By Tony Jaa, Sep 16, 2024
Lan Ha Bay is part of the Halong Bay Complex, situated to the east of Cat Ba Island and to the south of Halong Bay. Getting from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay by car or bus is easy. You can hop on a Lan Ha Bay cruise to explore this stunning area and take in the beauty of both Halong and Lan Ha Bay.
Although Lan Ha Bay is actually in the Cat Ba Island area in Hai Phong, it's often mistaken as part of Halong Bay due to its similar landscape, featuring hundreds of islands. With around 400 large and small islands, Lan Ha Bay is a paradise for tourists for many activities like kayaking, swimming, and the option to stay overnight in this beautiful bay. So, is Lan Ha Bay the same as Halong Bay? Halong Bay Cruise Trip will tell you what makes Lan Ha Bay special in this travel blog.
Beautiful Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is pretty special with over 300 limestone islands and a bunch of nice beaches. When cruising in Lan Ha Bay, you'll spot lots of hills with all sorts of shapes like Wooden Shoe Island and Bat Grotto. Moreover, you can check out about 139 lovely little sandy beaches so that tourists can love the islands with sandy beaches nestled among the stone mountains in this stunning bay.
Islands in Lan Ha Bay
Swimming in Lan Ha Bay
Calm and clean water of small beaches in Lan Ha Bay will be a good place for you to come and you can head to Monkey Island with its crystal-clear waters, or relax at the lesser-known Van Boi Con Island, where the serene environment makes it an ideal swimming spot.
With its many secluded beaches and hundreds of small islands, Lan Ha Bay is a kayaking paradise. You can rent a kayak and explore the natural beauty of the bay, paddling through spots like Cai Beo Floating Village, the Van Boi Center, the serene Ba Trai Dao Area in Lan Ha Bay, or the picturesque Monkey Island.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
For adventure enthusiasts, in Lan Ha Bay there is rock climbing opportunities with the help of the International Rock Climbing Center. You can book either a half-day or full-day tour to climb some of the most thrilling cliffs in the area, such as those around Moose Island or Butterfly Valley.
Cycling in Viet Hai Fishing Village
Take a best luxury Lan Ha Bay cruise you will have a chance for visiting not only the bay but also the local life of Viet Hai Fishing Village and Cai Beo Floating Market. At the Cai Beo Floating Market, explore one of Vietnam's oldest floating markets, where you can observe the daily trade of fresh seafood and local goods.
There are private Lan Ha Bay beaches where locals have built bungalows for overnight stays, such as Monkey Island Resort, Sandy Beach Resort, Castaway Bungalow, and Cove Beach Bungalow. You can book one of these bungalows and enjoy various Lan Ha Bay activities in the bay such as kayaking, swimming, and playing beach volleyball.
If you love swimming and kayaking, summer is the ideal season to visit Lan Ha Bay. Autumn is also a great option, especially if you plan to explore both Lan Ha Bay and nearby Cat Ba Island. However, be prepared for cooler temperatures and the possibility of storms during this season. At other times of the year, taking a Lan Ha Bay cruise can still be an enjoyable experience.
Summer in Lan Ha Bay
If you're already in Cat Ba, head to Ben Beo to buy a sightseeing ticket. From there, you can hire a boat to take you wherever you'd like to go in Lan Ha Bay. For a more local experience, you can rent a small boat from a local fisherman to explore the coastline and nearby spots.
Getting to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi is pretty straightforward nowadays, thanks to the new highway connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong. A bus or private car ride takes about 2 hours to reach Got Ferry Port, where you'll catch a ferry to Cai Vieng Port and then drive straight to Cat Ba. Once you arrive in Cat Ba, booking a local boat to explore Lan Ha Bay is simple.
If you prefer a more luxurious experience, you can book a shuttle bus or private car with a cruise package. Many travelers now choose Lan Ha Bay over Halong Bay since the latter can get quite crowded with hundreds of cruises. In contrast, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. The cruise bus typically picks you up in Hanoi around 9:30 AM for a 2-hour drive to Got Ferry Port, where you'll hop onto a luxury Lan Ha Bay boat trip for an overnight (or two-night) trip. This is a hassle-free way to explore Lan Ha Bay, which, though part of Halong Bay, feels more secluded.
If you don’t want to take the cruise bus, you can also opt for a private car from Hanoi. The car will take you directly to Got Ferry Port, where the cruise staff will greet you. The driver will wait for you to finish your cruise and then bring you back to Hanoi.
09:00 – 09:30: Your day begins as our comfortable van picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi and transports you to Hai Phong.
