Bai Tu Long National Park: Ha Long Bay's Serene, Untouched Twin

When you dream of visiting the world-famous Ha Long Bay, you probably picture hundreds of cruise ships and bustling tourist spots. But what if we told you there is another bay, right next to Ha Long, that is just as beautiful – if not more so – but is far more serene, pristine, and untouched by mass tourism? Welcome to the incredible Bai Tu Long National Park. Bai Tu Long National Park is a vast and beautiful protected area, a true natural paradise encompassing over 15,000 hectares of sparkling sea and lush, green islands. It has been officially recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park, a testament to its incredible ecological importance. For my Indian travelers who are seeking a truly peaceful escape, a genuine eco-tourism experience, and a chance to connect with nature away from the crowds, Bai Tu Long Bay is the perfect choice. This guide from Vietnam Story will provide you with a detailed look into this pristine global treasure, from its unique biodiversity to the best ways to explore its hidden wonders.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Bai Tu Long National Park

Table of Contents

An overview of the Bai Tu Long National Park

Where is Bai Tu Long National Park located, and what makes it so special as an ASEAN Heritage Park? This protected area is a vast and beautiful expanse of nature, located to the northeast of the main Ha Long Bay area. Its scale and protected status are what make it such a unique and pristine destination. Let’s look at the details.

The park is located in the Van Don District of Quang Ninh Province, approximately 60 km northeast of the main Ha Long City tourist hub. The park is massive, spanning a total of 15,783 hectares. This is split between 6,125 hectares of island land and 9,658 hectares of beautiful sea surface.

Bai Tu Long National Park is made up of over 80 different islands, which are organized into three main clusters:

Ba Mun Island: This is the largest island in the park and serves as the core forest sanctuary.
The Tra Ngo Island Group: This includes the large Trà Ngọ Lớn and the smaller Trà Ngọ Nhỏ islands.
The Sau Island Group: This cluster is known for its beautiful and secluded coves.

Bai Tu Long was designated as an ASEAN Heritage Park because of its incredibly high biodiversity and its crucial role in protecting the unique ecosystems of our region. This reinforces its global value as a natural treasure that we must protect.

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

A world of life: The Park’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems

What kinds of ecosystems and rare species live in Bai Tu Long National Park? Bai Tu Long is one of Vietnam’s most biologically diverse areas, a place where a rich marine world meets a thriving terrestrial one. The park is a combination of five main, interconnected ecosystems. The sheer number of species here is staggering. Let’s explore the incredible flora and fauna.

The Flora and Fauna

The park is home to a recorded 2,415 different species, including:

Marine Life: The waters here are a true “rainforest of the sea,” with over 100 different species of beautiful coral, 170 species of aquatic plants, and 110 different species of fish.
Wildlife: The islands are home to over 130 vertebrate species and have a rich and diverse bird population, including both migratory and endemic birds like the rare Hainan flycatcher and the majestic black hawk.

The Sanctuary for Rare & Endangered Species

The park’s protected status makes it a critical sanctuary for many endangered and beautiful species that are rarely seen elsewhere.

The Golden Deer (Rusa unicolor): This beautiful and elusive deer is found primarily on the pristine Ba Mùn Island.
Other rare animals include Serows (a type of goat-antelope that lives on the limestone cliffs), Langurs, and even endangered Green Sea Turtles.

The Key Ecosystems of the Park

Mangrove Forests: These are vital breeding grounds for many marine species and are located around the Cái Lim Island area.
Evergreen Broadleaf Forests: These lush, green forests cover the islands, with the largest being the 1,800-hectare forest on Ba Mùn Island.
Coral Reefs and Seagrass Beds: These are the essential foundations that sustain the park’s entire marine habitat and support the traditional fishing communities that have lived here for centuries.

READ MORE: Poem Mountain Ha Long: The ultimate Ha Long Bay viewpoint

Key attractions and eco-tourism activities

Ba Mun Island is a paradise for nature lovers

What activities are available for eco-tourists in Bai Tu Long? Are there good beaches for swimming? Yes! The park offers a wonderful range of peaceful, nature-focused experiences that are perfect for a relaxing and immersive holiday. This is your chance to explore a less-traveled path. Here are the best things to do.

Island exploration

The largest island, Ba Mun Island, offers beautiful hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife observation. To explore this core zone, you will often need a guide or special permission.

