Vietnam is home to many beautiful places, and Lan Ha Bay stands out as one of its most stunning natural wonders. This comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know about this less-tourist attraction, from its location and attractions to the best times to visit and activities to enjoy.
Get to know about Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is a scenic area in northern Vietnam, known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and impressive limestone islands. It’s located southeast of Cat Ba Island and is part of the larger Ha Long Bay area. This bay covers about 7,000 hectares, with 300 islands and limestone outcrops.
The bay is famous for its untouched beauty and quieter atmosphere compared to the more popular Ha Long Bay. It offers visitors a chance to see the traditional floating fishing villages and experience the daily life of local people who have lived on the water for generations.
So, what can you expect in Lan Ha Bay?
- Stunning views of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters
- Quiet, less crowded beaches perfect for relaxation
- Opportunities for kayaking and swimming in clear waters
- Floating fishing villages showcasing local culture
- A variety of caves and grottoes to explore
- Rich biodiversity both on land and in the water
Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay: Which one is better?
Ha Long Bay is world-famous and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a wide range of tourist facilities and services. The bay is larger and has more limestone islands, with some featuring interesting shapes that have inspired local legends.
Lan Ha Bay, while smaller, is known for its quieter atmosphere and less developed environment. It has more sandy beaches and clearer waters, making it ideal for swimming and kayaking.
Top must-do in Lan Ha Bay
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore Lan Ha Bay. You can paddle through calm waters, visit hidden lagoons, and get close to the limestone cliffs. There are many kayaking spots for you to kayak here, like Ba Trai Dao area (Three Peaches beach), Sang Toi Cave (Dark and Bright Cave), and Van Boi area.
Tips for kayaking:
- Wear a life jacket at all times for safety.
- Bring water and apply waterproof sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Follow your guide’s instructions carefully, especially when navigating through caves or narrow passages.
- Don’t litter or disturb wildlife to preserve the bay’s natural beauty.
- Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the stunning views.
Swimming
Lan Ha Bay’s clear waters and numerous beaches provide excellent swimming opportunities. The water temperature is usually pleasant, and warm, ranging from 22°C to 28°C throughout the year. Popular swimming spots include Ba Trai Dao Beach and Van Boi Beach. The water is perfect for a refreshing dip after kayaking or hiking.
Explore Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Lan Ha Bay area, offers diverse activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers:
- Cat Ba National Park: Home to the endangered Cat Ba langur, this park features hiking trails through dense jungle. The Kim Giao Forest trail (about 4km) is popular and offers a moderate challenge.
- Cannon Fort: This former military installation provides panoramic views of Cat Ba town and the surrounding islands. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
- Hospital Cave: This three-story cave complex served as a secret, bomb-proof hospital during the Vietnam War. Guided tours are available.
- Beaches: Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 beaches offer relaxation and swimming opportunities.
Visit Monkey Island
Monkey Island, or Cat Dua, is a small island known for its population of wild macaques and beautiful scenery.
On Monkey Island, you can observe the playful macaques, but it’s important to keep a safe distance and not feed them. A short but steep hiking trail leads to the island’s peak, offering panoramic views of Lan Ha Bay. The island also has a small beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Boat trip to the floating village
Visit Viet Hai fishing village to see how local fishing communities live on the water. You can learn about their daily lives, and traditional fishing methods, and even try your hand at fishing.
Visiting a floating village provides insight into the traditional lifestyle of fishing communities. You should take a small sampan (traditional boat) through Viet Hai fishing village to see how local fishing communities live on the water. You can learn about their daily lives, and traditional fishing methods, and even try your hand at fishing.
Cave exploration
Lan Ha Bay’s limestone landscape has created numerous caves, each with unique features. Dark and Bright Cave is accessible by kayak or small boat and opens into a peaceful lagoon. This cave is known for its stalactites and stalagmites but requires climbing some steep steps to access. Trung Trang Cave, located on Cat Ba Island, is a 300-meter-long cave featuring interesting rock formations.
