Discover Ba Trai Dao Island with Cat Ba Expedition

Nestled within the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao Island is one of the most beautiful and lesser-crowded spots near Cat Ba. With golden beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a romantic legend behind its name, this hidden gem invites you to explore its charm through authentic tours by Cat Ba Expedition.

The Story Behind Ba Trai Dao Island

Ba Trai Dao Island, also known as Three Peaches Islet, is one of the most fascinating and romantic spots in Lan Ha Bay. Located around 22 kilometers south of Cat Ba Island, the islet features three small limestone peaks surrounded by soft, golden beaches. When viewed above, their curved shapes resemble three peaches lying on the water, giving the island its name - Ba Trai Dao, which literally means “Three Peaches.”

The Legend of Love and the Birth of Three Peaches Islet

Local legends tell a story that blends love, rebellion, and divine punishment. Long ago, a young fairy Heaven fell deeply in love with a poor fisherman who lived in the bay. Knowing their love was forbidden, she secretly came down to earth to be with him.

To help her lover live longer, she brought three magical peaches Heaven - each one could grant a hundred years of life. When the Jade Emperor found out, his anger shook the skies. As punishment, he turned the three peaches stone and banished the fairy forever. Those three stones fell the sea, forming what we now call Ba Trai Dao Island.

Where Myth Meets the Sea

Today, the legend still breathes life the stunning beauty of this place. The beaches appear only when the tide is low, as if the fairy and fisherman are allowed to reunite for just a few hours each day. Surrounded by emerald water and limestone cliffs, Three Peach Rocks remains a symbol of pure, fleeting love - and one of the most enchanting corners of Lan Ha Bay.

Best Time to Visit Three Peaches Islet

Timing your trip to Ba Trai Dao Beach can turn an ordinary Lan Ha Bay cruise something truly special. Blessed with gentle waves and clear skies, this peaceful island near Cat Ba remains beautiful year-round, but a few months capture its magic perfectly.

Ideal Months for Clear Skies and Calm Seas

The best time to visit Ba Trai Dao Island is April to October, when northern Vietnam enjoys warm sunshine and gentle breezes. During this period, the sea is calm and the water crystal clear, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply floating in the turquoise shallows.

April – May: Great visibility, fewer boats, peaceful weather.

June – August: Peak summer season, ideal for beach lovers.

September – October: Cooler, golden light, perfect for photography.

If you prefer quieter moments, visit on weekdays or early mornings when Lan Ha Bay feels calm and untouched.

Tides and Timing Matter

The beaches of Ba Trai Dao are visible only during low tide, usually lasting three to four hours each day. At high tide, the soft sand disappears under the sea, giving the island its mysterious rhythm.

Avoiding Rainy or Windy Days

November to March, light rain and occasional strong winds may occur. While the bay still offers scenic views, swimming and kayaking can be limited. However, photographers often love this time for its misty, moody atmosphere and quieter scenery.

Whether you seek sun-drenched adventures or tranquil mornings, Three Peaches always delivers something magical, especially when visited at the right moment with the right guide.

Top Things to Do at Ba Trai Dao Island

Nestled within the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay, this hidden gem is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Despite its small size, this hidden gem offers countless ways to enjoy the calm waters, golden beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding it. Here are the best things to do when visiting this idyllic island.

Kayak Around Hidden Lagoons and Limestone Arches

The calm and crystal-clear waters of this island make it one of the best spots for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. Paddle through emerald lagoons, discover narrow caves, and admire towering limestone cliffs up close. Early morning or late afternoon paddles are especially rewarding, with soft light and peaceful surroundings.

Swim in the Island’s Hidden Coves

At low tide, the island reveals three crescent-shaped beaches with fine white sand - the “three peaches” that inspired its name. The turquoise water is shallow and calm, perfect for swimming and relaxing. If you’re lucky, you may even have an entire beach to yourself.

Snorkel Among Coral Reefs and Colorful Fish

Underneath the clear surface, Ba Trai Dao hides a small but vibrant marine world. Bring your snorkeling gear or join a boat tour Cat Ba Island to explore the coral reefs, where schools of fish and soft corals thrive in the protected waters of the bay.

Relax and Enjoy a Private Beach Picnic

Because the island is only accessible for a few hours during low tide, many Cat Ba Expedition tours include a short beach picnic or BBQ lunch. It’s the perfect way to unwind - surrounded by nature, with the sounds of the sea and the scent of salt in the air.

