Each year, millions of tourists are drawn to Vietnam from the far corners of the world, their minds firmly fixed on seeing the legendary beauty of Halong Bay, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, sitting in the Gulf of Tonkin.
What you may not know is that the Gulf of Tonkin is home to three bays, Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. Geologically, they are all similar, with the famed dramatic landscape of karst formations and limestone cliffs.
Savvy visitors looking for a tranquil and off-the-beaten path cruise may actually prefer to visit Lan Ha Bay, in fact.
Sister to superstar Halong, the quieter and more isolated Lan Ha Bay offers plenty in her own right, particularly in the form of white sandy beaches. Both bays are best explored via overnight cruises.
If you are deciding between the two, or looking to explore Lan Ha Bay, we are here to help!
Read on to find out why, arguably, Lan Ha Bay might be the best bay in the area to visit while doing a Halong Bay cruise.
Overview of Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam
Located south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is by far the smallest of the three primary bays in the area. It comprises around 400 limestone islets spread over 76 km2, and is just as pleasing to the eye as Halong Bay.
Lan Ha Bay features the same jaw-dropping landscape of towering karst outcrops that tourists typically associate with Ha Long and if it weren’t for the conspicuous absence of crowds in Lan Ha Bay, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the two bays.
Because of its distance from Halong City and the main tourist wharf, the popularity of Lan Ha Bay never really took off as it did for Halong Bay in the 1990s, and Lan Ha has remained in the shadow of its celebrity neighbour ever since.
This is good news for you – Lan Ha Bay remains an untouched gem, with isolated areas, pristine waters, and caves to discover. Of course, it is most famed for its clean white beaches, a rarity in Halong.
With no less than 139 white sandy beaches in the bay, it doesn’t take much effort to find your perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling and, for the more adventurous – cliff jumping!
Home to Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the area. Rugged, craggy, it showcases all the dramatic features of Halong. Many cruises start from Cat Ba, making it a great destination to start your trip. Enjoy the seafood market, the lovely beaches, and the national park.
Overall, if you are looking for a more secluded and laid-back version of the area, Lan Ha Bay is ideal. It’s also a romantic alternative to Halong Bay for couples cruises, as the seclusion of the bay provides a more intimate atmosphere.
Is Lan Ha Bay in Halong Bay?
A deceptively difficult question, the answer really depends on how you choose to look at it. Yes and no at the same time!
In geological terms, Lan Ha Bay is part of the same sinking plateau as both Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay. As you sail around the area, you will be hard-pressed to notice any significant change in the scenery around you as you move from Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay. That said, the 3 bays do have clearly delineated borders, and Lan Ha Bay actually sits in a different province.
For the sake of simplicity but also adding to the confusion, most travel guides and websites put some of the attractions of both Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long under one Halong Bay umbrella.
Should I visit Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay?
Make no mistake about it – both bays are absolute stunners, guaranteed to impress even the most seasoned travellers. In both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay you will be able to feast your eyes on some of the best views Mother Nature has to offer. She certainly took her time to create them; the landscape you’ll see there took over 500 million years to form.
The difference between Halong Bay and Long Ha Bay has more to do with your preferred style of travelling. If you are arriving on a tight schedule or a tight budget and need the most convenient, affordable cruise deal out there, then you are likely going to visit Halong Bay. You will have by far the greatest choice of deals and activities at your disposal. Of course, you will also get to enjoy the spectacular headline attractions of Halong Bay such as Ti Top Island or Sung Sot Cave.
Whereas, if you prefer a more off-the-beaten-road style of travel, or are looking for something quieter and focussed on nature, then Lan Ha Bay is probably much more in tune with your needs.
The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay
The ideal time to visit Lan Ha Bay is between April and July, and from October to January.
In the summer, visitors love swimming in the beautiful waters of Lan Ha Bay, making it perfect for leisure activities like snorkeling and swimming.
From October to January, temperatures are cooler, ranging from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius, making it an excellent time for sightseeing.
Although there’s more rain and mist during this period, it adds a magical, misty charm to the bay without taking away from its beauty. Many people enjoy watching the fog in the winter.
Overall, Lan Ha Bay’s weather is pleasant year-round, so you can visit anytime.
Top 8 Lan Ha Bay activities and attractions
The clear blue waters and pristine beaches offer outstanding diving and snorkeling opportunities to those who visit Lan Ha Bay. There are hundreds of species of fish, mollusks, and arthropods, as well as some of Asia’s rarest types of coral that have become even more vibrant in recent years due to renewed conservation efforts in the area. If you are lucky, you might even catch sight of a couple of seals or dolphins while cruising on tourist boats!
