Halong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay vs Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay: Which Cruise Should You Choose?

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 deep knowledge of Halong Bay cruises. By Legend Travel Group since 2008.

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1. Scenery & Natural Beauty

Both Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are part of the larger UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba archipelago. They offer the same iconic emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Feels more “wild” and untouched

• Fewer boats → the view is almost always just you and nature

• Classic postcard Halong view without the crowds

Lan Ha Bay

• More dramatic karst formations (especially near Cat Ba Island)

• Many small hidden lagoons, caves, and floating fishing villages

• Still very beautiful, but you will see other cruise boats in the distance

→ Verdict: Both are equally beautiful. Choose Bai Tu Long if you want maximum “wow, we’re alone in nature” feeling. Choose Lan Ha if you want more variety of scenery and hidden gems.

2. Crowds & Peacefulness

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Very few boats (only 5–10% of the number in classic Halong)

• Extremely peaceful, especially at night

• Almost no floating vendors or tour groups

Lan Ha Bay

• More boats than Bai Tu Long, but still much quieter than central Halong Bay

• You will see other cruise boats, especially during peak season

• Still very peaceful compared to classic Halong Bay

→ Verdict: Bai Tu Long wins for maximum peace and privacy. Lan Ha is still very quiet and much better than classic Halong Bay.

3. Activities & Experiences

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Excellent kayaking in quiet areas

• Swimming in clear water

• Visit fishing villages & pearl farms

• Cooking class & tai chi on deck

Lan Ha Bay

• More kayaking options (many hidden lagoons & caves)

• More swimming spots

• More water activities (kayak, paddleboard, swimming)

• Visit Dark & Bright Cave, Titov Island (viewpoint), Monkey Island

→ Verdict: Lan Ha Bay wins for activity lovers, families, and first-time visitors who want more things to do.

4. Price & Value for Money

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Usually 20–50% more expensive than Lan Ha Bay

• Smaller boats, fewer cabins → higher price per person

Lan Ha Bay

• Better value – more options in all price ranges

• Larger selection of 2-star to 5-star cruises

→ Verdict: Lan Ha Bay wins for better value and more choice.

5. Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Fewer boats → lower environmental impact

• More natural & less touristy

Lan Ha Bay

• Many responsible operators now focus on eco-friendly practices

• Larger number of boats, but still much better than classic Halong Bay

→ Verdict: Bai Tu Long Bay is slightly more sustainable due to lower visitor numbers.

Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if you want:

• Maximum peace & quiet

• To feel like you have the bay almost to yourself

• A more exclusive, intimate experience

• Couples, honeymooners, nature lovers

Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want:

• More activities & hidden gems

• Better value for money

• More choice of cruise quality & price

• First-time visitors, families, groups, active travelers

Legend Travel Group specializes in responsible, small-group, and private Halong cruises for all types of travelers. We offer both Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay options, with flexible payment (only 10% deposit, balance 30 days before departure).

1. Best Value Lan Ha Bay Cruise (2 days 1 night)

• Price: from 95–140 USD/person

• Small boat (max 16–24 guests)

• Includes kayaking, swimming, cave visit, cooking class

• Perfect for first-time visitors & families

2. Peaceful Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise (2 days 1 night)

• Price: from 130–190 USD/person

• Very small group or private cabin option

• Maximum tranquility & nature immersion

• Ideal for couples & nature lovers

3. Premium Lan Ha Bay + Cat Ba Island (3 days 2 nights)

• Price: from 180–280 USD/person

• Combines cruise + overnight on Cat Ba Island

• More activities: trekking, monkey island, beach time

4. Vietnam + Cambodia Combined Tour with Halong Cruise

• Price: from 450–850 USD/person (7–12 days)

• Hanoi – Halong Cruise (Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long) – Ho Chi Minh – Siem Reap – Angkor Wat

• Perfect for travelers wanting to see both Vietnam & Cambodia

All Legend Travel Group cruises feature:

• Small group size (max 16–24 guests)

• English-speaking guide

• Safety equipment & life jackets

• Eco-friendly initiatives (no single-use plastic, waste management)

• Flexible payment: only 10% deposit, balance 30 days before departure

Book now at: https://www.legendtravelgroup.com
Or contact us via WhatsApp: +84825862222

Both Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay offer stunning Halong Bay experiences – the choice depends on your travel style.

Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if you prioritize peace, privacy, and a more exclusive feeling.
Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want more activities, better value, and a classic Halong view with fewer crowds than the central area.

Legend Travel Group is proud to be one of the leading operators offering both options with small-group, responsible, and flexible-payment cruises – perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends.

Ready to choose your dream Halong cruise?
Visit https://www.legendtravelgroup.com or message us on WhatsApp +84825862222 – we’re happy to help you select the perfect itinerary!

Safe travels & see you on deck!

By Legend Travel Group since 2008
Specializing in responsible small-group and private tours in Vietnam & Cambodia.