Table of Contents Show
Hạ Long Bay may be the headline destination in Quảng Ninh, but Bái Tử Long National Park feels like the quieter chapter in the same story, still dramatic, but far more untouched. The scenery is just as striking: emerald waters, limestone islands, and beaches that shine almost white under the sun. What makes Bái Tử Long special is its sense of space and stillness. It’s less crowded, more pristine, and richly layered in biodiversity.
This park protects both forest and marine ecosystems, meaning your days here can unfold in the most satisfying way: a morning hike through primary forest, an afternoon swim in clear waters, and a seafood dinner by the shore.
In this guide, ExoTrails takes you through the islands in Bái Tử Long National Park currently featured on the app, from easy-to-reach inhabited islands like Quan Lạn (Minh Châu), Quan Lạn (town area), and Ngọc Vừng, to core-zone islands like Trà Ngọ and Ba Mùn, where eco-adventure and conservation go hand in hand. Each island includes estimated ticket prices and travel costs to help you plan smoothly.
What makes Bái Tử Long National Park unique?
Bái Tử Long National Park is one of the few national parks in Vietnam that protects both land and sea at once. Its vast protected area includes: evergreen forest on soil islands, limestone island systems, coral reefs and seagrass beds, tidal flats and coastal waters
This blend of ecosystems creates an experience that feels distinctly “Bái Tử Long”, nature in layers, shifting from forest to sea, from quiet village life to wild protected islands.
How to get to Bái Tử Long National Park
The main gateway is Vân Đồn, where you can take speedboats out to the islands. Two ports are most commonly used:
- Ao Tiên Port: newer and modern, with frequent speedboat routes to Quan Lạn, Minh Châu, and Ngọc Vừng
- Cái Rồng Port: the traditional port, with a wide range of boat options and routes
Travel tip: During peak summer season (June–August), it’s best to book your boat tickets and accommodation 1–2 weeks ahead, especially if you’re travelling on weekends.
Bái Tử Long National Park islands on ExoTrails (with estimated entrance fee)
Quan Lạn Island (Minh Châu area) — “The queen of white sand”
Best for: families, friend groups, beach stays, camping and picnics
Located on the northeastern side of Bái Tử Long Bay, Minh Châu (on Quan Lạn Island) is known for its powder-soft sand, calm waves, and clean shoreline. Along the beach, a long stretch of casuarina forest creates a shady, breezy escape, perfect for picnics and light camping.
Details about Quan Lạn Island (Minh Châu area) on ExoTrails.
Highlights:
- Minh Châu Beach: gentle slope and calm water, suitable for children
- Casuarina forest: ideal for camping and beachside picnics
- Fresh seafood: sá sùng (peanut worm), sea urchin, ngán clams, geoduck
- Good tourism infrastructure: homestays, resorts, restaurants, water activities
Recommended experiences:
- swim and relax on the beach
- picnic or camp under the casuarina trees
- SUP and kayaking
- join a local peanut-worm harvesting experience (book in advance)
Estimated costs:
- Speedboat (Cái Rồng/Ao Tiên → Minh Châu): ~200,000–250,000 VND / one way
- Electric shuttle on the island: 20,000–50,000 VND / ride
- Accommodation: ~300,000–1,500,000 VND / night
Notes:
Book early during peak season (June–August).
If you camp, ask for permission, avoid large fires, and pack out all trash.
Quan Lạn Island (Quan Lạn town area) — Beaches with a historical backbone
Best for: travellers who want beach time plus culture and heritage
If Minh Châu is the island’s beach resort side, Quan Lạn town offers a deeper cultural layer. This area was once part of the historic Vân Đồn trading port, active during the Lý and Trần dynasties. Temples, communal houses, and shrines still remain, making it a rare destination where a beach holiday also comes with real history.
Details about Quan Lạn Island (Quan Lạn area) on ExoTrails.
Highlights
- Three major beaches: Quan Lạn – Minh Châu – Sơn Hào
- Diverse ecosystems: casuarina forest, mangroves, abundant marine life
- Traditional spiritual sites and local heritage landmarks
Recommended experiences:
- visit local temples and communal houses
- cycle or ride across the island
- swim at Sơn Hào, a wide, airy beach away from the main centre
Estimated costs
- Speedboat (Cái Rồng/Ao Tiên → Quan Lạn): ~150,000–200,000 VND / one way
- Electric shuttle: 20,000–50,000 VND / ride
- Accommodation: ~300,000–1,500,000 VND / night
- Heritage sites: typically free (large groups may need to register)
Notes:
- Some remote beaches can have stronger currents, swim carefully.
- Bring a power bank, occasional local outages do happen.
