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Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Aug 9, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Have you ever set foot on Dau Be Island before? Halong Bay has an area of 1,553 square kilometers, including 1,969 islands, each with its unique features. Take a cruise on the sea and visit the islands, you will discover many interesting things on the bay. One of the most worthy destinations is Dau Be Island discovered in the early 19th century, and become one of Halong Bay's most well-known tourist destinations today. Let’s learn more about it with Vietnam Escape Tours!
Dau Be Island is situated 28 kilometers from Bai Chay Cruise Port and 500 meters to the east of Hang Trai Island in the southwest of Ha Long Bay. Dau Be Island belongs to the archipelago system in the line outside Ha Long Bay, located between two beautiful islands, Tra Ngu and Da Le. The island is 22 863 square meters in size, and its tallest point is 139 meters. The sheer island cliffs, which stand like walls act as a shield to protect the island from the waves that are surging into the Gulf from the east.
Although it is 25km from the shore, it has long been considered an ideal tourist area. The entrance is a semicircular opening in the flat rock wall in the northwest of the island, 4-5m above sea level.
Like other islands or islets on Halong Bay, which is named after their unique shape partially contributed by people’s fertile imagination. The name "Dau Be" refers to the distinctive shape of the island. Seen from afar, the island resembles the head of a calf emerging out of the ocean. That is the reason why tourists can also call it Calf-Head Island. Dau Be Island developed a funnel-shaped topography as a result of the effects of natural phenomena including rains, winds, and erosion, and a network of lakes was created on this island. Ba Ham Lake is the most well-known and alluring of the lakes there, which helps to maintain Dau Be Island's immaculate beauty.
Situated in Halong Bay's southwest and at the intersection of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, this island benefits from a rich environment. Dau Be Island, located on the limestone cliffs of the mountains, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like golden-hair monkeys, flying squirrels, bats, and birds. The island's natural scenery is pristine and mysterious, with life still growing on the arid soil. Despite its remote location, Dau Be Island attracts many visitors due to its mysterious and pristine appearance. Visitors must wait for the tide to go out and use a kayak to explore the interior. Dau Be Island is like a shy princess hiding its beauty behind the rough cliffs of mountains, but only by entering can visitors truly appreciate its beauty. The cave ceiling is filled with sparkling stalactites, and the serene atmosphere of the lakes allows visitors to hear the birds' songs and the sounds of the water beneath their boats.
Dau Be Island is famous for its scenic Ba Ham Lake, a system of three round pits connected by a narrow tunnel. The lake is home to various plants, including orchids, Benjamin figs, banyan, and cinnabar, which bloom year-round. The island is also home to golden monkeys, birds, flying squirrels, and bats, as well as fish and shrimp. Ba Ham Lake remains mysterious and unspoiled due to the absence of human impact or construction. The serene atmosphere is surrounded by cliffs, and the sound of birds singing mingles with the clouds and sky. The lake's dimly lit caves reveal stalactites with various shapes and colors. The scenery is charming, with various locations, including wide, narrow, fenced, and quiet areas.
According to the 1938 publication "Merveille de Monde", the introduction of the picturesque Ho Ba Ham characterized it as follows: Upon arrival at Ba Ham Lake, you have the same feeling as to Luon cave, Sung Sot but the landscape here is more beautiful. Tourists like exploring this unique scenery, despite the less straightforward entry than at Luon Cave.
Kayaking
To access Dau Be Island, a kayak or dinghy is the only way to navigate the narrow tunnels, as cruise ships cannot pass them. The island offers a unique experience with its stunning lakes and mountains, reminiscent of ancient poems. However, kayaking is not always possible due to the tunnels of Ba Ham Lake being under seawater. Additionally, Dau Be Island is part of Halong Bay's core area, and tourism services are not available. To access the island, visitors must contact their tour manager in advance.
Sightseeing
Dau Be Island offers unique natural scenery in Halong Bay, where sky, water, and mountains harmoniously meet. The island's isolated nature, fresh air, and serene atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The serene atmosphere and blue sky provide a sense of mystery and healing, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Dau Be Island is a popular destination on cruises in Halong Bay, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty and learn about the local fishermen's life and customs. The journey to Cua Van Fishing Village, Tien Ong Cave, and Ba Men Temple provides insight into the bay's history, daily activities, and the spiritual life of the community. Additionally, the islands of Dau Be and Ang Du offers overnight accommodations, providing a unique experience in the mysterious Halong Sea. Staying overnight in Dau Be Island is a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Halong Bay.
Dau Be Island is best visited from March to June and September to November, as Halong Bay experiences favorable weather for outdoor activities. However, summer and late autumn are popular tourist seasons, leading to increased service prices. For budget travelers, July and August are better, with some pleasant days. Always check the weather forecast for the best preparation.
Dau Be Island is located 28 kilometers southwest of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. To reach it, take tour No.03 in Ha Long Bay, which takes 2.5 hours on a cruise ship. To enter, use a kayak or dinghy to pass the tunnel cave. The easiest way to reach Dau Be Island is to book a Halong Bay Cruise from the best tour operator in Vietnam.
This cruise is suitable for overnight trips, but if you want a day trip to Dau Be Island, a private boat tour is recommended, with prices ranging from 4 to 5 million VND per day.
Dau Be Island has long become a famous Ha Long tourist destination, annually attracting millions of domestic and foreign tourists to visit and immerse themselves in the beautiful natural scenery here. It is worth paying a visit here. We hope you will have a great experience in Dau Be in particular and in Halong Bay in general. Thank you for reading.
