Halong Bay vs Bai Tu Long Bay: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for All Travelers

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 the expertise of Legend Travel Group since 2008.

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Both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in northern Vietnam, located in Quang Ninh Province, famous for their emerald waters, thousands of limestone karsts, and floating fishing villages. However, they offer very different travel experiences:

• Halong Bay — world-famous, iconic, crowded, developed tourism infrastructure

• Bai Tu Long Bay — quieter, more pristine, less commercialized, ideal for those seeking nature and tranquility

Choosing the right bay depends on your travel style, budget, group size, and what kind of experience you desire.

This guide provides a detailed, side-by-side comparison to help you decide which bay is best for your trip to Vietnam.

1. Scenery & Natural Beauty

Halong Bay

• 1,969 recognized islands and karsts

• Classic postcard views that most people associate with “Vietnam”

• Many viewpoints and famous photo spots (Titop Island, Surprise Cave, Heaven Gate Cave)

Bai Tu Long Bay

• 244 islands, less dense but more untouched

• Larger, quieter bays with fewer boats

• More chances to experience “private” nature moments

• Many areas still have pristine beaches and coral reefs

Winner: Bai Tu Long Bay for those who prioritize untouched nature and fewer people.

2. Crowds & Atmosphere

Halong Bay

• Can have 300–500 boats visible at popular spots

• Day-trip boats (200–300 people/day) create significant noise and visual pollution

• Sunrise and sunset viewpoints often very crowded

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Much fewer boats (usually 10–20 visible at once)

• Peaceful, serene atmosphere

• Better chance of having bays almost to yourself

Winner: Bai Tu Long Bay for tranquility and authentic nature experience.

3. Cruise Quality & Onboard Experience

Halong Bay

• Wide range of cruise options from budget to 5-star luxury

• Many large boats (20–50 cabins)

• More entertainment options (cooking class, tai chi, squid fishing)

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Mostly smaller, boutique-style boats (8–16 cabins)

• Higher staff-to-guest ratio, more personalized service

• Focus on nature activities (kayaking, swimming in quiet bays)

Winner: Depends on preference — Halong for variety, Bai Tu Long for quality & intimacy.

4. Price Comparison (Overnight Cruise)

Halong Bay

• Budget (2–3 stars): 2.5–4 million VND/person

• Mid-range (3–4 stars): 4–8 million VND/person

• Luxury (5 stars): 8–15+ million VND/person

Bai Tu Long Bay

• Mid-range (3–4 stars): 3.5–7 million VND/person

• Boutique/Luxury (4–5 stars): 7–12 million VND/person

Winner: Halong Bay offers more budget options; Bai Tu Long generally better value in the mid-to-high range.

5. Accessibility & Logistics

Halong Bay

• 2.5–3 hours drive from Hanoi

• Many daily shuttles and private transfers

• Large number of cruise companies → easy to book last-minute

Bai Tu Long Bay

• 3–3.5 hours drive from Hanoi

• Fewer operators → better to book in advance

• More exclusive, personalized experience

Winner: Halong Bay for convenience and flexibility.

Choose Halong Bay if you:

• Are visiting Vietnam for the first time

• Want the classic, iconic experience

• Travel in a family or large group

• Prefer more entertainment options on board

• Have a tighter budget

Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if you:

• Prioritize nature and tranquility

• Want fewer people and more authentic experience

• Are a photographer or nature lover

• Prefer boutique, high-quality service

• Don’t mind paying a bit more for peace

Legend Travel Group specializes in small-group and private cruises in both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, designed for travelers who value quality, sustainability, and meaningful experiences.

Recommended Options:

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

   • Max 12–16 guests

   • Intimate, personalized service

   • Focus on kayaking, swimming in quiet bays

   • Sustainable practices & fresh local seafood

   • Price: 4,800,000 – 8,500,000 VND/person

2. Halong Bay Premium Cruise (2 days 1 night)

   • 20–28 guests

   • Excellent facilities & entertainment

   • Sunrise Tai Chi, cooking class, cave exploration

   • Price: 3,500,000 – 6,800,000 VND/person

3. Private Luxury Cruise (Bai Tu Long Bay)

   • Only your group (2–12 people)

   • Customized itinerary

   • Highest level of privacy & service

   • Price: from 12,000,000 VND/person

All Legend Travel Group cruises offer:

• 10% deposit only, balance 30 days before departure

• No hidden fees

• Sustainable tourism practices

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Flexible cancellation policy

Both Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are incredible, but they serve different travel desires.

• Want the classic, iconic experience and don’t mind crowds? → Halong Bay

• Seeking tranquility, nature, and a more authentic experience? → Bai Tu Long Bay

Legend Travel Group offers carefully selected cruises in both bays, with special focus on small-group and private options perfect for travelers who value quality, sustainability, and meaningful experiences.

Book your dream Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay cruise today with Legend Travel Group — where every journey is designed with care, respect for nature, and unforgettable memories in mind.

Explore all our Vietnam & Cambodia tours at legendtravelgroup.com