Ba Trai Dao Island: The Hidden Paradise Of Lan Ha Bay

Ba Trai Dao, which translates to “Three Peaches Island,” is a stunning cluster of three iconic limestone islets that surround a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach. It is renowned as the hidden jewel of Lan Ha Bay. Located far to the southeast of the more crowded areas of Hạ Long, it offers our Indian travelers a truly pristine and tranquil escape, defined by its crystal-clear turquoise waters and soft golden sand—a paradise that is only accessible for a few magical hours each day. At Vietnam Story, we love to promote Ba Trai Dao as the ultimate secluded destination for peaceful kayaking, refreshing swimming, and for experiencing the raw, untouched beauty of our UNESCO World Heritage area.

Ba Trai Dao Island(Three Peaches - "Three Peaches" means Three Peaches ) is a cluster of small, pristine limestone islands famous in Lan Ha Bay — Ba Trai Dao Island(Three Peaches – “Three Peaches” means Three Peaches ) is a cluster of small, pristine limestone islands famous in Lan Ha Bay

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Location, mythology and exclusive status of Ba Trai Dao Island

Where is Ba Trai Dao Island located? Why is it called the “Three Peaches Island”? And is it really less crowded than the main Ha Long Bay attractions? Yes, it is a world away from the crowds, and its name comes from a beautiful, romantic legend. This island’s remote location and charming folklore are a huge part of its magical appeal. Let’s explore its story.

The island is situated deep within the beautiful Lan Ha Bay, which is part of the Hai Phong Province, located approximately 22 km to the south of the main Cat Ba Island. It is composed of three distinctive limestone islets, each one rising about 23 meters from the sea, and when you see them from a distance, their rounded shapes naturally resemble three giant, luscious peaches.

The beautiful name of the island originates from a local folklore. The story tells of a young, beautiful fairy who fell in love with a poor mortal fisherman. She stole three heavenly peaches from heaven to give to her lover, which would grant him eternal life so they could be together forever. When the heavens discovered her theft, the peaches were turned to stone, creating the three beautiful islets we see today. The island is now seen as a symbol of eternal and romantic love.

This is what makes Ba Trai Dao so special. It is an unspoiled and completely non-commercialized site. There are no major public facilities, no noisy bars, and no crowds. This ensures a much quieter, more exclusive, and more authentic natural experience compared to the major attractions in the main Ha Long Bay area.

READ MORE: Tuan Chau Island: The gateway to Ha Long Bay and entertainment hub

The magical, disappearing beach: The tide-dependent experience

When is the best time to visit Ba Trai Dao to see the beach? And is the beach suitable for swimming? The island’s main and most magical attraction is its rhythmic, tide-dependent beach, a beautiful strip of golden sand that is only visible for a brief and precious window each day. This “disappearing” beach is what makes a visit here such a unique and time-sensitive experience.

The beautiful, crescent-shaped beach, with its soft golden sand and incredibly clear, calm turquoise water, is only fully visible during the low tide period. As the tide comes in, the beach slowly disappears beneath the waves, only to be revealed again the next day. This means that the beach area is typically accessible for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing for only 2 to 4 hours each day. To have the best experience, your visit must be perfectly timed. All reputable cruise operators will consult the local tide charts to ensure that your visit coincides with this magical low-tide window.

The shallow and enclosed cove, which is naturally protected by the three surrounding islets, makes the water here incredibly calm, gentle, and safe for swimming during the low-tide window. The crystal-clear water also makes it an ideal spot for some casual snorkeling to see the marine life. The months from June to August offer the warmest weather and often the longest and most predictable low-tide windows, making it the perfect time for a beach visit.

Exploration, adventure and wildlife on Ba Trai Dao Island

Why should you visit Ba Trai Dao Island?

What activities are available at Ba Trai Dao Island? Can you hike to the top of the islets? The secluded and pristine nature of the island makes it the perfect place for active, close-to-nature exploration.

This is a place for adventure and quiet appreciation of nature. Here are the best things to do.

