Lan Ha bay – cannot miss when visiting Halong bay
For many, Halong Bay is the quintessential image of Vietnam’s natural beauty, but a short distance away lies its equally stunning and more serene counterpart: Lan Ha Bay. Situated to the south of Halong Bay and hugging the coastline of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay offers the same dramatic limestone karst scenery but with a tranquil twist.
Where is Lan Ha bay?
Lan Ha Bay is a stunning bay located in the Gulf of Tonkin, adjacent to the southern part of Halong Bay and to the east of Cat Ba Island. While often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Lan Ha Bay is gaining popularity as a tranquil and equally beautiful alternative.
More specifically, it is situated to the south of Halong Bay and to the east of Cat Ba Island. While it shares the same stunning geological formations as its famous neighbor, Lan Ha Bay is part of Hai Phong City, whereas Halong Bay is in Quang Ninh Province. The bay is essentially an extension of the Halong Bay landscape, but it is known for being a more tranquil and less-crowded alternative.
What to experience at Lan Ha bay?
Lan Ha Bay, with its serene waters and lush green islands, offers a wealth of experiences for travelers seeking a more tranquil and adventurous alternative to Halong Bay. Here’s what you can expect to experience:
On the Water
- Kayaking and Canoeing: This is arguably the signature activity in Lan Ha Bay. The calm, clear waters and secluded lagoons are perfect for paddling. You can kayak through hidden caves, like the Dark & Bright Cave, to discover secret lagoons and marvel at the stunning rock formations. Many cruises include kayaking as a primary activity.
- Swimming and Snorkeling: With its numerous pristine beaches and clearer water than Halong Bay, Lan Ha is an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. The calm waters are ideal for a refreshing dip, and some areas boast vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Popular swimming spots include Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Beach and Van Boi Beach.
- Cruising: Whether you choose a day trip or a multi-day cruise, a boat tour is the best way to see the bay’s magnificent landscape. Cruises range from budget-friendly options to luxurious, eco-friendly vessels with all the modern amenities. Many cruises offer on-board activities like cooking classes, Tai Chi at sunrise, and squid fishing at night.
Exploring the Islands and Villages
- Visit Floating Fishing Villages: Get a glimpse into the local way of life by visiting a floating village, such as Cai Beo, one of the oldest in Vietnam. You can see how families live and work on the water and even sample freshly caught seafood.
- Cycling in Viet Hai Village: Located on Cat Ba Island, this peaceful village is a great stop for a cultural experience. Many cruises offer the chance to cycle through the lush scenery of Cat Ba National Park to reach this tranquil community.
- Hiking and Trekking: As Lan Ha Bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, you can easily access Cat Ba National Park. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers excellent opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to panoramic viewpoints and hidden caves.
- Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, Lan Ha Bay offers some of the best rock climbing in Vietnam. The dramatic limestone cliffs, particularly around Van Boi Island, attract climbers of all levels, including those who enjoy “deep water soloing” (climbing without ropes over the water).
Other Notable Experiences
- Sunset Chasing: With its unique landscape of islets, Lan Ha Bay provides a magical backdrop for sunset viewing. Many cruise itineraries include a “sunset party” where you can enjoy a cocktail as the sky changes color.
- Exploring Caves: Beyond the kayaking-accessible caves, you can also visit larger, more historically significant caves on Cat Ba Island, such as Trung Trang Cave and Quan Y Cave, which was used as a military hospital during the Vietnam War.
- Island Hopping: With over 400 islands and islets, you can easily spend your time hopping from one to another. Each island, from Monkey Island with its playful inhabitants to the serene beaches of Nam Cat Island, has its own unique charm.
Some available service providers at Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay, while less crowded than Halong Bay, has a thriving tourism industry with a variety of service providers catering to different budgets and travel styles. The services are primarily centered around cruise tours and adventure activities like kayaking and rock climbing.
See also: Cuc Phuong National Park Ninh Binh: What to explore?
Cruise Operators
The most popular way to experience Lan Ha Bay is through a cruise, and there are a wide range of options from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury. Many of these cruises also operate in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, but have specific itineraries for Lan Ha.
- Luxury and Mid-Range Cruises: These are typically 4- to 5-star ships offering private cabins, fine dining, and various on-board amenities. They usually have multi-day itineraries (2 days/1 night or 3 days/2 nights) that include activities like kayaking, cooking classes, and visits to villages. Some well-known names include:
- Mon Chéri Cruise: Often highlighted for its high-end service and being the first cruise in the area to provide Halal food.
- Orchid Classic Cruise: A long-standing, boutique luxury option known for its classic Indochine architecture and spacious cabins.
- Peony Cruises: A popular choice for a 5-star experience with a unique route that takes visitors to less populated areas of the bay.
- Ambassador Signature Cruise: Offers luxury and style, with itineraries that include kayaking and visiting caves.
- Stellar of the Seas: A top-tier luxury cruise with a swimming pool and private balconies.
- Budget and Day Cruises: For those with a tighter budget or limited time, there are numerous day-trip and more affordable overnight options. These tours often focus on the main highlights of the bay and offer a more social atmosphere.
- Cat Ba Express: A popular choice for day tours departing directly from Cat Ba Island, often including kayaking and swimming at beaches.
- La Casta Cruise: A budget-friendly option with modern design that still provides a full ocean view from all cabins.
Adventure Tour Providers
For travelers who want a more hands-on experience, a number of local tour operators and rental services on Cat Ba Island specialize in adventure activities.
- Kayaking and SUP Rentals:
- Blue Swimmer Adventures: A well-known provider based on Cat Ba Island that offers kayak rentals, guided tours, and even multi-day packages that combine kayaking, trekking, and biking. They are known for their focus on sustainable tourism.
- Cat Ba Kayak Adventures: Offers self-guided kayak rentals and all-inclusive packages that include safety equipment and transfers.
- Combined Tours: Many of the tour providers offer packages that bundle different activities, such as:
- Kayaking, Hiking, and Biking: Multi-day tours that allow you to explore the bay by water and the national park on land.
- Rock Climbing: Some companies on Cat Ba Island specialize in organizing rock climbing excursions on the bay’s limestone cliffs.
When choosing a service provider, it’s always a good idea to check recent customer reviews, the itinerary details, and what is included in the price (e.g., transfers, meals, entry tickets) to ensure it aligns with your travel plans and expectations.
