Bai Tu Long Bay

date 13:30 | 24/04/2024

Bai Tu Long is made up of hundreds of islands and islets, some of which are well-known tourist locations, and others that are completely unknown to foreign visitors. This particular bay is home to a variety of ecosystems - visitors can find mangroves, schist islands, coral reefs, and tropical forests.

13. Bai Tu Long Bay

Located northeast of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay actually forms three quarters of the more popular World Heritage Site. With hundreds of its own karst island formations, Bai Tu Long Bay easily rivals the scenic beauty of Halong.

It is a newer route situated east of the wildly popular cruising loops taken by most boats, far from the plethora of tourists and scores of vessels that sail across Halong. Caves, grottoes and fabulous beaches are among top attractions in Halong Bay. The same can be said for Bai Tu Long Bay BUT without the crowds. It promises to deliver many unique experiences, far from the heavily touristic sites. Be sure to visit Quan Lan Island, Thay Cave, Thien Canh Son Cave, and the Ang Du Area.

In accordance with Halong legend, Halong Bay is the final home and resting place of a fierce mother dragon who was sent to help the early Vietnamese defend their country from foreign invaders. Bai Tu Long Bay is said to be the area where her children descended and remained. ‘Bai Tu Long’ translated into English, means ‘Bowing down and showing respect to the dragon's children’.

Visitors to Bai Tu Long will notice that the landscape is identical to that of Halong Bay, and that it is more of an extension of Halong rather than a neighbour. Just like Halong Bay, throughout Bai Tu Long there are giant limestone karsts jutting out of the tranquil green waters. However, in Bai Tu Long the karsts seem slightly taller, the concentration of them feels somewhat denser and the number of tourists are fewer. All of this adds to the wonderful feeling of being somewhere almost undiscovered, allowing visitors to truly contemplate their surroundings in peace.