If Halong Bay is compared to a glamorous beauty queen surrounded by reporters and followers, Bai Tu Long Bay is to an original and charming one without much public attention. Lesser known than its sister, Bai Tu long is another secret haven.
Accounting for three quarters of Halong Bay World heritage site, Bai Tu Long Bay also encompasses many islands in Van Don and Cam Pha District. With 3,000 rocky, sky – crapping islets and white sand beaches, it is known as one of the most primitive and insightful places in Vietnam. Bai Tu Long Bay and its islands still have low population and as a result haven’t much developed. However, this less rowdy and touristy side contribute to the fact that Bai Tu Long Bay is somehow more stunning and attractive than its neighbor thanks to its natural and primitive beauty.
Weather:
The tropical climate of this Bay has divided its weather into two distinct seasons, specifically, hot and humid summer, cold and dry winter. The average temperature fluctuates between 15 °C and 25 °C. Due to its weather, summer is always the peak season of the Bay. If you drop by Bai Tu Long Bay in summer, you can take part in a great deal of energetic activities such as swimming and kayaking. Nevertheless, winter is a good time for ones who want to avoid the tourist crowds. Still and all, in both seasons, you can enjoy your best with the amazing and magnificent scenery of this wonderful Bay.
How it took its name
Identically to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay owns the same legend. Once upon a time, in order to protect the ancient Vietnam’s border from invaders, God sent mother dragon and child dragons down to help Vietnamese people fight the enemy. When the enemy’s boats approached the shore, the dragons sprayed countless pearls which then turned into thousands of limestones and became a solid wall that blocked invaders’ way. After the victory, since having fallen in love with spectacular landscapes and hospitable Vietnamese people, the dragons decided to stay. The location where mother dragon landed is Halong Bay and where child dragons launched is Bai Tu Long Bay. The dragons’ tail hitting the water to create white foam layers later became white sand beaches around Bai Tu Long Bay.
Scenery and Activities:
Bai Tu Long Bay consists of a long range of islands which was created when the whole limestone upland sunk below sea level. Its breathtaking and magnificent beauty is undeniable. In this area, you can enjoy pristine natural scenery. An enormous area of this landscape is still unexplored. Coming to Bai Tu Long Bay, you will have the chance to visit a great many of amusing destinations such as: Cong Do area, Vung Vieng fishing village, Da Xep Park, Cong Dam area, Thien Canh Son cave and Tra Gioi beach. Besides, Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong, and Cong Tay are the largest, most developed and most populated islands where you can help yourself relax on their beautiful beaches. The special highlight of Bai Tu Long Bay is its national park. This place is really worth seeing because it is the home of many endangered species of birds and animals, as well as plants.
To enjoy your time in Bai Tu Long Bay, kayaking is one of the best choices. This is a really good way to have a close glimpse of charming vivid islets and observe fully the life of people living in floating village. Apart from travelling by boat, you can also enjoy an enjoyable bicycle ride watching insightful dense forests on the islands. The beautiful beaches around the Bay are definitely perfect places for ones who obsessed with swimming and surfing.
Cruise trips in Bai Tu Long Bay:
There are not yet many tours delivered, the beach remains pristine, and residents are more local fishermen than tourism service workers. Among all cruises delivering tours to Halong Bay, a few anchor in Bai Tu Long such as the Dragon Pearl and Calypso Cruise. These are smaller boats, offering a less luxury but definitely more tranquil feel as one tours the Bay.
Hon Co Island