Top 10 Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises 2024
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9.3Excellent - 126 reviewsDespite the bad weather, we were able to enjoy a trip that explored the beauty of… Garcia - United StatesBai Tu Long BayBar Cooking Class Free Wi-fiWhy book?
- Top budget cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay with excellent services
- Off-the-beaten route and less-touristy exploration
- Multiple-choice cabins such as connecting door, triple, twin, and double
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Cong Do Area, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cap La Island, Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Budget, Solo, Active travelers, Family with Kids
18 cabins - Metal - Launched in 201526% offGBP£106 /pax -
9.3Excellent - 63 reviewsThank you for booking the transfer for us. It made the experience so smooth and… Genevieve M - DenmarkHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayBar Free Wi-fi JacuzziWhy book?
- Wooden Junk boat with a huge 130m2 Sun Terrace
- Off-the-beaten route in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Broad cabins for families with ensuite Jacuzzi bathtub
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Vung Vieng Village, Cong Dam, Thien Canh Son Cave
- High-end travelers, Families with Kids, Group visitors
16 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 201420% offGBP£123 /pax -
9.2Excellent - 9 reviewsWe were very surprised with the room and the food, which were excellent. Compliment… Ethan Neal - AustraliaBai Tu Long BayBar Cooking Class Free Wi-fiWhy book?
- Indochina design cruise with wood furniture, marble bathroom
- Explore the unspoiled Bai Tu Long Bay
- Small boat, which brings a cozy overnight experience
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Cap La Island, Cong Do, Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Families, Budget Travelers, Couples
10 cabins - Wooden Hull - Launched in 201418% offGBP£114 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 225 reviewsCruise Quality is 9/10 Food & Drink is 9/10 Staff on board &Tour Guide is 9/10 Cabin… Kristi - IndiaHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayBar Free Wi-fi JacuzziWhy book?
- Traditional wooden junk boat with only 12 cabins
- Cruising through the off-the-beaten-track Bai Tu Long Bay
- All rooms are equipped with jacuzzi tubs and private balconies/ large windows
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Vung Vieng Village, Cong Dam Area, Thien Canh Son Cave
- Seniors, Singles & Solo
12 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 201322% offGBP£122 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 56 reviewsThe only thing I would like to comment on is that it would have been preferable… Annemarie V - AustraliaBai Tu Long Bay2 Nights without Day Boat Bar PoolWhy book?
- Elegant Vietnamese traditional décor complemented by premium amenities
- Exclusive route exploring the hidden gems of Bai Tu Long Bay
- Adventure-rich itinerary tailored for active travelers
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Cong Dam, Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Seniors, Family
24 cabins - Metal Boat - Launched in 201415% offGBP£160 /pax -
9.2Excellent - 12 reviewsThe crew was very nice and attentive. The ship stops in the Cong Do island group… Alisha Mueller - United StatesHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayBar Cooking Class Tai ChiWhy book?
- Off-the-beaten-path cruise program to Bai Tu Long Bay
- Amazing seascape on a traditional junk boat in boutique designs
- Grand Suite Ocean View equipped with private balcony and jacuzzi tub
- 1 night
- Cong Do, Vung Vieng Village
- Mid-range travelers, Nature lovers, Seniors
14 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 201720% offGBP£122 /pax -
9.3Excellent - 188 reviewsMy buddies and I spent two days and one night on a boat to Bai Tu Long. This area… Joy M - AustriaBai Tu Long Bay2 Nights without Day Boat BarWhy book?
- The legend of traditional junk in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Best services & interesting activities onboard
- Small boat for peaceful & great experience
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Hon Co Island, Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng
- Small group, Active travelers, Seniors, Budget travelers
10 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 201030% offGBP£124 /pax -
9.2Excellent - 16 reviewsThe cruise is wonderful, and Mr. Peter and Mr. Luke are our favorite tour guides… Ms.Renee C - AustraliaHa Long Bay - Bai Tu LongBarWhy book?
- Classic wooden junk with 4 decks
- Cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay - Untouched path!
