Halong, Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha, which bay should we choose for a cruise?

Halong Bay is certainly the most essential destination during a trip to Vietnam. This grandiose natural site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspires travellers from all over the world. To fully appreciate the beauty of its magical landscapes, it is strongly recommended to take a cruise for one night aboard a boat to give time to navigation and to enjoy the sunrise and sunset over this majestic setting. Under the generic term of Halong Bay, we must in fact distinguish 3 sectors which each have their particularities: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Halong Bay, a natural jewel of Vietnam

Halong Bay is the best known of the 3 bays, its reputation is worldwide and has served many times as the setting for many films such as Indochina by Régis Wargnier or the last King Kong. Halong Bay forms the largest marine karst complex in the world and it is in this limestone maze of phantasmagorical shapes that most cruises take place. To cruise in Halong Bay, you have the choice between several types of boats, ranging from small boats with modest comfort to imposing boats with spacious and comfortable cabins, some of which have a balcony with a jacuzzi. Small units, which are full of charm, have only one cabin to make an unforgettable romantic trip. Most of the boats take the same route and anchor for the night in the same place for safety reasons. A kayak trip with a visit to a floating village and a visit a cave such as the famous “Surprises Cave” are often included in the cruise.

Known worldwide, Halong Bay is the most visited of the 3 bays, which can lead to tourist pressure in certain places. But rest assured, the magic still works!

Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island

Lan Ha Bay is much less touristy than its big sister Halong Bay. Narrower, and more compact, Lan Ha Bay cannot accommodate large units. Only small boats can navigate the emerald waters studded with karst islands and islets with surprising shapes and covered with jungle.

The cruise takes a more intimate turn than in Halong Bay. Kayaking with a visit to a floating village is also the flagship activity in Lan Ha Bay with the added bonus of the possibility of landing on small secluded coves for swimming and lazing around.

The cruise in Lan Ha Bay combines perfectly with the discovery of Cat Ba Island. The latter is a large island of the eponymous archipelago, comprising 367 islands and islets recognized as a biological reserve by Unesco. You can hike there in its national park characterized by its subtropical vegetation which is home to more than 50 animal species including a rare species of endemic monkey: the golden-headed langur. Cat Ba can also be the subject of a seaside stay with its beautiful beaches or a sportier stay with in particular cycling or climbing.

Bai Tu Long Bay, raw beauty

Bai Tu Long Bay, officially designated as the 38th ASEAN Heritage Park, is the farthest bay from the coast. Its remoteness from the coast necessitates taking a longer cruise, lasting 3 days and 2 nights often combined with a cruise in Halong Bay. As a result, it is the least frequented bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay is home to Bai Tu Long National Park, a protected area, established in 2001 that includes both a land area and an aquatic area. The national park includes five types of ecosystems: rainforest, limestone forest, littoral forest, coral zone and shallow water zone. The park presents a great biological diversity with 251 species, including 19 species of mangrove, 17 species of algae, 29 species of marine worms, 149 species of molluscs, 22 species of crustaceans and 15 species of echinoderms. The coral zone is home to 409 species including groupers, sea bass, crabs, snails, abalone and seaweed.

Although Bai Tu Long Bay has fewer karst formations than its neighbour Halong Bay, it is no less spectacular. We particularly appreciate Ban Sen Island, very wild and hospitable, and of course, the magnificent Quan Lan Island.  It’s a destination off the beaten track where you can peacefully enjoy long pristine white sand beaches, picturesque local life turned towards the sea, the friendliness of the population and seafood feasts.

And there you have found the ideal bay for your dream cruise in Vietnam and have a great trip!

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