Exploring Lan Ha Bay - Insider Tips for a Dreamy Solo Getaway

Lan Ha Bay has been ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful bays in the world by reputable travel websites. Visiting Lan Ha Bay, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in majestic and romantic natural scenery. With its tranquil and vibrant atmosphere, Lan Ha Bay promises to provide a vacation as dreamy as it gets. Comprising over a hundred islands and emerald waters, Lan Ha Bay offers abundant opportunities for exploration and experiencing the wonders of nature on the most beautiful island cluster in the Northern Gulf of Vietnam.

Where is Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is located east of Cat Ba Island and south of Ha Long Bay. Spanning an area of up to 7000m2 and situated between the two largest nature reserves in Vietnam, Lan Ha Bay boasts over 400 different-sized islands and 139 pristine golden sandy beaches stretching along the 'green sea strait'. This is the ideal destination for avid travelers who crave tranquility and romance.

Lan Ha Bay is an enchanting and exciting resort destination (Image Source: Collected)

When is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?

Not only can visitors admire fascinating landscapes, but they also have the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities and experience the rustic life of fishermen. So, which season is the most beautiful for traveling to Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba?

Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful bay area in Cat Ba Archipelago, Hai Phong City. Being located in the Northern region, Lan Ha Bay experiences all four distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In each different season, this 'Pearl Island Paradise' showcases varying beauties.

Peak season for visiting Lan Ha Bay usually falls in the summer, from April to June. During this time, the weather in Lan Ha Bay becomes clear, warm, with gentle sunshine, and calm seas, perfect for outdoor activities.

The best time for a trip to Lan Ha Bay is often during scorching summer days (Image Source: Collected)

From September onwards, the weather in Lan Ha Bay starts to cool down and occasional light rains appear. Although not the peak tourist season, Lan Ha Bay towards the end of the year exudes a serene and tranquil beauty. For resort enthusiasts, this is the perfect time. Travelers can engage in various sea activities such as kayaking, sightseeing, surfing, etc.

Means of transportation for traveling to Lan Ha Bay

To reach Halong Bay, travelers will have two destinations on their itinerary for Lan Ha Bay tourism: Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island. To provide travelers with the most comprehensive perspective, Mytour suggests the fastest ways to get to Lan Ha Bay.

Transportation to Hai Phong

• By airplane: If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or other provinces in the South, travelers can book flights to Cat Bi Airport - Hai Phong. Some airlines with routes to Hai Phong include Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo.

• By train: There are 4 train journeys to Hai Phong from Hanoi each day, taking between 2 to 3 hours. You can choose train transportation to have the opportunity to admire the natural scenery on the way to Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island.

Train travel is one of the trendiest means of transportation today (Image Source: Collected)

• By coach: If your starting point is Hanoi or provinces in the North, coach is the suitable choice. Coaches run continuously with intervals of 15 - 20 minutes per trip. You can catch a coach at Nuoc Ngam or Gia Lam bus station to travel to Hai Phong.

Transportation to Cat Ba Island

• From the city center of Hai Phong, travelers can take a cable car to Cat Ba Island at two price levels: 200,000 VND per trip for adults, and 150,000 VND per trip for children.

• Traveling by boat to the Bay: After arriving at Cat Ba Island, travelers can buy tickets directly at Binh pier. The ticket price to Lan Ha Bay will range from 30,000 VND per trip.

Unique Check-in Spots and Attractions in Lan Ha Bay

When exploring Lan Ha Bay, travelers will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks such as: Nam Cat Island, Monkey Island, Three Peach Beach,... which have caused a buzz on social media.

Dark and Light Cave

Dark and Light Cave, also known as Day - Night Cave, is a cave located between Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. The highlight that attracts tourists here is the cave submerged under the sea, creating a mysterious and majestic scenery.

To explore Dark and Light Cave, travelers must paddle a bamboo boat or kayak. When entering deep into the cave, travelers will witness firsthand the glowing stalactites on the ceiling and walls of the cave. Exiting Dark and Light Cave, travelers will be overwhelmed by the majestic mountain range.

The picturesque scenery of Dark and Light Cave seems to lead us into a realm of unreal paradise. Dark and Light Cave is an unmissable destination in every traveler's itinerary for Lan Ha Bay tourism.

Nam Cat Island

Nam Cat Island is about a 15-minute boat ride from Lan Ha Bay. Nam Cat Island boasts pristine and majestic beauty with vast expanses of sky and sea surrounding it. Standing on the boat, travelers can admire the scenery of Cai Beo fishing village while immersing themselves in the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere here. On the pristine island, there are only 3 large stilt houses and 6 bamboo hut accommodations. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in the magnificent nature and fresh atmosphere of the sea and islands.

