Bai Tu Long Bay is often described by many visitors as the “twin” of Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site and Natural Wonder of the World. It is precisely because of its unique and distinctive appeal that the “gem” of Bai Tu Long, long hidden from view, is now shining after being honored and voted a wonder of Southeast Asia.
While Ha Long Bay is majestic, mystical and magnificent, encompassing globally significant aesthetic, geological, geomorphological, biodiversity, ecosystem and landscape values, Bai Tu Long Bay is a vast expanse dotted with towering limestone and earth islands, pristine beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, along with fishing villages and aquaculture areas where life unfolds simply, peacefully, modestly and serenely.
It is an honor that the renowned American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler recently announced a list of the seven greatest wonders in Southeast Asia, celebrating outstanding destinations offering unique experiences for travelers worldwide. Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh was the only representative from Vietnam to appear on the list, ranking third. According to the magazine, the destination is considered a “hidden gem” of the Northeast, renowned for its pristine beauty, fresh air and rare tranquility. At Bai Tu Long Bay, visitors can enjoy a sea voyage aboard a luxury cruise ship with high-end services, experiencing privacy and relaxation amid majestic natural surroundings. The bay boasts a spectacular system of limestone islands, numerous unique caves, small bays and distinctive floating fishing villages, creating a pristine and captivating natural landscape. Visitors to Bai Tu Long Bay can also take part in activities such as kayaking, swimming, exploring Bai Tu Long National Park, or learning about the cultural life of local fishermen through extended travel itineraries.
Bai Tu Long Bay features majestic, mystical and distinctive natural scenery, with thousands of islands formed by nature, creating a unique landscape resembling an ink-wash painting. The bay is home to famous caves such as Cap Ky Nhay, Cap Ky Gia and The Vang, as well as the Hon Chong, Hon Van Don, Hon On and Hon Ba Sao island clusters and Chan Nghia Mountain... In addition, Bai Tu Long Bay is home to Bai Tu Long National Park, which has been recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as an ASEAN Heritage Park. The park contains exceptional and rare biodiversity, landscape and ecological values, along with numerous inhabited earth islands such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau and Ngoc Vung...
To “awaken the hidden gem” of Bai Tu Long, Quang Ninh is actively stepping up promotion, expanding its tourism space and developing unique, appealing tourism products that showcase the values of Bai Tu Long Bay, particularly new products targeting international visitors.
Quang Ninh has proactively developed and launched 10 sightseeing itineraries in Bai Tu Long Bay, with tours passing through unique and attractive destinations. In particular, the province has also introduced three itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay with Bai Tu Long Bay, which have been highly appreciated by many visitors. These heritage-connecting itineraries not only enhance the travel experience but also help promote and introduce to visitors, especially international travelers, the values and beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay, Bai Tu Long National Park and the distinctive cultural values of the fishing communities in the Bai Tu Long sea area.
The vessels serving sightseeing trips in Bai Tu Long Bay and itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay with Bai Tu Long Bay are all high-end, high-quality ships and cruise vessels. A notable example is the Grand Pioneers 2, a luxurious, modern and environmentally friendly cruise ship operated by Viet Thuan Group with internationally rated five-star service. Its itinerary departs from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and visits several destinations in Ha Long Bay, such as Trong Mai Islet, Dinh Huong Islet and the Stone Park, before continuing to Bai Tu Long National Park and the islands of Ban Sen, Quan Lan and Minh Chau in Bai Tu Long Bay...
The introduction of unique itineraries and destinations featuring beautiful islands, long stretches of fine white sand, magnificent caves and opportunities to explore diverse and abundant flora and fauna, as well as distinctive cultural values, has made an important contribution to spreading the word about Bai Tu Long Bay and allowing it to shine. This is an important foundation for Quang Ninh to continue effectively developing the “hidden gem” of Bai Tu Long in the years ahead.
