Lan Ha Bay is a stunning destination in Vietnam that offers a less crowded and more serene alternative to the famous Halong Bay. If you are an Indian tourist looking for a detailed guide on how to visit Lan Ha Bay, here is the ultimate guide for you.
About Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, south of Halong Bay. The Gulf of Tonkin is home to three bays, Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. It is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, which consists of about 367 islands of various sizes. Lan Ha Bay is over 400 square kilometres in size, making it smaller than Halong Bay, but equally beautiful with its towering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Location
Lan Ha Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, near Hai Phong, in the northeastern part of Vietnam.
The best time to visit
Lan Ha Bay has a tropical climate, with four distinct seasons. The average temperature here is about 25 – 28 degrees Celsius because it is surrounded by seawater so the air will be quite pleasant.
The ideal time to travel to Lan Ha Bay is from April to July. when the weather is nice and suitable for swimming and entertainment activities. You should avoid travelling here at the end of summer, from August to October), because there will be a lot of rain and storms.
How to get there
From Hanoi
Hanoi – Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay
This is the most popular and scenic route, as you can enjoy the views of both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay along the way.
- By bus: You can take a bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, which takes about 3 hours and costs around 13 USD per person for one trip. The bus includes a ferry ride from Tuan Chau Island to Cat Ba Island.
- By train: You can take a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong, which takes about 2 hours and costs around 3.5 USD per person. Then, you can take a speedboat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, which takes about 45 minutes and costs around 8 USD per person. Once you reach Cat Ba Island, you can book a cruise or a kayak tour to explore Lan Ha Bay.
Hanoi – Hai Phong – Lan Ha Bay
As previously indicated, you may travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong by bus or train, which is a quicker and less expensive option. Afterwards, you may go by boat from Hai Phong to Ben Binh Pier on Cat Hai Island. The ride takes around 15 minutes and each person pays roughly six dollars. Ben Binh Pier to Got Pier on Cat Hai Island may be reached by bus or cab, which takes around 30 minutes and costs about 2 USD per person. To directly explore Lan Ha, you may reserve a kayak excursion or a cruise at Got Pier.
From Halong Bay
This is a direct and convenient route, as it takes you straight to Lan Ha without stopping at Cat Ba Island. You can book a day tour or an overnight cruise from Halong Bay that includes Lan Ha Bay in the itinerary.
What to expect during the trip to Lan Ha Bay
Unveil the limestone mountains
One of the main attractions of Lan Ha is its limestone mountains that rise from the emerald water. These mountains are formed by millions of years of erosion and weathering, creating unique shapes and formations. Some of them have caves and grottoes that can be explored by boat or kayak.
Shop at Cai Beo Floating Village
One of the oldest and largest floating villages in Lan Ha Bay is Cai Beo Floating Village, which dates back to more than 7,000 years ago. This is the place where local fishermen and their families live in wooden houses on the water. Visitors can shop for fresh seafood, souvenirs, and handicrafts at the village market, or join a fishing tour to experience the daily activities of the villagers.
Visit Cat Dua Island (Monkey Island)
There are several islands in Lan Ha Bay, each of which provides tourists with a unique set of experiences. Since friendly monkeys call Cat Dua Island or Monkey Island home, it’s no wonder that the island is one of the busiest. Visitors may swim, sunbathe, or play with the monkeys on the island’s lovely sandy beach. In addition, there is a hiking track on the island that leads to a viewpoint with a broad perspective experience.
Explore Dark & Bright Caves
These two caves are connected by a narrow waterway that you can explore by bamboo boat or kayak. The Dark Cave is named for its lack of natural light, while the Bright Cave is illuminated by the sun. Inside the caves, you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years
Swim in Van Boi Beach
This secluded beach is located on a small island. It has clear turquoise water and white sand, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can also relax on the beach and enjoy the views of the surrounding limestone karsts
Kayak through Luon Cave
Kayaking will be the best experience that you shouldn’t miss. Luon Cave is a low-lying cave that can only be accessed by kayak or small boat. It is a natural tunnel that leads to a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife. You can kayak through the cave and marvel at the beauty of this hidden oasis.
Rock climb in Three Peaches Islet
If you are looking for a challenge, you can try rock climbing in Three Peaches Islet, one of the most scenic spots in Lan Ha Bay. The islet has three peaks that resemble three peaches, hence its name. You can climb up the rocks and enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the ocean.
Enjoy seafood
After a day full of adventure and exploration, visitors can enjoy seafood at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Lan Ha Bay. The seafood is fresh, delicious, and affordable, as it comes directly from the local fishermen. Visitors can savour dishes such as grilled fish, squid, shrimp, crab, oysters, clams, and more
> See more Top 7 Best Things To Do In Halong Bay For Indian Tourists
Top cruises that are highly recommended by our tourists
Here are detailed information about the exact routes of each cruise in Lan Ha Bay
| Cruise | Price range (USD/night) | Website | Departure port | Route |
| Era Cruise | 200 – 700 | Eracruises.com | Pha Got Pier | Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Ao Ech Area |
| Doris Cruise | 100 – 200 | Doriscruise.com | Tuan Chau Port | Hanoi – Ba Trai Dao Islet – Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long |
| Le Theatre Cruise | 200 – 250 | letheatrecruises.com | Tuan Chau Port | Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Tra Bau |
| Peony Cruise | 300 – 700 | peonycruises.com | Tuan Chau Port | Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Ao Ech Area – Tra Bau |
| Capella Cruise | 300 – 900 | capellacruise.com | Tuan Chau Port | Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Ao Ech Area – Dark & Bright Cave |
| Dora Cruise | 120 – 450 | doracruise.com | Tuan Chau Port | Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay – Dark & Bright Cave |
| Mon Cheri Cruise | 300 – 750 | monchericruises.com | Tuan Chau Port | Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Ba Trau – Cat Ba Island |
| Sena Cruise | 200 – 800 | senacruises.com | Tuan Chau Port | Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay – Da Chong Islet – Tra Bau Areas – Dark-Light cave |
Useful tips
- Bring a light jacket, sunglasses and a hat
- Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
- For detailed information on the specific routes and activities offered by each cruise, please check the cruise company’s official website or contact them directly
- Contact Vietnamtour.in to have the best offers
Conclusion
Lan Ha Bay is a must-see destination for Indian tourists who want to discover the beauty and charm of Vietnam. The bay offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different tastes and preferences, from nature lovers to culture seekers, from thrill seekers to relaxation seekers. Book your trip to Lan Ha Bay today and discover its hidden charm by yourself.
