If a quiet beach, dramatic limestone scenery, and light adventure sound appealing, Ba Trai Dao Islet in Ha Long Bay deserves your attention. This small cluster of three limestone islets offers a rare combination of calm swimming waters, kayaking routes, and romantic legends. In this updated guide by Halong Junk Cruise, we share everything you should know before visiting Ba Trai Dao Islet and Beach.
What Do You Know About Ba Trai Dao Islet?
Ba Trai Dao Islet, also known as Three Peaches Islet, is located near Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, around 22 kilometers southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Thanks to this convenient location, it can be included in both long day trips and overnight cruise itineraries.
The beach curves gently like a bow, wrapping around three limestone islets that rise about 23 meters above sea level. Together, they form a naturally sheltered cove with calm and shallow water, which makes Ba Trai Dao one of the safest swimming spots in Ha Long Bay during low tide.
The limestone cliffs are covered with bushes, vines, and seasonal flowers, adding soft colors to the dramatic landscape. Seabirds and marine life thrive in this quiet environment, making the area especially appealing to nature lovers.
Beyond its natural beauty, Ba Trai Dao also carries cultural meaning through local folklore. The legend of the Three Peaches adds a romantic layer to the experience, which is why this islet remains a favorite stop for couples and travelers seeking a more intimate side of Ha Long Bay.
History of Ba Trai Dao Islet and Beach
Every island in Ha Long Bay has its own story, and Ba Trai Dao is deeply rooted in local folklore.
According to legend, the youngest daughter of the King of Heaven once visited Ha Long Bay. During her stay, she fell in love with a poor fisherman. Wanting to stay with him forever, she secretly brought three magical peaches from her father’s garden to grant eternal life.
When the King of Heaven discovered this, he became furious. Using his powers, he transformed the three peaches into massive limestone mountains, separating the fairy from her lover forever. These mountains became Ba Trai Dao Islet, meaning “Three Peaches” in Vietnamese.
Because of this romantic yet tragic story, Ba Trai Dao has long been associated with love and devotion. Today, it is especially popular with couples, honeymooners, and travelers seeking a meaningful and intimate experience in Ha Long Bay.
Best Time to Visit Ba Trai Dao Islet
Ba Trai Dao Islet can be visited year-round, but weather conditions can affect your experience.
October to April – Dry Season
This is the best time to visit. The weather is cooler, the skies are clearer, and the sea is calm. These months are ideal for sightseeing, kayaking, photography, and enjoying the romantic scenery.
May to September – Summer Season
Summer brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity. However, the sea is at its warmest, making this the best time for swimming and water activities. This is also peak travel season, so the area may feel livelier.
Note: Swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach is tide-dependent and usually available for only 2–3 hours per day.
Things to do at Ba Trai Dao Islet
Swimming
Ba Trai Dao Beach is a wonderful destination if you want to enjoy a refreshing swim in the calm, warm waters of Halong Bay. During the warm summer months, the sea temperature rises, making it an ideal spot to cool off and have fun in the water.
You can float peacefully in the gentle waves, feeling the soothing coolness against the heat of the day. The protected, cove-like shape of the beach also creates perfect conditions for families with young children, who can safely play in the shallow waters without worry.
Top tip: This beach is accessible for swimming for around 2 or 3 hours a day, depending on the tides.
Kayaking
If you are seeking an active excursion, then you shouldn’t miss kayaking at Ba Trai Dao Beach. When you paddle your kayaks across the calm, clear waters, you can see the three special limestone islands that make up the Ba Trai Dao Islets. You may even see different birds or other animals that live in this area.
Kayaking through the peaceful coves and small bays around the Ba Trai Dao Islets also allows you to find hidden caves and grottoes. Paddling into these natural places can be exciting, and you can see the amazing geology there.
For families or groups, kayaking at Ba Trai Dao is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the natural beauty. Paddlers can race each other or just take their time looking at the views, and they will make memories that will stay with them long after their visit.
Rock climbing
If you are looking for an active, thrilling activity in the gorgeous landscapes, rock climbing at the Ba Trai Dao Islets is an unforgettable way to explore this special place. These dramatic rock formations here have many different routes and levels of difficulty, so both experienced climbers and beginners can enjoy them.
Adventurous visitors can get their gear ready and climb up the steep, rough walls that look over the peaceful waters. As they go up, they can see the beautiful views of the islands around them and the sparkling bay below.
Taking photos
You can take many beautiful photos when you visit the Ba Trai Dao Islets in Halong Bay. These three limestone islands have a gorgeous natural setting that photographers love.
Standing on the cliffs, you can take pictures of the dramatic rock formations with the bay’s clear blue waters in the background. You can focus their cameras on the interesting textures and patterns on the cliffs.
From the beaches of Ba Trai Dao, you can photograph the entire group of islands. The way the light and shadows play on the cliffs makes for stunning images, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Photography Tips for Ba Trai Dao Islet
Ba Trai Dao offers some of the most photogenic scenes in Ha Long Bay if you know where to look.
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Early morning and late afternoon provide the softest light for cliff textures
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Kayaking offers unique angles of the islets rising from the water
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Calm tides create beautiful reflections beneath the limestone walls
Whether you are using a professional camera or a smartphone, the combination of light, water, and rock formations makes it easy to capture striking images.
How do you get to Ba Trai Dao islet?
If you travel with a small group, you can hire a canoe to visit the Ba Trai Dao Islets and beach. The trip takes a relatively long time, about 10 hours to go from Bai Chay to the Ba Trai Dao area.
