Bai Tu Long national park covers 15,783 hectares, of which forests and forest land make up 6,125 ha on more than 40 islands, and water surface accounts for 9,650 ha. It is home to 1,909 species of fauna and flora, including 72 types of animals and 30 kinds of plants listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of endangered species.
According to legend, an immense dragon descended to Ha Long Bay (meaning ‘’Descending Dragon’’) millions years ago, dropping numerous eggs. These eggs hatched forming thousands of rocks and islands. The tail of the dragon extended far to the sea, forming Bach Long Vi island (meaning “The Tail of the White Dragon”). As she returned to heaven, she said good bye to her offspring at the Bai Tu Long Bay (means “The dragon parts the offspring”). Now the park is part of Van Don District, 20 km distant from Cai Rong town.
Earth and stone islands like Ba Mun, Tra Ngo Lon, Tra Ngo Nho, Sau Nam, Sau Dong, Dong Ma, Hon Chinh, Lo Ho, Mang Ha Nam, Mang Ha Bac, Di To, Chay Chay, Da Ay and Soi Nhu are scattered across the park.
Limestone mountains encompass vast valleys, creating diverse living conditions for different types of fauna and flora.
The most noteworthy is Tra Ngo Lon, the largest island in the Bai Tu Long National Park. The island has a special geological structure with earth mountains in its northern part and limestone mountains with caves in the south.
Scientists said mangrove forests in Tra Ngo Lon island and the park are not consolidated by alluvium like in the Red River Delta. Instead, local plants live on mud and soil from mountains. It takes thousands of years to form these mangrove forests.
At the core of the Bai Tu Long National Park is the Ba Mun island cluster. Ba Mun island sits on an area of nearly 2,000 sq.m with over 80 species of diverse and rare flora.
Forests in Ba Mun island are home to many scarce species of animals like python reticulatus, pardofelis temminckii, macaca multta and pholidota. Therefore, the island is considered the largest wild animal reserve in Vietnam’s northeast.
The northeastern region’s largest wildlife rescue centre was based on the island in 2010. The centre nurtures various species of animals rescued by forest rangers of the Bai Tu Long National Park from smugglers.
Besides the extremely diverse biological environment, the park also has archaeological values, with evidence of ancient Viet people residing here 14,000 years ago.
The park holds potential for tourism development, particularly ecological tourism (trekking, caving, sea kayaking). Hiking Vietnam runs private trips to Bai Tu Long national park. If you look for an off the beaten path trip to Bai Tu Long national park Vietnam, just follow the itinerary below or contact us for a customization.
Bai Tu Long national park tours
FAQ
Bai Tu Long National Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea. It’s a haven for nature lovers and offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to nearby Halong Bay.
The most common way to reach Bai Tu Long National Park from Hanoi is by taking a bus or private car to Halong City and then continuing by boat. Many cruise companies offer tours that include transportation from Hanoi, making it a convenient and scenic journey.
Bai Tu Long National Park offers a range of activities, including hiking through the rainforest, kayaking in the bay, visiting local fishing villages, and taking boat cruises to explore the islands. Don’t miss the chance to savor delicious seafood and experience the park’s rich biodiversity.
Yes, camping is allowed in certain areas of the park with the proper permits. It’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty and enjoy a unique overnight experience under the stars. Be sure to check with the park authorities for regulations and guidelines.
The best time to visit Bai Tu Long National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from October to April. The weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy clear skies and calm seas. However, if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to September.