- Best value for money - rated by travelers
- 1 night
- Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Village
- Budget travelers, Small group, Couples
22 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 201521% offGBP£97 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 29 reviewsEmeralda was extremely good. Apricot is incredibly tasty. Bai Tu Long was extremely… Mr.LiangTS Primary - SingaporeBai Tu Long Bay2 Nights without Day BoatWhy book?
- A private cruise with 04 cabins explores the hidden charm of Bai Tu Long Bay
- Well-trained and expert crew to give attentive services
- Traditional junk with teak and oak paneling and furniture, all constructed by skilled craftsmen
- 1 night, 1 night, 2 nights
- Thien Canh Son Cave, Hon Co Island, Vung Vieng Villlage, Yen Duc Village
- Senior, Family with Kids, Couples, Luxury travellers
4 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 20083% offGBP£176 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 39 reviewsThe cruise was fantastic. The guide was really nice and informative. The food exceeded… Mr.Paul Andrews - United KingdomHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayWhy book?
- Explore the less touristic area of Bai Tu Long for 6 hours
- Enjoy the trip with a luxurious limousine and service at the cheapest price
- 1 day
- Mat Quy Islet , Teapot Islet, Thien Canh Son Cave
- Budget traveler, Solo
Wood - Launched in 2022£46 /pax
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises - Exploring the Scenic Landscapes
Bai Tu Long Bay, a destination in the Gulf of Tonkin, has become more popular with tourists because of its peaceful and pristine beauty. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Halong Bay, this place offers visitors a natural experience that is ideal for those who love tranquility and are passionate about off-the-beaten-path discovery.
Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay by boat and traditional junk gives passengers the most authentic way to experience its stunning natural beauty.
About the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise
Bai Tu Long Bay cruises mainly use small and medium-sized ships launched between 2010 and 2020. The service includes a variety of cruise types with different itineraries, from day cruises to 2-day-1-night and 3-day-2-night options, providing a wide range of standards from luxury to budget, shared to private charter. At BestPrice, tourists will find many Bai Tu Long Bay tours suitable for all types of customers, from groups of friends and families to solo travelers and couples.
These cruises combine affordable prices with unique experiences, making them a great choice to enjoy the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay inexpensively. In our selection, over 80% of the boats are offering 3-star to 4-star services. Therefore the amenities may be a bit limited; however, this weakness is compensated by authentic experiences that take tourists close to nature and local culture.
Cruise through Bai Tu Long Islands is a serene getaway for nature lovers.
About Bai Tu Long Bay
- Along with Ha Long, Bai Tu Long Bay was voted as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Southeast Asia by Ecotourism company Gecko Travel (UK) in 2006.
- Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, in the Northeast region of Vietnam, covering the sea area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, and Van Don district.
- Bai Tu Long Bay has an area of about 157.8 km², with more than 600 large and small islands. Meanwhile, Halong Bay is larger, with an area of about 1,553 km² and more than 1,600 islands.
- Must-visit destinations: Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Dam Area, Vung Vieng Village.
4 reasons why you should choose Bai Tu Long cruise
Exclusive and personalized experiences
At BestPrice Travel, we provide cruising service with off-the-beaten-path itineraries, offering travelers a less crowded exploration of Bai Tu Long Bay with more privacy. Especially, tourists can personalize their travel experience and personal needs with boat charter.
Because of the small area and unspoiled landscapes, travel routes in this area often include less-visited caves, secluded beaches, and pristine stops, which makes cruises in Bai Tu Long different.
Enjoy an outdoor dining experience on the Bai Tu Long private boat tour
Open to all travel styles
Many travelers believe that cruising in a less touristy area like Bai Tu Long Bay is only suitable for adventure seekers because of its wild beauty and secluded attractions. However, in fact, this experience is for everyone, from single tourists to families with kids.
Many solo travelers choose the affordable Bai Tu Long cruise because of the budget service price when compared to the two brother bays: Halong and Lan Ha. Additionally, Bai Tu Long cruises have become more and more popular for families thanks to the tranquility and kid-friendly tour activities such as cave visiting, bamboo boating, or squid fishing.
Scenic boat ride suitable for all age groups to enjoy the calmness of Bai Tu Long Bay
Unique experience with Vietnamese junks
In the Gulf of Tonkin, most of the tourist boats have been converted to modern metal ones. Meanwhile, Bai Tu Long Bay remains an authentic cruise destination where tourists can find a range of traditional wooden boats. After many years of operation, these junks are still well maintained to preserve the traditional culture of the place, bringing tourists journeys with unique experiences.
One-of-a-kind cruise adventure on Bai Tu Long Bay junk boat
Sustainable and eco-friendly tourism
As a move to support sustainable tourism, boats here are all making efforts to become Bai Tu Long eco-friendly cruises to support the local community and protect the environment.
Some cruise lines such as Dragon Legend, Dragon’s Pearl Junk, La Muse, and Prince Private Cruise are implementing green tourism programs with a commitment to minimizing waste discharge to the environment, trying to reduce the amount of tourism waste to zero, and organizing volunteer trips to clean up the bay.
In addition, for local communities, to preserve traditional cultural values as well as contribute to the local economy, many cruises have designed programs that include cultural experiences such as tours to Yen Duc Village and experiencing traditional water puppet shows or increasing local interactions by taking tourists to visit local fishing villages such as Vung Vieng or Cap La.
Great way to behold the water puppet show at Yen Duc village with Indochina Junk cruises
Cruise itinerary & Places to visit
Usually, journeys to experience the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay through enchanting cruises last from 1 to 3 days.
Itinerary | Highlight Attractions |
1 day (6 - 8 hours) | Thien Canh Son Cave |
2 days 1 night (24 hours) |
Route 1: Thien Canh Son Cave - Vung Vieng Village Route 2: Cong Do - Cap La Island - Thien Canh Son Cave |
3 days 2 nights (48 hours) | Cap La - Cong Dam Area (adds on the 2D1N attractions) |
Places to visit on different Bai Tu Long cruise itineraries
Whether you embark on a Bai Tu Long Bay day trip or an overnight cruise, you can visit all the highlight spots. Here are the destinations you will have a chance to explore.
Thien Canh Son Cave
Despite its small entrance, Thien Canh Son Cave reveals a mesmerizing system of wavy domes adorned with thousands of twinkling stalactites, creating a breathtaking glow throughout the entire area. Also, walking through the cave passages is an interesting experience, helping you enjoy the magic of nature and feel the mysterious beauty of the cave.
Explore the natural beauty and geological value of limestone cave
Cong Dam Area
On the 3-day itinerary, the Cong Dam area is renowned for its majestic and poetic natural beauty, resembling an open-air geological museum. While kayaking through this place, tourists will have a chance to access the caves and be overwhelmed by the rocky mountains formed by rocks stacked in straight lines, and the peaceful space of the water and mountains on the bay.
Discover Bai Tu Long’s hidden gem on a kayak
Vung Vieng Village
While smaller in size compared to Cua Van Village in Halong, Vung Vieng Village still holds its own as a charming and intimate fishing community. This is a tiny and rustic floating village, surrounded by mountains, with fish farms and floating buoys lined up in straight rows.
Come to Vung Vieng, tourists will have the opportunity to chat with residents, learn about traditional fishing and community customs, and get an insight into the daily lives of the locals, helping you feel the peace and simple beauty of life on the water.
Get closer to local life in the fishing village
To access this lovely fishing village, cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay usually arrange trips by kayak or bamboo boat, which can accommodate about 6-8 people, to explore the wild beauty and immerse in peaceful nature.
Hon Co Island
Hon Co is a rare island in Bai Tu Long that allows visitors to swim and relax on the beach. It is famous for its smooth white sand beach and crystal clear blue seawater. As a little-known destination even for domestic tourists, this island still retains its pristine natural landscape and has not been affected by tourism business activities.
As a hidden gem, Hon Co Island offers the most authentic cruising experience.
Cap La
This area is one of the most beautiful areas of Bai Tu Long Bay with majestic natural scenery, surrounded by the Gulf of Tonkin’s typical steep cliffs. This place has a diverse ecosystem with many precious marine plants and animals.
Apart from enjoying the magnificent landscape of this area, visitors also have the opportunity to visit and learn about the cultural life of local fishermen at the fishing village and explore Cap La Cave, a small but beautiful cave recently discovered on Cong Do Island.
It’s also a perfect spot to paddle the calm waters on an enjoyable kayak.
How to get to Bai Tu Long
Most cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay depart from Halong International Cruise Port, No 9 Halong Road, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City.
From Hanoi
For BestPrice Travel customers, the company provides pick-up and drop-off service by luxury shuttle bus or private car from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter to the port with the following costs:
Transportation | Price | Duration |
Shuttle bus (round trip) | US $40/person | 2.5 hours |
Private car (round trip) | US $178/person |
From Halong City
In addition, for tourists currently in Halong City, local taxis are suggested to transfer from the city center to the cruise port (only a 5 - 10-minute drive) at the price of around US $4 - $4.5 for a one-way trip.
The best way to get from Halong Center to the international cruise port is by taxi.
Choosing the best Bai Tu Long Bay cruise & price update
Over the years, Bai Tu Long has become an authentic cruising destination for traditional junk boats in Vietnam. Here are BestPrice Travel’s top-rated Bai Tu Long cruises for 2024/2025 based on customer feedback and expert choices.
Cruise | Why choose | Price (US $/pax) |
La Muse Day Cruise 4* | Most popular day trip in Bai Tu Long | $58 |
La Regina Classic 3* | Best value for money | $121 |
Swan Cruises 3.5* | Top favorite cruise on TripAdvisor | $147 |
Garden Bay Legend 3.5* | Best small junk boat | $143 |
Signature Cruise 4* | Most cabins have private balcony & bathtub | $151 |
Treasure Junk 4* | Traditional boutique junk | $153 |
Signature Royal 5* | Most affordable 5-star cruise | $154 |
Dragon Pearl Junk 4* | Best services & activities | $155 |
Dragon Legend 5* | Best Bai Tu Long luxury cruise | $200 |
Prince Private Cruise 4* | Largest private cruise with 4 cabins | $220 |
If the list above is still a little confusing, below are some simple instructions for choosing the most appropriate cruise according to your needs.
For families
With family tourists, the most suitable choice is any cruise boat with spacious cabins and if possible, a connecting room is perfect. Especially for travelers with children, a large pool or jacuzzi is also an important highlight. The top-rated family cruises in this area include:
- Swan Cruise 3.5*
- Signature Cruise 4*
- Signature Royal 5*
Also, there is a special option for a big family group - the Bai Tu Long private boat tour, which is provided by the Prince Cruise - a small junk with 4 cabins and available only for charter trips.
The deluxe cabin on Swan Cruise is ideal for a group or family with kids.
For couples
Small but luxurious cruises, with beautiful, quiet, and private cabins, are always the best choice for couples when coming to Bai Tu Long Bay. Options with the above advantages are quite popular because this is also the characteristic of most cruise boats in this area, the best suggestions for couples at present include:
- La Regina Classic Cruise 3*
- Treasure Junk 4*
- Dragon Legend Cruise 5*
Dragon Legend Cruise offers a wide range of activities for couples.
For adventure seekers
Most travelers interested in adventure travel are fond of off-the-beaten-track itineraries. At the same time, many people choose to travel alone, so cost is also an issue that needs to be considered. Some cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay can satisfy these requirements such as:
- Garden Bay Legend 3.5*
- Dragon Pearl Junk 4*
- Prince Private Cruise 4*
Bai Tu Long Bay offers great opportunities to uncover hidden treasures.
Bai Tu Long cruise reviews 2024
According to BestPrice Travel’s annual inspection, Bai Tu Long Bay is still a well-preserved and interesting cruising route, suitable for many types of tourists thanks to the following advantages:
- Wild and beautiful landscapes
- High-quality services
- Diverse sightseeing and cultural activities
- Less touristy destinations
- Reasonable prices (US $121 - $155/ pax/ night), cheaper than Halong and Lan Ha cruises
The only drawbacks of this area are limited ship facilities and far locations, which means the Bai Tu Long day trip includes only 1 attraction to visit.
Overall, the Bai Tu Long Cruise is an attractive option for those who love the wild nature and deluxe experience on an overnight tour from 2 to 3 days. Although the service price has increased over time, it is still very reasonable compared to other bays.
