Bai Tu Long Bay is likened by many travelers to the “twin brother” of the World Natural Heritage site and Wonder, Ha Long Bay. Thanks to its unique and distinctive appeal, the long-hidden “gem” of Bai Tu Long is now shining brightly after being honored and voted as one of Southeast Asia's wonders.
While Ha Long Bay is majestic, mystical, and magnificent, harboring global aesthetic, geological, geomorphological, biodiversity, and ecosystem values, Bai Tu Long Bay is an expansive bay dotted with towering limestone and earthen islands, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and floating fishing and aquaculture villages with a rustic, peaceful, and tranquil rhythm of life.
Honored recently, the renowned American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published a list of the 7 top wonders in Southeast Asia, celebrating outstanding destinations that offer unique experiences for global travelers. Among them, Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh is the sole representative from Vietnam, ranking in 3rd place. According to the magazine, this destination is regarded as a “hidden gem” of the Northeast, standing out with its pristine beauty, fresh air, and rare tranquility. Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay, tourists can experience a sea voyage aboard luxury cruise ships with premium services, enjoying privacy and relaxation amidst majestic natural scenery. The area boasts a magnificent limestone karst system, numerous unique caves, coves, and signature floating fishing villages, creating a pristine and captivating natural landscape. Visitors to Bai Tu Long Bay can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, swimming, exploring Bai Tu Long National Park, or discovering the cultural life of local fishermen on multi-day itineraries.
Bai Tu Long Bay boasts majestic, enchanting, and unique natural scenery with thousands of rocky islands bestowed by nature, forming a distinctive shape reminiscent of a traditional ink wash painting. The bay features well-known caves such as Cap Ky Nhay, Cap Ky Gia, and The Vang, as well as island clusters including Hon Chong, Hon Van Don, Hon On, Hon Ba Sao, and Chan Nghia Mountain. In addition, Bai Tu Long Bay is home to Bai Tu Long National Park, recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as an ASEAN Heritage Park, harboring rare and exceptional values of biodiversity, landscapes, and ecological environments; along with several inhabited islands such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and Ngoc Vung.
To “awaken the hidden gem” of Bai Tu Long, Quang Ninh is actively promoting tourism, expanding tourism spaces, and developing unique, attractive, and distinct tourism products that leverage the bay's values, especially new products tailored for international travelers.
Quang Ninh has proactively developed and operated 10 sightseeing itineraries in Bai Tu Long Bay with routes passing through unique and appealing landmarks. In particular, the province has also launched 3 itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay with Bai Tu Long Bay, which have been highly appreciated by numerous travelers. These heritage-connecting journeys not only enhance experiences but also help promote and introduce visitors, especially international travelers, to the values and beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay, Bai Tu Long National Park, and the unique cultural heritage of fishermen in the Bai Tu Long sea area.
The vessels serving tours of Bai Tu Long Bay and the heritage-connecting routes between Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are all high-end, premium-quality ships and cruises. A prime example is the Grand Pioneers 2 cruise ship, designed with luxury, modernity, and eco-friendliness, offering international 5-star standard service quality operated by Viet Thuan Group. It runs voyages from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port visiting destinations in Ha Long Bay such as Trong Mai Islet (Kissing Rocks), Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner Islet), and the Stacked Rocks Park, followed by Bai Tu Long National Park, and the islands of Ban Sen, Quan Lan, and Minh Chau in Bai Tu Long Bay...
The operation of unique itineraries and destinations through beautiful islands, long stretches of fine white sand, majestic caves, diverse flora and fauna, and unique cultural values has made a significant contribution to spreading the word and helping Bai Tu Long Bay shine. This serves as an important premise for Quang Ninh to continue tapping effectively into the “hidden gem” of Bai Tu Long in the coming time.
