Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam – the forgotten paradise
Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam, southwest of Ha Long Bay and southeast of Cat Ba Island, spans 70 km² and features 300 small islands and sandy beaches.
Similar to Ha Long Bay, almost every island here is covered by lush green foliage.
Overview of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
| Area: | 70 km² |
| Location: | Hai Phong |
| National administrative area: | Cat Ba Island district |
| Total number of islands: | 300 Island |
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay Vietnam
The weather in Lan Ha Bay is pleasant throughout the year, meaning you can visit any season depending on what you prefer.
- Spring (March–May): Ideal for calm seas and gentle sunshine — great for cruising and photography.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and vibrant — perfect for swimming, kayaking, and beach relaxation.
- Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and mild temperatures make this the best season for most visitors.
- Winter (December–February): Cooler and peaceful — ideal for those who love quiet exploration.
Local tip: Vietnamese travelers often visit between April and October, while foreign tourists usually prefer December to March for cooler weather.
Lan Ha Bay flycam view
Why Visit Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is everything travelers love about Ha Long Bay — but without the crowds. It’s peaceful, eco-friendly, and full of authentic charm.
Whether you prefer a relaxing cruise, kayaking through hidden caves, or immersing yourself in local culture, Lan Ha Bay will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lan Ha Bay
- Book early during peak season (April–August) to secure the best cabins and deals.
- Choose a cruise departing from Cat Ba Island rather than Ha Long to save time and avoid crowds.
- Pack essentials: sunscreen, swimwear, dry bag, motion sickness pills, and light clothes.
- Don’t miss sunset on deck! The orange glow over limestone cliffs is unforgettable.
- Bring some cash: Many small floating villages and snack boats don’t accept cards.
- Respect the environment: Avoid littering and support eco-friendly tour operators.
How to Get to Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
From Hanoi
The most convenient way is to take a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, then continue to Beo Port to begin your cruise.
You can easily book online through reliable companies like Cat Ba Express, which provides daily limousine buses with hotel pick-up.
Book a bus to Cat Ba Island with Cat Ba Express
From Cat Ba Town
Once you arrive in Cat Ba, head to Beo Pier — the main departure point for boats and cruises.
Here you can buy the entrance ticket and choose between a day cruise, an overnight trip, or even a private canoe rental for a short scenic ride.
Recommended Cruises:
- Serenity Premium Cruise – Lan Ha Bay full-day tour from Cat Ba
- Serenity Grandeur Cruise – Lan Ha Bay day trip from Hanoi
Serenity Grandeur Cruise
Things to do in Lan Ha Bay
1. Kayaking paradise
With its many sandy beaches and islands, Lan Ha Bay is ideal for tourists seeking to kayak in clear waters and explore Cat Ba Island's pristine nature.
Some famous places for kayaking here are Cai Beo floating village, Van Boi center area in the middle of the bay, Ba Trai Dao area, and Monkey Island area.
Kayaking at Dark and Bright cave
2. Swimming
There are many small beaches in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam for you to come to swim, and it is lovely to swim at Monkey Island or Van Boi Con Island.
Swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach
3. Rock climbing
Catba has an international Rock climbing center, and you can book a half or full-day rock climbing trip at the Monkey Island Resort booking office.
Rock Climbing
4. Visit Viet Hai fishing village
From Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam, you can come to Viet Hai harbor and then take a motorbike or bicycle to come 6 km to visit Viet Hai fishing village in the Cat Ba National Park.
Visit Viet Hai Fishing Village
5. Visit the floating village
You can visit Cai Beo floating village, where people must stay in floating houses; children go to school by boat.
Floating Village
6. Play and stay at a private beach
Some private beaches offer bungalows for overnight stays. You can book a tour or just a room, with plenty of time for activities like kayaking, swimming, and beach sports.
Play and stay at a private beach
7. Jumping in the Bay
You can jump into the water from the ship/ cruise in Lan Ha Bay, while this activity is banned in Ha Long Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay.
You can swim anywhere in Lan Ha (better with local security/instructor), while you can not do that in Bai Tu Long. You can swim in an allowed area in Ha Long Bay only.
Some must-visit attractions in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
1. Luồn Passage
Luon Cave
Luồn Passage is found on Bo Hon Island, right behind the Con Rua (Turtle) Islet, left to Cong Troi (Heaven’s Gate).
The precipitous cliffs stand in the calm, dreamy bosom of the water, carrying you into recesses of feeling otherwise impenetrable.
Like any other unique nature sculpture in Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam, the cave surprises visitors with its curiously shaped pinnacles associated with many legend stories.
2. Cai Beo ancient fishing village
Cai Beo Fishing Village
It was a quiet storybook hamlet, totally opposite to the hustle and bustle in the center of Cat Ba Town.
Cats can take you around the floating fishing village and indulge in the area's peace, surrounded by lush turquoise water.
