Bai Tu Long is the bay you choose when you want the scenery of Halong — but not the crowds, the noise or the boat traffic.
Halong Bay receives thousands of boats each day. Bai Tu Long Bay operates under strict permits — a small number of boats sail here, and only into specific areas. Some operators hold exclusive rights to certain anchorages. The result is a bay that feels genuinely empty, even in peak season.
What you need to know about Bai Tu Long Bay cruises.
Clear answers to the questions travelers and travel agencies ask most often.
A focused collection of 6 handpicked cruises — chosen for quiet routes, small-group atmosphere and permitted access to the bay’s best areas.
Same dramatic karst scenery, but far fewer boats and less-developed tourism. Boat numbers are strictly limited by permit — some operators hold exclusive anchorages.
Most are 1 night or 2 nights. The 2-night option allows a deeper route and visits to remote fishing villages and secluded beaches for beach BBQ lunches.
All meals on board, your cabin, a guide, kayaking, cave visits, cooking demonstrations and Tai Chi. Some cruises include a beach BBQ. Drinks, tips and personal expenses are not included.
Yes. Several operators offer private charters — including the 4-cabin Prince Junk and the 10-cabin Dragon Pearl. Ideal for families, groups of friends or celebrations.
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hanoi via Halong International Cruise Port. Most cruises include a private or shared transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter.
Six carefully selected cruises.
This is not about quantity — Bai Tu Long Bay rewards the traveler who chooses well. Every boat below is one we have sailed on or inspected personally, and every one of them is permitted to operate in the quieter parts of the bay.
Dragon Legend Cruise
Indochina Junk’s flagship — 24 cabins, a pool, spa and a route deep into Bai Tu Long Bay’s exclusive anchorages.
Prince Junk
A 4-cabin traditional wooden junk built for private charter — the most intimate way to explore Bai Tu Long Bay.
Dragon Pearl Junk
A 10-cabin traditional wooden junk — classic Indochina styling, small-group atmosphere and quiet anchorages.
Renea Cruise
A boutique wooden cruise with elegant cabins and a relaxed itinerary through the quieter corners of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Swan Cruise
A well-priced family-friendly wooden cruise with connecting cabins and a warm, easy-going crew.
Indochina Junk Private Charter
Charter one of Indochina Junk’s classic wooden junks for your group — exclusive use of the boat and the itinerary.
Six reasons Bai Tu Long is worth choosing.
Same geology as Halong. A fraction of the boats. Anchorage areas that often feel entirely yours. This is the bay for travelers who want to actually feel alone on the water.
Strictly limited boats
Bai Tu Long Bay operates under permits. Only a small number of boats are allowed each day — the bay stays quiet even in peak season.
Exclusive anchorages
Some operators — including Indochina Junk — hold exclusive rights to specific areas. Guests often anchor overnight with no other boats in sight.
Less-developed tourism
Fewer floating shops, less boat noise and no rush-hour traffic on the water. It feels like the Vietnam that Halong was 30 years ago.
Thien Canh Son Cave
A beautiful, quieter cave system — smaller than Halong’s Sung Sot but often experienced with almost no other visitors.
Vung Vieng fishing village
A traditional floating fishing village accessible by rowboat — one of the last of its kind, and only visited by Bai Tu Long boats.
Secluded beaches & BBQ lunches
Several Bai Tu Long cruises include a beach stop with a private BBQ — something the busier Halong itineraries rarely have space for.
How a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise day looks.
Every boat has its own rhythm, but most Bai Tu Long cruises follow a similar arc. Here are two typical examples.
The Quiet Overnight
Ideal for travelers who want the bay without the crowds.- Day 1 · 08:00Pickup from Hanoi. 2.5–3 hour drive to Halong International Cruise Port.
- Day 1 · 12:00Board the boat. Welcome drink and lunch as you sail into Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Day 1 · 15:00Visit Thien Canh Son Cave — one of the bay’s most beautiful cave systems.
- Day 1 · 16:30Kayaking or swim stop at a quiet lagoon, depending on the boat.
- Day 1 · 18:00Cooking demonstration on the sundeck, then dinner under the stars.
- Day 1 · 21:00Squid fishing, drinks on deck or retire to your cabin.
- Day 2 · 06:00Sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck, coffee.
- Day 2 · 07:30Visit Vung Vieng floating fishing village by rowboat.
- Day 2 · 09:30Brunch on board while cruising back through quieter channels.
- Day 2 · 11:00Disembark and drive back to Hanoi.
