Where is Bai Tu Long Bay ?
Alongside Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is selected as one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The enchantment of this coastal bay lies in the majestic beauty of nature and the exciting culinary experiences it offers.
1. Overview of Bai Tu Long Bay
1.1 Location of Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is a coastal bay in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, comprising hundreds of small and large islands within the Gulf of Tonkin, belonging to Northeast Vietnam. Bai Tu Long Bay covers a marine area of Ha Long City, Cam Pha City, and Van Don District.
It borders Ha Long Bay to the southwest, Cam Pha City to the west, the sea to the east, and Co To District to the northeast.
With its advantageous geographical location and favorable natural conditions, Bai Tu Long Bay is undoubtedly an ideal tourist destination for visitors seeking a blend of mountains, sea, and local culture. Hence, it is one of the perfect answers to the question: Where to travel in Quang Ninh?
1.2 Historical sites in Bai Tu Long Bay
The history of Bai Tu Long Bay is closely associated with the heroic tales of the Vietnamese nation.
Vân Đồn - a bustling sea gate dating back nearly 900 years to the time of the Ly dynasty. It was a bustling hub for trade with merchants from Xiêm La, China, Japan, India, and more, exchanging goods.
Bai Tu Long Bay also commemorates the glorious achievements of General Tran Khanh Du and the three Pham brothers (from Quan Lan commune) who defeated the fleet of the Yuan Mongolian general Truong Van Ho in 1288.
Additionally, on the bay, there is Cua Ong Temple (also known as Suot Temple) dedicated to Hung Nhuong Vuong Tran Quoc Tang (the third son of the Duke Hung Dao Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan).
2. The Beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay
In recent years, tourism services in Bai Tu Long Bay have been continuously developing. This coastal bay captivates many far-flung travelers due to:
The enchanting beauty of hundreds of small and large islands: formed over thousands of years, each island exudes a grand and ancient charm, creating a mesmerizing seascape for visitors.
Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay allows tourists to discover Van Don District and island clusters such as Cap Ky Gia, Cap Ky Nhay, Hon Ba Sao, Hon Chong, Quan Lan Island, Minh Chau Island, Me Cung Cave, Thien Canh Son Cave, Hon Con Co, Bai Tho Mountain, and more.
Having numerous pristine beaches:
Bai Tu Long Bay is renowned for its unspoiled beaches like Minh Chau Beach, Con Co Beach, Co To Sea, Van Don Beach, Quan Lan Beach, etc. Travelers will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the vast ocean and the smooth, white sandy beaches along the coast. Here, visitors can indulge in the refreshing turquoise waters and breathe in the cool, fresh air.
Captivating natural scenery: whether it's sunrise or sunset, the seascape of Bai Tu Long Bay is always stunning. In this paradise, tourists can capture beautiful moments in photographs.
3. Best Time to Travel to Bai Tu Long Bay
For those wondering when to visit Quang Ninh, the ideal time to explore Bai Tu Long Bay is during the summer months, from March to May, every year. Traveling to this famous destination during the summer allows visitors to enjoy swimming in the sea and participating in water sports to cool off during hot days.
For those who want to admire the scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay, the best time to visit is during the autumn months, around August to October each year. In the autumn, the seawater is clear and the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Each season in Bai Tu Long Bay offers unique experiences for travelers. However, visitors should avoid visiting the bay from June to July each year. During this time, there may be sudden rain and storms, affecting the travel experience of visitors.
4. Getting to Bai Tu Long Bay
To reach Bai Tu Long Bay, travelers need to move to Hon Gai wharf and then take a boat to the bay. There are daily boat trips to the bay, and visitors can buy tickets at the dock to go on a bay tour.
The distance and time from Hanoi to Ha Long City, Quang Ninh, Vietnam are approximately 156.3 kilometers and it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car via QL5B/ĐCT04 route.
