Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are two beautiful alternatives for travelers choosing a cruise route near Ha Long Bay. Both offer gorgeous scenery, but each delivers a unique travel vibe. Some visitors love quiet, untouched areas with peaceful views, while others prefer beaches, fun kayaking spots, and easy access from Cat Ba Island. This guide gives you a clear, simple overview so you can understand the essentials before exploring the full comparison.
Bai Tu Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: what are the key differences?
When choosing between Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a few key differences stand out: the size of each bay, the overall atmosphere, how crowded they feel, and the type of travel experience they offer.
- Scale and layout: Bai Tu Long Bay covers a much wider area, giving you long open stretches of water and plenty of space between islands. It feels expansive and unhurried. Lan Ha Bay, on the other hand, has over 400 islands packed into a smaller space, creating a cozy, maze-like landscape that feels exciting to explore.
- Atmosphere and crowds: Thanks to its larger area and more remote position, Bai Tu Long Bay is noticeably quieter. Many travelers describe it as a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path alternative. Lan Ha Bay is still calmer than the busiest bays, but its easier access means it attracts more visitors, especially those staying around Cat Ba Island.
- Landscape and island density: Bai Tu Long offers wide horizons, open water, and karst formations spaced further apart, perfect for those who love peaceful cruising. Lan Ha Bay’s tighter clusters of islands, hidden coves, and narrow channels create a sense of adventure, especially for travelers who enjoy kayaking or exploring by smaller boat.
- Type of experience: Choose Bai Tu Long if you prefer slow, serene cruising and the feeling of being fully surrounded by nature. Choose Lan Ha if you want a mix of nature, easy activities, beach stops, and convenient logistics.
In short, Bai Tu Long Bay gives you scale, space, and solitude. Lan Ha Bay delivers intimacy, variety, and convenience. Which you prefer depends on your style and what you value most on holiday.
Read more: Bai Tu Long Bay: An alternative Ha Long Bay
Location and accessibility
The journey to each bay is slightly different, which can affect how much time you spend traveling.
- Where they are: Bai Tu Long Bay sits to the northeast of the main Halong region. Lan Ha Bay lies southeast of Cat Ba Island and belongs to the Cat Ba archipelago in the Gulf of Tonkin.
- Reaching Bai Tu Long Bay: Most cruises depart from ports around Halong City, such as Hon Gai. From Hanoi, expect a drive of around 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. After arriving at the harbor, you will board your cruise and head into the bay. Because of the longer land journey, reaching Bai Tu Long usually takes more time than reaching Lan Ha.
- Reaching Lan Ha Bay: Many tours start from Cat Ba Island via ports like Got Pier (Hai Phong) or Ben Beo. From Hanoi, the drive to Hai Phong is typically 2 to 2.5 hours, followed by a ferry or speedboat to Cat Ba, and then a boat trip into the bay. Overall, Lan Ha is generally faster and simpler to reach.
- What this means for travelers: Lan Ha Bay is the more convenient option if you are short on time or prefer uncomplicated travel connections. Bai Tu Long Bay’s longer approach, however, is part of what keeps it peaceful, making it perfect for travelers who value quiet and privacy.
- Good to know: Staying on Cat Ba Island gives you easy access to Lan Ha Bay and lets you blend island time with bay exploration. If you choose Bai Tu Long, expect to spend more of your trip out on the water, which many travelers see as a bonus because the bay remains calm, quiet, and far less crowded.
Scenery and natural highlights
When you compare Bai Tu Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay, the scenery and natural highlights show some clear differences.
Bai Tu Long Bay’s natural features
Bai Tu Long Bay feels wide, open, and peaceful. The limestone islands are more spread out, creating large stretches of calm water between the karst formations.
You’ll come across pristine beaches and quiet coves, perfect for relaxing without the crowds. Spots like Ban Chan Beach or the shores of Quan Lan and Minh Chau Islands offer soft sand, gentle waves, and a very laid-back vibe. The bay is also home to beautiful natural caves. Thien Canh Son Cave, for example, features impressive stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years.
If you enjoy forests and biodiversity, Bai Tu Long will feel special. Several islands belong to protected areas, meaning you can explore forested hills and untouched landscapes that haven’t been affected by mass tourism. It’s a great choice for travelers who love nature, tranquility, and a more remote atmosphere. Overall, Bai Tu Long Bay offers wide horizons, peaceful scenery, and a sense of natural wilderness.
Lan Ha Bay signature landscapes
Lan Ha Bay delivers a very different first impression. Instead of open space, you’ll find a dense maze of nearly 400 karst islands and islets rising from the water, creating a dramatic and intimate landscape.
Tucked between these islands are countless small beaches, hidden lagoons, and narrow, peaceful water channels. Many are only accessible by small boats or kayaks, making the bay ideal for exploring off-the-beaten-path corners.
The water in Lan Ha Bay is often especially calm and protected by the surrounding limestone peaks, making it great for swimming, paddling, and drifting into quiet coves. Greenery blankets many of the small islands, adding a tropical feel. With emerald water and jungle-covered cliffs all around you, the scenery feels both cozy and incredibly photogenic.