Experiencing the simple life on Nam Cat Island is a trending resort tourism activity favored by young travelers (Image Source: Collected)

Moreover, the island also provides a full range of services from beaches, rowing boats to snorkeling, fishing,... In the evening, travelers can participate in activities such as bonfires, group activities, watching music performances,... Nam Cat Island is an indispensable itinerary when visiting Lan Ha Bay.

Cua Van Fishing Village

If you want to experience the simple life of the local people here, be sure to add Cua Van Fishing Village to your Lan Ha Bay travel guide! The fishing village has only over 300 households living here. They mainly make a living by fishing, so the life of the people here is very peaceful and independent.

Visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of the culture, lifestyle, and customs of the coastal people. Additionally, Cua Van Fishing Village is honored to be listed among the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world.

Luon Cave

Luon Cave is located in the center of Bo Hon Island, with Turtle Island in front and Heaven's Gate on the right. When considering the most beautiful scenic spots to visit when exploring Lan Ha Bay, Luon Cave is a strong contender. With just a wide angle of the camera, travelers will capture photos worthy of thousands of likes.

Luon Cave resembles a fairyland scene as the sunset descends (Image Source: Collected)

Luon Cave is also known as the masterpiece of Mother Nature. Therefore, once you arrive at Luon Cave, don't miss the opportunity to kayak through the beautiful cave passages.

Monkey Island

Formerly known as Coconut Island, Monkey Island's name was changed to Monkey Island due to the presence of over 20 monkeys inhabiting the island. The monkeys often come down to the beach to play with tourists and are beloved for feeding. Most of the monkeys here are friendly and hospitable. Monkey Island also has 2 separate beaches: Coconut Beach 1 and Coconut Beach 2. Travelers can participate in activities such as swimming, kayaking, strolling,...

Ba Trai Dao Beach

For adventure enthusiasts, Ba Trai Dao Beach in Lan Ha Bay is a must-visit destination. This beach not only boasts crystal-clear water but also offers tranquility and serenity. Especially, as dusk falls, Ba Trai Dao Beach is bathed in vibrant golden hues yet with a touch of melancholy. Blending with the gentle waves is the cool breeze that helps to dispel the worries of urban life.

The clear blue water and smooth golden sand create a majestic scenery for Ba Trai Dao Beach (Image Source: Collected)

Ba Ham Lake

Despite enduring the ups and downs of time, Ba Ham Lake still retains its pristine, mysterious beauty. Sheltered by the majestic limestone mountains, Ba Ham Lake remains largely untouched by human hands.

To visit Ba Ham Lake, travelers will experience the sensation of 'rowing through treacherous waters.' While paddling into Ba Ham Lake, they will witness the majestic scenery all around.

Ba Ham Lake is divided into 3 lakes, each with a relatively large area of up to 1000m2. Inside the caves within the lake are limestone cliffs. Amidst the vast space, you'll hear the sound of water flowing over rocks and the distant chirping of birds. All of this creates a mysterious, eerie yet romantic and enchanting landscape. Although Ba Ham Lake may not be a famous spot in Lan Ha Bay travel, it's still worth a visit.

What to do when traveling to Lan Ha Bay?

In addition to swimming, admiring the natural wonders, travelers can also participate in outdoor activities. Here's one of the must-try underwater activities when traveling to Lan Ha Bay.

Snorkeling

Lan Ha Bay boasts hundreds of different-sized beaches, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Travelers can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear water and snorkel among the coral reefs and fascinating marine creatures.

• Price range: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/person

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the highlights when visiting Lan Ha Bay. On a small kayak, travelers can admire the rich natural scenery. Moreover, paddling around the islands like this will provide unforgettable experiences.

• Boat rental price: 100,000 VND - 300,000 VND/person.

Kayaking is an essential experience when traveling to Lan Ha Bay (Image source: Collection)

Rock Climbing

Although few choose mountain climbing for their Lan Ha Bay itinerary, it's still an exciting experience for adventurous souls. At the highest peak of the mountain, you'll enjoy the majestic forested landscape of Lan Ha Bay. Travelers can choose mountain climbing spots like Ba Trai Dao Island, Beo Mountain cliffs, etc.

Some Important Notes for Lan Ha Bay Travelers

To fully enjoy your Lan Ha Bay trip, keep in mind the following important tips:

• Before flying to Hai Phong City, Cat Ba Island, make sure to prepare all necessary personal documents for easy check-in procedures.

• If you're prone to motion sickness due to frequent island hopping, prepare motion sickness medication in advance.

• Evenings here can be chilly, so pack warm clothes, thick jackets to avoid catching a cold.

• For a luxury yacht experience, book your room 3-7 days in advance to avoid room shortages.

Above is the complete detailed information about Lan Ha Bay tourism shared by Mytour. We hope that through this article, you will discover new travel destinations full of experiences. If you need to book cheap Halong Bay tours or Hai Phong tourism, please contact Mytour hotline for free itinerary advice. Our team will gladly answer all your inquiries.