Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay: Which Should You Choose for a Cruise?

When searching for a cruise in the Quang Ninh – Hai Phong coastal area, you will come across three names: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. The three bays lie side by side, all featuring limestone karsts rising from the sea, yet the experiences they offer are quite different. This article helps you understand those differences so you can choose the right route.

Quick Comparison

Criteria	Ha Long	Lan Ha	Bai Tu Long
Location	Central, Ha Long City (Quang Ninh)	Southern, around Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong)	Northeast, near Cam Pha and Van Don (Quang Ninh)
Atmosphere	Bustling, many boats, many services	Quieter, numerous small sandy beaches	Unspoiled, few boats
Highlights	Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave	Fishing villages, Ba Trai Dao, Sang Toi Cave, Viet Hai Village	Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Thien Canh Son Cave
Best for	First-time visitors who want to see iconic sights	Couples and families who enjoy swimming and kayaking	Travelers who prefer seclusion and unspoiled nature

Ha Long Bay: Iconic and Bustling

Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994; in 2023, the heritage area was extended to become "Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago." This is where you will find the most famous attractions, such as Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and Luon Cave. In return, during peak season these sites can be quite crowded, with many boats on the water.

Sunset over Ha Long Bay, the most popular cruise route. Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.

Lan Ha Bay: Tranquil, with Plenty of Beaches

Lan Ha lies to the south, around the Cat Ba Archipelago, within Hai Phong City. The bay features many small islands, white sandy beaches, and fishing villages, with relatively clear water that makes it ideal for kayaking and swimming. Many luxury cruises pick up guests at Tuan Chau (Ha Long) before heading to Lan Ha, while others board at Cat Ba or Got Pier.

A floating fishing village amid limestone karsts on Lan Ha Bay. Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Bai Tu Long Bay: Unspoiled and Secluded

Bai Tu Long lies to the northeast of Ha Long, toward Cam Pha and Van Don. Far fewer boats operate here, so the bay remains calm and the scenery stays wild. Common attractions include Vung Vieng Fishing Village and Thien Canh Son Cave. That said, fewer cruises run this route, which means a more limited selection of vessels.

The calm waters of Bai Tu Long Bay surrounded by limestone formations. Photo: Benjamin Smith / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

So Which Bay Should You Choose?

• First-time visitor who wants to see "Ha Long as seen in photos": choose Ha Long Bay.

• Want peace and quiet, swimming, kayaking, or a relaxing retreat: choose Lan Ha Bay.

• Prefer seclusion and have already visited Ha Long: try Bai Tu Long Bay.

• Day trip: day boats mostly operate on Ha Long Bay, as it is closest to shore and the most convenient.

Tips When Booking a Tour

• A boat with "Ha Long" in its name may have an itinerary that covers Lan Ha; always read the itinerary and departure port carefully.

• Ask clearly whether the price includes bay entrance fees and Airport Shuttle from Hanoi.

• July through September is typhoon season; ask about the rescheduling policy in case of bad weather.

Itineraries and attractions are subject to change depending on the vessel and local regulations.

Photo Credits

Cover photo: "Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay" – Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photos within the article are credited directly beneath each image.