1. Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay – "The unspoiled gem" of Quang Ninh tourism

Bai Tu Long Bay is an attractive tourist destination in Ha Long. (Source: Collected)

Unlike the vibrant and bustling Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay offers visitors a rare sense of peace and tranquility. Its beauty is like an unpolished gem, retaining the pristine and pure essence of nature. Not only outstanding for its majestic landscape, Bai Tu Long is also the long-standing cultural and historical cradle of Quang Ninh's island region, preserving many unique stories and values over time.

1.1. Geographical Location and Scale of Bai Tu Long Bay

Located in the Northeast of Quang Ninh province, Bai Tu Long Bay stretches to embrace Cam Pha city, part of Ha Long city and Van Don island district, extending to the poetic Co To sea area. The west of the bay borders the mainland of Cam Pha and Cai Bau island, while the south faces the Gulf of Tonkin, creating a vast, majestic, and incredibly captivating sea space.

With an area of about 157.8 km², Bai Tu Long Bay gathers hundreds of large and small islands intertwined, forming a harmonious natural picture between sheer limestone islands and inhabited land islands. Famous islands such as Minh Chau, Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Ban Sen each possess a unique beauty. The residents mainly live in the island communes of Van Don and the areas of Ben Do, Cua Ong, with traditional occupations of fishing and aquaculture, contributing to preserving the characteristic island culture of Quang Ninh.

1.2. Natural Characteristics: Ecosystem and Climate of Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay impresses strongly with its majestic limestone mountain terrain, with undulating mountain ranges casting shadows on the crystal-clear blue water. Amidst this scenery are fine white sandy beaches, stretching and winding around small islands. Each island has a unique shape, like an exquisite sculpture by nature, creating countless stunning photo spots that captivate visitors.

Not only outstanding in landscape, the ecosystem of Bai Tu Long Bay is also extremely diverse and precious. This area boasts mangrove forests, coral reefs, tropical forests, and many endemic marine species. Notably, Bai Tu Long National Park has an area of 15,783 hectares (including 6,125 hectares of islands and 9,658 hectares of water surface), playing a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and preserving the pristine beauty of Quang Ninh's island region.

The climate in Bai Tu Long Bay is divided into two distinct seasons. Summer (from April to October) is warm, suitable for island exploration activities such as swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling. Winter (from November to March) is cool and less rainy, ideal for relaxation and cave tours. Thanks to the mild weather year-round, tourism in Bai Tu Long always attracts visitors at any time.

1.3. Legends and Historical Value on Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is not only famous for its majestic natural scenery but also holds sacred legends about the Mother Dragon and her offspring. According to folklore, after the Mother Dragon created Ha Long Bay to protect the nation, her offspring flew to the East and transformed into hundreds of beautiful rocky islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, contributing to the protection of this sea area. The dragon's extended tail formed Long Vi – the fine sandy beach on Tra Co peninsula, which is still considered a trace of that sacred legend.

Not only of mythical significance, Bai Tu Long Bay also bears strong historical imprints with the ancient Van Don trading port, a bustling international trade center from the Ly Dynasty. This place once welcomed merchants from all over Asia, creating a prosperous land. Famous historical sites such as Cua Ong Temple dedicated to Tran Quoc Tang, Tinh Hai Citadel, Quan Lan ancient village, or the 100-chamber pagoda in Van Don are vivid testaments to the rich culture and history of Quang Ninh's island region.

Notably, Vung Vieng ancient fishing village is likened to a living maritime cultural museum, preserving the beauty of traditional fishing life for hundreds of years. Simple floating houses, traditional fishing and aquaculture methods, along with characteristic living customs have created the soul of Bai Tu Long Bay – simple, authentic, yet incredibly captivating.

2. Detailed guide to traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay in 2025

Take a cruise to explore Bai Tu Long Bay. (Source: Collected)

The journey to Bai Tu Long Bay is now extremely easy thanks to a modern and diverse transportation system. From any province, visitors can choose the appropriate route and means of transport to begin their trip to the beautiful 'raw gem' of Quang Ninh. The flexible connection between road, air, and sea transport makes the journey to explore Bai Tu Long Bay convenient, time-saving, and full of experiences.

2.1. From Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay

From Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay , visitors have many flexible choices for transportation. The route is about 180 – 220 km long, equivalent to 3 – 4 hours of driving depending on the vehicle. You can take a high-quality bus, a luxury limousine, or drive your own car along the modern Hanoi – Ha Long – Van Don expressway, making the journey smoother and more convenient than ever.

