Luminous Days at Lan Ha Bay

Spending nights on naval ships, exploring the fishing village of Viet Hai by bicycle... Skipping Cat Ba due to overwhelming crowds, few would expect an exciting journey awaits in Lan Ha Bay.

Touring Lan Ha Bay in Its Full Glory

Armed with experience from trekking through Cat Ba National Park to Viet Hai fishing village, we quickly planned our route from Hanoi to Hai Phong via high-quality buses, readily available at the Northern Bus Station (Gia Lam).

Then, purchasing high-speed Cat Ba ferry tickets from Binh pier to Beo pier to charter a boat to Lan Ha Bay, spending nights on naval ships, exploring Viet Hai fishing village by bike, and concluding the vibrant weekend with unforgettable games and memories.

Overnight Stay at Lan Ha Bay

From the dock at Beo, our motorboat glided amidst the wonders of sky, river, and mountains, seeking a secluded beach where we could indulge in a refreshing swim before returning to the boat.

By chance, we encountered a group of friends engaged in a campaign to clean up the sea, paddling kayaks nearby. Everyone was cheerful and eager, taking turns paddling around in the kayak to experience the joy of it.

The sensation of solitude amidst Lan Ha Bay, while elsewhere on Cat Co Island, crowds gathered on the sandy beach, upscale accommodations were scarce, and finding a satisfactory restaurant was challenging, leaving an indescribable feeling.

It evoked both jubilation and introspection, breathing in the vast expanse of sky, mountains, hills, and sea, where only the sound of lapping waves and the laughter of friends filled the air.

Leaving the unnamed island, we continued on the boat towards the pier, where young navy soldiers awaited. The pier, spacious with pathways of interlocking wooden planks amidst green algae-covered posts, housed fish cages and various seafood farms such as oysters and abalones.

A few small houses scattered within the vast floating space, serving as accommodations for guests and soldiers, with kitchens, freshwater bathing areas, and a balcony outside our room large enough for gatherings, adorned with vibrant paper flowers, evoking a distant longing.

Many of my friends used to sit here, on these paths, in front of the small house, playing like children. Like birds flying, fish swimming immersed in the deep blue ocean, swimming to a sandy shore under the distant cliffs, bathing in fresh water right on the boat deck.

And then indulging in a seafood feast, freshly cooked and prepared by young soldiers...

Night. The alternating darkness and light of the sea and sky make the scene even more surreal. A glass of wine, a sip of tea, whispered stories mingling with the sound of splashing fish, the guitar echoing slightly melancholic tunes from the corner of the soldier's house.

The night is so long that it's really hard to close my eyes and sleep peacefully.

Exploring the Viet Hai fishing village

The sunrise wakes us up whenever it wants. Even a late sleep doesn't make us wake up late. Breakfast with a self-brewed cup of coffee and a bowl of self-steeped noodles, accompanied by some leftover seafood from the night's feast.

Arranging for a boat ride to transport the entire group to the charming fishing village of Viet Hai, the most conventional approach to this destination. Having previously journeyed through Cat Ba National Park and spent nights here, our excursion is jokingly referred to as a 'trip back home'.

Many foreign tourists thoroughly enjoy exploring the Viet Hai fishing village, which can be considered the most unique and enticing offering of Cat Ba tourism. Upon arrival at the dock, numerous bicycles are readily available for rent, allowing visitors to pedal through the rugged mountain-sea trails and traverse the forested pathways.

I believe many travelers experience the same sense of awe as I do while traversing the trail from the dock to the Viet Hai fishing village. The vivid blue bays lie serenely beneath the towering limestone cliffs stretching towards the horizon.

The immaculate pathway winds its way under the cool shade of forest trees, past lush green fields, and alongside quaint homes dotted along the roadside.

Viet Hai fishing village is sparsely populated, still wild and offers few tourist services, yet the locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable. They eagerly invite guests to rest on the sidewalks, enjoy a refreshing drink from the well, patiently explain about the hibiscus bushes, ensuring it's not the same as the artichoke plant from Dalat!

Our bike ride excursion becomes even more enjoyable and enticing than ever before due to the simple, everyday discoveries, despite the hot summer weather.

Take a leisurely stroll around the village, arrange lunch if desired, ask locals to find out which households cater for tourists, if you have more time, venture deeper into the forest to explore Frog Pond, discover the rich flora and fauna ecosystem of Cat Ba National Park, of course, if time allows.

For a weekend getaway, many might only manage to cycle through the fishing village of Viet Hai, mingle and chat with the genuinely simple and hospitable locals of this land, then leisurely return to the pier to board the ferry back to the hustle and bustle of city life.

But my friend, you will find your last two days of the week incredibly worthwhile if you decide to spend the night on Lan Ha Bay and dedicate half a day to wandering around Viet Hai.

As per Tuoi Tre

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Reference: Travel Guide on Mytour