Tra Ban Island in Quang Ninh Province is one of the smaller, quieter islands of the beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay archipelago to the north of Ha Long Bay. People come here for the serenity and butterflies.
Tra Ban is right next to Bai Tu Long National Park. It comes with some of the most dramatic limestone karst scenery of anywhere and also a distinct lack of the tourist hordes that can be seen on Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay. Tra Ban Island is also one of dense jungle and is especially renowned for its huge range of colorful butterflies.
Many people interested in visiting Tra Ban Island also visit nearby Bai Tu Long National Park, which encompasses many islands in the area. This park is one of the most outstanding in the region featuring jaw dropping land and seascapes, along with beaches and archaeological sites.
Getting There & Away
You can get to Tra Ban Island from Ha Long City by boat in about 5 hours, as well as from Van Don Island farther north. Boats leave twice daily from Van Don (07:00 and 14:00) and take about 90 minutes. Ha Long City and Van Don Island are both accessible via Highway 18 from Hanoi in around 4 hours. Noi Bai International Airport serves Hanoi and is the closest international airport.