Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. While many visitors flock to the bay’s iconic spots, there’s a less-trodden path that unveils a more intimate and culturally rich experience: Route 3. Bhaya Cruises is thrilled to guide you through this captivating route, offering a serene escape away from the usual tourist crowds.
Halong Bay’s four main routes
Halong Bay offers four distinct cruising routes, with each visiting a unique combination of attractions and showcasing a different facet of this magnificent natural wonder.
These routes are strictly regulated by the Halong Bay Management Board. Due to this route regulations, cruise operators tend to optimize their operating cost by offering excursions within one same route and selecting the short cruising route (ie. route 2). Therefore, when deciding on your Halong cruise, just make sure their cruise programs include your favorite attractions or having attractions in your favorite route.
Before you book, make sure to look closely at the cruise’s itinerary to ensure it includes the sights and activities you’re most excited to see.
Route 1: The Classic Halong Bay Experience. This route is the quintessential choice for those seeking a comprehensive tour of the bay’s most iconic landmarks in a limited time.
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Stone Dog Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, Trong Mai Islet.
Route 2: The most popular route, featuring iconic destinations.
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Soi Sim Island → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Bo Nau Cave → Luon Cave → Trong Cave → Trinh Nu Cave → Me Cung Cave
Route 3: A Journey into Halong Bay’s Cultural Heart. For those seeking an immersive and authentic experience away from the crowds.
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Cua Van Fishing Village → Bamboo Forest area → Tien Ong Cave → Ang Du → Ba Ham Lake → Ba Men Temple
Route 4: Takes you further afield to the bay’s more remote areas.
Itinerary: Cruise Port → Co Cave → Thay Cave → Cong Do Island → Cap La Cave →Tung Ang Ecological Area → Hon Xep Park → Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Route 3: A Journey through Culture and Nature
Route 3 offers a fascinating 6 to 8-hour journey by boat, delving into the heart of Halong’s natural beauty and local culture. Departing from Tuan Chau International Port, this cruising route transports you to a world of local fishing villages, ancient limestone caves, and serene lagoons.
A Glimpse into the highlight destinations:
Cua Van fishing village
Our first stop is the Cua Van fishing village, nestled within the Tung Sau lagoon near Hang Trai island. This unique village preserves and showcases the remarkable cultural heritage of Halong Bay’s former fishing communities. Explore their daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and traditional fishing techniques. For a truly immersive experience, consider joining a kayaking or traditional rowing boat excursion to explore the ancient fishing village. The harmonious blend of stunning natural scenery and the unique cultural traditions of the sea-dwelling people promises an unforgettable experience.
Tien Ong Cave (Fairy Cave)
Discover the archaeological significance of Tien Ong Cave, a site where valuable prehistoric artifacts have been found. These findings provide evidence that the cave was once inhabited by ancient Halong people during the Soi Nhu culture period, part of the Hoa Binh culture. Within the cave, you can observe remnants of prehistoric life, such as freshwater and mountain snail shells, as well as rudimentary stone and bone tools displayed in archaeological exploration pits.
Ang Du
Ang Du is a unique geological formation within Halong Bay – a nearly 2-hectare wide enclosed saltwater lake surrounded by towering limestone karsts. This isolated ecosystem boasts remarkable biodiversity. Its tranquil and serene environment provides a habitat for various valuable flora and fauna, adding to the distinctive beauty of Halong Bay. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to further enhance this captivating area for future exploration.
Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnels Lake)
A destination known since the 1930s, Ho Ba Ham stands out with its expansive yet tranquil atmosphere and unique structure. It comprises three interconnected sea basins linked by “frog jaw” tunnels that pierce through the base of sheer limestone cliffs. Nature has skillfully sculpted these cave entrances at the foot of the islands, leading into long, winding tunnels adorned with stalactite clusters. During high tide, the submerged cave entrances create natural walls, isolating the inner lakes and enhancing their mystery and allure. Ho Ba Ham is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous precious marine species. To fully appreciate its inner beauty, visitors must navigate by kayak during low tide.
