Cruise Tour of Route 4 – Explore the Pristine Beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay

1. Where is Bai Tu Long Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay is located adjacent to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sharing a similar landscape with Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long boasts hundreds of small and large islands rising from the emerald waters, creating a stunning watercolor painting. However, compared to Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long has a more pristine and tranquil beauty, largely untouched by mass tourism development.

Bai Tu Long Bay stretches from Ha Long City to Cam Pha City and Van Don Island District, including Co To Island. This area is not only attractive for its majestic limestone islands and cliffs but also for its diverse ecosystem, featuring smooth white sandy beaches, pristine forests, and fishing villages. Here, visitors can engage in many exciting activities such as kayaking, exploring caves, or enjoying the fresh air on untouched beaches. Bai Tu Long Bay is truly a hidden gem, an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility and closeness to nature.

2. Differences Between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay

While Halong Bay is famous for attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and bustling tourist spots, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a completely different experience. With fewer tourist boats and a more untouched landscape, Bai Tu Long allows visitors to enjoy a more private and peaceful atmosphere. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and appreciate the beauty of the islands and clear waters without interruptions.

3. Cruise Tour of Route 4: Exploring Bai Tu Long

Detailed Itinerary

• Halong Port – Co Cave – Thay Cave – Cống Đỏ Island Area – Cạp La Cave – Tùng Ecological Area – Cống Đỏ Lagoon – Hon Xep Park – Vung Viêng Area

Tour Duration:

• Day cruises: 6 hours, 8 hours
• Overnight cruises (2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights)

Attractions on Route 4

Co Cave (Thien Canh Son Cave)

• Located 40 meters above sea level, Co Cave features a spacious interior, flat floor, and stunning scenery. The white sandy beach at its base creates a picturesque setting. Here, visitors can explore the cave and enjoy kayaking in the peaceful, pristine environment of Halong Bay.

Thay Cave

• This area is known for its beautiful cave system and natural sandy beach. It also features a coral reef with high coverage, providing ecological and biodiversity value. Thay Cave promises to be an ideal destination for eco-tourism and marine exploration in the future.

Cống Đỏ Island Area

• An ideal overnight stop, Cống Đỏ allows guests to enjoy fresh air and watch the sunrise or sunset over the sea. Activities like night parties on the cruise, squid fishing, yoga, and Tai Chi will create memorable experiences. Cống Đỏ is also perfect for kayaking, swimming, and exploring nature.

Cạp La Cave

• One of the newly discovered caves in Halong Bay, Cạp La covers about 3,000 m². Its naturally bright white stalactite system showcases unique geological and geomorphological beauty. Although still under infrastructure development and not open to tourists, Cạp La remains an attractive destination with exceptional scenic value.

Tùng Ecological Area – Cống Đỏ Lagoon

• This area features a unique and pristine ecosystem typical of limestone islands. Covering about 0.5 hectares, it is home to various flora and fauna, creating a unique and appealing habitat. This destination is perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Hon Xep 

• Hon Xep is a giant geological museum in the heart of Halong Bay. The islands here are artfully “stacked” by nature, forming spectacular and impressive scenery. Hon Xep, located at the center of the park, features uniquely shaped stone blocks, showcasing unique geological and geomorphological values. This is a popular spot for overnight tourists in the bay.

Vung Viêng Fishing Village

• Vung Viêng preserves the traditional culture of Halong fishermen. Visitors can participate in activities such as fishing with local fishermen, rowing traditional boats, kayaking, dragon boat racing, enjoying fresh seafood, and watching pearl crafting. Vung Viêng also boasts a rich ecosystem with beautiful, pristine landscapes, highlighted by a giant rock arch resembling a “village gate.”

Itineraries for Route 4 Cruise

Route 4 offers day and overnight tours. Below are sample itineraries for your reference:

Day Trip to Bai Tu Long Bay (6 – 8 hours)

Your journey will begin at 12:00 at Halong International Port, where you will check in for the promising Bai Tu Long Bay tour.

