In northern Vietnam, three spectacular bays lie side by side: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. They belong to the same coastal area and are all home to the iconic seascape of thousands of dramatic limestone karsts rising from the emerald-green waters.
For many travellers, a mini cruise through this area is one of the absolute highlights of a tour of Vietnam.
But which bay should you choose?
We offer tours to all three bays, and although the scenery shares many similarities, each bay has its own distinctive atmosphere and unique experience to offer.
In this blog post, we compare the three bays and look at what sets them apart from one another.
| Ha Long Bay | Lan Ha Bay | Bai Tu Long Bay | |
| Location | Located approximately a 3-hour drive from Hanoi | Located south of Ha Long Bay | Located northeast of Ha Long Bay |
| Number of visitors | Most | Second most | Fewest |
| Known for | Vietnam’s most iconic natural scenery | Sandy beaches and untouched nature | Exclusive tranquillity and few other visitors |
| Atmosphere | Lively and popular | Intimate, peaceful, and full of adventure | Calm, authentic, and peaceful |
| Highlights | Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island | Dark and Bright Cave and Cat Ba Island | The beautiful island of Cap La and the Thien Canh Son cave |
| UNESCO | Yes, under Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago | Yes, under Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago | No |
| Suitable for | First-time visitors (and those who want to see the largest caves) | Active travellers (who want to go kayaking and enjoy the most modern ships) | Those seeking peace and a more authentic atmosphere |
Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions and has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1994. More than 1,600 limestone islands rise dramatically from the sea, forming one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking landscapes – best experienced from the water on a cruise.
On a cruise through the bay, you can enjoy stunning views over the clear waters – for example, from a viewpoint on Ti Top Island, where you can also take a swim at the lovely beach – and visit several of the highlights, including the Sung Sot Cave, the largest in Ha Long Bay.
The atmosphere is vibrant, especially during the high season from October to April, when you’ll find a wide range of cruises and activities to enjoy. Ha Long Bay is by far the most visited of the three bays.
Choose Ha Long Bay if: you want to experience the most iconic scenery at one of Vietnam’s greatest attractions.
Lan Ha Bay lies to the south of Ha Long Bay, surrounding Cat Ba, and – thanks to Cat Ba – is also part of the UNESCO world heritage list (since 2023). The landscape is just as spectacular, with hundreds of limestone islands, while the bay also offers small sandy beaches and great opportunities for kayaking.
Lan Ha Bay is more peaceful and less visited than Ha Long Bay, making it famous for its unspoilt nature and more intimate atmosphere. However, there are slightly more boats here than in Bai Tu Long Bay.
The boats sailing in Lan Ha Bay are often smaller, newer, and of a higher standard, offering an authentic experience with great emphasis on excellent service and quality.
Choose Lan Ha Bay if: you’re looking for the perfect balance between stunning scenery, modern vessels, and great opportunities for kayaking and swimming.
Northeast of Ha Long Bay lies Bai Tu Long Bay. The landscape that greets you here is almost identical to that of its famous neighbour, but compared to both Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, there are far fewer boats and visitors.
Many travellers choose Bai Tu Long Bay if they’re seeking a more peaceful and authentic experience on the water. Here, you can cruise between dramatic limestone formations, visit small fishing villages, and enjoy nature at a more relaxed pace. The routes here are set away from the most crowded areas.
Although the bay is less visited, the experiences and views are every bit as impressive, with the same spectacular limestone scenery that has made the area so famous.
Choose Bai Tu Long Bay if: you value complete tranquillity, authentic fishing villages, and an experience far from other visitors.
All three bays offer the same stunning limestone landscape that has made this part of Vietnam one of the country’s most visited areas.
The difference lies mainly in the atmosphere and the number of visitors. Some prefer the classic – and most famous – experience in Ha Long Bay, while others are drawn to the tranquillity of Bai Tu Long or the activities around Lan Ha.
No matter which bay you visit, you’ll sail through landscapes that feel almost surreal – which is why a mini cruise is, for many, one of the absolute highlights of Vietnam.
Whether you’re sailing in Ha Long, Lan Ha, or Bai Tu Long Bay, you can look forward to a special blend of breathtaking scenery and exciting experiences. Perhaps you’ll paddle a kayak between the limestone islands, explore a cave, or simply enjoy the view from the deck as the sun sets over the bay.
On our tours to Vietnam, mini cruises in the bays are included as part of the itinerary on several of our tours. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience the country’s iconic landscape from the water and get up close to nature.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experienced travel specialists if you’re ready to make your dreams of Vietnam a reality.
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
Experience Vietnam’s many contrasts – from the charming capital of Hanoi and the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay to the imperial city of Hué and the atmospheric Hoi An, known for its lanterns, beaches, and cultural charm.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and experience the tranquil Lan Ha Bay, the imperial city of Hué, atmospheric Hoi An, and gain an insight into local life in the Mekong Delta.
Experience Hanoi’s urban buzz, cycle through the lush valleys of Mai Chau, and sail through the Trang An caves in Ninh Binh and among limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay. The tour concludes in charming Hoi An.
Experience the charm of northern Vietnam’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional village life, combined with the atmospheric Ho Chi Minh City and the lush river scenery of the Mekong Delta.
From the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking rice terraces of Pu Luong to the majestic limestone karsts of Bai Tu Long Bay and the lovely beaches of Phu Quoc. A journey full of atmosphere from beginning to end.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam: explore Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, cruise between the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay, feel the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, and experience local life in the Mekong Delta.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hué, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
Classic tour from north to south with pretty Hanoi, mini cruise in Ha Long Bay, charming Hoi An, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City and the lush Mekong Delta. Extend the tour with a beach holiday.
Experience Vietnam’s many contrasts – from the charming capital of Hanoi and the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay to the imperial city of Hué and the atmospheric Hoi An, known for its lanterns, beaches, and cultural charm.
From the rice terraces of Sapa in the north to the waterways of the Mekong Delta in the south – a tour brimming with UNESCO sites, encounters with locals, imperial history, and a mini cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City and experience the tranquil Lan Ha Bay, the imperial city of Hué, atmospheric Hoi An, and gain an insight into local life in the Mekong Delta.
Experience Hanoi’s urban buzz, cycle through the lush valleys of Mai Chau, and sail through the Trang An caves in Ninh Binh and among limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay. The tour concludes in charming Hoi An.
Experience the charm of northern Vietnam’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional village life, combined with the atmospheric Ho Chi Minh City and the lush river scenery of the Mekong Delta.
From the buzzing streets of Hanoi and the breathtaking rice terraces of Pu Luong to the majestic limestone karsts of Bai Tu Long Bay and the lovely beaches of Phu Quoc. A journey full of atmosphere from beginning to end.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam: explore Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter, cruise between the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay, feel the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, and experience local life in the Mekong Delta.
The classic tour in which you experience the contrasts from north to south in Vietnam spiced with the charming Siem Reap and the world-class attraction of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Be enchanted by Hanoi’s ancient streets and sail between the soaring limestone islands in Ha Long Bay. Experience the eighth wonder of the world Angkor Wat, and finish in the charming city of Chiang Mai.
Discover the greatest highlights of Indochina on a classic journey to Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, where UNESCO sites line up like pearls on a string.
Discover the very best of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia – from the serene atmosphere of Luang Prabang, Sapa’s lush rice terraces, and the imperial city of Hué, to vibrant life on the Mekong Delta and the awe-inspiring temple ruins of Angkor.
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