Ba Men Temple
Our final stop on Route 3 is the Ba Men Temple, a site of spiritual significance for the local fishing communities. Located on a sandy shore at the foot of Cat Ba Island, bordering Halong Bay, the temple is associated with a mystical story of a goddess who protects fishermen. The fishermen of Halong Bay believe this temple to be very sacred, and before heading out to sea, they often visit to burn incense and pray for good luck, favorable weather, and a bountiful catch. The Ba Men Temple Festival, held annually on the 19th and 20th days of the first lunar month, brings together fishermen from Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island to pray for a peaceful and successful year at sea. If you visit Halong Bay during this time, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant maritime culture of the local people.
Why choose route 3?
While every route in Halong Bay offers breathtaking scenery, Route 3 stands out as an enriching option. It’s an excellent choice for a wide range of travelers, and the perfect itinerary for anyone wanting to delve into the region’s rich cultural history and prefer quiet routing and slow travel.
Comparison of Ha Long Bay cruising routes
| Route | Route 1 | Route 2 | Route 3 | Route 4 |
| Feature | Quick Day Trip | Classic Ha Long itinerary | Unrushed natural & cultural discoveries | Cruising Bai Tu Long |
| Best for | Travelers with limited time or just want a short day trip. | First-time visitors who want to see the main highlights of Ha Long Bay. | Those prefer well-organized tours, with a more leisurely pace than Route 1 and 2. | Repeat visitors or travelers who prioritize tranquility. |
| Crowd level | High | Very high | Low | Low |
| especially during peak season | most popular and most crowded route. | significantly less crowded and more peaceful. | least crowded and most secluded | |
| Pros | Visit iconic landmarks near the mainland. | Great chance to visit the most famous Ha Long Bay highlights. Also, great flexibility, numerous options for day trips and overnight cruises. | Immersive cultural experiences and exploration of hidden gems and lagoons. | Cruise further to remote areas of Bai Tu Long Bay. |
| Cons |
Limited sites, crowded | Most bustling and noisy, especially during peak hours. | Fewer cruise operators, less flexibility. May feel too quiet for travelers who prefer a more social and bustling atmosphere. | Very limited cruise options (just around 5 or 6 cruises offer this route with limited departure). Can pass near commercial shipping lanes (big cargo ship). |
Highlights of Route 3
- Escape the crowds: Unlike the heavily trafficked Route 2, which is the most popular choice, Route 3 takes you to quieter, less-visited areas of the bay. This allows for a more peaceful and intimate journey, letting you truly connect with the serene beauty of the landscape without the distraction of numerous other vessels.
- An authentic cultural deep dive: Route 3 is designed for the culturally curious. Its focus on heritage sites like the Cua Van village and Tien Ong Cave offers a profound look into the human history of Halong Bay. You’ll move beyond just admiring the scenery to understanding the local way of life, and their age-old traditions.
- The best of both worlds: Route 3 strikes the perfect balance. It covers a wide range of sites and activities, from local villages to limestone caves and sandy beaches where you can go kayaking or relax. You can still enjoy the “off the beaten track” vibe.
Route 3 – The ultimate 3-bay adventure: Ha Long, Lan Ha, and Bai Tu Long
The route Lan Ha – Bai Tu Long recently become a favorite among travel influencers. The resulting hype has led to a boom in cruise traffic there since 2023. So, it is not “that quiet”.
- In terms of administrative division, Route 3 cruises within Halong Bay, but the ship actually cruises further to the border of Lan Ha Bay, so you can enjoy an even more serene atmosphere (same landscape, less busy).
- While Bai Tu Long Bay is famous for its unique stacked-rock formations (Đá Xếp geological park) and the charming Vung Vieng fishing village, Route 3 offers an equally spectacular experience. You’ll encounter similar geological formations, as well as Cua Van Floating Village – the largest floating fishing village in Ha Long Bay. (Vung Vieng is the second largest)
Experience Route 3 with Bhaya Cruises
For an exclusive and intimate journey along this remarkable route, Bhaya Cruises offers two distinct choices to suit your travel style.
Step aboard the newest vessel, Bhaya Soul, for a truly boutique luxury experience, complete with a four-season pool, stylish bar, and elegant lounge.
Alternatively, for ultimate privacy, choose a cruise with Bhaya Legend. This cruise line is exclusively dedicated to small groups of 2 to 6 people, providing a highly personalized service with 2-Day-1-Night & 3-Day-2-Night Itinerary to explore off-the-beaten path of Halong Bay.
