Explore Lan Ha Bay: A hidden beach paradise off the northeastern coast of Vietnam

Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay

The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay depends on what you’re looking for. However, in general, Lan Ha Bay is a destination that is enjoyable all year round.

From May to August, the bay enjoys warm weather with calm waters, clear skies, and plenty of sunshine. This is ideal for swimming, kayaking, and exploring. While this period sees the most visitors, especially during the weekends and the national holidays, Lan Ha Bay remains less crowded compared to its neighbor Ha Long Bay.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting from September to November. The weather is cool at an average of 25°C to 28°C. The bay is tranquil, and the atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxation. Even during national holidays, Lan Ha Bay stays under the radar. The cooler months around December, which can go down to 15°C, are great for those who love hiking in the surrounding forests and breathing in the fresh, crisp air.

How to get to Lan Ha Bay

Traveling to Lan Ha Bay is getting easier due to increased infrastructure. There are two main ways to get here, depending on your starting point and preference.

The first option is to travel from Hai Phong. If you’re arriving by air, Cat Bi International Airport is the nearest airport. From Hai Phong, drive to Cat Hai Island, where you can take a ferry to Cat Ba Archipelago from either Dong Bai or Got Port. This route is ideal for those traveling by personal vehicle. You can also opt for the Cat Ba Cable Car, which is a faster and cheaper way to reach Cat Ba Archipelago. The cable car provides scenic views over the bay, making the journey way more adventurous.

The second way to get to Lan Ha Bay is to head to Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long City and board an all-inclusive cruise to Lan Ha Bay. This is a popular choice for foreign travelers who want to explore Lan Ha Bay in comfort, with guided tours, meals, and activities included. It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour from Tuan Chau Port in Ha Long to Lan Ha Bay. We’ll cover more details on cruising to Lan Ha Bay later in this post, but both options ensure a memorable start to your journey.

Travelers can get to Lan Ha Bay from Hai Phong by ferry or cable car service on Cat Hai Island. Source: Google Map

Where to stay in Lan Ha Bay

When visiting Lan Ha Bay, deciding where to stay depends on how you want to explore it. The best way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the bay is by joining an all-inclusive cruise. These cruises allow you to stay overnight on board and get the most out of the surroundings as the ship glides through the turquoise waters.

Or, you can stay onshore on nearby Cat Ba Island, the largest island on the Cat Ba Archipelago, and explore the bay at your own pace. For those seeking a luxurious experience with stunning ocean views, consider:

• Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort
• Flamingo Lan Ha Bay Resort
• Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba
• Catba Island Resort & Spa

These accommodations cost from 1-3 million VND per night.

An aerial view above Flamingo Cat Ba. Source: Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort

If you’re on a budget or prefer to save your money for activities, consider:

• Blue Lagoon Cat Ba
• Cat Ba Oasis Bungalow
• Maison Cat Ba Bay View Villa

These accommodations cost around 1 million VND per night.

Cat Ba Oasis Bungalow in cozy lights at night. Source: Booking.com

While they might be farther from the beach, they provide good value and easy access to Lan Ha Bay via the nearby Beo Port (Ben Beo). Either way, with various options to suit different budgets, Cat Ba Island makes a convenient base for exploring Lan Ha Bay.

What to eat in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is known for its exceptional seafood, thanks to its proximity to nearby fishing villages. The seafood here is incredibly fresh, with many dishes prepared using fish and shellfish caught the same day. Dining at small, local restaurants, such as those in Cai Beo Floating Village, often offers better prices compared to larger hotels and resorts. This allows you to enjoy authentic flavors without having to splurge.

Some notable seafood dishes to try in Lan Ha Bay include grilled squid, steamed crab, and steamed clams with lemongrass. You can also savor seafood hot pot, a communal dish that allows you to cook fresh ingredients right at your table.

For those preferring Western food, the all-inclusive cruises to Lan Ha Bay ensure your belly is always full while onboard. They have all you can think of, including vegan meals. In Lan Ha Bay, one thing you can be sure of is that it has something for everyone.

A scrumptious seafood meal on a cruise to Lan Ha Bay. Source: Cat Ba Express

7 Best Things to do in Lan Ha Bay

To make the most of your trip to Lan Ha Bay, check out these must-do activities. These are selected from experiences that real travelers have enjoyed and recommended.

