Halong Bay in Vietnam is famous for its stunning beauty, drawing millions of visitors each year. But have you heard about Lan Ha Bay?
If you’re after a quieter escape from the crowds, Lan Ha Bay offers the same breathtaking scenery as Halong Bay but with fewer people. Let’s delve into the secrets of this hidden gem and discover what makes Lan Ha Bay so special.
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What is Lan Ha Bay?
Located in the Cat Ba Archipelago, Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. This Bay, in fact, is located on the southern edge of Halong Bay, and it shares the geological marvels of its more famous neighbor.
The bay in front of Ha Long city is divided into 3 bays: Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The latter is located in close proximity to Cat Ba Island, making it an easily accessible alternative to the more popular Halong Bay.
Spanning an area of approximately 7,000 hectares, Lan Ha Bay offers ample space for exploration and tranquility. Activities such as kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration abound, providing visitors with opportunities to immerse themselves in the bay’s breathtaking scenery.
The best and most common way to explore Lan Ha Bay is by boat excursions. The daily boat tours offer different options, ensuring there’s an itinerary to suit every visitor’s desires.
How to get to Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay lies just off the coast of Cat Ba Island. While it’s possible to visit with a 2-day tour from Halong City or even from Hanoi, the simplest and most common method is to join a boat tour – either for one day or two – departing directly from Cat Ba Island.
Cat Ba Island is a prime destination for backpackers in Vietnam, and we suggest dedicating at least 2 to 3 nights to exploring its charms. You can easily reach Cat Ba by taking an overnight bus. The ferry ride to the island is included into the bus ticket, often allowing passengers to remain on board without needing to disembark.
Accessing Lan Ha Bay is straightforward, as it’s only reachable by boat, with logistics handled entirely by the tour company. Your only task is to show up at the designated meeting point, or opt for pickup if preferred, and enjoy the ride.
Read also: Best Things to do in Cat Ba Island
Lan Ha Bay Cruise
The best—and only—way to explore Lan Ha Bay is by joining a cruise. From Halong City, you can choose a multi-day excursion, while from Cat Ba Island, you can pick between one-day and multi-day tours. Here are the details about Lan Ha Bay cruises:
Tour options
Once you arrive in Cat Ba, you’ll find plenty of boat tour options. Lan Ha Bay cruises are the most popular activity on the island, and you can find tour information everywhere. Tour options typically include one-day and multi-day itineraries.
ONE-DAY TOUR: For one-day tour in Lan Ha Bay, we highly recommend checking out local operators on Cat Ba island. This is the best, cheapest option for joining a tour that feels both exciting and authentic. Some of the tour operators are Cat Ba Ventures (one of the most popular), Cat Ba Smile Tours (early start + trekkng – best for adventurers), Cat Ba Green Trail, Vietnam Insider, Cat Ba Local, among many others. You can find all of these companies downtown.
The typical one-day tour itinerary includes a visit to Cai Beo floating fishing village, a scenic cruise around Lan Ha Bay, a delicious seafood lunch onboard, and time for swimming at a secluded beach. The tour concludes with a return to Cat Ba Town in the late afternoon. Typically, transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide are included, while drinks aren’t.
MULTI DAY TOUR: Most of the companies listed above also offer multi-day tours. However, if you want to do an additional online research to compare your options, check out lanhabaycruises.vn.
On multi-day tours, the ships are much larger as they need to accommodate bedrooms, and groups are larger. While the activities remain similar, the vibe is more chill. You will typically still kayak through the lagoons, swim at Ba Trai Dao or similar islands, and visit the floating fishing village.
Costs
The cost of a boat tour in Lan Ha Bay highly depends on the itinerary and the company you choose. One-day tours are typically very affordable, costing between $25 USD (575,000 VND) and $30 USD (690,000 VND) if booked through one of the local companies in Cat Ba.
Multi-day tours come with a higher price tag. For example, 2-day tours cost between $120 USD (2,760,000 VND) and $150 USD (3,450,000 VND), while fancier or longer tours can easily cost $200 USD (4,600,000 VND) to $300 USD (6,900,000 VND).
Booking
Tours can be booked both online and on-site. There’s no requirement to book in advance, and you can even join a tour last-minute, as we did.
For those spending a few days in Cat Ba, it’s actually recommended to book on-site to compare available tour options.
What to see at Lan Ha Bay
In Lan Ha Bay, even a one-day tour offers plenty of activities to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at what awaits you on a boat excursion to this marvelous destination.
Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village
Cai Beo is a picturesque floating fishing village nestled within the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam. With a history dating back centuries, it stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited fishing villages in the country.
In Cai Beo, life revolves around the sea’s abundance. Local residents are known for their resilience and resourcefulness, and they make a living through fishing and aquaculture. When you visit it, you get to learn the process of fish farming, fishing and many other aspects of life on the sea.
Here, traditional wooden boats sway gently alongside floating houses, creating a vibrant mosaic of coastal life. Against the backdrop of towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, Cai Beo exudes a timeless charm.
The village is full of walkways made from floating wooden platforms, creating a maze for you to explore. It’s a unique way to see everything. And the whole place looks like it’s from a picture, it’s so pretty.
Swimming at one of the many beaches
Most tours include a stop at one of Lan Ha Bay’s charming tiny beaches. While the bay is renowned for its towering cliffs, there are actually many hidden beaches to discover. You’ll be amazed when the boat stops at these beautiful, secluded spots.
Get ready for excitement as you can jump off the boat and swim to shore. Whether you choose to reach the beaches by swimming or simply relax in the water, you’ll find it refreshing. Remember: Lan Ha Bay’s weather makes swimming enjoyable all year, but it might be cooler in winter.
