Ba Trai Dao Islets: Lan Ha Bay’s Three Peaches Beach
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Ba Trai Dao Islets (Ba Trái Đào, “Three Peaches”) are three small rounded limestone islets beside a little sandy beach in Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong. Their peach-like shape makes them one of the most photographed spots in the Cat Ba Archipelago, part of the UNESCO Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba site. They are seen on Lan Ha day boats and cruises; the bay fee is usually included.
Status (checked October 2026): the islets can be viewed from boats as normal, but the beach was reported closed to visitors in late 2024 when local authorities tightened rules on swimming and kayaking in the Cat Ba bays. Ask your operator whether landing and swimming are currently allowed before you book.
Why Ba Trai Dao Islets are worth seeing:
- Iconic shape: three rounded peaks side by side, unlike the tall towers elsewhere.
- Clear, shallow water on calm summer days.
- Quiet corner of Lan Ha Bay, away from the busy Halong routes.
- Easy to combine with Dark and Bright Cave and Ao Ech.
Ba Trai Dao Islets at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Ba Trái Đào (“Three Peaches”) |
|---|---|
| Location | Lan Ha Bay, Cat Hai Special Zone, Hai Phong city |
| Known for | Three peach-shaped islets, small sandy beach, clear water |
| Recognition | Within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (2023) |
| Access | By boat from Ben Beo Pier (Cat Ba) or on Lan Ha Bay cruises |
| Fees | Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee (Hai Phong), usually included in boat prices |
| Time needed | 15–60 minutes depending on whether landing is allowed |
| Best time | May–September for clear water; morning or late afternoon light |
| Nearby | Dark and Bright Cave, Ao Ech, Cat Ba Island |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor · UNESCO · Lan Ha Bay on Wikipedia |
Is Ba Trai Dao Islets Worth Visiting?
Yes, as a scenic stop on a Lan Ha Bay boat trip. Do not plan a trip around it alone: it is a small spot, and access to the beach depends on current local rules.
- Best for: photographers and beach lovers on Lan Ha day boats.
- Skip if: you need guaranteed swimming; choose a cruise with a confirmed beach stop.
- Short on time: a day boat from Cat Ba usually sails past it.
Background of Ba Trai Dao Islets
The name means “three peaches”, after the soft, rounded shape of the three islets. They are part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, whose limestone islands were shaped by millions of years of erosion. Lan Ha Bay became part of the World Heritage Site in 2023, and since 1 July 2025 it has been administered by the Cat Hai Special Zone of Hai Phong city.
In November 2024 the local authorities suspended kayaking in the Cat Ba bays until operators meet legal requirements, and news reports at the time noted that the Ba Trai Dao beach had been closed. Rules may have changed since, so check before you go.
What to See at Ba Trai Dao Islets
1. The Three Islets
Seen from the water, the three rounded peaks line up like peaches in a row; the best angle is from the boat as you approach.
2. The Small Beach
A strip of sand with shallow, clear water lies beside the islets. When open, it is a lovely swim stop.
3. Surrounding Karst Scenery
Steep islands, fish farms and quiet channels surround the spot, giving good photos in all directions.
Fees and How to Visit
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee | Set by Hai Phong city; usually included in boat and cruise prices |
| Day boat from Cat Ba | Full-day trips from Ben Beo Pier |
| Cruises | 2-day and 3-day Lan Ha itineraries |
- Book a licensed Lan Ha day boat or cruise and ask whether Ba Trai Dao is on the route.
- Confirm whether landing and swimming are currently permitted.
- Bring swimwear, sunscreen and water shoes.
How to Get to Ba Trai Dao Islets
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Ba town (Ben Beo Pier) | Day boat | About 1–1.5 hours sailing through the bay |
| Hanoi | Road + ferry to Cat Ba, then boat | About 4–5 hours in total |
| Ha Long (Tuan Chau) | Lan Ha cruise | Part of 2–3-day itineraries |
See our Cat Ba Island guide for getting to the island.
Best Time to Visit Ba Trai Dao Islets
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| May–September | Warm, clear water; storm risk July–September |
| October–November | Pleasant and quieter |
| December–April | Cool; good for photos, chilly for swimming |
Local Expert Tips for Ba Trai Dao Islets
These tips come from years of arranging Halong and Lan Ha tours for international travellers.
- Do not promise yourself a swim here; confirm the current rules first.
- Go early before day boats crowd the area.
- Take photos from the boat’s upper deck for the best angle.
- Read our Halong travel tips before booking a cruise.
Ba Trai Dao Islets vs Ti Top Island
| Ba Trai Dao | Ti Top Island | |
|---|---|---|
| Bay | Lan Ha (Hai Phong) | Halong (Quang Ninh) |
| Main appeal | Peach-shaped islets, small beach | Viewpoint climb and beach |
| Crowds | Moderate | High |
Our view: Ti Top gives the panoramic view; Ba Trai Dao is the prettier, quieter photo stop.
Nearby Attractions
- Dark and Bright Cave – sea tunnel and lagoon.
- Ao Ech Area – enclosed lagoon.
- Viet Hai Village – cycling village.
- Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
Halong Area for First-Time Visitors: Where Ba Trai Dao Islets Fit
After Hanoi, a Lan Ha Bay cruise or a night on Cat Ba is a good way to see Ba Trai Dao. Compare routes in our cruise guide.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay and Lan Ha tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ba Trai Dao Islets
1. Where are Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Ba Trai Dao Islets are in Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong city.
2. What does Ba Trai Dao mean?
Ba Trai Dao means “three peaches”, after the rounded shape of the three islets.
3. Can I swim at Ba Trai Dao Islets?
The Ba Trai Dao beach was reported closed in late 2024, so check with your operator whether swimming at Ba Trai Dao Islets is currently allowed.
4. How do I get to Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Ba Trai Dao Islets are reached by day boat from Ben Beo Pier on Cat Ba or on Lan Ha Bay cruises.
5. Is there a fee for Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Ba Trai Dao Islets are covered by the Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee, usually included in boat prices.
6. Are Ba Trai Dao Islets part of the UNESCO site?
Yes. Ba Trai Dao Islets lie in Lan Ha Bay, part of the UNESCO site Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago since 2023.
7. Can I kayak at Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Kayaking in the Cat Ba bays, including Ba Trai Dao Islets, was suspended in November 2024; ask whether it has resumed.
8. How long do boats stop at Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Boats usually spend 15–60 minutes at Ba Trai Dao Islets, depending on whether landing is allowed.
9. What is the best time to visit Ba Trai Dao Islets?
May–September brings the clearest water at Ba Trai Dao Islets; October–November is quieter.
10. Are Ba Trai Dao Islets in Halong Bay?
No. Ba Trai Dao Islets are in Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong, south of Halong Bay.
11. Is Ba Trai Dao Islets good for photos?
Yes. Ba Trai Dao Islets are among the most photogenic spots in Lan Ha Bay, best from the boat deck.
12. What is near Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Near Ba Trai Dao Islets are Dark and Bright Cave and Ao Ech lagoon.
13. Can I visit Ba Trai Dao Islets on a day trip from Hanoi?
A day trip from Hanoi to Ba Trai Dao Islets is possible but long; staying on Cat Ba is better.
14. Is Ba Trai Dao Islets suitable for children?
Yes, Ba Trai Dao Islets suit children when viewed from the boat or when the beach is open.
15. Which cruises visit Ba Trai Dao Islets?
Many Lan Ha Bay day boats and cruises pass Ba Trai Dao Islets; ask our team for current routes.
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