Recommended Tours Visiting Ba Trai Dao Island

A visit to Ba Trai Dao Islet is a must for any traveler exploring Cat Ba. Shaped like three peaches rising emerald waters, this small island is famous for its secluded white beaches, crystal-clear water, and dramatic limestone cliffs.

To reach it, joining a Cat Ba Expedition tour is the easiest and most rewarding way. All tours below include a stop at Ba Trai Dao Beach, giving you time to swim, relax, or paddle through hidden lagoons surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Lan Ha Bay Day Trip – Explore and Swim at Ba Trai Dao

Highlight: The tour’s main stop is Ba Trai Dao Island, where you’ll swim and sunbathe on its pristine beach.

Full itinerary: Cat Ba Island → Cai Beo Fishing Village → Dark & Bright Caves kayaking → Ba Trai Dao Beach → Fish Farm visit → Return to Cat Ba Town.

Duration: 1 full day (08:00 – 17:00)

Price: 750,000 VND / guest

Perfect for: Adventure seekers and first-time visitors wanting to experience Lan Ha’s best natural spot in one day.

Lan Ha Bay Sunset Tour – Relax at Ba Trai Dao in the Golden Hour

Highlight: Enjoy swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach as the sun sets behind Lan Ha’s limestone peaks.

Full itinerary: Afternoon departure → Cruise through Lan Ha Bay → Stop at Ba Trai Dao Island for swimming → Snacks & drinks on deck → Return to Cat Ba Town.

Duration: Half day (afternoon – evening)

Price: 400,000 VND / guest

Perfect for: Couples, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful afternoon escape.

3D2N Ha Long – Lan Ha Cruise

Highlight: Ba Trai Dao Island is the signature swimming stop on Day 2, combining Ha Long’s grandeur with Lan Ha’s hidden charm.

Full itinerary: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Lan Ha Bay → Ba Trai Dao Beach stop (Day 2) → Me Cung Cave & Sung Sot Cave → Return via Tuần Châu Pier.

Duration: 3 days 2 nights

Price: 12,000,000 VND / guest

Perfect for: Travelers and families wanting to enjoy both bays in comfort.

Why Choose Cat Ba Expedition for Your Ba Trai Dao Trip

When planning your visit to Ba Trai Dao Island, choosing the right tour operator makes all the difference. As a local expert based in Cat Ba, Cat Ba Expedition stands out for its authentic experiences, knowledgeable guides, and commitment to sustainable travel around Lan Ha Bay and Ba Trai Dao Beach.

Here’s why travelers consistently choose Cat Ba Expedition for exploring this hidden paradise.

Local Expertise and Authentic Experience

Unlike large tour companies outside the region, Cat Ba Expedition is locally operated.

Our team knows every hidden lagoon, quiet beach, and the best times to visit Ba Trai Dao Island to avoid the crowds. This means you’ll enjoy an authentic experience guided by locals who truly understand the rhythm of Lan Ha Bay.

Eco-Friendly and Responsible Tours

Cat Ba Expedition follows a Leave No Trace policy to protect Ba Trai Dao Island’s fragile marine environment.

Our boats use eco-safe equipment, and our guides educate guests about sustainable travel practices throughout Lan Ha Bay.

Small Groups for a Better Experience

To make your Ba Trai Dao trip more personal and enjoyable, Cat Ba Expedition limits the number of guests per tour.

Smaller groups mean more time for kayaking, swimming, and relaxing at Ba Trai Dao Beach, without the noise and rush of large boats.

Flexible Itineraries and Transparent Pricing

We design our itineraries with travelers’ needs in mind - offering day trips, sunset cruises, and multi-day cruises that all include a stop at Ba Trai Dao Beach.

There are no hidden fees, and pick-up options are available for guests staying in or near Cat Ba Town.

Highly Rated by Travelers

Thousands of guests have joined Cat Ba Expedition tours and shared their experiences on Tripadvisor and other platforms.

Many highlight the Ba Trai Dao swimming stop as their favorite moment of the journey, praising the team’s professionalism and friendly local atmosphere.

With a strong local team, eco-friendly practices, and tours designed around Ba Trai Dao Island, Cat Ba Expedition is your best partner for exploring the true beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Book your Ba Trai Dao tour now and experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking island escapes - where adventure meets authenticity.