Do you know that adjacent to Halong Bay lies an equally stunning Bay that offers beautiful and serene experiences to its visitors? Yes, we are talking about Lan Ha, the neighbor to the world-famous and a UNESCO World Heritage Site- Halong Bay in Vietnam. This destination is more of an off-the-beaten path that takes tourists to a world of absolute serenity and natural wonders. The dramatic setting of the island amidst the karsts and peaceful lagoons – all create a wonderful oceanic escapade.
Read on till the end, and know crucial insights to plan your Lan Ha Bay tour in Vietnam accordingly!
Planning a Trip? Here’s What You Should Know!
Lan Ha , Halong Bay, and the Bai Tu Long Bay are all located in the Gulf of Tonkin, forming a great trio of limestone wonders. Lan Ha Bay is the smallest among the trio, comprises over 400 limestone islets that are scattered across 76 ㎢. Though less popular compared to Halong Bay, the experiences offered here are no less captivating, including secluded beaches, crystal clear waters, and peaceful lagoons.
What Makes Lan Ha Bay Beautiful and Unique?
Lan Ha is a surreal dreamscape that is located in the famous Ha Long Bay, captivating tourists with its unspoiled beauty and charm. Famous for its 300 or above massive karst islands, like its superior neighbor, Lan Ha promises a lifetime of fun and experiences to its visitors. On top of it, the white-sand beaches add another great attraction to this place.
Visitors seeking oceanic bliss are drawn to this place and enjoy the vibrant marine life, pristine shoreline, and a wide range of water-based adventures. This island, located east of Cat Ba Island, is totally untouched and covered in greenery. The hidden beaches make this place ideal for activities like kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shoreline and admiring the stunning setting created by the calm lagoons.
Why Lan Ha is Considered the Twin of Ha Long
Lan Ha Bay is regarded as the twin of Halong Bay due to their shared geography. Both bays are located in the Gulf of Tonkin, featuring emerald green waters, hidden caves, and long-standing limestone karsts. Though it is less touristy compared to Halong Bay, it still offers a perfect dose of adventure and serenity to its visitors. Both bays share a similar ecosystem, the floating villages, diverse marine life, and scenic beaches. Lan Ha is more of a secluded lagoon that provides the perfect alternative to the popular Halong Bay, earning it the rightful title of Ha Long Bay’s peaceful and equally magnificent twin.
The serenity seekers will have a super great time here, only if your visit is planned expertly with the travel connoisseurs of JustWravel! Get your Vietnam Tour Package and personalize it as you desire!
Things to Do at Lan Ha Bay
Make the most of your experience by indulging in the following list of the things to do in Vietnam, promising exciting experiences.
- Visit Floating Fishing Villages: A visit to this place offers a perfect glimpse into Vietnam’s unique way of life. These floating fishing villages are home to several peaceful communities, such as Cua Van or Viet Hai Village, where local fishermen live. These villages are gracefully built entirely on water, with homes, fish pens, and schools all floating in harmony with nature. Make your visit enriching by learning how local fishermen live, raise seafood, and adapt to the changing tides. Visitors can even try feeding fish or casting a fishing net!
- Swim at Secluded Beaches: What could be better than swimming peacefully at the serene beaches, free from intense crowds. Considering the growing popularity of Vietnam, it’s hard to find beaches that are free from loud noises and intense crowds. Enjoy swimming peacefully at the secluded beaches in the Lan Ha Bay, including Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) and Van Boi Beach.
- Explore Cat Ba Island: Located at the extreme edge of the Lan Ha, Cat Ba Island is one of the largest islands in the region, allowing adventure and peace in the exact same portions. Visitors can enjoy trekking at Cat Ba National Park, scenic hiking trails, or explore local markets and try fresh seafood in Cat Ba Town.
- Try Water Adventure: Visitors can make their visit thrilling by participating in the heart-racing water adventures. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), Snorkeling, and Scuba Diving are among the top choices. For SUP, you can rent a paddleboard and swiftly glide through the Bay’s calm waters. For snorkeling or scuba diving, the underwater world experiences a surreal magic featuring 200 species of fish, 400 species of arthropods (prawns, crabs), and over 500 species of molluscs.
- Kayaking Through Hidden Lagoons and Caves: This is one of the peaceful yet heart-pounding activities done here. Kayaking here takes you through the hidden lagoons and mysterious caves. Peacefully paddling through the calm, emerald-green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery offers one-of-a-kind experience.
