Lan Ha Bay Travel Guide – Your Key to a Dreamy Self-Guided Vacation

Lan Ha Bay has been voted as one of the top 10 most beautiful bays in the world by reputable travel websites. Visiting Lan Ha Bay, travelers will immerse themselves in magnificent and romantic natural scenery. With peaceful and vibrant surroundings, Lan Ha Bay promises to offer a vacation like a dream. Lan Ha Bay is a cluster with over a hundred islands and emerald waters. Therefore, travelers can freely check-in and explore the pristine nature in the 'Most Beautiful Bay of North Vietnam'.

Where is Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is located east of Cat Ba Island and south of Ha Long Bay. Being situated between the two largest conservation areas in Vietnam, Lan Ha Bay boasts an area of up to 7000m2. The archipelago consists of over 400 different-sized islands and 139 pristine golden sandy beaches running along the 'blue sea strait.' This is an ideal stop for adventurous travelers who love tranquility and romance.

Lan Ha Bay is a fascinating and exotic tourist destination for relaxation (Image Source: Collection)

When is the Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay?

Not only can you admire the fascinating scenery, but you also have the opportunity to participate in fun activities and experience the rustic life of the fishing villages. So, which season is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay in Cat Ba?

Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful bay area located in the Cat Ba archipelago, Hai Phong city. Being in the northern region, Lan Ha Bay experiences all four distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In each season, this 'Pearl Island Paradise' will showcase its unique beauty.

During the peak season of Lan Ha Bay tourism, it 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 the blazing summer days (Image Source: Collection)

From September onwards, the weather in Lan Ha Bay begins to cool down and there are occasional light rains. Although this is not the peak tourist season, Lan Ha Bay towards the end of the year exudes a peaceful and tranquil beauty. For those who enjoy resort travel, this is the perfect time. Travelers can participate in activities such as kayaking, sightseeing, and surfing on the sea.

Means of Transportation for Traveling to Lan Ha Bay

To travel to Halong Bay, tourists have two destinations in their Lan Ha Bay itinerary: Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island. To provide the most comprehensive perspective, Mytour suggests the fastest ways to travel to Lan Ha Bay.

Means of Transportation to Hai Phong

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

• By train: There are 4 train trips to Hai Phong from Hanoi every day, with a travel time of 2 to 3 hours. You can choose the train to have the opportunity to admire the natural scenery on the way to Cat Ba Island in Lan Ha Bay.

Train is one of the trendiest means of transportation nowadays (Source: Collection)

• Bus: If your starting point is Hanoi or any province in the North, the bus is the suitable choice. Buses run continuously every 15 - 20 minutes apart. You can catch a bus at Nuoc Ngam Station or Gia Lam Station to travel to Hai Phong.

Means of Transportation to Cat Ba Island

• From the center of Hai Phong city, tourists can travel to Cat Ba Island by cable car with two ticket options: 200,000 VND/way for adults, and 150,000 VND/way for children.

• Traveling by boat to the Bay: After arriving at Cat Ba Island, tourists can buy tickets directly at Ben Binh pier. The ticket price to Lan Ha Bay ranges from 30,000 VND/way.

Unique Check-in Spots and Attractions in Lan Ha Bay

When traveling to Lan Ha Bay, tourists will have the opportunity to visit famous landmarks such as Nam Cat Island, Monkey Island, Ba Ham Lake, etc., which have been trending on social media.

Dark and Bright Cave

Dark and Bright Cave, also known as Light Cave - Dark Cave, is a cave located between Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. The special point that attracts tourists here is the cave submerged under the sea, creating a mysterious and majestic scenery.

To explore Dark and Bright Cave, tourists have to paddle through the cave by bamboo boat or kayak. As the boat ventures deep into the cave, tourists will witness the sparkling stalactites on the ceiling and walls of the cave. Exiting the Dark and Bright Cave, tourists will be amazed by the majestic mountain range.

The enchanting landscape of Dark and Bright Cave seems to lead us into a 'surreal paradise'. Dark and Bright Cave is a must-visit destination in every traveler's itinerary to Lan Ha Bay.

Nam Cat Island

Nam Cat Island is located about a 15-minute boat ride from Lan Ha Bay. The island boasts a pristine and majestic beauty with its vast seascape surrounding it. Standing on the boat, tourists can admire the fishing village of Cai Beo while immersing themselves in the peaceful atmosphere here. With only 3 large stilt houses and 6 bamboo huts on the pristine island, visitors can indulge in the grandeur of nature and the fresh air of the sea.

