Lan Ha Bay

With over 300 islands of varying sizes emerging from its turquoise waters, Lan Ha Bay offers a picturesque scene reminiscent of a paradise. Unlike Ha Long Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, all the islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with lush greenery or vegetation, even the smaller ones that resemble miniature mountains. Additionally, Lan Ha Bay boasts 139 pristine, golden sandy beaches, which are small and secluded, inviting visitors to explore these “hidden coves.” LanHa Bay, located near Cat Ba Island, is renowned as one of the top 10 most beautiful bays in the world, as recognized by various prestigious travel websites and appreciated by numerous visitors.

Lan Ha Bay Ben Beo Port

Name: Lan Ha Bay
Area: 7,000 hectares
Location: Hai Phong city
Administrative area: Cat Hai Island District

Where is Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is situated to the east of Cat Ba Island and south of HaLong Bay. Covering more than 7,000 hectares, the bay is nestled between two of the world’s largest natural reserves.

Scenic Beauty: Lan Ha Bay remains largely untouched, unspoiled by concrete developments. Its pristine landscape, often ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful bays, makes it a must-visit destination.

Services: Recent years have seen significant investments in Lan Ha Bay, particularly from Hai Phong city, which has upgraded and modernized the ports, making them cleaner and more visitor-friendly. Several tour companies have also invested in infrastructure, with notable names including Serenity Cruises, Heritage Binh Chuan, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, Jade Sails, Catamaran Cruises, and Ambassador Cruises. These efforts are positioning Lan Ha Bay as a high-end 5-star destination, on par with its famous “twin sister,” Ha Long Bay.

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Service Pricing: Entry tickets for day visitors to Lan Ha Bay are priced at 80,000 VND, while overnight stays cost 300,000 VND. Tour prices range from 600,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND per person for day cruises, and from 2,200,000 VND to 7,000,000 VND per night for overnight cruises.

Challenges: One of the main challenges in visiting Lan Ha Bay is the journey itself. There are two main access points: Gia Luan Port (Cảng Gia Luận) and Ben Beo Port. To reach Ben Beo Port (Bến Bèo) on Cat Ba Island, visitors can travel from Cat Hai Island in Hai Phong city or from Tuan Chau Peninsula in Ha Long city. Various transportation options are available, including ferries, cable cars, and speedboats.

Lan Ha Bay Swim In Ba Trai Dao

Travel Tips

Lan Ha Bay is recognized as one of the most stunning bays in both Vietnam and the world. Its charm lies in the unique, natural beauty that remains largely undisturbed.

Best Time to Visit: Lan Ha Bay’s mild, fresh climate makes it suitable for year-round travel. Domestic visitors typically visit from April to October, while international tourists often come between November and March. The autumn months, in particular, offer the best experience, with gentle sunlight, cool breezes, and an overall tranquil atmosphere.

Activities:

Beach Swimming: Lan Ha Bay is home to many pristine beaches, including Monkey Island, Van Boi Beach, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Prince Beach. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the bay itself with floating devices or inflatable pools offered by Serenity Cruises.
Kayaking: One of the most memorable activities in Lan Ha Bay, kayaking allows visitors to explore its calm waters and hidden caves.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): SUP is a more challenging activity but offers an exhilarating experience on the bay’s tranquil waters.
Cliff Jumping: This extreme activity is popular among thrill-seekers visiting Lan Ha Bay, though it’s only recommended for those in good physical condition.
Sunset Watching: Sunsets in Lan Ha Bay are magical, offering a stunning view as the sun dips behind the rocky formations. Lan Ha Xanh Travel offers a sunset tour that allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the bay.
Water Slides: Some luxury cruises, like Serenity Explorer, are equipped with water slides, adding an extra layer of fun to your stay.
Banana Boats & Jet Skis: For adrenaline lovers, banana boat rides and jet skiing are available, with prices starting at 150,000 VND for banana boats and 350,000 VND for jet skis.

Lan Ha Bay SUP activities

Must-See Attractions in Lan Ha Bay:

Luon Cave: A serene spot surrounded by towering cliffs and calm waters, perfect for kayaking.

Lan Ha Bay Luon Cave

Ba Ham Lake: A tranquil, secluded area only accessible by small boats or kayaks.

Lan Ha Bay Ba Ham

Bright and Dark Caves: These caves are popular among kayakers who want to explore the bay’s hidden natural wonders.

Lan Ha Bay Kayaking 1

Nam Cat Island (Temporarily Closed): Known for its seclusion, Nam Cat offers rustic wooden lodges and a peaceful environment.

Lan Ha Bay Nam Cat Island

Monkey Island: Famous for its population of monkeys and scenic white-sand beaches.

Lan Ha Bay Monkey Island

Ba Trai Dao Beach: A popular spot for swimming and kayaking, with calm waters and fine white sand.

Lan Ha Bay Ba Trai Dao Beach

Van Boi Beach: A serene beach ideal for kayaking and swimming, located in a quiet, sheltered part of the bay.

Lan Ha Bay Team Game

Turtle Island: A small island shaped like a turtle, located near the Beo Port to Viet Hai Village route.

Lan Ha Bay Turtle Rua Islet

Bell Island (Hon Chuong or Hon But): Known for its bell-like shape, this island is one of many limestone formations in the bay.

Ha Long Diamond Cruise Lan Ha Bay Pen Islet

Lan Ha Bay differs from Ha Long Bay, golden sandy beaches, secluded and serene, perfect for those seeking a peaceful place to swim or relax. Beneath the crystal-clear water, visitors can snorkel and explore coral reefs at spots like Van Boi Beach or Sen Island. One of the most popular stops is Monkey Island, home to Cat Dua Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches on Cat Ba Island. Monkey Island not only captivates visitors with its stunning beach but also with its playful monkeys, making it an ideal spot for families with children. Guests can stay at Monkey Island Resort or choose to embark on an overnight cruise around the bay on luxury vessels such as Era, Mon Cheri, Orchid, and Perla Dawn Sails.

Lan Ha Bay Sundeck Serenity Day Cruise

Lan Ha Bay promises a serene, natural beauty that is ideal for relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re looking to kayak through hidden caves, swim in clear waters, or simply admire the stunning landscapes, this bay offers a unique and unforgettable experience.