Cong Dam Area: Remote Kayaking Lagoons of Bai Tu Long Bay
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Cong Dam Area (Cống Đầm) is a remote corner of Bai Tu Long Bay in Quang Ninh, a maze of enclosed lagoons, karst walls and tiny beaches with a small fishing community. It is one of the quietest kayaking spots in the Halong region and is reached mainly on 3-day, 2-night Bai Tu Long cruises from Ha Long. Fees are included in cruise prices.
Status (checked October 2026): visited as normal on selected multi-day Bai Tu Long cruises; not every cruise goes this far, so check the itinerary. As elsewhere in the bay, sailings stop during storm and strong wind warnings.
Why Cong Dam Area is worth seeing:
- Superb kayaking through calm lagoons ringed by cliffs.
- Near-empty water, far from the main cruise routes.
- Small beaches for a swim stop in summer.
- Fishing life in a tiny floating community.
Cong Dam Area at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Cống Đầm |
|---|---|
| Location | Deep in Bai Tu Long Bay, north-east of Halong Bay, Quang Ninh |
| Not to be confused with | Cong Do (Cống Đỏ), a kayaking eco-area on official Ha Long Bay route VHL4 |
| Known for | Lagoons, kayaking, karst walls, small beaches, fishing community |
| How to visit | Mainly 3-day, 2-night Bai Tu Long cruises; some 2-day cruises |
| Fees | Included in cruise prices |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours of kayaking and swimming |
| Best time | April–June and September–October |
| Nearby | Vung Vieng, Thien Canh Son Cave, Quan Lan Island |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor · Bai Tu Long Bay on Wikipedia |
Is Cong Dam Area Worth Visiting?
Yes, if you are on a longer Bai Tu Long cruise and love kayaking. Cong Dam is the kind of place where you paddle into a lagoon and hear only birds and water. It is not worth a special trip on its own, and it is too far for most day cruises.
- Best for: kayakers, nature lovers, repeat visitors to the Halong area.
- Skip if: you only have one day or dislike long sailing times.
- Short on time: kayak at Vung Vieng or Cong Do on a 2-day route VHL4 cruise instead.
Background of Cong Dam Area
In Vietnamese, “đầm” means a lagoon, which describes the area well: enclosed basins of calm water joined to the open bay by narrow channels. Like the rest of Bai Tu Long, it is part of the same limestone karst system as Halong Bay, but it lies far from the main ports and the busy UNESCO routes, which keeps it quiet.
What to See at Cong Dam Area
1. The Lagoons
The highlight is paddling through the sheltered lagoons under steep cliffs, in water that is usually flat and quiet.
2. Small Beaches
Some cruises stop at a small beach for swimming in warm months.
3. The Fishing Community
A handful of floating homes and fish farms remain in the area; keep a respectful distance and ask before taking photos.
4. Sunset Among the Islands
Cruises anchoring nearby enjoy sunsets with almost no other boats around.
Fees and How to Visit
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing fees | Set by Quang Ninh province; included in cruise prices |
| Kayaks | Usually included on cruises that visit Cong Dam |
| Cruise length | Mostly 3 days, 2 nights |
- Choose a Bai Tu Long cruise whose itinerary names Cong Dam (not Cong Do).
- Transfer from Hanoi to the departure port in Ha Long.
- Kayak with your guide; life jackets are compulsory.
How to Get to Cong Dam Area
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Shuttle or private car to Ha Long cruise ports | About 2.5–3 hours |
| Ha Long ports | Multi-day Bai Tu Long cruise | Several hours of sailing, usually reached on day 2 |
See our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide for transfers.
Best Time to Visit Cong Dam Area
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–June | Warm, calm, good for swimming and kayaking |
| July–September | Hot; storm risk |
| October–November | Clear, comfortable |
| December–March | Cool and misty; fine for kayaking on calm days |
Local Expert Tips for Cong Dam Area
These tips come from years of arranging Halong and Bai Tu Long tours for international travellers.
- Double-check the itinerary: Cong Dam and Cong Do are different places.
- Book a 3-day cruise for a relaxed visit; our cruise guide explains the options.
- Bring a dry bag, sunscreen and water shoes.
- Kayak early in the morning for glassy water.
Cong Dam vs Cong Do
| Cong Dam | Cong Do | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Deep in Bai Tu Long Bay | Official Ha Long Bay route VHL4, about 23 km from Tuan Chau |
| Access | Mainly 3-day cruises | 2-day route VHL4 cruises |
| Highlights | Lagoons, remote feel | Ang Ca Bong (about 1 ha) and Ang Cong Do (about 0.5 ha) enclosed lagoons |
Our view: Cong Do is easier to fit in; Cong Dam is wilder and best for those with three days.
Nearby Attractions
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village – bamboo boats.
- Cap La Island – cave and kayaking.
- Thien Canh Son Cave – cave above a beach.
- Quan Lan Island – beaches and history.
- Halong Bay – the UNESCO-listed core.
Halong Area for First-Time Visitors: Where Cong Dam Area Fits
Most first-timers take a 2-day cruise after Hanoi. Choose a 3-day Bai Tu Long cruise if you want Cong Dam; it pairs well with our Halong travel tips.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cong Dam Area
1. Where is Cong Dam Area?
Cong Dam Area lies deep in Bai Tu Long Bay, north-east of Halong Bay, in Quang Ninh province.
2. How do I get to Cong Dam Area?
Cong Dam Area is reached mainly on 3-day, 2-night Bai Tu Long cruises from the Ha Long ports.
3. Is Cong Dam Area the same as Cong Do?
No. Cong Dam Area is a separate, more remote place; Cong Do is an eco-area on official Ha Long Bay route VHL4.
4. What can I do at Cong Dam Area?
Kayaking through lagoons, swimming at small beaches and seeing fishing life are the main activities at Cong Dam Area.
5. Is there an entrance fee for Cong Dam Area?
Sightseeing fees for Cong Dam Area are set by Quang Ninh province and are included in cruise prices.
6. Can I visit Cong Dam Area on a day trip?
Rarely. Cong Dam Area is far from port, so it is mostly visited on multi-day cruises.
7. Is Cong Dam Area good for kayaking?
Yes. Cong Dam Area is one of the quietest kayaking spots in the Halong region.
8. What is the best time to visit Cong Dam Area?
April–June and September–October are the best months for Cong Dam Area.
9. How long do cruises stay at Cong Dam Area?
Cruises usually spend 1–2 hours at Cong Dam Area for kayaking and swimming.
10. Is Cong Dam Area crowded?
No. Cong Dam Area sees very few boats.
11. Can beginners kayak at Cong Dam Area?
Yes. Cong Dam Area has calm, sheltered water suitable for beginners with a guide.
12. Is Cong Dam Area part of Bai Tu Long Bay?
Yes. Cong Dam Area is in Bai Tu Long Bay. See our Bai Tu Long Bay guide.
13. Can I swim at Cong Dam Area?
Swimming is possible at some small beaches in Cong Dam Area in warm months, as advised by your guide.
14. What should I bring to Cong Dam Area?
For Cong Dam Area bring sunscreen, a hat, a dry bag and water shoes.
15. Which cruise goes to Cong Dam Area?
Look for a 3-day Bai Tu Long cruise that names Cong Dam Area in its itinerary; our team can suggest options.
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