Bai Tu Long Bay cruise - In the heart of Halong Bay, vibrant red sails carry tourists from the docks for a one-hour journey along the bay's shoreline. The leisurely pace opens up an intimate, relaxing perspective, imbued with the rich maritime culture.
Launched to serve tourists from the end of June 2026, the Halong Bay three-walled boat is a new tourism product jointly developed by Quang Ninh Waterway Passenger Transport Company. Initially, the fleet consists of 6 boats, each accommodating a maximum of 12 passengers and 2 crew members. This small size creates a private and quiet atmosphere, suitable for families, groups of friends, or tourists seeking a relaxing experience after exploring the city.
The allure of the journey thus begins with the three-walled boat itself: The hull is constructed from three main planks, including a bottom plank and two side planks; the boat has two masts with distinctive bat-wing-shaped sails, long associated with the fishing and transportation activities of the inhabitants of the Bach Dang estuary.
More than just a means of transportation, each three-walled boat tells the story of the long-standing boat-building craft and the creativity of the coastal inhabitants. These boats, restored to their original form at the workshop of People's Artisan Le Duc Chan (Lien Hoa ward), have been modified with some adjustments to meet safety requirements and serve tourists. Their vibrant red sails stand out against the rocky mountains and the water, becoming a unique landmark in the bay.
Starting with the story of the boat, the journey continues, leading visitors to explore a familiar yet unfamiliar Halong Bay. Leaving the dock, the boat passes by the Bai Tho Bridge area, Vincom Halong shopping center, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, the Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, Hon Gai beach, and then returns to the starting point. The route is approximately 12km long, just enough for passengers to experience the interesting transition between natural landscapes and coastal urban spaces.
In particular, when viewed from the water, the familiar structures of Hon Gai seem to take on a different appearance. The black architectural block of the Quang Ninh Museum stands out on the bay's edge; the Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, with its curved shape resembling a dolphin, becomes more clearly visible. In the distance is the modern coastal urban area, while right beside the boat is the wide-open water, the sea breeze, and the characteristic rock formations of Halong Bay.
Not only does it change your perspective, the open space and close proximity to the water also allow visitors to better feel the rhythm of the waves and wind. When the sails are unfurled, the gentle lapping of water against the wooden hull creates a refreshing experience compared to sitting on large cruise ships. Therefore, the trip also becomes an ideal time to take photos, admire the city from the sea, or simply escape the hustle and bustle of life on shore.
To enhance the experience beyond mere sightseeing, the product incorporates explanatory QR codes, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the three-walled boats, the culture of the coastal inhabitants, and the points of interest along the journey. The product is also designed to introduce fishing village cuisine, folk singing, and other relevant cultural content, contributing to a recreation of the life of the fishing community in Halong. As a result, the short tour gains added cultural depth, bringing visitors closer to local values.
According to the schedule, the boats operate daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with each trip lasting approximately 60 minutes. The early morning hours are suitable for those who want to enjoy the cool air, while the late afternoon trip usually has beautiful light, perfect for taking photos with the sails and the city skyline.
For a smooth trip, visitors should contact the operator in advance to check departure times, especially on weekends or days with changeable weather. Visitors should also arrive at the pier early before departure, wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, and avoid bringing items that could easily fall into the water. The three-walled boats offer a short, close-to-shore journey that is unique and rich in character, contributing to a renewed experience and evoking memories of Halong Bay's maritime culture.
Source: https://baitulongtours.com/news/experience-halong-coastal-culture-on-traditional-red-sail-boat.asp
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