Bai Tu Long bay is very beautiful and wild, it occupies three quarters of Halong Bay World Heritage site, as well as many islands in Van Don and Cam Pha Districts. Travelling to Bai Tu Long Bay is off the beaten track and promises to bring many unique experiences, far from the heavily touristic sites.
There are many must-do places in Bai Tu Long bay that you shouldn’t miss:
1, Bai Tu Long National Park
Bai Tu Long National Park is a preserved area zone in the Northeast, has been named the 38th ASEAN Heritage Park. It was established in 2001, succeeding from the former of Ba Mun National Conservation Zone, belonged to the Bai Tu Long bay including thousands of islands and limestone that created one of the most wonderful place in the world.
The park is not only various for both forest and sea species but it is also offers a beautiful and primary sceneries with pure air and environment.
Bai Tu Long Bay national park complex has five ecosystems: rain/broad-leaf forest, limestone forest, littoral forest, coral area and shallow water area.
The eco-tourist site is preventing 672 species of terrestrial plants and 178 aquatic floral species, of which 11 species have been listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered species. It also boasts 170 species of terrestrial animals, including nine species listed as endangered in Vietnam’s Red Book; 119 species of fish; 132 species of invertebrate animals; and 106 species of corals.
2, Vung Vieng fishing village
Vung Vieng fishing village is located in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, 15 miles from the mainland and has been known as the most attraction place in Bai Tu Long bay where guests can see and learn the local life of Halong bay people. You will not only be immersed in the quiet and peaceful location viewing the charming landscape, and discovering the cultural life of the fishermen but also will be instructed in the fine arts of sailing and casting fish nets.
You will be enchanted by the beauty of the boats, the nets slung over posts in front of the house, the simple but hospitable fishermen, and the small children smiling as they go to school. This idyllic scene shows the traditional character of a floating fishing village.
3, Thien Canh Son cave
The pathway to Thien Canh Son Cave is set below the forest canopy and a stone cliff, so you have the feeling you are climbing toward heaven.
Inside the cave, it is an ethereal wonderland with naturally carved images resembling a lotus, and a baby elephant. The ceiling of the cave is covered with a shiny ‘gem carpet’, and numerous sparkling stalactites appear like ’hanging lamps’. Stone statues of seals and flowers create an imaginary dream world.
To visit the cave tourists will have to climb up about 100 stone steps, but if they reach at the top of the cave you are surprised with the beautiful panoramic scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay
4, Cong Dam area
Cong Dam area has been known as the ‘outdoor geological museum’ with the highlight preserved for 340 million years and is now a regional park of mountains formed from rocks that have stood the test of time. There are several beautiful coral reefs with underground lakes that travel through limestone caves within the mountains. There are many beautiful white sandy beaches and clean waters, such as Cay Bang, Cat Oan and Tra Gioi.
Cong Dam fishing village is an old and small village, far from the mainland with population of about 120 people. They’re living their whole life and would love to share their true story with tourists. Tourists visit Cong Dam are able to chat with the friendly locals, hear their stories and join in their daily life as go fishing, plant mangrove trees to preserve the environment.
Joining in Bai Tu Long bay route, you can participate in some activities such as rowing boats and kayaking to discover the breathtaking views, hidden caves and explore the beautiful