12:00: Arrival at the bay, where you'll board our luxury boat tour Lan Ha Bay. Upon boarding, you'll be welcomed with a refreshing drink and given a short safety briefing. After checking into your cabin, take some time to relax or head to the deck to admire the beautiful surroundings.
13:15: Savor a special lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies as we start our journey. As you dine, enjoy the views of the open sea. We'll then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, passing Da Chong Islet with its historic French-built lighthouse.
15:00: Prepare to be amazed by the sight of over 300 limestone islands as we cruise through Lan Ha Bay. We’ll visit Ba Trai Dao Beach, where you can choose to explore via kayak or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
17:00: Return to the cruise and unwind before the evening festivities.
17:30 – 18:30: Happy Hour kicks off at the bar with special offers on a variety of drinks.
18:00: Join a complimentary Vietnamese cooking demonstration to learn how to make delicious local appetizers.
19:15: Indulge in a Signature Dinner at our elegant restaurant.
20:45 – 00:00: The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Sip exotic cocktails under the stars, relax with a spa treatment, or try squid fishing. Alternatively, you can head to the rooftop deck to soak in Lan Ha Bay at night.
Do kayak in Lan Ha Bay
06:30: Mornings on Lan Ha Bay are simply magical. Start your day with Tai Chi on the top deck or relax with a cup of tea or coffee while admiring the sunrise.
07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and beverages.
07:30 – 09:15: Explore the Lan Ha Bay Dark and Bright Caves on traditional rowing boats, guided by local boatmen. Witness the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
09:30: Return to the cruise, pack up, and check out. After an early brunch, say your farewells to the crew at 11:30. A transfer boat will take you back to the mainland, where you'll catch the bus returning to Hanoi.
Do Tai Chi on cruise
09:00 – 09:30: Our van picks you up from your Hanoi hotel and drives you to Lan Ha Boat Harbour.
12:00: Upon arrival, board our luxury cruise ship. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink as the crew introduces themselves and provides a brief safety overview. Once checked in, take some time to explore the ship and enjoy the stunning scenery.
13:15: Dive into a delightful lunch showcasing local cuisine, including freshly caught seafood. We'll then sail towards Lan Ha Bay, passing the historic French lighthouse on Da Chong Islet.
15:00: As we journey through the Cua Van Area into Lan Ha Bay, marvel at the surrounding limestone formations. You'll have the chance to explore Ba Trai Dao Beach by kayak or take a swim in the bay's clear waters.
17:00: Return to the cruise ship and prepare to anchor for the night.
17:30 – 18:30: Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar with two-for-one drink specials.
18:00: Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class, learning to make tasty local appetizers.
19:15: Sit down for a delicious Signature Dinner at our onboard restaurant.
20:45 – 00:00: Spend your evening as you wish. Try squid fishing, enjoy a spa treatment, or relax with a cocktail at the bar.
06:30: Rise early for a Tai Chi session on the upper deck, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay at sunrise.
08:00: Indulge in a buffet breakfast with various beverages.
09:00: Transfer to our day cruiser for a trip to Viet Hai Village. Enjoy an easy bike ride (or an electric car ride for an additional fee) through beautiful rice paddies and lush rainforest. Experience village life as you explore the traditional homes of Viet Hai.
12:00: Return to the boat for a set menu lunch.
13:45: Choose to kayak or swim around Ba Ham Lake, a tranquil spot surrounded by towering cliffs.
16:00: Back on board, take some time to relax or freshen up as we cruise towards our overnight area.
17:30 – 18:30: Another Happy Hour awaits at the bar.
18:00: Join a demonstration on how to make Nem Ran, traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
19:15: Enjoy a special dinner featuring a selection of local dishes.
20:45 – 00:00: End your evening with a movie night, board games, or another visit to the bar for drinks.
Cycling to explore Viet Hai Village
06:30: Kick off the day with a Tai Chi session or a stroll around the deck in the morning sunlight.
07:00 – 09:15: After a light breakfast, head out on a local rowing boat to explore the stunning Dark and Bright Caves.
09:30: Return to the main cruise, pack up, and get ready to disembark. After a farewell brunch, you’ll board the bus around noon to make the journey back to Hanoi.
Kayaking to caves in Lan Ha Bay
With all the information above from Lan Ha Bay blog, I hope Lan Ha Bay has captured your interest for your next adventure. If you're ready to explore its beauty, contact Halong Bay Cruise Trip to book your Lan Ha Bay tours today and make the most of your holiday!
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