Buzz
Lauded by many travelers as stunning as Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, Lan Ha Bay lies to the south of Ha Long Bay, surrounding the Cat Ba archipelago in Hai Phong. It promises to be a captivating destination for tourists.
Embark on a Journey to the Forgotten Haven - Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam
Situated to the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay spans over 7,000 hectares, featuring the spectacular beauty of around 400 densely packed islands of various enchanting shapes. Unlike Ha Long Bay, all islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with lush greenery, even the tiniest ones.
While not widely known among tourists, Lan Ha Bay is recognized as one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. The ideal time to visit is during the fall when the soft sunlight, mild temperature, and refreshing ocean breeze create a pleasant atmosphere for travelers to enjoy the serenity and tranquility while cruising through the bay.
Optimal Time for a Lan Ha Bay Adventure
With its cool and refreshing climate, travelers can explore Lan Ha Bay at any time of the year. However, domestic tourists often choose to visit Lan Ha from April to October, while international visitors tend to explore Lan Ha from November to March.
Getting to Lan Ha Bay
From the center of Cat Ba Island, you can travel to Ben Beo, purchase tickets for the bay tour, and then rent a boat to reach your desired destination. If you prefer a leisurely tour around the bay (near the shore and not too far), you can easily rent a local's motorboat for convenience.
Attractions in Lan Ha Bay
Adjacent to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha retains its unique charm distinct from Ha Long. If you wish, you can combine a journey from Lan Ha Bay to explore the attractions in Ha Long Bay.
Luon Cave
Hang Luon is situated on Bo Hon Island, with Con Rua Island in front and Heaven's Gate on the right. The towering rock walls create a serene reflection, mirroring the clear and calm waters like a pristine mirror. The cave captivates travelers not only with its unique structure but also with the harmonious and enchanting natural scenery.
Nam Cat Island
Nam Cat Island attracts visitors with its untouched beauty, surrounded by nature on all sides, and the captivating combination of sea and forest.
From Ben Beo, a 15-minute boat ride will take you to Nam Cat Island. The pristine ambiance allows visitors to experience tranquility, with minimal human intervention to preserve its natural beauty. With three large wooden stilt houses and six bamboo-made guesthouses, staying here provides an immersive experience with nature and the coastal air. The island offers various services, including beaches, kayaking, diving, fishing, and nighttime group activities like bonfires.
Monkey Island (Cua Van Island)
To reach Monkey Island, travelers typically take a 10-minute boat ride from Ben Beo, passing through the fishing village of Cai Beo and a few small islets. Formerly known as Pineapple Island due to its abundance of wild pineapples, it is now commonly referred to as Monkey Island. The name change is attributed to the presence of over 20 monkeys released by the Cat Ba National Park authorities. These playful monkeys entertain tourists by frolicking on the beach and enjoying snacks provided by visitors, such as bananas, apples, oranges, and candies. The amusing antics of the monkeys leave a lasting impression on those who have visited, leading to the island being fondly known as Monkey Island.
Van Boi Beach
This is a preferred destination for tourists to kayak and swim, nestled in the tranquil waters of the bay, offering refreshing green water and stunning scenery.
Turtle Island
A small island within the Lan Ha Bay archipelago, resembling a turtle floating on the water's surface. The island is located near the route from Ben Beo to Viet Hai Village.
Bell Island
Bell Island, also known as Pen Island, Candle Island, and Banana Island, is a small islet on the way from Cat Ba to the fishing village of Cua Van.
By Tiểu Lam (Compiled)
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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 18, 2019
