Bai Tu Long bay for solo travellers : How to pick a Bai Tu Long bay cruise for solo travellers

In this post, I will cover all information about Bai Tu Long Bay for solo travellers including which cruise options to choose, top things to do, pro tips, and suggested budgets for solo travellers. This is all you need to plan a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay. 

I found that lack of information for solo travellers about Bai Tu Long Bay. When I tried to google “Bai Tu Long bay for solo travellers”, all search results were for Halong Bay. Surprise. Bai Tu Long Bay is now becoming a rising destination for cruise tours, as an alternative to Halong Bay. 

Overview of Bai Tu Long bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is located on the east of Halong Bay with even more impressive limestone islands and towering cliffs than Halong Bay. But less crowded than Halong Bay.

Why Bai Tu Long bay is worth visiting for solo travellers

• It is way less touristy than Halong Bay, with quieter settings
• There are options for boutique overnight cruises with small groups of tourists
• The cruise duration is longer than Halong Bay which means that you have more time sightseeing onboard
• There are lots of different locations to take the cruise: Van Don, Cam Pha (not just Halong Bay)
• Island hopping is an interesting activity which is unique to Bai Tu Long Bay
• Top 1 thing to do in Hanoi Bay with almost 1000 five-star reviews

Best time to visit Bai Tu Long bay – Bai Tu Long bay for solo travellers guide

From late April to early January

February and March can be foggy and misty. 

The peak season is during Christmas and New Year

Which overnight cruise to book for Bai Tu Long Bay overnight trip

For small boutique cruises, I suggest Prince Junk with only 4 rooms onboard to make sure that your experience is more relaxing, laidback and quieter than another cruise (Highly recommend for solo travellers). The price is from 345 USD per night 

For the bigger boat, I would recommend Swan Cruise, Garden Bay, La Regina Classic which is a 3-star cruise with an affordable rate: 200 to 270 USD for 2 day 1-night cruise

For the deluxe cruise, the Dragon Pearl cruise and the Renea boutique cruise for 2 days 1-night cruise

For luxury cruises, Dragon Legend, Lily Cruise, and Athena Royal cruises with prices range from 320 to 360 USD for a solo traveller for 2 day 1 night cruise

For 3 day 2-night cruise, the price will be double. 

Tips for booking a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise

• Book it before you arrive in Vietnam during the peak season like Christmas or Newyear to avoid it being fully booked
• Having Plans A, B, C because the overnight cruise (especially the boutique cruise) will be fully booked shortly during the peak seasons. Lan Ha Bay will be an alternative
• If you don’t care  about a specific cruise to book, just book it when you are in Hanoi
• Pay a single supplement when booking an overnight cruise
• Book early bird to get a good deal
• If you book on platforms like booking.com and Agoda, please note that transfer isn’t included

Budget for travelling Bai Tu Long bay for a solo traveller for an overnight trip

This is the standard budget for solo travellers who take a package of 2 days 1 night for 3-star cruise

I didn’t mention any tipping or gratitude, so let’s make it 250 USD altogether

What’s included and excluded for the Bai Tu long overnight cruise package

Included

• Onboard English-speaking guide
• Private cabin (Single supplement included)
• Full-board meals: breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner
• Entrance fees & activities

Excluded

• Drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tipping for tour guides, drivers

Typical Bai Tu Long Bay Overnight cruise itinerary

Day 1 : Exploring Thien Canh Son cave

Day 2 : Visiting Vung Vieng fishing village either by kayak or rowing bamboo boat

Read more : Bai Tu Long bay overnight itinerary

Day cruise choices for Bai Tu Long bay

Lamuse is only sharing a day cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay run by Indochina Junk. But lots of time they only offer Halong bay route since there aren’t enough guests signing up for Bai Tu Long Bay route, price from 130 USD. Please note that this day cruise takes a bit touristy Bai Tu Long Bay from Halong. 

Otherwise, Hanoi Eco Tour offers a private Bai Tu Long bay day cruise which departs from Hanoi/Halong/Hai Phong with almost ZERO Tourists because this cruising route is unique. The price  is about 400 USD (sharing bus option) 

Over to you

We hope this Bai Tu Long bay for solo travellers guide by Hanoi Eco Tour will help you with some ways to plan a trip when travelling solo in Bai Tu Long bay. 

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