Halong Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?
 

Really confused how to organize the logistics for Halong Bay. I've been in touch with some companies in Vietnam. I've read positive reviews of the companies I've been in touch with, but their replies to my emails don't answer my questions and are obviously cut and pasted from a set of standard replies the company has on file.

The one company that is responsive to my emails doesn't have cruises to Halong Bay, but to Bai Tu Long Bay. Are these two different areas? We were particularly interested in Halong Bay due to it's Unesco World Heritage listing. Is Bai Tu Long Bay part of Halong Bay? I've having a really hard time determining the difference between the two places.

Any advice will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Bai Tu Long and Ha Long are adjacent. BTL is much less visited and a little more pristine. I would go for Bai Tu Long.

Bai Tu Long Bay (3D2N) and Halong Bay (2D1N).
Bai Tu Long Bay is less touristy than Halong Bay.

Are you looking at the Indochina Junk boat trips? They have both one night and two night trips that sail to Bai Tu Long Bay. I did tan overnight trip, which was excellent. IIrc, we sailed via Halong Bay to reach BTL. They are, as Crellston said, adjacent areas of one large body of water. You'll see the same beautiful scenery, but BTL Bay is quieter with fewer tour boat trips going. When I went five yrs ago, few boat companies were licensed to sail there--not sure about now. Enjoy!!!

We just returned last week. Was in Halong Bay about 6 days ago. I would have done anything to go to BTL and NOT Halong Bay. It is the same body of water, you will go out of the same wharf, but will hopefully miss some of the pollution in Halong Bay, people and plastic!