Experiencing the simple life on Nam Cat Island is a trending leisure travel choice favored by the younger generation (Source: Collection)

Additionally, the island offers a full range of services from beaches, kayaking, to snorkeling, fishing, etc. At night, tourists can participate in activities such as bonfires, group activities, watch music performances, etc. Nam Cat Island is an indispensable itinerary when traveling to Lan Ha Bay.

Cua Van Fishing Village

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

Visiting Cua Van Fishing Village, tourists will gain a deeper understanding of the culture, lifestyle, and customs of the coastal people. Moreover, Cua Van Fishing Village is also honored in the list of the 16 most beautiful ancient villages in the world.

Luon Cave

Luon Cave is located in the center of Bo Hon Island, with Hon Rua in front and the Sky Gate on the right. If there's a vote for the most beautiful scenic spot when traveling to Lan Ha Bay, Luon Cave is a strong candidate. Just capture a wide angle with your camera, tourists will get those 'thousand likes' check-in photos.

Luon Cave resembles a fairyland scene as dusk falls (Source: Collection)

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

Monkey Island

Formerly known as Coconut Island, Monkey Island got its name 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 loved by everyone for feeding them. Most of the monkeys here are quite friendly and welcoming to visitors. Monkey Island also has 2 separate beaches: Coconut Beach 1 and Coconut Beach 2. Tourists can participate in activities such as swimming, kayaking, strolling, etc.

Ba Trai Dao Beach

For travel enthusiasts, Ba Trai Dao Beach in Lan Ha Bay is a must-visit destination. This beach not only boasts crystal clear water but also tranquility and serenity. Especially at dusk, the entire Ba Trai Dao Beach is bathed in a vibrant golden hue with a touch of melancholy. The gentle breeze blending with the soft waves helps you dispel worries from the urban hustle and bustle.

The serene blue water and fine golden sand create a majestic scene for Ba Trai Dao Beach (Image Source: Collection)

Ba Ham Lake

Despite experiencing various ups and downs over time, Ba Ham Lake has not lost its pristine beauty and mystery. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains, Ba Ham Lake remains largely untouched by human hands.

To visit Ba Ham Lake, tourists will experience the feeling of 'rowing through rough seas.' While rowing to Ba Ham Lake, tourists will witness the majestic scenery surrounding them.

Ba Ham Lake is divided into 3 lakes, each with a relatively large area of up to 1000m2. The caves inside the lake are surrounded by limestone cliffs. Amidst the vast space, you will hear the sound of water flowing gently over rocks and the distant chirping of birds. All of these create a mysterious, eerie yet romantic and picturesque landscape. Although Ba Ham Lake is not a famous destination when traveling to Lan Ha Bay, it is still worth a visit.

What to Do When Traveling to Lan Ha Bay?

In addition to swimming and admiring the natural wonders, tourists can also participate in outdoor activities. Here is 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 an ideal location for outdoor activities. Tourists can immerse themselves in the crystal-clear waters and snorkel among the coral reefs and exotic marine life.

• Price Range: 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND per person

Kayaking

Kayaking is one of the standout activities when visiting Lan Ha Bay. On a small kayak, tourists can marvel at the rich natural scenery. Moreover, paddling around the islands like this will provide delightful experiences.

• Boat Rental Price: 100,000 VND - 300,000 VND per person.

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

Rock Climbing

Although few choose mountain climbing for their Lan Ha Bay itinerary, it remains an exciting experience for adventurous hearts. At the highest peak of the mountain, you can admire the majestic mountainous landscape of Lan Ha Bay. Tourists can choose mountain climbing spots like Ba Trai Dao Island, the cliffs near Ben Beo,...

Important Notes for Lan Ha Bay Travelers

To have a complete joyous Lan Ha Bay trip, travelers need to pay attention to the following important points:

• Before flying to Hai Phong City, Cat Ba Island, tourists should prepare all necessary personal documents in advance to facilitate the check-in process. This will make it easier for you to check in.

• In case of seasickness due to excessive island hopping, you should prepare seasickness medication in advance.

• The weather at night here is very cold, so tourists should prepare warm clothes, thick jackets to avoid catching a cold.

• If you want to experience the 'luxurious life on a cruise,' you should book a room in advance from 3 - 7 days to avoid fully booked rooms.

Above is all the detailed information about Lan Ha Bay tourism that Mytour shares. We hope that through this article, you will have more new and experiential travel destinations. If you need to book cheap Halong Bay tours and Hai Phong travel, please contact Mytour's hotline Mytour for free itinerary advice. Our team of staff will answer all your inquiries.