Halong Bay Tour : Cruise in Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long ?
Table of contents
Information, advices to choose the perfect tour to cruise in Halong Bay or its two sisters !
Halong Bay and its two little sisters : Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long
The Ha Long Bay:
Halong Bay , classified by UNESCO since 1994 and named as one of the new 7 wonders of nature is the main attraction during a trip to Vietnam.
The bay is divided into 3 bays (Ha Long, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long) which are ultimately just as beautiful in terms of landscapes.
Ha Long means “the descent of the dragon”, coming from the legend which would have been at the origin of the creation of the bay. You can read the various legends that revolve around the bay here >
It is the main bay and in high season hundreds of boats leave to navigate the clear waters. Much more dedicated to mass tourism, and mainly for an Asian clientele, the place is sometimes unfortunately overexploited and the tranquility tainted.
The Lan Ha Bay (recommended)
Lan Ha, a much quieter little sister, is part of Cat Ba National Park. Much less frequented, it remains the best option to be able to take full advantage of the site. It is also in this bay that one can find the last floating villages of Halong . Departing from Cat Ba Island, the largest island, you can sail there for a day or for two days. The cruise includes swimming, kayaking through caves and generally visiting the isolated village of Viet Hai. ( the village of Viet Hai is populated by former inhabitants of a floating village who had to move on land due to the rising waters and climatic conditions. It is accessible only by boat or by hiking through the park National Cat Ba)
The Bai Tu Long Bay
On the northern part of Halong Bay , it is also a privileged bay for Western customers wanting to enjoy a peaceful cruise. The landscapes are similar and splendid. On the program, visit caves, kayaking, swimming.
Which kind of tour for a Halong Bay cruise ?
Navigating the turquoise waters of Halong Bay can be done in several ways. There are all types of boats of all categories. Of course, we recommend taking at least a 3-star category to ensure a pleasant time. This will remain one of the highlights of your trip to Vietnam, so make sure you have the means!
Everything will depend on your desires and the experience you are looking for. For a more intimate cruise, the traditional wooden junks (from 2 to 12 cabins) offer a unique adventure and a journey through time. You can find several choices there, from the private junk (often the only ones to really use the sails for other than decorative purposes) to the junk of a few cabins where you can meet other travelers. These traditional junks offer less complete services (no balcony for the standard rooms, no bathtub but a much more traditional and warm decoration and atmosphere.
For a more luxurious cruise, more up to date, we will go for modern cruises which are “full option”. Private terrace, bathtub with a view of the karst peaks, SPA, gym and swimming pool on the pontoon for the most luxurious. They consist of around twenty cabins with the most spacious often placed at the rear. If you find a lot of 3, 4 or 5 stars sailing in the bays, you can also bask in a 6 star.
How long for a Halong Bay tour?
For each bay, you can find day departures (beware of those who claim to visit Lan Ha or Bai Tu bay for a day with a departure from the city of Along, you will only put one toe inside) .
We do not recommend day cruises in the main bay of Halong , too many boats. For those who do not wish to sleep at sea, prefer to leave from Cat Ba Island.
Of course, most of you want the experience of waking up in the crystal clear waters of the China Sea. The question is: 2 days or 3 days? When we travel, it is generally the time that we miss and rarely the desire. For those who have the possibility, we recommend a 3-day cruise where you will have the opportunity to navigate and discover more deeply the beauties and secrets of Halong Bay . The two-day cruise (the most used) remains magical, but it is possible to regret not having extended this magnificent trip by one more night.
Our Halong Bay tour selection :
With dozens and dozens of companies offering almost identical services, it is difficult to know which cruise to choose. We have made for you a selection by category and by bay of cruises offering a good quality of service and a pleasant itinerary.
Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay :
3* Cruise :
Renea : Traditional wooden junk > 12 cabinss
Garden bay :Wooden junk > 10 ,11,12 or 14 cabins
Swan : Wooden junk > 14 cabins
Oriental sails : Wooden junk > 18 cabins
4* cruise :
Lily : Modern boat> 20 cabins
5* cruise :
Athena luxury : Modern boat
Dragon legend : Wooden junk > 22 cabins
Dragon pearl : Wooden junk > 10 cabins
Signature : Modern boat > 20 cabins
Private junk :
L’amour junk : Traditional junk> 1 cabin
Le prince 1 : Traditional junk> 2 cabins
Red dragon : Traditional junk > 5 cabins
Cruise in Lan Ha Bay :
4* cruise :
Calypso cruise : Wooden boat > 20 cabins
A class Stellar: Modern boat > 21cabins
Bhaya classic : Wooden junk > 15 or 20 cabins
5* cruise:
Mon Cheri cruise: Modern boat > 18 or 24 cabins
Peony cruise : Modern boat > 20 cabins
Stellar of the Sea: Yacht > 22 cabins
Orchid cruise : Wooden boat > 14 cabins
Orchid Trendy : Wooden boat > 20 cabins
The Au Co : Modern boat > 32 cabins
6* cruise:
Elite of the Sea: Modern boat> 35 cabins
Private junk:
Bhaya classic premium : Traditional junk > 3 to 7 cabins
Bhaya legend : Traditional junk > 1 to 3 cabins
Indochina sails : Traditional junk > 2 or 3 cabins
Package tour with Halong Bay cruise :
- The most classic is to start your visit by Halong Bay on land, Ninh Binh . For those who have a little more time, you can make a superb loop from then Hanoi by combining the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay .
> Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (Lan Ha) – 6 days
- For those who want a trip combining unmissable destinations and off the beaten track, we can insert the province of Nam Dinh, land of artisans. It is located between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay . A more than interesting stop to discover the know-how of local craftsmen.
> Quang Phu Cau – Ninh Binh – Nam Dinh – Halong Bay (Lan Ha) – 5 days
- You can also make a northeast loop through Bac Son and Lang Son before joining one of the bays for a cruise. The northeast is less popular and tourism less developed, an interesting adventure to get off the beaten track
> Bac Son – Lang Son – Halong Bay (Lan Ha) – 5 days
- For a more exceptional adventure, you can try a seaplane flight over the bay to contemplate it from the sky. An unforgettable experience ! Then head out onto the calm waters of the bay for a relaxing cruise.
> Halong Bay scenic flight- Lan Ha Bay – Mount Yen Tu – 5 days
Note : It is possible to only do flight and cruise.
For rates, contact us directly for the best prices, promotions. Rates vary according to the season, the number of people