In short, Lan Ha Bay surrounds you with nature at every turn, offering hidden beaches, peaceful waters, and lush, jagged islands that create a true island-maze experience.
Activities and experiences
What you can do on the water and around the sea also differs, so comparing Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay helps you find the destination that fits your travel style.
In Bai Tu Long Bay, activities focus on relaxation, quiet discovery, and nature-based experiences. You can visit peaceful islands and uncrowded beaches where swimming and sunbathing feel more private. Exploring caves such as Thien Canh Son gives you a close look at impressive rock formations and offers a gentle sense of adventure without the crowds.
You can also stop by local fishing or coastal villages to see daily life in the bay area. This adds a more authentic, less touristy touch to your trip. Overall, Bai Tu Long is ideal if you enjoy a slower pace, calm boat rides, and plenty of time to unwind.
In Lan Ha Bay, activities are more diverse and energetic. With its many islands, hidden coves, and calm waters, the bay is perfect for kayaking, swimming, exploring lagoons, and hopping between small beaches. You can join boat tours, ride through caves or narrow channels on smaller boats, or visit a floating village like Cai Beo to explore traditional bay culture.
If you like mixing experiences – beach time, water activities, small-island exploration, and a bit of adventure – Lan Ha Bay gives you lots of flexibility. Because the islands are close together and the sea is gentle, this bay is great for groups, families, and friends looking for an active yet relaxing trip with plenty of options.
Crowds and atmosphere
When comparing Bai Tu Long Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay, the biggest difference most travelers notice is the crowd level and the overall vibe.
Bai Tu Long Bay stays exceptionally quiet. It receives far fewer visitors than the more famous bays in the region. Because tourism is intentionally limited, the whole area feels calm and almost private. On many cruises, you may spot only a few other boats, creating a peaceful atmosphere that feels far from busy tourist routes.
Lan Ha Bay is livelier than Bai Tu Long Bay, yet still much less crowded than major tourist hotspots. It has more cruise options, more boats on the water, and more travelers around, especially during peak season. This gives Lan Ha a social and energetic feel. You might meet fellow travelers on beaches, along kayaking routes, or at shared stops during your cruise.
Overall, each bay offers a distinct mood. Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal if you want quiet landscapes and a remote, relaxing experience. Lan Ha Bay suits travelers who enjoy a balance of natural beauty and light social interaction. Your choice depends on whether you prefer peaceful solitude or a slightly more lively adventure.
Cruise options and price differences
Below is the specific price range for the cruise options. You can see them as references for your trip:
| Bay / Itinerary / Cruise Type | Typical Price (per person, double-occupancy) / Notes |
| Bai Tu Long Bay — 1-day cruise | from about US $58 |
| Bai Tu Long Bay — 2 days / 1 night (standard to mid-range) | ~ US$123 – $198 |
| Bai Tu Long Bay — 2 days / 1 night (private / higher category cabins) | Prices for certain cruises start higher (depending on cabin type) |
| Bai Tu Long Bay — 3 days / 2 nights (mid-range to deluxe boats) | ~ US$272 – $369 per person |
| Lan Ha Bay — 2 days / 1 night (budget to mid-range) | ~ US$105 – $160 |
| Lan Ha Bay — 2 days / 1 night (deluxe / better boats) | ~ US$190 – $300 |
| Lan Ha Bay — 3 days / 2 nights (deluxe / experience-oriented cruises) | ~ US$290 – $400 |
Read more: Ha Long Bay images show the beautiful scenery makes tourists “forget the way home”
Which bay is better for different types of travelers?
Choosing between Bai Tu Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay often depends on what type of trip you enjoy. Here’s how to pick based on your travel style:
- If you value tranquility, untouched nature, and fewer tourists, then Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal. It works well for couples, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a calm, relaxing cruise. The low crowd levels and simple, pristine environment make it special for people who want space and quiet.
- If you prefer a balanced mix of nature, convenience, and activity, Lan Ha Bay fits well. It offers options for different budgets, more frequent departures, and a variety of experiences – from beaches and kayaking to island-hopping. This makes it suitable for families, groups of friends, or travelers who enjoy flexibility and more social travel.
- For travelers who care about value and ease of planning, Lan Ha Bay often gives more choices. More cruise operators, more price ranges, and more departure times mean easier access and greater convenience.
- For travelers who want an escape from busy tourism and enjoy slow-paced travel, Bai Tu Long Bay offers solitude and authenticity. If you want to immerse yourself in nature without many distractions, it’s a strong choice.
Ready to choose between Bai Tu Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay? Ask Lily’s Travel today. Ranked among the best agencies in northern Vietnam, Lily’s Travel combines 15 years’ experience with over 2,000 five-star TripAdvisor reviews. Our tours go beyond sightseeing to offer cultural, community-focused experiences across the region. The young, passionate team researches every route and uses 3D previews so you know exactly what to expect. We offer honest, tailored recommendations to match your travel style.
Both Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay promise breathtaking views, but one may match your style better than the other. Quiet nature escapes point to Bai Tu Long, while activity-filled trips favor Lan Ha. If you’re ready to book or need guidance, Lily’s Travel is here to help with trusted, expert support.