1. Take an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise

Taking a cruise to Lan Ha Bay is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore this breathtaking destination. The cruises operating in Lan Ha Bay are new and focused on providing top-notch facilities and services. Most Lan Ha Bay cruises are iron-hulled, larger, and lavishly designed. Prices range from 145 to 195 USD for an overnight cruise excursion, depending on the services and included activities onboard.

Cruisers can enjoy great facilities, including private balconies, outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, and ocean-view restaurants. Entertainment options abound, with mini-golf, poker clubs, wine cellars, and even art galleries.

Service is also great on Lan Ha Bay cruises, with professional crew members catering to your needs throughout the journey. They provide meals, ensure comfort in the cabins, and share fascinating insights about the bay's formation and local life. Some ultra-luxury cruises even offer personalized butler services. The best part about this? You can even customize your experience by requesting special events. We’re talking about birthday parties, romantic proposals, or beach weddings.

One thing to remember is that most cruises depart from Tuan Chau Port or Ha Long International Cruise Port in Ha Long City and return to the same port. Some can drop you off at Gia Luan Port on Cat Ba Island on the way back to Ha Long City.

Taking a cruise to Lan Ha Bay is one of the best ways to explore this destination. Source: Cat Ba Express

2. Explore Hang Toi on a boat or kayak

Hang Toi, or Bright Cave, is located just a few minutes south of Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) in Ha Long Bay. You can explore this small, tunnel-like cave by either kayaking or taking a small boat rowed by a local boatman. Each boat accommodates up to 8 people for a relaxing way to enjoy the serene surroundings.

Though the cave is small, floating through its narrow passage beneath a towering limestone island can give you a thrill. The turquoise water everywhere around is stunning, just as vibrant as it appears in photos. A must-see for nature lovers.

A boat gliding in Hang Toi underneath a giant limestone island. Source: MIA.vn

3. Check out at Ba Trai Dao or Hon Rua

Another must-do activity in Lan Ha Bay is visiting the limestone islets of Ba Trai Dao or Hon Rua, each with a unique shape and an interesting story. Both are accessible by boat from Beo Port, with a rental costing around 30 and 50 USD for up to 10 people.

Ba Trai Dao, or “Three Peaches,” is named after its three limestone karsts that resemble peaches. It’s about an hour’s boat ride from Beo Port, but the journey is absolutely worth it. The area is known for its clear waters, fine sand, and peaceful atmosphere. Closer to the port is Hon Rua, a limestone rock that resembles a giant turtle from afar. Approaching it by boat offers a thrilling perspective of this unique formation. Since it’s not as far, you’ll have more time to explore the surrounding area.

Both spots are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or simply unwinding. These destinations provide a more private and serene experience. This makes them ideal for those who want to enjoy Lan Ha Bay at a leisurely pace, away from the crowds.

Hon Rua is a limestone rock that resembles a giant turtle from afar. Source: Cat Ba Express

4. Explore Monkey Island (Dao Cat Dua)

Spending a day on Monkey Island, also known as Dao Cat Dua, is another fantastic thing to do in Lan Ha Bay. Located 2 kilometers from Cat Ba Island, this small island is easily accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Beo Port. You’ll pass through Cai Beo Floating Village and beautiful limestone islets along the way.

Monkey Island is famous for its wild natural beauty and long beach. You’ll find clear blue waters and soft, white sand. The island’s name, “Cat Dua,” comes from the many wild pineapple trees that grow here, providing shade and adding to the island's charm. Though these pineapples aren’t edible, they give the island its distinct character.

The island is also home to many monkeys. These furry friends have become a highlight of the island, especially for families with children. If you’re into physical activity, bring your shoes with you. Go for a hike into the lush jungle and feel the thrill of wildlife.

Monkey Island is home to many monkeys that have become a highlight of the island. Source: Cat Ba Express

5. Swim and unwind at Van Boi Beach

Van Boi Beach is a small, serene beach nestled on a limestone island, easily reachable from Cat Ba Island. It’s about a 30-minute boat ride from Beo Port, making it a perfect escape for a day of relaxation. With its calm, clear waters, Van Boi Beach is an ideal spot for swimming, kayaking, and unwinding. The peaceful vibe and beautiful surroundings make it a favorite among those seeking a quieter beach experience.

For those looking to extend their stay, the Van Boi Ecolux Resort nearby offers cozy bungalows with modern furnishings. The resort’s location in the middle of the bay provides a unique and stunning backdrop. Imagine waking up to a breathtaking view of the ocean right from your window. One thing to keep in mind is that the dining options here can be limited and there aren’t any alternative places to eat nearby.

