Lan Ha Bay: A Quiet and Pristine Beauty Near Halong Bay

Nestled south of the famous Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a breathtaking destination known for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and secluded beaches. With its unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere, it is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in northern Vietnam.

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I. Where is Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha is part of the Cat Ba archipelago, south of Halong Bay’s natural heritage site. Known for its stunning beauty, it has long attracted travelers, often compared to the famous Halong Bay.

Covering about 7,000 hectares, Lan Ha Bay features hundreds of small islands and secluded beaches, perfect for relaxation. Many of its limestone mounts are named after their shapes, such as Hon Guoc (Wooden Shoe Islet) and Hon Doi (Bat Cave).

Unlike Halong Bay, every island here, even the smallest ones, is densely covered with trees. While its landscape resembles Halong Bay, the islets and rock formations are noticeably smaller. A unique highlight is its hidden beaches nestled between stone mountains, ideal for kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing in peaceful seclusion.

II. Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay varies by traveler. Local tourists prefer April to October, while foreign visitors often come between November and March. Autumn is especially beautiful, with gentle winds and bright sunshine creating a relaxing atmosphere.

To reach Lan Ha Bay, travel from downtown Cat Ba to Beo Pier, then hire a boat or motor canoe to explore the bay. The most convenient option is booking a tour from Halong Bay, offering flexible itineraries with various activities to suit different schedules.

III. Things to Do

There are a wide range of interesting places that you should not miss during Lan Ha Bay tour, including Luon Cave, Nam Cat Island, Monkey Island, Van Boi Beach, Turtle Island, Bell Island, etc.

Moving to the entrails of the bay, tourists can see many tiny sand-banks scattered on the island-base making the closed superb channels, and colorful coral ranges under the pure surface of water, opening out from Sen Island to Cu Island and then Monkey island.

Thanks to all the primitive attractiveness of Lan Hay Bay, it is the best place for tourists to enjoy the peace of feeling. Human-made is limited to minimal level to preserve the original scenes in the bay so far. In addition, tourists are served all outdoor activities, including swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, etc.

IV. How to get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Hanoi is the most popular point to start the trips. Apart from Hanoi, there is Ha Phong, a port city with easy access to Cat Ba Island, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay. From Got Pier in Hai Phong, travelers can reach Cat Ba quickly.

From Got Pier, it will take you about 2 hours by shuttle bus or private car, limousine. Another access point is Halong City via Tuan Chau Island. Instead of reaching the bay through Cat Ba Island, this route takes you through Halong Bay first.

For more convenient, you can check our Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi: