Choosing the best Halong Bay routes for cruise can be overwhelming especially for first-timers. In this article, I will share my opinion on the differences and similarities between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. I hope you will find the best routes for your cruising in Halong after reading my article.
Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay
When choosing a cruise on Halong Bay, you can choose the routes on Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. Both cruises on these bays have similar activities such as exploring caves, beaches, visiting floating villages, swimming and kayaking.
The major difference between cruising on Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay is the tourist crowds And the landscapes.
- Halong Bay is the most crowded bay then Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. If you want to avoid crowds, head to Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long instead.
- Halong Bay is home to many stunning caves and popular beaches, While Lan Han and Bai Tu Long have smaller and more pristine beaches.
Halong Bay is the most popular bay located in between Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. It is home to the famous Surprise Cave and Ti Tov island.
Lan Ha Bay is the smallest bay of the three, located right south of Ha Long Bay. This bay is less crowded than Halong Bay And gives a great chance for exploring Cat Ba island and kayaking and swimming on more secluded beaches.
Bai Tu Long Bay is the most remote and the biggest of the three bay. Visiting this bay offers a serene atmosphere and some lesser known fishing village, caves, and beaches.
In general, I think Taking a cruise on Halong Bay is the best option if you don’t mind the crowds and you want to see All the famous sights that Halong is famous for. If you want tranquility and cleanliness, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are the best choices.
In terms of prices, all bays have all options for budget, mid range, and luxury cruises. Halong is the most popular bay, therefore you’ll have many choices and can find good deals sometimes. Bai Tu Long Bay is the most remote bay with less cruise operating in this area, so the fewer choices and price is generally higher than in Halong Bay.
Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay – Which is better?
In my opinion, Halong Bay is better than Lan Ha Bay if you want to explore the most popular routes on the bay and don’t mind the crowds.
Lan Ha Bay is better than Halong Bay if you want to cruise in a less touristy area with cleaner beaches. Lan Ha Bay is indeed a rising destination on the Halong Bay cruise.
Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – Which is better?
I think Bai Tu Long is a better choice if you want a less visited area with unspoiled beaches. Take a note that Halong Bay has a wider range of cruises while Bai Tu Long has less choices. Cruises in Bai Tu Long are typically more expensive.
Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay – Which is better?
Both Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long are extensions of Ha Long Bay. Lan Ha is the smallest while Bai Tu Long is the largest Bay. They are both Halong alternatives Famous for its breathtaking karst landscape but offer a more tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
If you want a more secluded bay and a more upscale experience, Bai Tu Long is a better place for cruising. If you want to explore the interesting Cat Ba island, Lan Ha Bay is the place to go.
Halong Bay – the most popular bay
Halong Bay is the most famous and well-known bay in the Halong Bay complex. It is home to the Bay’s largest and most impressive caves, Sung Sot Cave.
Highlight of Halong Bay:
- Sung Sot Cave
- Ti Tov island
- Soi Sim Beach
- Cua Van Fishing village
How to get to the port of Halong Bay: Cruises to Halong Bay usually depart from either Tuan Chau Marina or Halong international cruise port.
Lan Ha Bay – Best place for kayaking
Lan Ha is a small bay located just south of Halong Bay and east of Cat Ba island. This bay has many small beaches and islets, making it a kayaking paradise.
If you want to explore a less crowded bay with an unspoiled area and peaceful atmosphere, Lan Ha Bay is a great choice. Lan Ha Bay cruise offers a chance to explore Cat Ba island with its charming villages.
Highlights of Lan Ha Bay:
- Dark-Bright Cave
- Cai Beo fishing village
- Ba Trai Dao Beach
- Van Boi Beach
How to get to port of Lan Ha Bay: Cruise to Lan Ha Bay depart from Got Pier
Bai Tu Long Bay – Off the beaten track
Bai Tu Long Bay is a big bay area located on the eastern side of Halong Bay. This area is less tourist and less commercialized than Halong Bay with untouched islands and more pristine water. It is a great destination for those who want tranquility, serene, and off the beaten path.
The downside is only a few cruises operate the Bai Tu Long route and the price is usually higher than Halong Bay. If you prioritize a peaceful holiday with isolated beaches, taking an overnight cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay is well worth it!
Highlight of Bai Tu Long Bay:
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Thien Canh Son Cave
- Ban Chan Beach
How to get to the pier of Bai Tu Long cruise: Most Bai Tu Long cruises depart from Hon Gai Pier. You can easily get from Hanoi to Hon Gai pier by bus or shuttle from cruises.
See more:
- How Many Days in Halong Bay is Enough?
- Best 3 Days 2 nights Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary
- Best 2 Days 1 nights Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary
- Best Time to visit Halong Bay
- Best areas to Stay in Halong Bay
- Halong Bay Day Cruise Vs Overnight Cruise
Overall, Halong Bay is the best place to go for cruising if you want to explore the most famous sights on the bay complex. If you want to explore less touristy areas and avoid crowds, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are better options. between Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long, Bai Tu Long offers a more tranquil and high end experience.