Pristine and beautiful beaches

The beaches in Bai Tu Long are famous for being incredibly clean and secluded, making them ideal for swimming and relaxation. Some of the most beautiful include:

Minh Chau Beach: Famous for its incredibly fine, white sand and crystal-clear water.
Ban Chan Beach: A beautiful and secluded cove that is often included as a stop on the luxury cruise itineraries.

Mysterious caves and grottos

Thien Canh Son Cave: This is a majestic and beautiful cavern known for its impressive and otherworldly stalactite formations.
Doi Cave (Bat Cave) and Cai De Cave: These are other famous caves known for their unique and beautiful rock formations, and they are often accessible by kayak at low tide.

Water activities

The best way to experience the serenity of the bay is by kayaking or taking a small rowing boat through the hidden lagoons and exploring the authentic and traditional floating fishing villages like Vụng Viêng and Cống Đầm.

Specialized activities

For nature lovers, you can even arrange for dedicated birdwatching tours or go on a nature photography excursion focused on capturing the dramatic and beautiful karst landscapes.

How to get there and Essential tips

Journey to Cai De Cave in Bai Tu Long and uncover its hidden wonders

How can I access the island groups? Is Bai Tu Long National Park really less crowded than Ha Long Bay? Yes, it is significantly less crowded, which is its greatest appeal. Getting here is part of a more exclusive and peaceful journey. Let’s look at your options.

Your access and transportation options

Cruises (The recommended way): The absolute best and most popular way to experience the beauty of Bai Tu Long is by taking a luxury overnight cruise. There are now many excellent cruise companies that have exclusive itineraries that focus only on the quieter and more pristine Bai Tu Long Bay. These cruises will usually offer a comfortable shuttle service directly from your hotel in Hanoi.
The departure ports:
- Hon Gai Port (in Ha Long City): This is the main departure point for many of the overnight cruises that go to Bai Tu Long.
- Cai Rong Port / Ao Tien Port (in Van Don): This port is used for the speed boats that go to the larger islands like Quan Lan and Minh Chau, which are closer to the core Ba Mùn area of the park.
From Hanoi: The journey from Hanoi is usually by a comfortable Expressway Limousine Bus (taking 2.5–3.5 hours) or by taking a flight to the nearby Vân Đồn International Airport.

The best time to visit

The peak season (for the best visibility): The period from October to April is our dry season. This time is characterized by mild, dry weather and excellent, clear visibility, which is ideal for photography and cruising. However, this is also when the crowds are at their highest.
The shoulder seasons (Recommendation): For the most pleasant weather and a good balance of comfort and lower tourist volume, I always recommend the Spring (March–May) and the Autumn (October–November).

READ MORE: Sun World Ha Long Park: Complete guide for Indian travelers

A commitment to sustainability and your visitor guidelines

What conservation efforts are in place to protect the park’s biodiversity? The park management and the local communities are deeply committed to protecting this natural treasure. As a visitor, you play an important role in helping us preserve this beautiful place.

Conservation programs: The park runs many important research and monitoring programs. Local rangers strictly patrol the area to protect against poaching and illegal logging, ensuring the protection of the rare and beautiful flora and fauna.
Community support: There are many efforts to support and protect the traditional coastal livelihoods of the local fishing communities and to run training courses to raise environmental awareness among the local residents.
Eco-Tourism guidelines for you: As a visitor, you are required to adhere to sustainable tourism practices. This means no littering, respecting the marine life, and avoiding any contact with the fragile coral reefs. Your responsible behavior will help us minimize the environmental impact and keep Bai Tu Long pristine.

Conclusion

For the discerning traveler who values authenticity, tranquility, and responsible tourism, choosing Bai Tu Long National Park over its more famous neighbor is simply the wise choice. It offers all of the breathtaking beauty and geological wonder of the classic Ha Long Bay experience, but without the crowds and the commercialism. It is a more refined, more exclusive, and more sustainable way to witness this UNESCO-recognized landscape, ensuring that your experience is as peaceful as it is beautiful. Let Vietnam Story help you make that wise choice. We work with the most reputable and eco-conscious cruise lines that specialize in the Bai Tu Long route, guaranteeing you a high-quality and responsible journey. Get in touch with us to plan your trip, and discover the smarter, more serene way to experience the magic of the bay.