Lan Ha Bay is a quiet and beautiful destination, located to the south of Halong Bay and the east of Cat Ba Island. It is very similar to Halong Bay but is less crowded. It has emerald green waters, limestone cliffs, and hidden small beaches.

This bay is perfect for someone seeking to unwind, reconnect with nature, and take a deep breath. You can take a quiet cruise through the emerald waters or paddle a kayak with your partner into hidden caves and calm lagoons.

If you're seeking a more natural and less touristy experience in Vietnam, Lan Ha Bay is an excellent option. Before you visit, we'll walk you through everything you need to know.

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Table of Contents

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Visitors Like? 
• What Visitors Don’t Like?
• Things To Do
• The Basic Things To Know
• Deep Dive into Finer Aspects
• Other Places to Visit Near 
• Hotels Nearby Lan Ha Bay
• Restaurants Nearby Lan Ha Bay
• Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7 (806 reviews)

• Excellent: 657
• Very good: 108
• Average: 20
• Poor: 13
• Terrible: 8

Visitors often say Lan Ha Bay feels peaceful, quiet, and untouched. It's like Halong Bay but without the noise and big tourist crowds. The views are just as beautiful, with calm water and towering cliffs. Travelers appreciated the slow pace and greenery of the bay. Few visitors felt there were fewer food options, limited nightlife, and activities are dependent on weather. They also commented that the bay has a peaceful vibe, but it also means fewer facilities and conveniences which made them miss the comfort of city-like services and comfort.

What Visitors Like About Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is popular for the less crowd, beautiful nature, and relaxing vibe. Here is what visitors like about the place: 

• Less Crowded: Most visitors appreciated that Lan Ha Bay is less crowded and peaceful than Halong Bay. They felt that the bay had a relaxed vibe, which made it a perfect escape from the city's chaos. It was quiet and calming.
• Natural Scenery: The bay is full of emerald green water, 300 limestone cliffs, and hidden beaches. Travelers found it healing and relaxing to be surrounded by nature. They liked how picturesque and beautiful the place is.
• Adventurous Activities: Many visitors appreciated the light activities, which do not feel tiring. You and your partner can kayak through caves, explore floating villages, and lie down and relax on the beaches. It is the perfect pot for swimming as the water is clean and calm.
• Cruises: Travelers love cruises, whether they spend a day or stay overnight. You can sunbathe on the deck, sip a cocktail, or lean over the railing and watch the calm sea. In the evening, some cruises host live music, movie screenings on the deck, and simple games and gatherings. 
• Local Life: Visitors appreciated the local life, finding it quiet, simple, and distinctly different from city life. The people live their daily lives on the water. The construction of homes, schools, and even small stores on wooden rafts is tied together.

What Visitors Don't Like About Lan Ha Bay?

Not everyone is a fan of Lan Ha Bay even though it's peaceful and calming. So, here are the reasons why visitors don’t like this place:

• Harder to Reach: Travellers find it challenging to get to Lan Ha Bay because they first have to travel to Cat Ba Island. It takes more time, planning, and is not as direct as Halong Bay.
• Unpredictable Weather: Some visitors didn't like the weather. On foggy or rainy days, the views were not clear. A few said that, despite feeling calm, they missed out on the full beauty of the bay.
• Fewer Basic Facilities - Lan Ha Bay has fewer options for hotels, restaurants, and shopping spots compared to Halong Bay. Some people miss the basic facilities and convenience of the developed areas. 
• Inconsistent Tour Quality: Some visitors found that the cheaper options had older boats or rushed schedules. It is better to check the reviews before booking, as not all tour packages are the same.

Things To Do in Lan Ha Bay

Whether you're spending a whole day or staying overnight, there's plenty to experience without the rush.

Kayaking Through Hidden Lagoons

Kayaking is the most famous adventure, and as you paddle across the calm waters, you will come across small caves, blue lagoons, and narrow channels. In some places, you will emerge into still and peaceful water surrounded by rocks, where everything feels silent and untouched. Visitors love this experience because it provides peace and allows them to connect with nature.

Visit Floating Villages

They are real communities where people still live in floating homes, where they fish and farm seafood. Some cruises stop by these villages, and visitors often appreciate the simplicity and peace of life. Watching locals row tiny boats or feed fish gives you a deeper connection to the bay.

Explore Caves

The two caves, Bright Cave and Dark Cave, are located on the border of Lan Ha Bay. They are gentle to kayak through and open into beautiful, hidden lagoons.

Dark Cave (Hang Tối): It is longer and less lit inside, giving it a mysterious, quiet feel. You paddle through a low-ceiling tunnel that opens into a peaceful lagoon.

Bright Cave (Hang Sáng): It is shorter and more open, with light filtering in and bouncing off the water, making everything glow.

Hidden Beaches

There are several little, hidden beaches in Lan Ha Bay where you can rest and unwind. You'll think you're on a private island here. The sand is soft, the sea is calm, and these beaches are clean. You can relax and enjoy the sun.