At 12:15, you will board the cruise to start your exploration. While enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery of thousands of limestone islands on the clear sea, you will be served a delicious seafood lunch.

At 14:00, you will have the opportunity to experience a traditional boat ride to visit Vung Viêng fishing village. This means of transport allows you to understand more about the local fishermen’s lives. Alternatively, you can choose to kayak to explore the fishing village in your own way.

At 16:00, the cruise will take you to Cống Đỏ to visit Co Cave, one of the most magnificent caves with stalactites formed over millions of years. To enter the cave, you will need to climb approximately 200 steps.

At 17:00, the cruise will begin its return journey, passing by Dragon Island. On the way back, you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful sunset over Halong Bay, creating a picturesque natural scene.

Finally, at 18:00, the cruise will dock. End of the program.

Details: Vivu Halong Day Tour

2 Days 1 Night Trip to Bai Tu Long Bay

Day 1: Port – Co Cave (Thien Canh Son Cave)

Around 12:30 to 13:00, after boarding the cruise, you will enjoy tea while listening to an introduction about the itinerary and safety information, and receive your cabin assignment.

At 13:15, you will have lunch at the restaurant on board featuring specialty seafood from Quang Ninh. While enjoying your meal, the cruise will start exploring Bai Tu Long Bay, passing by beautiful limestone islands and landscapes.

At 14:30, the guide will take you to visit Co Cave, where you can explore the natural beauty of the cave with its unique stalactites formed over thousands of years. After that, at 15:00, you will participate in kayaking to explore the limestone islands before returning to the cruise.

At 16:15, you will return to the cruise and enjoy the sunset over Bai Tu Long Bay. Next, at 17:15, you will have the opportunity to join a Vietnamese cooking class. At 19:00, you will relax and enjoy dinner in the tranquil and romantic atmosphere of the bay. After dinner, from 20:00, you will have free time to relax and may participate in night squid fishing. Overnight stay on Bai Tu Long Bay.

Day 2: Vung Viêng Fishing Village – Port

In the morning from 7:00 to 7:15, you can enjoy the bay views with a cup of tea or coffee. Breakfast will be served on board. After that, at 7:45, you will be taken by bamboo boat to visit Vung Viêng fishing village, where you can explore the unique lifestyle and beautiful scenery of the fishing village amidst the natural heritage.

At 8:45, you will return to the cruise to rest and have free time. From 9:45 to 10:00, you will check out and enjoy leisure time to relax and capture memorable moments as the cruise passes through the beautiful limestone island area. Finally, at 10:15, you will enjoy lunch while the cruise continues its journey in the bay before concluding the trip at 11:00 at the port.

Details: Vivu Halong 2-Day Tour

Suggested Cruises for Bai Tu Long Bay Route 4

Choosing the right cruise is essential for a memorable experience in Bai Tu Long Bay. Here are some top cruises operating on Route 4:

• Treasure Junk: A traditional-style boat with 14 cabins, blending traditional Vietnamese design with modern amenities. Known for excellent service and a cozy atmosphere, this cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a close and private experience.
• Indochina Junk: This cruise features a fleet of wooden and metal boats, offering various itineraries in Bai Tu Long Bay. The friendly staff and excellent facilities will ensure your comfort during your visit to Bai Tu Long.
• Renea Cruise: A traditional wooden fleet specializing in exploring Bai Tu Long Bay. With cozy cabins, delicious cuisine, and diverse activities, Renea Cruise guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable journey for you.
• Signature Cruise: Signature Cruise stands out with its elegant design, spacious suites, and attentive service. This cruise offers a luxurious way to explore Bai Tu Long Bay.

The Route 4 cruise tour takes visitors to Bai Tu Long Bay for an incredibly exciting exploration of pristine natural beauty. This tour leads you to secluded, quiet places, providing unforgettable experiences. If you are interested in this journey, contact Vivu Halong for advice and to book your Route 4 cruise!