Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba: Information & Travel Tips
Located near the famous Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. With hundreds of lush green islands and islets, this destination captivates visitors with its diverse ecosystem and stretches of soft white sandy beaches. In this article, join SVietnam to discover more about Lan Ha Bay and why the Lan Ha Bay exploration cruise has become an increasingly popular choice among travelers.
Read more: Explore Halong Bay With Seaplane
Overview of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba
Located to the east of Cat Ba Island and south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 square meters and, together with Halong Bay, stands as one of the most remarkable destinations in northern Vietnam. Known for its pristine beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and diverse ecosystem, Lan Ha Bay offers visitors unforgettable and unique experiences.
The bay is home to over 400 islands and islets, surrounded by lush vegetation, powdery white sandy beaches, and pristine caves and underground streams. Notably, it boasts 139 secluded golden beaches nestled between limestone karsts, with calm waters and no large waves—making them perfect for relaxation and exploration. Beneath its crystal-clear waters lie vibrant coral reefs at spots such as Van Boi and Van Ha, ideal for snorkeling. Additionally, serene waters around Sen Island, Cu Island, and Monkey Island provide inviting locations for underwater adventures.
Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Lan Ha Bay is a natural treasure trove, hosting approximately 3,860 species of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Among these, 130 rare species are listed in Vietnam’s and international Red Books, including 76 species recognized as rare by the IUCN. A standout feature of the bay’s ecosystem is the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus), an endemic and critically endangered species with only 63 individuals remaining worldwide, all of which inhabit this area—making it a global conservation icon.
Lan Ha Bay proudly holds three prestigious titles: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Marine National Park, and National Special Scenic Site. Its name “Lan Ha” evokes the image of an orchid descending to Earth to beautify life, a fitting representation of the bay’s extraordinary natural allure.
Unlike Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay embraces sustainable tourism, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its unspoiled and peaceful surroundings. It is the perfect destination for nature enthusiasts, offering activities like relaxing on secluded beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, and simply basking in the rare tranquility of this remarkable landscape.
Read more: Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay: A Unique Masterpiece of Nature
How to Get to Lan Ha Bay
Explore Lan Ha Bay from Tuan Chau International Port
You can take a speedboat from the port, crossing Halong Bay to Gia Luan (Lan Ha Bay) to board a cruise and continue your exploration. Traveling by canoe or speedboat offers a delightful experience, as you’ll pass through both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Departing from Tuan Chau Port is a convenient option, as the port is spacious, equipped with waiting lounges and excellent facilities, and avoids traffic congestion even during peak tourist seasons.
Explore Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island
From Got Ferry Terminal (Hai Phong), you can reach Cat Ba Island in about 15 minutes by canoe or tender. From Ben Beo Port (Cat Ba), there are day tours or half-day tours to explore Lan Ha Bay. These tours often include visits to popular attractions such as Cai Beo Fishing Village, Monkey Island, and Ba Trai Dao Islets.
If you wish to combine a Lan Ha Bay cruise with activities in Halong, starting from Tuan Chau Port is a convenient choice for seamlessly connecting your travel plans.
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay experiences all four seasons of northern Vietnam’s climate. Typically, from May to August, the summer season brings calm seas, clear blue skies, and plenty of sunshine and breeze, making it ideal for swimming, cruising, and exploring the bay. This is also the busiest time for domestic tourism.
From September to April the following year, the bay enters its peak season for international visitors. During this time, the atmosphere is tranquil, perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The weather is cool and fresh, and you can still enjoy swimming from September to November or March to April.
What to Explore in Lan Ha Bay
Visit Cai Beo Fishing Village (Vung O Fishing Village)
Located in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, Cai Beo Fishing Village showcases a vibrant scene of floating houses forming a picturesque village on the vast waters. Over 300 households live here, making their livelihood from fishing and seafood harvesting.
Notably, this 7,000-year-old village has been recognized as one of the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world. This remarkable history makes it a must-visit destination when exploring Lan Ha Bay.