The Basic Things To Know About Lan Ha Bay

Here are a few essential key details before visiting the Lan Ha Bay, as this will help you prepare in advance so that your trip is smooth:

What to Eat?

You won't find fancy restaurants in Lan Ha Bay. Still, the food here is fresh, local, and full of flavor, especially on overnight cruises or in nearby Cat Ba town. Seafood dishes, such as prawns, steamed crab, clams in lemongrass, and squid, are often served as part of set meals that travelers truly appreciate. 

Vegetarian-friendly options, such as fried spring rolls, stir-fried noodles, and tofu in tomato sauce, are also enjoyed. If you're in Cat Ba, be sure to try the local fish hotpot (lẩu cá), a warm and comforting dish best shared with friends or family.

Best Time to Visit 

Lan Ha Bay is beautiful year-round, but some months are better than others depending on what you're looking for. You can visit Lan Ha Bay from October to April, as it is considered the best time, with clear skies and comfortable weather. It's the perfect season for adventurous activities like kayaking through caves, swimming, and enjoying long boat rides without too much heat.

The summer months, from May to September, and the rainy season from July to August can be very hot and rainy, but they are also when the bay is lush and green.

How to Reach There?

Lan Ha Bay is between Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. You have to get to Cat Ba Island to reach Lan Ha Bay, as it is the gateway to the bay. So from Hanoi, you can take a bus or private car to Hai Phong, then transfer to Cat Ba Island by ferry or speedboat. 

Deep Dive into Finer Aspects of Lan Ha Bay

We have covered all the important details of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Now let’s deep dive into more fine details:

The Limestone Cliffs

The tall, rocky limestone cliffs, sculpted by nature over millions of years, are the subject of most visitors' comments. Each one has a slightly different appearance and tells its own stories. Some have animal-like features, while others have faces or features that resemble statues. Many found themselves gazing out at the formations, amazed by their size and beauty. There are quiet lagoons and small beaches hidden between these untouched cliffs. These beauties make the bay feel almost magical.

Floating Villages

Lan Ha Bay still has small floating villages where local people live and work on the water. These wooden homes and fish farms are built right on the bay, connected by floating walkways. Visitors find this lifestyle fascinating, simple, peaceful, and completely different from city life. Seeing families row tiny boats and raise seafood in floating pens leaves a strong impression.

Sunrise and Sunset

When the sun rises and sets over the water, Lan Ha Bay is at its most beautiful. Visitors say that these are the most calming and gorgeous parts of their journey. The quiet sea reflects the gentle orange, pink, and gold hues that change in the sky. Visitors sit back and absorb everything without speaking during this moment. It is something which you will remember for a very long time.

Other Places Near Lan Ha Bay

You can extend your trip with these nearby experiences of Lan Ha Bay:

Monkey Island

Monkey Island is a short hike, where visitors enjoy relaxing on its sandy beach or soaking in the view. The island is home to a few playful monkeys, so be sure to keep your belongings safe. This island is a blend of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Most people who hike to the top say the view is worth it.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is a quiet, peaceful, and less crowded destination. To reach the island, you can rent a scooter. And if you can also visit Cat Ba National Park for a short hike through the forest, it's perfect for a nature lover. The views from the top are breathtaking, and you might even hear birds singing.

Viet Hai Village

This small village is on the edges of Cat Ba Island. You can take a scooter or hike to reach. The people are simple, welcoming, and live a slow-paced life. Many visitors enjoy talking to local people or taking a quick break by walking through the rice fields.

Bai Tu Long Bay

This bay has fewer crowds and is quiet; consider taking a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. It is just as beautiful with the same limestone scenery, but it is much calmer. Visitors often say it is more peaceful and untouched.

Hotels Near Lan Ha Bay

If you’re planning to stay overnight near the bay, here are some options:

Restaurants Near Lan Ha Bay

Here are a few options where you can dine in near Lan Ha Bay:

Final Verdict: Is Lan Ha Bay Worth a Visit?

Yes, Lan Ha Bay is worth seeing because it is one of the few sites that still feels peaceful and untouched. With calm waters, limestone cliffs, and open skies, the bay offers a serene retreat from city noise and bustling tourist attractions. If you appreciate nature, slow travel, or just having time to relax, then this bay is perfect.

This bay is perfect for you and your partner to relax and heal. You will find hidden beaches, floating villages, and small caves where you can do adventurous activities. The cruises offer a unique experience with breathtaking views and delicious local food.  

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can you travel to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?

You can travel to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi by luxury shuttle bus or private car.

Are there any dolphins in Lan Ha Bay?

Yes, there are dolphins in Lan Ha Bay, but they are very rarely seen. They exist in the larger Gulf of Tonkin region, which includes both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Can we swim in La Ha Bay?

Yes, it is the best place in northern Vietnam to swim as the water is clean and calm. But follow your guide's advice to avoid any mishaps.