Rock climbing
Cat Ba Island offers some of Vietnam’s best rock climbing opportunities, with routes suitable for beginners to experts. Butterfly Valley is a popular climbing area that offers a range of routes on beautiful limestone cliffs. Ben Beo Harbor features some challenging overhanging routes for more experienced climbers. Most climbing operators provide all necessary equipment and instruction. Even if you’re new to climbing, you can try a beginner’s course in a safe environment.
Take a Lan Ha Bay cruise – the best way to discover
Taking a cruise is a great way to see Lan Ha Bay. You can choose from day trips or overnight cruises, from luxury cruises to budget cruises. These cruises usually include meals, activities like kayaking and cave visits, and comfortable accommodations.
What to expect on a typical cruise:
- Comfortable cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Dining experiences featuring fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine
- Outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration
- Cultural experiences such as visits to floating villages or cooking classes
- Stunning views of the bay from the boat’s sundeck
Let’s take a look at the best Lan Ha Bay cruises that we offer:
| Cruise | Duration | Type of cruise | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stella of the Sea | 2D1N, 3D2N | Luxury cruise, modern style | $291 |
| Orchid Cruises | 2D1N, 3D2N | Luxury cruise, boutique style with traditional junk cruise | $231 |
| Peony cruise | 2D1N, 3D2N | Deluxe cruise, boutique style, traditional junk | $145 |
| Indochine cruise Lan Ha | 2D1N, 3D2N | Deluxe cruise, modern style with Indochine decor | $141 |
| Sena Cruises | 2D1N, 3D2N | Budget cruise, traditional and cozy boutique style | $116 |
This is just a small selection of available cruises that we offer. If you want more options or get detailed information and the best promotion of the cruise, you can contact us by filling out this form or via email at [email protected]. Our cruise experts will help you choose the best Lan Ha Bay cruise and give you helpful advice.
FAQs
Is Lan Ha Bay in Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is not technically part of Ha Long Bay, although they are next to each other and share similar landscapes. Lan Ha Bay belongs to Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong City, while Ha Long Bay is in Quang Ninh Province.
The limestone formations in Lan Ha Bay are an extension of those in Ha Long Bay, creating a continuous scenic area. However, Lan Ha has its own unique features, including a higher number of sandy beaches and a more pristine environment due to fewer visitors.
Many Vietnam tour companies offer trips that cover both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay, allowing travelers to experience the best of both areas. The distinction between the two bays is often unclear to visitors, as the natural beauty flows seamlessly from one to the other.
When is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is from March to May, September to November. The weather is cooler and drier during these months, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. The water is clear, perfect for swimming and kayaking.
From May to September, it’s hotter, and there might be occasional storms. However, this period can offer beautiful sunny days and fewer tourists.
December and January can be foggy, which creates a mysterious atmosphere but might limit visibility.
How long should I spend in Lan Ha Bay?
The ideal duration for a Lan Ha Bay trip depends on your interests and schedule, but here are some recommendations.
A minimum stay of 2 days, 1 night allows time for a cruise with basic activities like kayaking and cave exploration. This is suitable for travelers with limited time.
A recommended stay of 3 days, 2 nights provides a more relaxed experience. This gives you time to enjoy activities on the bay and explore Cat Ba Island. It also offers the opportunity to visit less crowded areas of the bay.
Remember, the journey to and from Lan Ha Bay takes time, so factor travel days into your planning. If you’re visiting other parts of Vietnam, a 3-day trip to Lan Ha Bay fits well into a 2-week Vietnam itinerary.
Hope this travel blog has given you all the information you need to explore the wonders of Lan Ha Bay. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, this stunning bay has something for everyone. Don’t wait any longer – start planning your Lan Ha Bay adventure today!
Mo Nguyen – from Vietnam Travels Online