Read more: Cua Van Fishing Village, Halong Bay: Discover the Floating Village on the Sea
Discover Monkey Island
Monkey Island is the second-largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, situated at the center of Lan Ha Bay. The island is home to more than 20 monkeys and features an abundance of wild pineapple plants growing naturally across the landscape.
Explore Luon Cave
Luon Cave is nestled among a cluster of islands, accessible to the sea through a single entrance about 4 meters wide, 3 meters high, and 100 meters long. Inside, a brackish water lake, nearly 1 square kilometer in size, is surrounded by towering cliffs. Fossilized freshwater snail shells can still be seen on the cave walls. These unique caves are rare in Lan Ha Bay, making Luon Cave an ideal spot for kayaking. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil natural setting after passing through the cave’s entrance by boat.
Read more: Thien Cung Cave, Halong Bay: Explore its grandeur and splendor
Bright and Dark Caves
The Bright and Dark Caves (Hang Sang and Hang Toi) lie on the water’s surface, stretching 70 meters through the mountains, about 12 kilometers from Ben Beo Port. To explore these caves, visitors usually paddle bamboo boats or kayaks. A visit to the Bright and Dark Caves is a highlight for travelers exploring or staying overnight on Lan Ha Bay cruises. These caves are also a popular stop for day tours on the bay, offering an enchanting experience for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Exciting Outdoor Activities in Lan Ha Bay
Beyond cruising and admiring the stunning natural wonders, Lan Ha Bay offers a variety of outdoor and water-based activities that are popular among visitors.
Swimming and Snorkeling
Lan Ha Bay is dotted with numerous beaches and sites offering snorkeling services. You can easily find a spot to immerse yourself in the cool, crystal-clear waters, explore vibrant coral reefs, and observe fascinating marine life.
- Recommended location: Monkey Island Resort Diving Center (Monkey Island)
- Price range: 600,000 – 1,000,000 VND per person
Read more: Ti Top Island, Halong Bay: Information and Things to Do
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular activities for tourists in Lan Ha Bay. Paddle through the tranquil waters while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery around you.
- Price range: 50,000 – 100,000 VND per kayak per person (unlimited time)
Rock Climbing
For thrill-seekers, rock climbing offers an exciting challenge, with stunning views of the bay from high above. This activity caters to various skill levels, from beginner to advanced, so there’s no need to worry if you’re new to climbing.
- Recommended locations:
- Ba Trai Dao Island
- Dau Be Island
- Ben Beo Cliff
Read more: Bai Tho Mountain, Halong Bay: A Symbol of Culture and History in Halong
What to Eat in Lan Ha Bay
Seafood is the highlight of the cuisine in Lan Ha Bay. Popular dishes include horseshoe crab, geoduck clam, grouper, mantis shrimp, squid, prawns, and a variety of shellfish. Previously, visitors could enjoy freshly caught seafood directly at floating fish farms in the bay. However, today, you can savor these delicacies at restaurants on Cat Ba Island or organize a BBQ feast on permitted beaches like Monkey Island or Freedom Island, bringing your own seafood.
Tips for Visiting Lan Ha Bay
- Prepare your documents: Before traveling by plane or speedboat to the island, make sure to have your identification documents ready and stored in an easily accessible place for a smooth check-in process.
- Motion sickness: Since you’ll be moving between islands by boat or motorized canoe, prepare motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness.
- Dress warmly for the evenings: Lan Ha Bay can get quite chilly at night, so pack warm clothing or a jacket to stay comfortable and avoid catching a cold.
- Be mindful with local services: At beaches or tourist spots, local fishermen may offer night fishing or squid fishing experiences. Always confirm the price beforehand and negotiate if necessary to avoid overpaying. Typically, these activities cost around 500,000 VND for a group of six people.
- Book cruises in advance: If you plan to experience an overnight cruise, book your trip 3-7 days in advance to secure availability.
With its majestic natural beauty and unspoiled charm, Lan Ha Bay, alongside Halong Bay, is an extraordinary destination waiting to be explored. It offers visitors the opportunity to uncover its unique values and hidden gems.If you’re interested in visiting Lan Ha Bay, feel free to contact SVietnam Travel for tailored travel plans, expert advice, and exclusive discounts for early bookings.