If you travel with a larger group and want to spend a night in Halong Bay, you can take a cruise ship. On the cruise, you can enjoy high-quality, convenient services. Plan your trip and contact us; we will take you wherever you want.
Suggested reliable cruises that visit Ba Trai Dao Islets
- Scarlet Pearl Cruise: Modern and boutique style, one of the newest and largest luxury cruises in Halong Bay with 23 rooms, but also for big families with children, prices from $167 per person.
- Stellar of the Seas Cruise: Modern style 5-star standard services with professional staff, prices from $291 per person.
- Genesis Regal Cruise: French-Indochine style, private Balcony in all cabins with spacious sea view rooms, prices from $164 per person.
Extra Travel Tips
To make the most of your experiences in Ba Trai Dao, you should take notice of the following advice from Halong Junk Cruise Team:
- You should carefully check the low tide time before you come here for water activities like swimming or kayaking
- There aren’t any shops here, so bring food & drink along and remember to take the trash out
- Don’t miss the stunning sunrise and sunset moments on the island.
- Put on sunscreen and wear comfortable clothes if you kayak or swim
Who Is Ba Trai Dao Islet Best For?
Ba Trai Dao Islet is not for everyone, and that is exactly what makes it special. This destination is best suited for travelers who value atmosphere, privacy, and natural beauty over busy sightseeing.
It is an excellent choice for:
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Couples and honeymooners looking for a quiet, romantic beach away from crowds
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Families with children, especially during low tide, can enjoy calm and shallow waters
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Nature lovers who enjoy kayaking, limestone scenery, and wildlife observation
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Active travelers interested in light adventure, such as kayaking or rock climbing
However, if you prefer lively beach bars, nightlife, or full-day beach access, other areas in Ha Long Bay may suit you better.
Who Is Ba Trai Dao Islet Best For?
Ba Trai Dao Islet is not for everyone, and that is exactly what makes it special. This destination is best suited for travelers who value atmosphere, privacy, and natural beauty over busy sightseeing.
It is an excellent choice for:
-
Couples and honeymooners looking for a quiet, romantic beach away from crowds
-
Families with children, especially during low tide, can enjoy calm and shallow waters
-
Nature lovers who enjoy kayaking, limestone scenery, and wildlife observation
-
Active travelers interested in light adventure, such as kayaking or rock climbing
However, if you prefer lively beach bars, nightlife, or full-day beach access, other areas in Ha Long Bay may suit you better.
Why Ba Trai Dao Feels Different from Other Ha Long Bay Beaches
Unlike more famous beaches such as Titop or Soi Sim, Ba Trai Dao Islet feels noticeably quieter and more intimate. Access to the beach depends on the tide, which naturally limits visitor numbers and prevents overcrowding.
Because most visitors arrive as part of carefully planned cruise itineraries, the experience feels exclusive and well-paced. You will not find large tour groups or noisy activities here. Instead, Ba Trai Dao offers a sense of privacy that is becoming increasingly rare in Ha Long Bay.
This is one of the reasons many luxury cruises choose Ba Trai Dao as a highlight of their route.
Understanding the Tide-Dependent Experience
One of the most unique aspects of Ba Trai Dao Islet is that the beach only appears during low tide. When the water level rises, the sandy beach gradually disappears beneath the sea.
This natural rhythm means:
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Swimming and beach time are limited to 2–3 hours per day
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Cruise schedules must be planned carefully
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Each visit feels special and time-sensitive
Rather than being a drawback, this tidal pattern adds to the charm of Ba Trai Dao. It creates a sense of exclusivity and encourages visitors to slow down and truly enjoy the moment.
A Typical Half-Day Experience at Ba Trai Dao Islet
To help you visualize your visit, here is how a typical experience at Ba Trai Dao may unfold:
You arrive by cruise in the late morning, just as the tide begins to recede. After anchoring, you kayak through quiet coves toward the three limestone islets, passing sheer cliffs and calm, clear water. Once the beach appears, you enjoy a refreshing swim or relax on the sand, surrounded by towering rock formations.
Afterward, you return to the cruise for lunch and leisure time on the sundeck, watching the bay slowly change as the tide rises again. This gentle flow is what makes Ba Trai Dao so memorable.
FAQs
Is Ba Trai Dao Islet suitable for families with children?
Yes. Ba Trai Dao Islet is suitable for families, especially during low tide. The beach is naturally sheltered by limestone cliffs, creating calm and shallow waters where children can swim safely under supervision. Kayaking conditions are also gentle and family-friendly.
Can you visit Ba Trai Dao Islet on a day trip?
Yes, it is possible to visit Ba Trai Dao on a long day trip by private canoe. However, most travelers prefer visiting as part of an overnight cruise, which allows better timing with the tides and a more relaxed experience.
How long can you stay on Ba Trai Dao Beach?
Beach access depends on the tide and is usually available for about 2–3 hours per day. Cruises plan their schedules carefully to ensure guests can enjoy swimming or kayaking during this window.
Is swimming always possible at Ba Trai Dao Islet?
No. Swimming is only possible at low tide when the sandy beach is exposed. At high tide, the beach disappears under the water, although kayaking and sightseeing remain enjoyable.
Is Ba Trai Dao crowded?
Compared to other Ha Long Bay beaches such as Titop, Ba Trai Dao is much quieter. Limited access, tide dependency, and cruise-only visits help keep visitor numbers low.
