I spent many hours researching the best cruise from Hanoi. At fist, I wanted to go on a Ha Long Bay tour, like most people. But then I discovered this Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, which was exactly what I wanted. I have a lot to say about this tour, mostly good things, so before I start, I want to mention that it was not a sponsored tour. I researched and paid for it myself, so you don’t need to wonder why I am overly complimenting them. If I ever go back, I will choose the exact same provider.

Bai Tu Long Bay vs Ha Long Bay: Bai Tu long bay cruise- why you should choose it

Bai Tu Long Bay is a little farther out than Ha Long Bay, and as I was told, not many tour operators actually have a license to take tourists there. What that means in practice is pure magic: no crowds, almost no other boats, and a real sense of space. You get to enjoy the stunning karsts, calm waters, and untouched nature without anyone else spoiling the view. Even on the excursions organized by the cruise, you barely see another tourist, just the people on your boat, which makes it feel like you’ve stumbled into your own private paradise.

Boarding the Dragon Legend: A Floating Home for 3 Days

I spent three unforgettable days and two nights on the Dragon Legend (one of the boats that I could choose from) cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay, and it was everything I hoped for and more.

The boat itself is stunning, one of the newest in the Indochina Junk fleet, and it really shows in every detail. My cabin was spacious and beautifully decorated with traditional Vietnamese touches, but still completely modern, with a private bathroom, a bathtub, and huge windows looking out over the water. The public areas are just as impressive, there’s a spa, an indoor and outdoor dining area, a bar, and plenty of sundeck space to just sit and watch the bay go by.

What I loved most was that the itinerary really goes off the beaten track, taking us to quieter parts of Bai Tu Long Bay that feel almost untouched. Everything on board, from the design to the activities, is designed to make the trip relaxed and unforgettable, and I honestly can’t think of a better way to experience this part of Vietnam.

What a typical day on the cruise looked like

A typical day on the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise followed a relaxed but well-structured rhythm. Mornings usually started early with optional Tai Chi on the sundeck, which was a peaceful way to watch the mist lift over the limestone karsts. I was surprised that most people did not take advantage of such a unique activity. Actually, only once another person joined me, but a wake up before sunrise to join the practice may not be everyone’s favourite. I loved it. All the peace and quiet around with no other boats, doing an exercise with fresh air. Just amazing!

After breakfast, we headed out for the first activity of the day, usually kayaking through the bay, visiting a cave, or exploring a nearby island. These excursions were the highlight of the trip, giving us the chance to experience Bai Tu Long Bay up close while avoiding the heavy crowds often found in Ha Long Bay.

By midday we returned to the boat for lunch, which usually featured a variety of Vietnamese dishes and fresh seafood while the cruise slowly moved to the next destination.

The afternoons were a mix of more activities, like beach visits or kayaking, and downtime to relax on the sundeck, enjoy the views, or take advantage of the onboard facilities such as the seawater pool. Evenings were quieter and more social, with cooking demonstrations, multi-course dinners, and optional activities like squid fishing before turning in for the night.

I loved spending my free time on the deck with a coffee, and Vietnamese coffee is the next level of tasty.

The food on board was really delicious, and I appreciated how the seating was arranged. Families were grouped together, and all the solo travelers or friends in small groups were seated together as well. It made it easy to meet new people, I ended up making friends with a few fellow travelers, and I’m still in touch with some of the girls I met on that trip.

BOOK YOU BAI TU LONG CRUISE HERE

Our 3-day itinerary on Bai Tu Long Bay cruise

Kayaking in Cap La

One of the first real highlights of the cruise was kayaking in the Cap La area. This part of Bai Tu Long Bay felt incredibly peaceful, with dramatic limestone karsts rising out of calm emerald water. Unlike the busier areas of Ha Long Bay, we were mostly surrounded by nature and silence, with very few other boats in sight. The scenery here felt wild and untouched, which made the experience even more special.

We set off directly from the cruise in small kayaks and slowly paddled between towering rock formations, narrow passages, and clusters of tiny limestone islets. From the water level, the scale of the cliffs becomes much more impressive than when viewing them from the deck of the boat. In some places, the karsts rise almost vertically out of the water, covered in patches of green vegetation clinging to the rock.

Kayaking also allowed us to explore areas the cruise ship couldn’t reach. We paddled into quieter corners of the bay, passing small hidden lagoons and rocky outcrops where the water was completely still. Occasionally we could hear birds in the distance or the gentle sound of the paddle hitting the water, but otherwise it was remarkably quiet.

If you enjoy being active while traveling, this was easily one of the best parts of the trip. It’s also one of the most immersive ways to experience Bai Tu Long Bay, because instead of simply looking at the landscape from the boat, you’re right in the middle of it.

Exploring Thien Canh Son Cave

The main cave visit during the cruise was Thien Canh Son Cave, one of the most impressive natural caves in Bai Tu Long Bay. After climbing a short path up the hillside, we entered a large cavern filled with intricate stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. The lighting inside the cave highlights the rock formations beautifully, and from the entrance there are also great views over the surrounding bay.

Beach Stop and BBQ Lunch in Cong Dam

On the second day, we stopped at a quiet beach in the Cong Dam area, one of the more remote corners of Bai Tu Long Bay. The crew set up a BBQ lunch right on the sand, which instantly made the experience feel special and unique. While the chefs were preparing the food, we had time to swim in the calm waters, stroll along the beach, or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery.

The food itself was excellent, fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local dishes that really showcased Vietnamese flavors. The only downside was that no water was provided during the meal, and the only drinks available were sweet or alcoholic options for purchase, which was inconvenient for someone like me who prefers to stay hydrated with plain water.

Look how beautiful the beach is and totally secluded.

Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration Onboard

Later that afternoon, the crew hosted a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the boat where we learned how to make banh xeo, a traditional crispy Vietnamese pancake. It was a fun and interactive activity, and a nice way to learn a little more about Vietnamese cuisine while cruising through the bay.

Visiting Vung Vieng Floating Fishing Village

On the final morning we visited Vung Vieng fishing village, a small floating community tucked away in a quiet corner of Bai Tu Long Bay. Unlike the bustling tourist areas, this village feels completely off the beaten path. Local fishermen rowed us through the village on traditional bamboo boats, passing floating houses, small docks, and fish farms. Many of the villagers have lived their entire lives on the water, some have never even set foot on solid land. I loved this tour and being amongst the locals, even though the only way we could communicate was with a smile.

The village also has its own floating school, where children attend classes on the boat or in small floating classrooms. Life here is simple but challenging, and the villagers rely heavily on fishing and aquaculture to sustain themselves. Probably that’s why they like the tours from cruises as it allows them to earn extra income.

Interestingly, the government has considered relocating parts of the community due to pollution concerns in the bay, which has created uncertainty for the future of this centuries-old lifestyle. Visiting Vung Vieng offered not just beautiful scenery, but also a unique opportunity to have a look into a delicate and disappearing way of life that feels worlds apart from modern Vietnam.