Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches), Lan Ha Bay: 2026 Beach Guide, Legend & How to Visit

Ba Trai Dao 2026: Lan Ha Bay’s Three Peaches Beach, Legend and How to Visit

Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) is a cluster of three small, rounded limestone islets with crescent sandy beaches in Lan Ha Bay, about 15 km from Cat Ba town in Hai Phong. The sand is widest at lower tide, the water is calm and clear, and it is one of the favourite swim and kayak stops on Lan Ha Bay cruises.

Good to know (checked October 2026): Ba Trai Dao is in Lan Ha Bay (Hai Phong), not Halong Bay, although many websites place it in Quang Ninh. The beaches almost disappear at high tide, and there are no facilities on the islets. The stop is covered by the Lan Ha Bay fee, included in cruise prices. Kayaking in the Cat Ba / Lan Ha bays was suspended by local authorities in late 2025; when it is not allowed, cruises use rowed boats, swimming or deck viewing instead, so check the rule in force for your date.

Ba Trai Dao Islets at a Glance

Location	Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong
Distance	About 15 km from Cat Ba town by boat
What it is	Three rounded islets (reported about 23 m high) each with a small crescent beach
Official routes	Lan Ha route 2 (Ben Beo – Viet Hai estuary – Quai To – Ba Trai Dao – Dark and Bright Cave); Ha Long – Lan Ha cruise waterway
Activities	Swimming, kayaking, photography
Best for	Families and beach lovers
Fee	Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee (included in cruises)
Best time	May–September, at lower tide
Nearby	Dark and Bright Cave, Ao Ech, Viet Hai Village
Find it	Google Maps

Is Ba Trai Dao worth it? Yes. It is one of the best swim stops in the whole Halong region: cleaner, calmer and far less crowded than Ti Top beach.

Ba Trai Dao Islets (Three Peaches) — three rounded limestone islets enclosing a crescent white sand beach in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam — The three rounded islets of Ba Trai Dao, Lan Ha Bay

What Makes Ba Trai Dao Special

Three beaches in one

Each islet has its own small curve of sand, so even when a few boats arrive you can usually find space.

Clear, calm water

The sheltered position gives gentle water for swimming and beginner kayaking.

A kayaking hub

Ba Trai Dao is a meeting point for kayak trips to Dark and Bright Cave nearby.

UNESCO setting

The islets lie in the Cat Ba Archipelago, part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage site since 2023.

The Legend of the Three Peaches

From the water the three rounded hills look like peaches side by side, hence Ba Trái Đào, three peach fruits. A local legend tells of a fairy named Út who fell in love with a poor fisherman and stole three magic peaches from the Jade Emperor’s garden for him. When she was discovered, the peaches were turned into three rock islets and the lovers were separated forever.

Ba Trai Dao Beach white sand at low tide — the crescent beach enclosed by three limestone islets is accessible for only 2-3 hours daily, Lan Ha Bay Vietnam — White sand at Ba Trai Dao at low tide

Things to Do

1. Swim from the beach

Best at lower tide when the sand is widest; the water is shallow near the shore.

Ba Trai Dao Beach white sand at low tide - swimming Lan Ha Bay — Swimming between the islets of Ba Trai Dao

2. Kayak around the islets

A short, easy loop for beginners, often combined with a paddle to the caves.

3. Photograph the three peaks

The classic view is from the water, so take it from your kayak or tender.

Kayaking between Ba Trai Dao's three limestone islets in crystal-clear water, Lan Ha Bay Vietnam — the best way to experience the Three Peaches up close — Kayaking around Ba Trai Dao in Lan Ha Bay

4. Relax

On overnight cruises the stop is often timed for late afternoon, when the light is softer.

Fees and Practical Information

Item	Details (checked October 2026)
Fee	Cat Ba archipelago bay fee: 120,000 VND adult / 60,000 VND child (Hai Phong table, kept for 2026); included in cruises
Facilities	None; changing and showers on your boat
Safety	Swim where the crew indicates; no lifeguards
Rules	Take all rubbish back; no coral or shells

How to Get to Ba Trai Dao

Option	Notes
Lan Ha Bay cruise from Ha Long	Swim stop on many itineraries
Boat tour from Cat Ba (route 2)	Half or full day with kayaking
Lan Ha day cruise	Some include a swim at Ba Trai Dao