Lan Ha Bay, roughly 30 kilometers from the city of Hai Phong, is located between the eastern part of Cat Ba Island and Halong Bay. From Cat Ba island, tourists simply need to take a 30-minute boat ride to get there.

Lan Ha Bay is made up of more than 400 islands and islets occupying an area of over 7000 hectares. It is well-known for its stunning natural beauty and many unspoiled beaches. Compared to the neighboring Halong Bay, Lan Ha is less touristy, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a more relaxed and serene experience.

Lan Ha Bay is a great destination for kayaking and biking, with several scenic routes and trails to explore. There are hundreds of pristine white-sand beaches in Lan Ha Bay for visitors who like to swim and relax. Some sandy beaches lie between two rocky mountains here, providing tourists with a peaceful and one-of-a-kind experience.

 

 

How to get to Lan Ha Bay

Nowadays, traveling to Halong Bay is quite convenient due to the abundance of expressways that save travel time.

From Hanoi to Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay.

Visitors departing from Hanoi must go higway 5B about 3 hour with 150 km.

From Hai Phong to Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay.

Once in Hai Phong, you can choose an appropriate mode of transportation as private car (60 km)

From Cat Ba to Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay.

Transfer from Cat Ba Town to Gia Luan port (30 minutes). Then by speed boat go to cruise (5 minutes).

Join an overnight cruise or, for a better experience, take a 3-day, 2-night trip. These package tours are an excellent way to learn more about each location.

 

Lan Ha Bay Weather

The climate in Lan Ha Bay is generally pleasant and cool all year round. The average temperature is between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Summer temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees, while temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees in winter time.

There are numerous tourist attractions in Lan Ha Bay, and here is the list of the most well-known sites that you should not miss.

 

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN LAN HA BAY

Bamboo boat in Bright & Dark Caves

Bright – Dark caves are located on the border between Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, in the Cat Ba archipelago. Kayak is a popular option for visitors to explore the Bright – Dark Caves. While the Bright Cave is lit by the sun, the Dark Cave is fairly long and filled with water, making passage impossible. After passing through a small gate, visitors will encounter a large lake with a lovely jade green color.

 

Swimming & Relaxing in Three Peaches Island

This is an island in Lan Ha Bay that is known for its beautiful mountain landscape. It is called “Ba Trai Dao” island because of three little mountains around 20 meters high that resemble peaches. The water is clear enough to see the bottom, along with the shallow and airtight beach, making it ideal for activities like kayaking and swimming. When you come here, you will be able to view the strangely shaped limestone cliffs.

 

Trekking and Cycling at Viet Hai Village

Trekking and cycling are the greatest ways to explore old houses, photograph the forest, or observe the activities of people and buffalos working in the green fields. The Vietnamese countryside scenery here is so charming and lovely that you will undoubtedly feel peaceful and enjoyable.

 

 

Kayaking in Tra Bau Village

Tra Bau sits inside Lan Ha Bay, where many tour cruises settle overnight. It is a deep sea area surrounded by jagged mountains so there are no turbulent waves and hence it’s a safe stop for cruise ships. Feel free to take a kayak out across the open waters and explore the bay or go swimming in the deep blue and head straight to the tree-clad walls of the limestone mountains. You can also meet the locals and learn more about their unique way of life.

 

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba’s beautiful national park is home to 32 species of mammal, including most of the world’s 65 remaining golden-headed langurs, the world’s most endangered primate. There are some good hiking trails here, including a two-hour return trip to Ngu Lam peak and a day-long hike to Viet Hai village. Of the mammals present in the park, the more commonly seen include macaques, deer, civets and several species of squirrel, including the giant black squirrel. Seventy bird species have been spotted here, including hawks, hornbills and cuckoos.

 

Discovery Trung Trang Cave

Stretching for about 300 meters, this is one of the most remarkable caves in Cat Ba Island and certainly one of the top Halong Bay attractions. Venturing inside is like stepping into nature’s wonderland, thanks to the thousands of sparkling stalactites that take on different shapes and forms.

 

 

Exploring Cua Van Fishing Village

Located about 12 kilometers from Ben Beo Pier, Cua Van fishing village is one famous attraction that you should not miss once you visit Lan Ha Bay. All of the houses and boats here are brightly colored, creating a one-of-a-kind picture of the fishing village.

Visitors will be able to participate in interesting activities such as rowing, casting nets, fishing, and catching shrimp with fishermen. Cua Van fishing village, as a result, always has a special allure to visitors.

 

Swimming Van Boi Beach

Van Boi Beach, located just opposite Turtle Island, has been dubbed the most beautiful beach in Lan Ha Bay. Tourists can lie down to unwind here all day and enjoy the beautiful sunrise or sunset. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom and the colorful coral reefs underneath it. Everything on Van Boi beach has retained its pristine beauty, and the sea is calm, making it excellent for kayaking or diving to see the coral.

 

SHOULD I BOOK THE LAN HA BAY TOUR OR TRAVEL ON MY OWN?

 

Travel on your own: Many young travelers prefer this option when visiting Lan Ha Bay because their time and schedule are not limited. However, if you choose this option, you must plan everything on your own, from sightseeing tickets, boat rentals to meals. As a result, it is preferable to plan ahead of time to avoid any difficulties you may have while there.

 

Take a tour: If you don’t have a lot of time to arrange a thorough itinerary, taking a tour with a travel company is a better option. A transfer car to the harbor is provided for pick-up, and you only need to board the cruise to enjoy the excursion.