Kayaking or Canoeing: This is the primary and most wonderful activity here. The calm, emerald, and protected waters are perfectly suitable even for beginner kayakers. It allows you to peacefully navigate between the three beautiful “peach” islets, explore hidden coves, and paddle through narrow, scenic channels at your own pace. If you are on a private tour, kayak rentals will typically range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per hour. For most luxury cruises, kayaking is included.
Hiking for a panoramic view: For the more adventurous visitor, you can attempt to hike up the steep and undeveloped trails on the cliffs of the islets. If you are wearing sturdy shoes, the reward for your effort is an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the breathtaking karst formations of Lan Ha Bay.
Wildlife spotting: The lush tropical vegetation and the sheer limestone cliffs provide a wonderful habitat for a variety of birds. You might even spot some playful monkeys. The incredibly clear waters also make it easy to see the diverse marine life while you are swimming or snorkeling.
Photography: The serene and beautiful environment is a photographer’s dream. It is especially perfect for taking stunning photos at sunrise or sunset, as the golden light beautifully enhances the iconic peach-shaped silhouettes of the islets.

How to get to Ba Trai Dao Island?

How do you get to Ba Trai Dao Beach from Cát Bà Island? And how long does the boat ride take? Access to this hidden paradise is reliably by boat only, and it is almost always included as part of a well-planned tour itinerary. Planning your access is key to experiencing this secluded gem.

Luxury Cruise Tours (the best way): The most convenient and comfortable option is to book an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise that specifically includes a stop at Ba Trai Dao in its itinerary. This is the best way to ensure your visit is perfectly timed with the low tide.
Private charter: For more flexibility, you can charter a private boat from one of the main ports, such as Ben Beo in Cat Ba Town.
Travel time: The boat ride from Bến Bèo on Cát Bà Island to Ba Trai Dao takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, a beautiful journey that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay.
Duration of your visit: Most tours will allocate about 2 to 3 hours for you to enjoy the site, a time that is carefully planned around the low tide to give you the maximum amount of time on the beautiful beach.

READ MORE: Halong Bay Cruises: Your Gateway to Vietnam’s Natural Wonder

Visitor tips and the importance of conservation

haped like three peaches, it attracts tourists with its unspoiled natural beauty, fine white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. It is an ideal destination for swimming, kayaking, and exploring the peaceful landscape, less crowded than Ha Long Bay .

Are there any facilities or amenities on Ba Trai Dao Island? No, and that is what makes it so special. A little bit of preparation will ensure you have a perfect and responsible visit. To preserve its pristine and natural state, there are no commercial facilities, no restaurants, and no shops on the island. You must bring your own food, water, and any other essential supplies with you. Your cruise or tour will usually provide this.

Vietnamstory.in highly recommends you wear a pair of sturdy water shoes, as there can be some rocky areas on the beach. And of course, bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and our fragile marine environment.

As a visitor to this precious part of the UNESCO area, we urge you to practice responsible tourism. Please avoid littering (take all your trash back with you) and minimize your impact on the natural environment to help us protect its pristine integrity. If you have the flexibility of a private charter, visiting on a weekday or in the very early morning will ensure you have the best chance of enjoying this paradise in complete solitude, which is perfect for photography.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a visit to Ba Trai Dao Island is a beautiful reward for the traveler who seeks something truly special. It is an experience that feels exclusive, not because of a high price, but because of its fleeting, natural beauty that is revealed only by the rhythm of the tides. The feeling of stepping onto that pristine, golden sand, knowing that in just a few hours it will disappear beneath the waves, is a moment of pure magic. It is an intimate connection with the wild, untouched heart of Lan Ha Bay. Your travel story deserves to be a romantic and magical one. Allow Vietnamstory to be your guide. We specialize in crafting seamless Tour Packages from India that are perfect for couples and families, blending legendary tales with breathtaking natural beauty. Reach out to us, and let’s start writing your enchanting Lan Ha Bay story together.