legend Travel Group travelers actually do both in one trip — enjoying the quiet luxury of Bai Tu Long cruise first, then staying on Cat Ba for 2–3 more days of adventure.

Want us to help you combine both in the most comfortable, meaningful way?
Contact Legend Travel Group today — we’ve been creating Vietnam & Cambodia journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups since 2008.