The Magic of Ha Long Bay
When most travelers think of northern Vietnam’s iconic views, Ha Long Bay likely comes to mind — and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets. But what many don’t know is that just a little farther northeast lies Bai Tu Long Bay — equally stunning, but significantly less crowded.
I’m really happy that while I was researching Ha Long Bay plans, I discovered Bai Tu Long Bay. We got to explore this lesser-known part of Ha Long Bay on a 2-night, 3-day cruise aboard the beautiful Dragon Legend Junk boat. Are you asking yourself what a junk boat is? I was too at first! A junk boat is a type of ancient sailing ship that originated in China and has been used throughout Asia for centuries. These days, they’re often beautifully updated for tourism, combining traditional wooden architecture with modern comforts. The Dragon Legend was a perfect example — ornately crafted, and really comfortable, with 24 spacious cabins, a spa, a sun deck, and even a really small pool!
The name “Ha Long” translates to “Descending Dragon,” inspired by local legend. According to the myth, when Vietnam was under threat from invaders, the gods sent dragons to help defend the land. These dragons spewed into the sea, which formed the limestone pillars (almost 1,600) we see today. Ha Long Bay has become a symbol of Vietnam’s natural beauty, drawing visitors from all over the world (travelers from over at least 18 countries on our cruise…so cool!)
Aboard the Dragon Legend
Our time on the Dragon Legend was really special! With only 45 guests (and a crew of 27) the vibe was intimate and relaxed — we were truly taken care of. It was especially nice coming from the absolute craziness of Hanoi. And it was great opportunity to share stories with people from all over the world (one of my most favorite things!)
We had a pretty busy itinerary. Some of our favorite things:
Kayaking a few times through dramatic stone arches and exploring the best caves.
An unforgettable beach BBQ for lunch, with toes in the sand with fresh seafood!
Sunsets from the deck, with glowing skies and panoramic views of limestone pillars.
- Took rowboats to fishing village of Vung Vieng with a population of 120 people.
We even tried taichi at sunrise, surrounded by morning mist and the most amazing scenerary.
A fun cooking demonstration, where we learned to make crispy Vietnamese pancakes (and got to eat them!)
And the meals — wow! Nearly every dish featured local seafood: shrimp, scallops, calamari, mackerel, crab, and more, prepared with Vietnamese herbs and flair. It was hands down some of the best food we have had in Vietnam.
Protecting Paradise: Ha Long Bay’s Fight Against Plastic Pollution
Before our cruise, I’ll admit I was a little concerned about how polluted the water might be. I had read mixed reviews and was worried that mass tourism might have taken a toll on the bay’s natural beauty. But once we were out on the water — especially in the quieter reaches of Bai Tu Long Bay — I was pleasantly surprised. The water was clean and mostly clear. While there is work still to be done, real efforts are being made to protect this stunning environment. Recently the government launched the “Plastic-Free Ha Long Bay” program, which banned single-use plastic products in tourism throughout the bay. Since then, there’s been a reported 90% decrease in plastic waste collected at popular tourist sites. Good news for a spot that is absolutely worth protecting!
