Lan Ha Bay

Overview of Lan Ha Bay

For tourists visiting Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is definitely the number one destination with the majestic beauty of the azure sea winding around striking limestone islands. But few people know that Ha Long also has an equally gorgeous sister – Lan Ha Bay.

The same seascape of limestone islands with strange shapes, rising in clusters between the sky and the sea, but as the clear blue water slowly meanders, it gives Lan Ha Bay a simpler, more gentle and poetic beauty. The secluded beaches with fine white sand of Lan Ha Bay are where you can completely relax, let the sea breeze wash away all tiredness, and just have a memorable vacation.

Where is Lan Ha Bay?

Located in the east of Cat Ba Island and the south of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a water paradise of up to 7,000 square meters, including many large and small archipelagos. In 2020, Lan Ha Bay was honored in the top most beautiful bays in the world.

Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay has not been exploited much for tourism, so it still retains a wild and pristine beauty, with more than 100 incredible sand beaches. The islands here are surrounded by rich greenery, like little gems nestled next to each other in the blue sea.

Lan Ha Bay is an excellent choice for tourists who want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful trip.

The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay:

Lan Ha Bay has the typical weather of northern Vietnam, with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The ideal time to visit the bay is in late spring and early summer, from April to June. During this time, the weather is sunny and clear, with little rain, and the temperature is pleasant, suitable for tourists to take a boat to visit the bay and participate in outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, diving, etc.

From September, the weather starts to turn cold, and the peak tourist season gradually passes. At this time, Lan Ha Bay puts on an elegant and peaceful coat, wonderful to visit if you do not like crowds and the bustling atmosphere.

Being a coastal area, Lan Ha Bay sometimes encounters strong storms, especially in July and August, making it difficult to travel around. Therefore, visitors to Lan Ha Bay should carefully check the weather forecast before booking a cruise.

How to get to Lan Ha Bay?

Because Lan Ha Bay belongs to the Cat Ba archipelago, Hai Phong City, visitors can visit Lan Ha by boat from here. Currently, the Hanoi – Hai Phong highway has been completed, so you can rent a taxi or bus from the capital straight to Hai Phong.

If you travel from other regions or abroad, you can book a direct flight to Co Bi airport in Hai Phong City. From here, it will take you about 1.5 hours to get to Cat Ba Island, and another 30 minutes to get to Lan Ha Bay.

Another popular way to visit Lan Ha Bay is to rent a Halong Bay day or overnight cruise with the Cat Ba route.

The advantage of a cruise is that the schedules are designed by specialists, allowing you to visit the most beautiful spots of the bay as well as participate in exciting water games. At the same time, the cruise fee usually includes the cost of transportation from Hanoi – Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay and onboard meals, so you can enjoy exploring the bay without worrying about anything!

Lan Ha Bay Day Cruises

If you want to visit Lan Ha Bay but don’t have much time, a day cruise is a superb choice!

On a day cruise, you can admire the exquisite natural scenery of Lan Ha Bay and immerse yourself in the cool sea breeze. You can visit famous places on Cat Ba Island such as Cat Ba National Park or Trung Trang Cave, as well as kayaking, taking a bamboo boat to visit idyllic fishing villages, or swimming at stunning beaches.

On board Lan Ha Bay cruises, you are served delectable Vietnamese dishes made from fresh seafood caught right in the bay. Although only a day long, the cruise to Lan Ha Bay will leave you with many wonderful memories!

Some highly rated Lan Ha Bay day cruises that you should check out include the Serenity Explorer Day Cruise, Cat Ba Catamaran Cruise, Jade Sails Cruise, and Ha Long Catamaran Cruise.

See more: The Best Day Cruises 2025.

Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruises

For travelers with more time to spare, consider booking an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay.

Imagine spending two or three days on a luxury cruise, where you sleep in a hotel-grade room, enjoy fresh food cooked on board by an experienced chef, and relax on the deck amidst the tranquil Lan Ha Bay scenery with its blue sea and limestone islands. What could be better?

With overnight cruises, you will have more time to explore the bay and participate in outdoor activities, without being rushed like on a day cruise. Therefore, visitors will have a more comfortable and relaxing vacation experience.

In addition, with 3-day-2-night itineraries and more, many cruises combine itineraries to visit both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, giving you a uniquely well-rounded experience in these beautiful water paradises!

The best overnight cruises to visit Lan Ha Bay include the Aqua of the Seas Cruise, Mon Chéri Cruise, Stellar of the Seas Cruise, Peony Cruise, Elite of the Seas Cruise, and Ambassador Signature Cruise.

See more: Top-rated Overnight Cruises.