Ngọc Vừng Island — A 3km beach and slow island life
Best for: slow travel, community experiences, camping
Ngọc Vừng is one of the larger inhabited islands in Bái Tử Long Bay, loved for its long, open coastline and relaxed local rhythm. The beach stretches nearly three kilometres, with clean sand and clear water, ideal for camping and quiet swims.
Details about Ngọc Vừng Island on ExoTrails.
Highlights
- Ngọc Vừng Beach: long and gentle, great for camping
- A memorial site dedicated to President Hồ Chí Minh
- Fishing villages and aquaculture culture
Recommended experiences:
- swim and walk along the coast
- bike around the island
- join a night squid-fishing activity with locals
- enjoy fresh seafood cooked simply and well
Estimated costs:
- Speedboat (Cái Rồng/Ao Tiên → Ngọc Vừng): ~150,000–200,000 VND / one way
- Accommodation: ~200,000–400,000 VND / night
Notes:
- If travelling in a large group, book boats and island transport ahead.
- Keep the beaches clean and reduce single-use plastics.
Vạn Cảnh Island — Wild, cinematic, and best seen by kayak
Best for: photography, kayaking, short scenic stops
Vạn Cảnh is an undeveloped island often included in bay tours. With limestone cliffs, forested slopes, and small sand pockets, it feels remote and beautifully “unfinished.” It’s a great stop for kayaking or photography, especially in calm weather.
Details about Vạn Cảnh Island on ExoTrails.
Highlights:
- sweeping bay views and strong photo opportunities
- nearby coral and seagrass ecosystems
- no permanent tourism services, which helps keep it pristine
Estimated costs:
- No separate entrance fee
- Full-day Bái Tử Long group tour: ~700,000–1,200,000 VND / person (depending on route and inclusions)
Notes:
- There are no waste facilities, bring everything back with you.
- Snorkelling is safer with a guide.
Trà Bản Island — Floating seafood farms and village life
Best for: local culture, seafood lovers, low-key exploration
Trà Bản is a large island with coastal communities and thriving aquaculture. Visiting here is about seeing how island life works: floating farms, seafood harvesting, and meals served fresh at family homes or on rafts.
Details about Trà Bản Island on ExoTrails.
Estimated costs:
- No entrance fee for the residential area
- Shared boat: ~200,000–300,000 VND / person
- Private canoe: 1–1.5 million VND / trip
- Seafood meals: ~100,000–300,000 VND / serving
Notes:
- Accommodation is limited. Consider homestays or camping.
- Trekking into the core forest requires permission from the park management.
Trà Ngọ Island — Core-zone trekking for true nature lovers
Best for: eco-trekking, biodiversity, nature photography
Trà Ngọ lies in the park’s core zone and is protected more strictly than the inhabited islands. It’s ideal for those looking for a real forest-and-sea expedition: trekking, wildlife observation, and immersion in untouched landscapes.
Details about Trà Ngọ Island on ExoTrails.
Estimated costs:
- National park entrance fee: 40,000–100,000 VND / person
- Shared boat: ~200,000–300,000 VND / person / one way (often combined with multi-island routes)
- Eco-trekking tours: from ~1,000,000 VND / person
Required notes:
- Permission is required, register in advance with the park authority.
- No services or waste facilities: bring enough food and water, pack out your trash.
Ba Mùn Island — The “green lungs” of Bái Tử Long
Best for: deeper trekking, protected nature, biodiversity discovery
Ba Mùn is the largest core-zone island in the national park, known for its extensive primary forest and rich biodiversity. It’s a highlight for eco-trekking, but also one of the most strictly managed, meaning you’ll need to join a guided trip or trek with rangers.
Details about Ba Mùn Island on ExoTrails.
Estimated costs:
- National park entrance fee: 40,000–100,000 VND / person
- Ba Mùn trekking tours: from ~1,000,000 VND / person (depending on package)
Required notes:
- Registration is mandatory, and independent trekking is not allowed.
- Bring at least 2L of water per person per day, insect repellent, and trekking shoes.
- Leave no trace and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Best time to visit Bái Tử Long National Park
- May to September: best beach season, ideal for water activities
- October to December: cooler weather, fewer crowds, quiet and scenic
- January to March: relaxed travel, more cultural exploration than swimming
- Note: July–August can bring storms and tropical depressions
Explore Bái Tử Long more easily with ExoTrails
With ExoTrails, you can:
- search for each island by name
- save your favourite places for later
- build a trip around beaches, trekking, and community experiences
- plan in your own style: slow travel, exploration, or eco-adventure
Bái Tử Long isn’t just a place to “go to the beach.” It’s a place where nature feels deeper: a morning in the forest, an afternoon in turquoise water, and an evening of fresh seafood. Most importantly, travelling responsibly here helps keep these islands beautifully green for years to come.
Open ExoTrails and choose your next island adventure in Bái Tử Long National Park today.