There is much more to the bay than its marine life. You will find that there are numerous fun activities to do, read on for our top 8 in and around Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam:
1. Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: A Must-Do Adventure
halong bay cruise with children
Sea Kayaking, Halong Bay
If you’re heading to Cat Ba Island, don’t miss out on kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. It’s a unique way to explore hidden caves, islands, and stunning seascapes that bigger boats can’t reach. You’ll paddle up close to rocky cliffs and vibrant waters, making it a perfect adventure for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Best Time for Kayaking
The ideal time is from April to June when the weather is warm and the waters are calm. From September to April, it’s quieter and more affordable, though winter brings cooler temperatures. Avoid July and August due to unpredictable storms.
Top Kayaking Spots
Ba Trai Dao Islet – A picturesque spot with clear waters.
Dark & Light Cave – Explore hidden caves and enjoy serene views.
Tra Bau Area – Perfect for peaceful kayaking and stargazing.
Ao Ech Area – Kayak through crystal-clear water surrounded by cliffs.
Ba Ham Area – Secluded and only accessible by kayak during low tide.Safety Tips
Safety Tips
Follow your guide’s instructions.
Dress comfortably and use waterproof bags.
Check the weather and never kayak alone.
Avoid alcohol before or during the trip for a safe experience.
2. Swimming Around White Sandy Beaches
lan ha bay
Ti Top Island, view from above, top view, scenic flight, seaplane, floatplane
Swimming at any one of the best Lan Ha Bay beaches is the perfect way to take advantage of the warm, tropical surroundings. There are 139 gorgeous beaches to choose from! The three best beaches are Ban Chan Beach, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Tiptop Beach.
Insider tip: Do not know which one to choose? Check out our guide to beaches in the Ha Long Bay area for more information.
3. Explore Cat Ba Island
lan ha bay
Cat Ba island from above. Lan Ha bay. Hai phong, Vietnam
It is well worth your time to spend a day or two on Cat Ba Island.
Visit the Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, to see lush forests hiding civet cats, deer, hornbills, and more.
If you make your way to the southeast coast of Cat Ba Island, you’ll find a fully-equipped rock climbing centre where you can enjoy a full or half-day of climbing; The island is also wonderful to explore on a bicycle.
End your day with Bia hoi at the draught beer stalls that line the harbor.
4. Visit a Floating Fishing Village
House and fishing boat in Cay Beo floating village on sunset, Ha Long
House and fishing boat in Cay Beo floating village on sunset, Ha Long
Rich in history, Halong Bay was a busy seaport in the 12th century, and thus home to many floating fishing villages.
Make a stop at the nearby Cai Beo floating village to gain some knowledge about Lan Ha Bay’s deep-rooted culture and traditions. Fishing the waters of the deep sea bay and navigating around its limestone mountains have long been a way of life for the locals.
5. Chase Sunsets
Sunset Cocktail
Enjoy peaceful sunsets from your private deck or balcony
Wind down your peaceful day with a view of the sun setting over the undulating limestone crops of the bay.
Head over to Ba Trai Dao or the Three Peaches Islets for the best sunset in the area. The islets are three small limestone formations that look like peaches when seen from afar, with a unique crescent-shaped beach.
6. Snorkel About
Lan Ha Bay
Snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay has about 400 islets and limestone karst formations. Lose yourself in the amazing underwater world with a snorkeling experience.
Enjoy the myriad of marine life and be awed by the coral reefs. With waters more pristine and less polluted than Halong Bay, snorkeling here is an exotic treat.
Turtle Island, Monkey Island, and Nam Cat Island are three of the best spots, where calm waters and sea life await you!
7. Explore Caves
trung trang cave
The Entrance to the Trung Trang cave, Cat Ba Vietnam
Lan Ha Bay is not only famous for its karst mountains but also for its caves. The caves here are out of this world! They have amazing rock formations, jaw-dropping stalagmites, and stalactites. Three of the best Lan Ha Bay caves are Dark & Bright Cave and Trung Trang Cave.
8. Island Hopping
Young woman traveler with life jacket enjoying sunset ride on kayak island-hopping
Discover the magic of Lan Ha Bay up close with kayak excursions on a Halong Hub cruise
Soft, sandy beaches, jagged limestone cliffs, and hiking opportunities abound on the countless islands of the bay.
With almost 300 islets around the bay, 1 day is never enough! If you do not know which islands are the best, book Halong Bay cruises for an easy and more comfortable trip.
Lan Ha Bay’s diversity is what makes it so special. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you’re bound to find something you love: kayaking, swimming, diving, trekking, rock climbing, cycling, beach volleyball, football – and so much more!
Read on for more activities to do in the Halong – Lan Ha Bay area!