If you travel in a group, you can rent the whole boat to go with each other. The helmsman will take you around the village in their tender, sharing local legends and tales of life on the water.
You can also stay with a fisher family and see their lives in such a special condition.
3. Monkey Island
Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)
Visitors usually take a boat in around 10 minutes to reach Monkey Island across fishing villages and several small islands.
Monkey island used to be named Cat Dua (Sand – Pineapple) due to the large number of wild pineapple trees with juicy look but inedible.
Many years ago, the rangers of Cat Ba National Park brought about 20 monkeys from the archipelago to there.
They gradually get familiar with visitors and usually come closer to the visitors. You can feed them with bananas, apples, kumquats, candies, etc.
Over time people called the island Monkey Island, which recently became its official name.
4. Dark Cave And Bright Cave
Dark and Bright Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves on Halong-Lan Ha Bay.
Nothing is more enjoyable than free kayaking on the crystal blue water and then finding yourself under the low roof of the cave.
Dark and Bright Cave, in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, where Lan Ha Bay meets Halong Bay, is often compared to Surprise Cave.
They are both spacious and have stunning limestone structures, except that Dark and Bright Cave is a sea cave mostly underwater.
Dark and Bright Cave
5. Ba Trai Dao Beach area
The local residents of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam now still tell the old story about the origination of Ba Trai Dao Islet.
The story has it that the youngest daughter of God fell in love with a poor fisherman.
As she wanted him to be immortal to be with her forever, she stole three peaches in heaven for him. The God noticed and was very angry.
He turned three peaches into three stone mountains on the sea. Therefore, the locals named the islet “Ba Trai Dao” Islet (Three Peaches Islet).
Ba Trai Dao Beach
6. Van Boi Beach
Van Boi Beach
This is a perfect spot for kayaking and swimming with its calm, crystal-clear waters that gently embrace your hands.
The surrounding trees and cliffs will give you a gust of desire to immerse in nature and tell the world the glories of your journey.
7. Rua Islet
Rua Islet
It is a small islet shaped like a swimming turtle in Lan Ha Bay Vietnam. You can see it from Beo port to Viet Hai village.
8. Chuong Islet
Chuong Islet
Chuong Islet is also known as But (Pen), Nen (Candle), or Bap Chuoi (Banana flower spike). You can see it from the town of Cat Ba to the Cua Van fishing village.
FAQs about Lan Ha Bay Vietnam
1. Where is Lan Ha Bay located?
Lan Ha Bay is located in Hai Phong Province, to the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, in the Gulf of Tonkin, northern Vietnam.
It covers an area of about 7,000 hectares, with over 300 small limestone islands scattered across emerald waters.
You can easily access Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island, which serves as the main gateway for cruises and day tours.
2. What makes Lan Ha Bay special?
Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay remains peaceful, less crowded, and unspoiled by mass tourism. The bay is dotted with hidden lagoons, floating fishing villages, and secluded beaches, creating an ideal setting for kayaking, swimming, and photography.
It’s also home to diverse marine life and coral reefs, making it a top destination for eco-friendly travelers. Lan Ha Bay is often described as “Ha Long’s quieter twin”, offering the same stunning karst scenery - but with a much more authentic and tranquil vibe.
3. How do I get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
The easiest and most comfortable route is to take the Cat Ba Express bus from Hanoi directly to Cat Ba Island. The journey takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, including a quick ferry transfer.
Once you arrive, it’s just a 10-minute ride to Beo Port, where you can board a cruise or private boat to explore the bay.
Travelers who prefer a faster option can also combine highway bus + speedboat transfer, cutting travel time to under 3 hours.
4. Can I swim in Lan Ha Bay?
Absolutely! Swimming is one of the highlights of visiting Lan Ha Bay. The water here is clean, calm, and clear, ideal for a refreshing dip or even a bit of cliff jumping at spots like Van Boi Beach or Ba Trai Dao area.
Most cruises stop at safe swimming zones where you can relax, float on the turquoise sea, or snorkel to see coral reefs and tropical fish. Always follow your guide’s instructions for safety, especially during the windy season.
5. What’s the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay depends on your travel preferences:
April to October: Warm and sunny, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing. July–August can have occasional rain, but still great for summer adventures.
November to March: Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Ideal for travelers seeking a quiet, misty, and romantic atmosphere.
No matter when you go, Lan Ha Bay’s limestone cliffs and emerald waters offer breathtaking views year-round.
6. Which cruises are best for exploring Lan Ha Bay?
Some of the most popular and well-rated cruises include Serenity Premium Cruise and Serenity Grandeur Cruise, both offering excellent service, modern cabins, and unique itineraries that cover hidden gems like Dark and Bright Cave or Tra Bau area.
For luxury seekers, options like Orchid Cruise or Peony Cruise provide fine dining and private balconies. For budget travelers, there are also day tours or smaller boutique boats departing daily from Cat Ba Island.
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