Lan Ha Bay, Ha Long Bay

Beach near Ha Long Bay

Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Lan Ha Bay is one of the top attractions in Cat Ba Island and often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba's viewpoints, although most exploration happens by boat. As Halong Bay's quieter sibling, it is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba for travellers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a more intimate experience on the water. With nearly identical scenery to Halong Bay - but without the crowds - it remains one of the best places to visit in northern Vietnam for nature lovers and cruisers.

History and Significance of Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay spans around 76 square kilometres and contains more than 400 limestone islets, all part of the same ancient karst plateau that formed Halong and Bai Tu Long Bays over 500 million years. The bay's dramatic cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden grottoes reflect the same geological processes that shaped the entire Gulf of Tonkin region.

While Halong Bay became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the neighbouring Cat Ba Archipelago - including Lan Ha Bay - was added to the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site in 2023, highlighting its ecological and geological significance. Its waters remain cleaner, quieter, and less disturbed, with many untouched areas where local marine life thrives.

Lan Ha’s relative obscurity has allowed its caves, white sand beaches, and islets to remain remarkably pristine. Over 139 beaches dot the bay, many reachable only by kayak or small boat, offering secluded experiences rarely found in Halong’s busier routes.

Things to See and Do in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is one of the best places to visit in Cat Ba Island for relaxation and adventure. Its highlights include:

• Overnight cruises that sail through untouched waters and tranquil coves, offering a quieter alternative to the typical Halong Bay routes.
• Kayaking through narrow limestone passages, quiet lagoons, and hidden caves.
• Swimming and sunbathing on remote white sandy beaches - Lan Ha has more beaches than Halong Bay, making it ideal for travellers seeking solitude.
• Snorkelling and marine exploration in clear, calm waters.
• Cliff jumping at select safe spots for thrill-seekers.
• Exploring Cat Ba Island's seafood markets, villages, and Cat Ba National Park - the bay's dramatic green backdrop.
• Visiting traditional floating fishing villages for a glimpse into local life.

This spot is one of the best places to see in Lan Ha Bay if you love unspoiled coastlines, as the scenery remains almost identical to Halong Bay but with far fewer boats.

How to Get to Lan Ha Bay

The nearest major airport is Nội Bài International Airport in Hanoi. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ha Long Bay on Booking.com. Most visitors reach Lan Ha Bay by travelling to Cat Ba Island via bus-speedboat connections from Hanoi or through the Hải Phòng route. Once on Cat Ba Island, departures for Lan Ha Bay cruises begin at Ben Beo Harbour or Cai Beo area. Travelling by car is possible up to the mainland ports in Hai Phong or Ha Long before switching to boat transfers to Cat Ba.

Practical Tips on Visiting Lan Ha Bay

  • Suggested tips: Book an overnight cruise for the best experience - day trips don’t capture the bay’s peaceful beauty.
  • Best time to visit: October-April for mild weather and calmer seas.
  • Entrance fee: Included in cruise or kayaking tour costs.
  • Opening hours: Accessible year-round.
  • Official website: Check Cat Ba tourism boards and cruise operators.
  • How long to spend: 1-2 nights for the ideal combination of sailing, kayaking, and beach stops.
  • Accessibility: Most activities require boarding boats; some mobility limitations may apply.
  • Facilities: Cruise boats provide dining, cabins, guides, and equipment.
  • Photography tip: Early morning mist drifting between the karsts creates spectacular photos.
  • Guided tours: All cruises offer guided kayaking and cave excursions.
  • Nearby food options: Seafood restaurants and markets in Cat Ba Town.

Where to Stay close to Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba Island is the best base. Stay at Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa for sea views and comfort, Perla Hotel Cat Ba for boutique style near the harbour, or Cat Ba Eco Lodge for a peaceful, nature-surrounded retreat.

Is Lan Ha Bay Worth Visiting?

Absolutely - Lan Ha Bay offers the same breathtaking limestone scenery as Halong Bay but in a quieter, more pristine environment. For travellers who value calm waters, secluded beaches, and a less touristy atmosphere, Lan Ha Bay is a dream destination and ideal for romantic escapes or peaceful nature trips.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (583)

Lan Ha Bay sits off Cat Ba Island and feels more secluded than its famous neighbor, with emerald water, towering limestone islands, tiny sandy beaches and floating villages; visitors praise kayaking, swimming in lagoons and caves, short beaches for stops, sunset views and overnight cruises that include activities and comfortable hospitality, though some mention occasional litter carried from nearby waters and advise joining an organized tour from Cat Ba to explore the caves and quieter corners.

Vic
a year ago
"We discovered Lan Ha Bay, a less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay, offering a serene escape for couples. The majestic limestone karsts rising fromemerald waters create a breathtaking backdrop. We enjoyed relaxing, swimming in secluded lagoons and exploring hidden caves. The area's colorful culture is evident in the floating villages, where we observed local life. With fewer tourists, Lan Ha Bay provides a more intimate experience of Vietnam's natural wonders. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and unspoiled beauty in a romantic setting. We paid the tour 650k from our Hotel: The Wave View Hotel. Tour starts 8.30am and finishes at 5pm. Lunch included, plus kayaking, swimming in caves, monkey islands, etcnIt was great, I'd recommend it!..."
R L
a year ago
"Lovely bay for kayaking and swimming. Less touristy than Ha Long Bay and definitely not so crowded. Lovely sunset. Highly recommended to visit ☺️"
Warshi Dandeniya
a year ago
"A wonderful place and a MUST visit if you are touring Vietnam. The Bay area is well organized but not much of a wonder… But if you take the cruise togo around towering islands and spend one night at least on water you will have a wonderful experience worthy for a lifetime. I really enjoyed it. We joined BlueDiamond Cruise. Their hospitality was great and the facilities and activities were very nice. I’m really happy that I joined this trip. Will definitely go there with my family once again. I saw many families with small kids and disabled persons visiting the area taking cruise ships...."

FAQs for Visiting Lan Ha Bay

Yes - it’s significantly quieter with fewer cruise routes.
Can I kayak in Lan Ha Bay?
Definitely - it’s one of the best kayaking destinations in Vietnam.
Are overnight cruises worth it?
Yes, they offer the most immersive experience.
Is the bay good for swimming?
Yes, thanks to its calm, clear waters.
Can I visit both Lan Ha and Halong on one trip?
Yes - many travellers combine the two, especially via Cat Ba Island.

Nearby Attractions to Lan Ha Bay

  • Cat Ba National Park - Biodiversity, jungle treks, and wildlife.
  • Cannon Fort - Sunset views overlooking the bay.
  • Cai Beo Fishing Village - One of Vietnam’s oldest floating settlements.
  • Hospital Cave - A wartime refuge carved into the mountain.
  • Cat Co Beaches - Scenic swimming and relaxation spots on Cat Ba Island.

The Lan Ha Bay appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ha Long Bay!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay: 24 km

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