Planning your cruise in northern Vietnam? Compare Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay vs Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island in this detailed guide: scenery, crowds, activities, budget, sustainability, and the best Vietnam Tours for your perfect Halong experience. Discover why Vietnam Travel with Legend Travel Group is the smartest choice!
The iconic first impression of Halong Bay (Source: Internet)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 real experience of thousands of guests who have cruised both areas with us. Legend Travel Group since 2008.
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When tranquility meets majesty (Source: Internet)Want the most iconic, classic Halong Bay experience with postcard views, many activities, and lively atmosphere? → Choose Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island (most popular option)
Want a quieter, more authentic, less crowded, more sustainable & peaceful cruise? → Choose Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay (the hidden gem & rising favourite)
Both are located within the same UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago complex, but they offer two completely different vibes.
Active adventure in Halong Bay (Source: Internet)|
Aspect |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
Distance from Hanoi |
~160–170 km (2.5–3 hours by car/bus) |
~170–185 km (3–3.5 hours by car/bus) |
|
Transfer time to cruise |
2.5–3.5 hours (including Tuan Chau port) |
3–3.5 hours (usually Bai Tu Long port) |
|
Cruise departure port |
Tuan Chau Island (Halong City) |
Cai Rong or Van Don (Bai Tu Long) |
|
Most popular day trip? |
Yes – very common |
Less common, usually 2-day/1-night |
Verdict: Cat Ba is 15–30 minutes closer and has more day-trip options.
The magic of Bai Tu Long when fewer boats are around (Source: Internet)|
Aspect |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
Number of cruise boats |
500–600 boats (peak season) |
50–100 boats (much quieter) |
|
Feeling during peak season |
Busy, many boats, photo competition |
Peaceful, almost private |
|
Sunrise & sunset views |
Crowded photo spots |
Often empty, very serene |
|
Best for |
First-time visitors, families, groups |
Couples, solo travelers, photographers, nature lovers |
Verdict: If you want classic Halong Bay atmosphere → Cat Ba. If you want tranquility → Bai Tu Long.
The most famous cave in Halong Bay (Source: Internet)Both areas are inside the same UNESCO World Heritage Site.
|
Aspect |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
Iconic limestone karsts |
Yes, very concentrated |
Yes, equally beautiful |
|
Water colour |
Emerald green (sometimes busier) |
Deeper green-blue (often clearer) |
|
Cave & grotto access |
Many famous caves (Sung Sot, Titop) |
Fewer but larger & less visited caves |
|
Wildlife & biodiversity |
Good, but more human impact |
Better preserved, more birds & wildlife |
|
Feeling |
Dramatic, postcard perfect |
Wild, untouched, more pristine |
Verdict: Scenery is very close. Bai Tu Long wins on “wild & pristine” feeling.
Larger, quieter, less visited (Source: Internet)|
Activity |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
Kayaking |
Very good (many spots) |
Excellent (more open water) |
|
Swimming / beach time |
Titop Island (popular) |
Several quiet beaches |
|
Cave exploration |
Sung Sot (Amazing Cave), Luon Cave |
Thien Canh Son, Me Cung, Dark Cave |
|
Cooking class |
Common on most cruises |
Also common, more intimate |
|
Tai Chi on deck |
Standard |
Standard |
|
Squid fishing at night |
Very popular |
Also available |
|
Hiking / trekking |
Limited on cruise, more on Cat Ba island |
Very limited on cruise |
Verdict: Both offer similar activities. Cat Ba has more famous caves and the option to combine with Cat Ba island excursions.
Learn Vietnamese cuisine on your cruise (Source: Internet)|
Cruise Type |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
1 day / 0 night |
1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND |
1,500,000 – 2,800,000 VND |
|
2 days / 1 night |
2,500,000 – 6,500,000 VND |
3,000,000 – 7,500,000 VND |
|
3 days / 2 nights |
4,500,000 – 12,000,000 VND |
5,000,000 – 14,000,000 VND |
|
Luxury 4–5 stars |
8,000,000 – 25,000,000 VND |
9,000,000 – 28,000,000 VND |
Verdict: Bai Tu Long is usually 10–30% more expensive due to fewer boats and more exclusive feel.
Start your day with wellness (Source: Internet)|
Aspect |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|---|---|---|
|
Number of boats |
High (over 500) |
Low (50–100) |
|
Plastic waste issue |
More serious |
Better controlled |
|
Marine life |
Good but under more pressure |
Better preserved |
|
Best for eco-conscious |
Day-trip cruises with responsible operators |
Overnight cruises with smaller groups |
Verdict: Bai Tu Long is clearly the more sustainable & eco-friendly choice.
The most popular swimming spot in Halong Bay (Source: Internet)|
Your Preference |
Best Choice |
|---|---|
|
First time in Halong Bay, want the classic experience |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
|
Want to see the most famous caves (Sung Sot) |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
|
Want to do a 1-day cruise only |
Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island |
|
Want peace, quiet, less boats, more nature |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|
Want to take beautiful photos without crowds |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|
Care about sustainability & marine environment |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|
Want to spend 2–3 days cruising |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
|
Want luxury cruise with fewer passengers |
Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay |
Since 2008, Legend Travel Group has been the preferred choice for international travelers visiting Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
We offer carefully selected group tours and private cruises in both areas:
Classic Halong Bay – Cat Ba Island packages (best for first-timers)
Premium Bai Tu Long Bay small-group & luxury cruises (best for peace & sustainability)
Special benefits when booking with Legend Travel Group:
Deposit only 10% – pay the rest 30 days before departure
Flexible payment, no stress
Small groups designed for meaningful connections
English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge
Eco-conscious operations (reduce single-use plastic, support local communities)
Explore all Halong Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay tour packages at:
https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
Or contact us directly via WhatsApp: +84825862222
Email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com
Safe travels and see you on the emerald waters!
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