FAQs
Bai Tu Long Bay is a perfect destination for a relaxing trip and off-the-beaten-path route. There are fewer cruise ships and more pristine landscapes, so that tourists can enjoy the most authentic cruise experience.
It's highly recommended to spend 2 - 3 days in Bai Tu Long Bay. 2 days 1 night is suitable to see the best highlights, while 3 days 2 nights is preferable to discover in deep with more secluded places and more relaxing activities.
Bai Tu Long Bay cruise price varies from US $123 to US $198/ pax for one night, based on various star ratings, travel dates, and cabin types.
- 2 days 1 night: From US $123 - 214 per pax
- 3 days 2 nights: From US $272 - 369 per pax
- 1 day: From US $58 per pax
- Private cruise: From US $609 per pax
For more details, you can check the availability and departure date to get the exact cost of your cruise tour.
Depending on different cruise types and budget ranges, we offer the best choices for Bai Tu Long Bay cruises as below:
- Lily Cruise (from US $148/pax): Best value 4-star cruise
- Swan Cruises (from US $135/pax): Top favorite budget cruise
- Dragon Legend (from US $198/pax): Best 5-star cruise in Bai Tu Long
- Treasure Junk (from US $147/pax): Best traditional junk boat
- Signature Cruise (from US $145/pax): Best cruise with spacious cabins
For more details, please contact our travel consultant to pick a suitable one for your trip.
Currently, you can not combine a cruise to Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay due to the policy of the Halong board management. You can only visit each bay separately.
Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay both offer breathtaking karst formations and stunning islets. However, each bay features its own characteristics.
While Lan Ha is perfect for high-end travelers and vibrant trips, Bai Tu Long would be ideal for off-the-beaten-path and tranquility seekers.
Lan Ha |
Bai Tu Long |
Availability Plenty of options Most modern ships |
Fewer choices Most junk boats |
Facilities Luxurious facilities: poker, live kitchen, spa, fitness, mini golf, etc. |
Old-fashioned furniture: bar, restaurant, and jacuzzi |
Cruise price From US $140 - $300/pax |
From US $123 - $198/pax |
So based on your preference, you can decide on either Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay.
Halong Bay cruises offer an iconic experience with popular attractions and diverse amenities onboard, while Bai Tu Long Bay cruises provide a more pristine environment with fewer crowds and a focus on offboard experience.
Questions & Answers (112)
We are 2 couples (60’s/70’s) that are looking for a relaxing 2 night cruise beginning on February 12th to end our time in Vietnam. We want “off the beaten path - Han Long Bay” and a room/suite with a balcony. I have been looking at: Ambassador Signature Renea Cozy Boutique Calypso What do you suggest?
If you want to visit Bai Tu Long please choose Signature or Renea Cruise.
We planned to travel to Bai Tu Long on June 20 & 21. We need a cruise that has a connecting room for 4 people. Which cruise is available at that time?
Hi! Due to your request, we suggest some best options for a 2d1n trip to Bai Tu Long Bay as below:
- Signature Royal Cruise - Elite Family Suite (from $876/cabin)
- Signature Cruise - Elite Family Suite (from $864/cabin)
- Lily Cruise - Family Premium Deluxe (from $644/cabin)
- Swan Cruises - Deluxe Connecting (from $528/cabin)
Please check your email for more info from our consultant.
Hello, we are looking for a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay for 2 persons for 3 days from Friday, 19/4 till Sunday 21/4. Which cruise can you offer for what price?
Hi! For your request, we suggest you some options below:
- Lily Cruise - from $296/cabin
- Swan Cruises - from $290/cabin
- Signature Cruise - from $290/cabin
Hi there - I'm looking to book the 3D2N Bai Tu Long cruise from the 12th to 14th of March. Just wondering if there is any cruise like Paloma available for these dates. Thanks.
@Jassmine:
Hi, at this time Paloma Cruise is not operated and we dont know when they can be back. Please let me help you check with Lily Cruise (same company and style as Paloma cruise).
Can you recommend an afternoon tour for Bai Tu Long Bay that starts after 12:30 p.m. for 4 passengers from a cruise ship that arrives at Ha Long Bay on April 5?
You can check the La Muse Cruise, this is only option that do Bai Tu Long Bay day cruise.