Upon arriving in Quang Ninh, visitors continue to move to Cai Rong Port (Van Don) to board a speedboat or tourist boat to the famous islands of Bai Tu Long Bay such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, or Ngoc Vung. These are beloved destinations thanks to their pristine natural scenery and beautiful clear blue beaches.

Entering 2025, the Van Don tourist transport system is being strongly upgraded with new model vehicles, convenient online ticketing services, and increased frequency of limousines and shuttle buses daily. As a result, travel time is shortened, allowing visitors to easily plan their itinerary and have more time to enjoy the magnificent beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay .

2.2. From Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Provinces to Bai Tu Long Bay

For visitors from the South, especially Ho Chi Minh City, there are two most convenient travel options to Bai Tu Long Bay . The first way is to fly directly to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) – a preferred choice for many visitors due to the short distance and time-saving. From the airport, it only takes about 10 – 15 km to travel by taxi or bus to Cai Rong Port, the departure point for speedboats and tourist ferries to the bay.

The second option is to land at Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong), then travel by bus, taxi, or inter-provincial bus to Van Don, a distance of about 100 km, taking about 2 – 2.5 hours of travel.

Flight ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Ninh or Hai Phong currently range from VND 1,800,000 – 2,500,000/way, depending on the airline and booking time. To save costs, you should book tickets early and look for promotions from Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, or Bamboo Airways. Among these, flying directly to Van Don Airport remains the fastest, most convenient, and optimal option for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay .

2.3. Intra-provincial travel, exploring islands on Bai Tu Long Bay

When visiting Bai Tu Long Bay , visitors can easily explore the beautiful islands by various means depending on their plans and preferences. From speedboats, ferries, canoes to tourist boats, each option offers a unique experience for traveling between famous destinations such as Quan Lan Island, Minh Chau Island, Ngoc Vung Island, or Ban Sen Island. The ferry routes operate continuously, with reasonable ticket prices and attentive service, making the journey comfortable and safe.

An ideal suggested itinerary is to combine visiting large islands like Quan Lan or Minh Chau for relaxation and swimming, while also visiting smaller islands or fishing villages to learn about local culture. Additionally, visitors can join national park eco-tours or experience kayaking to explore fascinating caves. The diversity of transportation and itineraries allows you to fully enjoy the pristine, charming beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay – a precious gem in the heart of Quang Ninh.

3. Unmissable experiences on Bai Tu Long Bay

Discover many caves in Bai Tu Long Bay. (Source: Collected)

Bai Tu Long Bay is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and a unique experience. Every corner here offers an exciting journey — from cruising by boat to admire the scenery amidst clear blue waters, to immersing oneself in the simple, authentic life of local fishermen. Visitors will feel the pristine beauty, the tranquility, and the wonders that nature in Bai Tu Long Bay generously bestows, turning this place into an unmissable "resort paradise" in Quang Ninh.

3.1. Boat Tour and Kayaking to Explore Prominent Islands

Cruising on Bai Tu Long Bay offers a wonderful panoramic view, taking visitors through an undulating limestone archipelago and interspersed large and small islands. Boat services here range from modern and luxurious to affordable and friendly, all fully equipped with amenities suitable for families or groups of friends.

The kayaking experience offers a deeper exploration as you can paddle through mysterious caves and secluded small islands. Thien Canh Son Cave and Vung Vieng lagoon are unmissable highlights for those who love adventure and exploration. Kayaking in Bai Tu Long Bay not only brings a sense of excitement but also helps you get closer to the pristine natural beauty.

3.2. Visiting Vung Vieng Ancient Fishing Village

Vung Vieng ancient fishing village is likened to a "living museum" that fully preserves the culture and life of the fishermen of Bai Tu Long Bay through generations. Here, visitors can paddle a small boat themselves, experience traditional fishing methods with the locals, or visit characteristic seafood farming rafts amidst the peaceful river and water scenery. The tranquil atmosphere of the fishing village brings a relaxing feeling, unlike the bustling urban life.

The most attractive point when visiting Vung Vieng is the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood on the spot, from fish, squid, shrimp, to various types of snails raised using natural methods. This is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about island and sea culture, explore the simple life of fishermen, and feel the original beauty of Quang Ninh Bay.