What sets the beaches of Lan Ha Bay apart is the striking contrast between the fine yellow sand and the towering, vertical cliffs that stand behind them.
Moreover, Lan Ha Bay’s lesser-known status means you’ll likely have the beach all to yourself, providing a peaceful and intimate experience amidst the stunning scenery.
The karst pinnacle
As we sailed through Lan Ha Bay, one of the most mesmerizing sights was the remarkable karst pinnacle rising from the sea, its slender base defying gravity.
This unique geological formation, reminiscent of Thailand’s “James Bond Island” iconic limestone stacks, stood as a testament to the forces of erosion over millennia.
Our guide pointed out that while it offered a breathtaking spectacle, the precarious nature of its structure hinted at the inevitable collapse that loomed in the future.
Lunch on the boat
The price of most boat tours covers a tasty seafood lunch served onboard. This typically includes a range of delicious options, including freshly caught fish, succulent shellfish, and tempting vegetarian dishes.
There is nothing better than eating delicious dishes after a morning filled with activities, against the backdrop of stunning scenery.
Kayaking
Most tours include a kayaking option, and you should totally go for it!
The kayak rental is usually included in the tour fee, making it accessible and enjoyable for all. You’ll start from a hut in the bay where the kayaks are stored, each designed for two people, allowing you to explore the stunning surroundings at your own pace.
As you paddle through the emerald lagoons and narrow caves, you’ll be mesmerized by the hidden beauties that Lan Ha Bay has to offer.
The tranquil waters and towering limestone karsts create a surreal backdrop, while the lush greenery draped along the cliffs adds to the natural splendor of the surroundings.
The secret lagoon
During the kayaking trip, you’ll reach a point where you’ll need to step out of your kayak. Remember to bring your paddle and wear sandals or water shoes for safety.
Inside the cave, you’ll navigate through uneven terrain and possibly encounter water on the floor, so appropriate footwear is essential. At the cave’s end, you’ll uncover a hidden emerald lake away from the bay.
The beauty of Lan Ha Bay
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a few hours sailing through another area of Lan Ha Bay. While the activities are enjoyable, simply being on a boat amidst such spectacular scenery feels like an adventure in itself.
The breathtaking scenery makes sailing here a captivating experience, and it’s nearly impossible to grow tired of the mesmerizing views.
Sunset on board
Each tour returns to Cat Ba Island just after sunset, allowing you to experience this magical moment in the bay.
Unfortunately, we weren’t very lucky with the weather as it remained cloudy for most of the day. However, it was still a treat to witness the sun peeking out from beneath the clouds on our journey back.
When conditions are favorable, the sunset in Lan Ha Bay is truly the cherry on top of the experience.
Hiking and other activities
Although not included in our tour, other tour companies offer hiking options and additional/alternative stops to different islands along the way. Lan Ha Bay is huge, and this allows tour companies for different itineraries. I.e., Cat Ba Smile Tours includes a 2-hour hike at Monkey Island.
Why is Lan Ha Bay better than Halong Bay
So, this is what Lan Ha Bay looks like. But what sets it apart from Halong Bay, perhaps Vietnam’s most iconic landmark?
1) It’s less touristy
With fewer crowds, Lan Ha Bay allows for a more serene and undisturbed exploration of its natural wonders, offering a deeper sense of tranquility and connection with the environment.
2) Pristine natural beauty
Lan Ha Bay’s untouched landscapes boast crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches, providing a purer and more pristine environment for visitors to immerse themselves in and enjoy. Additionally, with fewer boats there’s less pollution, which contributes to the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
3) Variety of activities
From kayaking through secluded coves to hiking montainous islands, Lan Ha Bay offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all interests. This ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy in its tranquil waters.
4) It’s cheaper
Many day tours in Halong Bay cost twice as much as a tour in Lan Ha Bay. With more affordable prices for tours and activities, Lan Ha Bay offers an equally enchanting experience as Halong Bay but at a fraction of the cost, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
5) Authentic experience
Experience the genuine warmth and hospitality of the local community in Lan Ha Bay, where the smaller size and quieter atmosphere allow for more meaningful interactions and a deeper immersion into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is during the dry season, which typically runs from October to April. Here’s an overview of the climate through different seasons:
October to December (Autumn):
- Temperature: Temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
- Weather: Autumn brings clear skies and calm seas, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s considered one of the best times to visit Lan Ha Bay due to the pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
January to March (Winter):
- Temperature: The coldest months with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
- Weather: While temperatures may be cooler, Lan Ha Bay experiences little rainfall during this period, offering crisp, sunny days perfect for exploring the bay’s natural beauty. However, it’s advisable to bring warm clothing for cooler evenings and mornings. Swimming is also less pleasant.
April to June (Spring):
- Temperature: Temperatures gradually rise, ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
- Weather: Spring brings warmer weather and occasional rain showers, but overall, the climate remains pleasant for outdoor activities. This season sees an increase in vegetation, with lush greenery adorning the limestone karsts, enhancing the bay’s scenic beauty.
July to September (Summer):
- Temperature: The hottest months with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
- Weather: Summer in Lan Ha Bay is characterized by hot and humid weather, with occasional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to the monsoon season. While the bay may experience more rainfall and choppy seas during this time, it’s still possible to visit, but it’s essential to check weather forecasts and exercise caution if planning water-based activities.
Overall, Autumn and Spring are the best seasons to visit Lan Ha Bay, thanks to the favorable weather conditions and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