- Take a Scenic Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tour: The best way to explore this dreamy destination is via a Lan Ha Bay Vietnam cruise. It’s an overnight cruise that lets you explore hidden lagoons, kayak through calm waters, visit floating fishing villages, and swim at secluded beaches. You can choose from a range of luxurious overnight journeys to adventurous day trips. Getting on the Lan Ha Bay cruise is the perfect way to experience Vietnam’s coastal magic in perfect serenity.
- Relax with the Onboard Spa or Tai Chi: Make your cruise tour even more rejuvenating by indulging in wellness activities like onboard spa treatments and Tai Chi sessions. After exploring the hidden caves, get yourself a soothing spa or massage therapy onboard. Several luxury cruises are offering Tai Chi classes on the sundeck, allowing visitors to stretch, breathe, and move gently as the sun rises over the serene bay.
- Enjoy Night Squid Fishing: The nighttime offers one of the best experiences of Night Squid Fishing! Included in several luxury cruise tours, this activity lets visitors try their hand at the traditional fishing method used by local fishermen for generations. You do not require any past experience, just simple rods, lights, and a bit of patience, until you catch fresh squid right off the side of the boat.
- Cycling in Viet Hai Village: This serene village is located deep within the Cat Ba National Park, which allows visitors to witness rural Vietnamese life. This village is accessible via a boat from Lan Ha Bay, followed by a bicycle ride through the dense green trail guarded by tropical forests and long-standing limestone cliffs.
Add a Lan Ha Bay immersive cruise tour and other popular activities to your Vietnam Tour Package today!
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha, Vietnam
Planning your visit? The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam is from March to May and from September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and low humidity, creating a perfect ambiance for outdoor activities. The sea is also calm during this time, making it ideal conditions for activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving.
Please avoid the rainy season as the conditions might not be suitable for sea-based activities. Traveling during the peak season ensures safer and more enjoyable outdoor activities. Those who wish to avoid intense crowds of the peak season can plan their visit during the shoulder seasons for an enjoyable coastal escape.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lan Ha Bay
Visiting Vietnam fully prepared ensures a great and hassle-free experience. Here are some top travel tips for your trip to this stunning destination.
- Tip 1. Be prepared for limited connectivity as finding a mobile signal and wi-fi can be challenging here.
- Tip 2. Carry cash, in small denominations, as several local eateries, boats, or village vendors only accept cash as a form of payment.
- Tip 3. Travel responsibly and try not to litter and avoid using single-use plastics.
- Tip 4. Get the perfect local essence by trying delicious local Vietnamese dishes such as geoduck clam, mantis shrimp, grilled oysters, and old-style hotpot.
- Tip 5. Try booking in advance, as Lan Ha Bay is also gaining popularity due to its “twin” factor with Halong Bay.
- Tip 6. Pack smart and light. Include light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and waterproof footwear. Also, stay hydrated, especially during boat rides and hikes.
- Tip 7. When choosing cruise tours, book a 1- to 2-night overnight cruise as you get the perfect opportunity to explore hidden beaches, floating villages, and enjoy kayaking or squid fishing under the stars.
- Tip 8. Be highly respectful of the local communities and always seek permission before clicking any pictures.
Visitors can also learn a few of the most commonly used Vietnamese phrases for easier exploration in the villages. While many tour guides speak English, learning basic greetings or thank yous in Vietnamese can solidify your connection with locals and show appreciation for their culture.
Are you all set to explore the wonders of this hidden gem in Vietnam?
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Lan Ha Bay FAQs
Lan Ha Bay cruises typically depart in the morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM for day cruises, while overnight cruises begin around 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. The exact timing for Lan Ha Bay cruises may vary by operator, so it’s best to confirm with your cruise provider in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Lan Ha Bay is best for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and serenity seekers. This place is less tourists, offering ideal, serene moments.
To reach Lan Ha Bay, travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong by bus, car, or train (about 2–2.5 hours). From Hai Phong, take a speedboat or ferry to Cat Ba Island, followed by a short transfer to the bay. Many cruises offer pick-up services directly from Hanoi for added convenience.
Lan Ha Bay is located approximately 130 to 150 km (80 to 93 miles) from Hanoi. It will take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach by road.