Note: The information provided is based on the distance and time estimation using the mentioned route. Actual travel time may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
5. Exciting Activities When Traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay
5.1. Experience on a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
This area offers cruise rental services for visitors to explore Bai Tu Long Bay and the surrounding islands. On a cruise, travelers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, the sea, and the cool sea breeze, relieving them of the heat during summer.
The cruise will pass by limestone mountains such as Hon Ga Choi, Hon Dinh Huong, Hon Mai Nha, etc. Bai Tu Long Bay has thousands of limestone islands of various shapes, providing visitors with truly unique exploration experiences.
5.2. Visit Cong Dam fishing village
Cong Dam fishing village is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Bai Tu Long Bay. Here, visitors can experience the lifestyle of Northern fishermen, learn about their traditional culture, and listen to fascinating stories about the sea.
In this village, tourists also have the opportunity to fish with the local fishermen, have heart-to-heart conversations with them, or sit on small boats to explore tiny houses or towering mountain ranges.
5.3. Kayaking
To fully experience the magnificence of nature when traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay, exploring the caves or watching flocks of birds perching on the cliffs, visitors should go kayaking.
However, when kayaking, visitors should be prepared to get wet, so it is advisable to wear swimwear or shorts for comfort. Moreover, kayaking in the bay requires physical effort, so it is recommended for those who are physically fit to participate in this challenging activity.
5.4. Visit Bai Tu Long National Park
For nature enthusiasts, Bai Tu Long National Park is a must-visit during the trip to Bai Tu Long Bay. This is a national biosphere reserve with a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna.
Here, visitors can admire the pristine beauty of islands such as Tra Ngo Lon, Ba Mun, Sau Nam, Dong Ma, as well as the towering limestone mountains surrounding the valleys, which are the living environment of various wildlife.
In addition, if you have time, travelers can visit the villages of Tay, San Diu, Dao Do, which are currently living on the islands in Bai Tu Long Bay. The people here are very friendly and hospitable.
According to the survey by Gecko Travel (UK), Bai Tu Long Bay (Vietnam) is in the top 5 most wonderful tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
Therefore, when planning to visit this attractive destination, tourists should find a convenient place to stay and ensure the perfect resort experience. Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is an ideal choice for travelers due to its excellent amenities, such as:
Strategically located in the center of Reu Island;
Well-equipped rooms with spacious balconies offering views of Ha Long Bay;
Various amenities including swimming pools, restaurants, bars, meeting rooms, cooking classes, gym, yoga, and more.
Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, tourists should consider staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to fully enjoy a superior resort experience.
6. What to Eat When Traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay?
Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, tourists not only enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience various water sports but also indulge in the delectable local seafood specialties. These dishes are made from fresh and delicious seafood such as squid, snails, crabs, shrimp, oysters, scallops, and more.
Some famous delicacies in Bai Tu Long Bay include:
Squid: A nutritious seafood with a delightful flavor. Squid is plentiful in Bai Tu Long Bay and has a softer texture compared to the market, allowing visitors to enjoy it at a reasonable price.
Green mussel: These dishes, such as steamed green mussels with herbs, or green mussel stir-fried with green pepper, have a distinct sea flavor that foodies will love.
Banh Gat Gu: A rice-based dish similar to rolled rice cakes in other regions. The cake has a sweet, mellow taste and is particularly attractive.
Ngan soup with mung bean sprouts: This dish is a special delicacy of Quang Ninh that anyone who has tasted it will never forget.
7. Some Tips for Traveling to Bai Tu Long Bay
To prepare for a fun and hassle-free trip, travelers to Bai Tu Long Bay should take note of the following:
Always wear a hat and sunscreen when going to the beach to protect yourself from the sun.
Carry personal belongings, especially insect repellent, band-aids, allergy medicine, and fever medicine to prevent any unforeseen situations.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture beautiful moments for yourself and your friends and family.
Carry all necessary documents.
If traveling during the peak season, travelers should contact hotels early to book rooms and avoid room shortages.
Booking a hotel room in advance and choosing a quality resort is an important consideration for travelers when visiting Bai Tu Long Bay.
Comments