3.3. Exploring Caves and Pristine Beaches on Bai Tu Long Bay

Thien Canh Son Cave, Ky Nhay Cave, and Ky Gia Cave are nổi bật with natural rock walls and stalactites of unique shapes, holding geological secrets of millions of years. Each cave is a separate world with mythical stories and unique scientific value. Natural light shining into the caves creates magical lighting effects, offering beautiful check-in photos.

Minh Chau beach and Quan Lan beach boast fine white sand like powder, wide swimming areas with clear blue sea water, and are not crowded. These are ideal locations for family relaxation and picnics. The pristine and tranquil island and sea space of Bai Tu Long Bay is very suitable for family travel and groups of friends who enjoy private experiences, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

3.4. Visiting Bai Tu Long National Park

Bai Tu Long National Park is considered an ecological paradise for those who love exploring pristine nature. It boasts rich flora and fauna, with primeval forests interspersed with islands, creating rare spectacular scenery. The trekking routes in the national park are designed diversely, suitable for various levels — from gentle excursions for families with young children to challenging conquest journeys for adventure enthusiasts.

Visitors here can observe rare bird species, explore mangrove forests, and participate in eco-tourism activities combined with nature conservation. Notably, the overnight camping experience in Bai Tu Long National Park is an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in the natural space: listening to the morning birdsong, watching the sunset over the sea, and feeling the tranquility of the deep forest. This is not just a trip, but also a journey to better understand the ecological value and the importance of protecting the marine environment of Quang Ninh.

4. Suggested 3D2N Itinerary for Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay in 2025

Experience Sun World Ha Long when traveling to Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)

A 3-day, 2-night tour of Bai Tu Long Bay is scientifically designed to help visitors fully explore the scenery, culture, and local cuisine without feeling rushed.

Day 1: After traveling from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don Port (Quang Ninh), visitors begin their journey to explore Minh Chau Island and Quan Lan Island – two destinations famous for their fine white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Lunch with fresh seafood specialties will help you fully appreciate the taste of the island region. In the afternoon, take time to watch the sunset on Minh Chau beach and enjoy the rare peaceful atmosphere of Bai Tu Long Bay.

Day 2: The journey continues with an exploration of Thien Canh Son Cave, which boasts a magical system of natural stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can kayak through small islands, weave between steep cliffs, or trek in Bai Tu Long National Park to feel the grandeur of nature. In the evening, you can participate in cultural exchange activities, bonfires, or BBQs by the beach, enjoying a cheerful and intimate atmosphere with friends and family.

Day 3: Before concluding the journey, visitors can visit Sun World Ha Long to experience modern entertainment games or shop for Quang Ninh specialty gifts. The trip concludes with many unforgettable memories of the pristine, peaceful, and culturally rich beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay.

5. Notes for traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay

Comply with safety regulations when visiting Bai Tu Long Bay. (Source: Collected)

To make your trip to Bai Tu Long Bay more complete, visitors should not only prepare thoroughly for their itinerary but also 'pocket' some tips for beautiful photos and safety precautions. These experiences will help you get impressive photos while fully enjoying the peaceful and pristine beauty of this famous bay.

Bai Tu Long Bay is a paradise for photography enthusiasts and lovers of natural beauty. The moments of sunrise and sunset on the yacht deck are the most ideal times to capture sparkling photos. Golden sunlight reflecting on the calm sea creates a magical and romantic scene.

If you have a drone, you should definitely try the panoramic shot of Bai Tu Long Bay from above, where hundreds of overlapping limestone islands appear vividly like a giant natural painting. When taking photos, visitors should choose light-colored outfits such as light dresses or white shirts to stand out against the blue sky.

Please limit the use of single-use plastics, do not litter in the sea, and participate in conservation programs when you have the opportunity. Every small action contributes to preserving the pristine beauty and precious ecosystem of this place.

Additionally, visitors need to respect the local culture when visiting fishing villages – please ask for permission before photographing residents, behave friendly and politely.

When participating in activities such as kayaking or boating, always wear a life jacket, check the weather, and follow the safety instructions of the tour operator for the most complete and safe trip.

Bai Tu Long Bay offers visitors a peaceful, wild, and enchanting space, different from the hustle and bustle of Ha Long Bay. With majestic natural landscapes, rich ecosystems, and unique eco-tourism experiences, this place promises to become an ideal destination in 2025. Visit once to fully appreciate the beauty of this 'raw gem' of Quang Ninh.