Discover the quieter, purer side of Vietnam’s legendary seascape.
If Halong Bay is the heart of northern Vietnam’s natural beauty, then Bai Tu Long Bay is its soul – calm, unspoiled, and poetic.
Lying northeast of Halong, this lesser-known region belongs to the same UNESCO heritage area but remains almost untouched by mass tourism.
Here, limestone islands drift across emerald waters, fishing boats glide silently between cliffs, and the air feels still – as if time itself has slowed.
Bai Tu Long Bay – Where Nature Whispers
Location & Geography
Stretching over 158 square kilometers, Bai Tu Long Bay extends from Halong Bay to Co To Island, forming part of the same karst system that took over 20 million years to shape.
It features hundreds of islands and islets, many completely uninhabited, covered with lush green forests and surrounded by crystal-clear water.
The name “Bái Tử Long” translates to “the child dragon bowing to the mother dragon,” continuing the ancient legend of Halong’s descending dragons – a symbol of protection and peace.
The Difference Between Halong and Bai Tu Long
While Halong Bay has become famous worldwide for its grandeur and accessibility, Bai Tu Long Bay remains quietly beautiful – a place where travelers can still experience the bay as it once was decades ago.
Less crowded: Only a limited number of cruises are licensed to operate, preserving its pristine environment.
- More tranquil: Broader horizons, fewer boats, and more space for reflection and exploration.
- Culturally rich: Home to traditional floating villages and hidden temples that reveal the rhythm of local life.
“If Halong is the heart, Bai Tu Long is the soul – quiet, deep, and eternally serene.”
Highlights of Bai Tu Long Bay
Thien Canh Son Cave
Nestled on Hon Co Island, about 25 meters above sea level, this dry cave covers around 2,000 m² across three chambers.
Soft light reveals stalactites shaped like lotus petals, animals, and ancient figures. Outside, a secluded white-sand beach invites guests for a peaceful rest.
Thay Cave (The Master’s Cave)
A small, tranquil cave said to have once sheltered a monk who meditated by the sea.
Cool air, filtered light, and silence create a spiritual atmosphere – a natural retreat for the soul.
Cong Do Island & Hon Co Beach
Ideal for kayaking, swimming, and quiet relaxation. The island is also known for its coral reefs and pristine sands.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village
One of the oldest floating communities in the bay, where generations of fishermen have lived “on the water.”
Visitors can explore by bamboo boat and learn about this unique culture that has survived for centuries.
The Bai Tho Junks Connection – 30 Years of Exploration
While Aime’e Cruises sails the central route of Halong Bay, exploring famous landmarks like Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island, the Bai Tu Long region has long been the domain of Bai Tho Junks – Aime’e’s founding company and a pioneer in Vietnam’s luxury cruising industry.
For over 30 years, Bai Tho Junks has specialized in off-the-beaten-path voyages through Bai Tu Long with boutique cruising boat: Treasure Junk – cozy, authentic wooden junk designed for small groups.
These cruises bring travelers deep into the untouched corners of Bai Tu Long – from Thien Canh Son Cave to Vung Vieng Village, offering a true escape from the crowds.
“Before Aime’e graced Halong’s skyline, Bai Tho Junks had already spent decades unveiling the hidden wonders of Bai Tu Long.”
When to Visit Bai Tu Long Bay
The best time to visit Bai Tu Long is during:
- March to May (Spring): Clear skies, calm seas, and lush scenery.
- September to November (Autumn): Warm days, gentle breezes, and golden sunsets.
- December to February: Cooler weather with misty mornings – a photographer’s dream.
Because the number of cruises is limited, early booking is recommended for those seeking a private, quiet escape in this pristine part of the bay.
The Shared Spirit – Refined, Responsible, and Rooted in Heritage
Though their routes differ, Aime’e Cruises and Bai Tho’s Bai Tu Long fleet share the same DNA:
a dedication to craftsmanship, cultural respect, and sustainable travel.
- Both embody the philosophy of Refined Luxury, To Be Loved.
- Both honor nature through responsible operations and eco-conscious design.
- Both aim to preserve the serenity of Vietnam’s most beautiful bays – not to conquer them.
The intimacy of Aime’e’s 29 cabins, the calm grace of her Indochine-inspired design, and the sincerity of her hospitality are all reflections of the same spirit that once defined Bai Tu Long exploration – elegance in simplicity, beauty in balance.
Bai Tu Long – The Quiet Soul of Halong’s Legacy
To experience Bai Tu Long is to travel back in time – to a Halong Bay untouched by noise, where every ripple tells a story of peace.
And to sail with Aime’e Cruises is to understand that same philosophy, carried forward in a new chapter of Bai Tho Junks’ legacy.
One preserves the soul of the past; the other defines the grace of the present. Together, they tell a story of enduring love for Halong Bay – in all its forms, from the grand to the gentle.
