We have heard that Halong Bay can be very congested with tourists and perhaps a boat tour on Bai Tu Long Bay would be nicer. Is it as spectacular scenery in both places ? We would like a tour where you have an opportunity to kayak as well. Any suggestions?

I would opt for BTL Bay. Same scenery, fewer tourists. You can kayak in both. In BTL you also have the option of staying overnight in a Homestay on one of the islands rather than a boat.

Thanks so much fir the advice.

Bai Tu Long bay is much better than Ha Long bay. Ha Long Bay (2D1N) and Bai Tu Long bay (At least 3D2N).

We went to Bai Tu Long for two nights with Indochina Junks in May. It was wonderful. Very peaceful and beautiful.

Agree with all above. As i wrote on another thread, you depart from the same port for either HL or BTL. I believe Indochina Junk Company has exclusive tour boat "rights" for Bai Tu Long B ay. I thought the overnight cruise was well worth both the ride from Hanoi, and the $$.

We visited Halong Bay with Greyline and didn't find it too crowded. Our boat made a conscious effort to avoid flotillas though I think and we moored somewhere quite quiet overnight. Our cruise had a visit to Titov Island, kayaking, fishing village and cave trips.

See my TR below for details:-

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...m-171305-2.cfm