Beach BBQ & Cong Dam
Adds a full day exploring the bay’s most remote anchorages and a beach BBQ.- Day 1 · 08:00Pickup from Hanoi. Arrive and board by midday.
- Day 1 · 13:00Lunch on board, cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Day 1 · 16:00Thien Canh Son Cave and a quiet kayak stop.
- Day 1 · 19:00Dinner on the sundeck. Squid fishing after.
- Day 2 · 06:30Sunrise Tai Chi, breakfast.
- Day 2 · 09:00Day boat to Cong Dam — remote, uncrowded and only accessible to permitted boats.
- Day 2 · 12:30Beach BBQ lunch on a secluded beach.
- Day 2 · 15:00Swim stop, kayak or visit a floating fishing village.
- Day 2 · 19:00Return to main boat for dinner and a quiet night at anchor.
- Day 3 · 07:00Vung Vieng floating village by rowboat.
- Day 3 · 09:30Brunch on board, then back to port.
- Day 3 · 11:00Disembark and drive back to Hanoi.
From Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay.
Bai Tu Long Bay sits northeast of Halong Bay — most boats depart from Halong International Cruise Port. Most cruise packages include a transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter.
Bai Tu Long Bay, season by season.
Every season has something to offer. The bay looks different in every kind of light, and there is no bad time to be on the water.
Mild & clear
Comfortable temperatures, calm water and good visibility. One of the nicest times for photography.
Warm & green
Warmer days, greener karsts and occasional short afternoon showers. Lush and photogenic.
Golden & calm
Many travelers’ favourite season — clear skies, cooler nights and beautiful light on the bay.
Cool & atmospheric
Mistier, quieter and cooler. The bay feels wilder and more romantic in the low winter light.
A local Bai Tu Long Bay cruise partner.
We work with travel advisors, tour operators and agencies who need reliable local help with Bai Tu Long Bay cruise bookings — with permitted boats, private transfers and special partner rates.
Quick answers about Bai Tu Long Bay cruises.
What makes Bai Tu Long Bay different from Halong Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay shares the same dramatic limestone karst scenery as Halong Bay, but it has far fewer boats and a less-developed tourism infrastructure. Only a limited number of boats are allowed to sail here each day. It is the choice for travelers who want quiet anchorages and a sense of discovery over crowds and nightlife.
How many boats operate in Bai Tu Long Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay has strict limits on the number of cruise boats. Some operators, including Indochina Junk, hold exclusive rights to certain parts of the bay, which means guests often have entire anchorages almost to themselves. This is one of the key reasons travelers choose Bai Tu Long over Halong.
How long are Bai Tu Long Bay cruises?
Most Bai Tu Long Bay cruises are 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights. The 3-day option allows deeper exploration and visits to floating fishing villages, Thien Canh Son Cave and secluded beaches for BBQ lunches.
What is included in a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise?
All meals on board, your cabin, a guide, kayaking, cave visits, cooking demonstrations and Tai Chi are usually included. Some cruises also include a beach BBQ. Drinks, tips and personal expenses are not included. Transfers from Hanoi can be included or arranged at an extra cost depending on the cruise and package.
Can I book a private Bai Tu Long Bay cruise?
Yes. Several operators offer private charters, including the 4-cabin Prince Junk and the 10-cabin Dragon Pearl. Private charters are ideal for families, groups of friends or celebrations, and give you exclusive use of the boat and flexibility with the itinerary.
How do I get to Bai Tu Long Bay from Hanoi?
Bai Tu Long Bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hanoi via Halong International Cruise Port. Most cruises include a private or shared transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter, or can arrange one for you. The drive takes you along the expressway to Halong City, where you board your boat around midday.
What is the best time of year to cruise Bai Tu Long Bay?
Every season has its appeal. Spring (March–May) offers mild, clear weather; summer (June–August) is warm and green with occasional showers; autumn (September–November) is many travelers’ favourite with golden light and calm water; winter (December–February) is cooler, mistier and more atmospheric. There is no bad time to be on the water.
Is Bai Tu Long Bay suitable for families?
Yes. Several cruises, such as Swan Cruise, are family-friendly with connecting cabins and easy-going crews. The quieter water and shorter activities make Bai Tu Long a good choice for families with children who want a relaxed experience without the crowds of Halong Bay.
Let’s find the right Bai Tu Long Bay cruise for you.
Tell us your dates, group size and travel style. We’ll come back with a shortlist of the boats that fit best — and help you book with confidence.