Van Boi Ecolux Resort offers cozy bungalows with modern furnishings. Source: Cat Ba Express

6. Visit Cai Beo Floating Village

Cai Beo Floating Village is one of the oldest fishing communities in the region, located just off the shore of Beo Port in Lan Ha Bay. Stretching about 1 kilometer to the east and north of the port, it’s home to over 500 households who earn their livelihood through fishing and fish farming. Like the Cua Van and Vung Vieng Floating Villages in Ha Long Bay, Cai Beo offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the water.

Here, you can explore several local homestays and restaurants where the seafood is incredibly fresh. For those looking to stay overnight and experience the floating lifestyle, the Lan Ha Floating Homestay and Eco Floating Farmstay Cai Beo are great options. They offer great stays on the water, surrounded by waves and nature, with options for kayaking, paddling, and enjoying delicious local cuisine.

Cai Beo Floating Village is one of the oldest fishing communities in the region. Source: Cat Ba Express

7. Admire nature in Viet Hai Village

Viet Hai Village is nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. It’s a scenic fishing village of 70 households spread over 150 hectares. Surrounded by dense forest and limestone mountains, Viet Hai Village offers an escape into natural beauty. To reach Viet Hai, you can trek through Cat Ba National Park or take a boat from Beo Port. Boat rides vary from affordable group trips to faster private boats that cost up to 750,000 VND per trip.

Once in Viet Hai, you can explore at a relaxed pace. Rent a bicycle for 50,000 VND per day or hire an electric cart for a smooth ride into the village. As you cycle, you’ll see flower-framed gates and soak in the fresh air. Viet Hai is known for its fish massage service, where you can dip your feet and let fish gently nibble away dead skin. You can also enjoy local cuisine while surrounded by lush greenery.

Viet Hai is a scenic fishing village where you can cycle around and enjoy fresh air. Source: Khu Du Tru Sinh Quyen Cat Ba

Useful travel tips in Lan Ha Bay

Before starting your trip to Lan Ha Bay, here are some essential travel tips. These will help you avoid any unexpected surprises for a seamless experience.

Recommended duration of stay

Lan Ha Bay is a vast area, and fully exploring it takes time. For a short but fulfilling trip, an overnight cruise is ideal as it offers a glimpse of the bay’s highlights. However, if you have a more flexible schedule, consider staying longer.

Spend at least two nights at resorts or hotels on Cat Ba Island or in floating homestays within the bay. A longer stay allows for a deeper exploration of hidden, lesser-known spots. With more time, you can also enjoy activities like kayaking, cave exploration, and relaxing at secluded beaches. This makes your trip more memorable.

Local events and holidays

If you visit Lan Ha Bay on or around March 31, consider checking out the Fisherman’s Festival (Le Hoi Lang Ca). This event marks the beginning of the fishing season and has long become an annual celebration. Activities include the Praying for Fish (Cau Ngu) ceremony, where fishermen pray for good weather and bountiful catches.

The highlight of the event is the Dragon Boat race, where teams compete in a thrilling contest to showcase skill and community spirit. You can also enjoy windsurfing, basketboat races, and cultural performances throughout the day.

Money exchange and payment

Given Lan Ha Bay’s remote location, it’s crucial to carry enough cash to cover expenses throughout your trip. While ATMs are available on Cat Ba Island, there are no cash machines once you venture into the bay. Most local businesses prefer cash transactions. Some may accept credit cards and bank transfers.

Ensuring you have internet access for digital payments can also be helpful. To avoid any inconvenience, plan ahead by exchanging money or withdrawing enough cash while on Cat Ba Island. This allows for a worry-free experience as you explore the bay.

What’s next?

After finishing your trip to Lan Ha Bay, there are plenty of great options to continue your adventure. If you’re still craving more of Vietnam’s stunning waters, consider heading to nearby Ha Long Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. Here, you’ll find equally breathtaking, if not way better, limestone karsts and tranquil waters. Or, head out to Co To Island, where beaches are crystal-clear and have a more laid-back vibe.

If you’re ready to head back to shore, spend a day or two hiking through Cat Ba National Park. For an urban experience, travel to Quang Ninh Province, just an hour or two away. Explore Ha Long City, bustling with shops and restaurants, or visit the quieter Cam Pha City. You can also venture further to Mong Cai City, which is near the border with China, for a unique mix of cultures and experiences.

The Oxalis Experience.