Lan Ha Bay is a bay of around 400 limestone islands on the east side of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, right next to Ha Long Bay. It has the same karst scenery but far fewer boats, plus 139 small beaches, calm lagoons for kayaking and fishing villages like Viet Hai and Cai Beo. It is part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage Site (2023). The best way to see it is an overnight cruise from Tuan Chau or Cat Ba, ideally from October to November or March to April. Our 5-star cruises start at US $135 per person.
Lan Ha Bay at a glance
Where is Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay lies in the Gulf of Tonkin, on the east side of Cat Ba Island, in Hai Phong. It is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago and borders Ha Long Bay, so cruises can sail from one into the other. In 2023, UNESCO extended the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site to become the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago site, the first World Heritage Site in Vietnam shared by two provinces.
The bay covers over 7,000 hectares, with around 400 islands and islets, hidden lagoons and 139 small beaches such as Van Boi and Ba Trai Dao. Much of the area falls within Cat Ba National Park and the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
Lan Ha Bay vs Ha Long Bay
| Lan Ha Bay | Ha Long Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | East of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong | Ha Long City, Quang Ninh |
| Scenery | Limestone karsts, lagoons, small beaches | Limestone karsts, large caves |
| Boats | Far fewer, calmer | Many boats, busier |
| Highlights | Dark and Bright Cave, Tra Bau, Viet Hai, Ba Trai Dao | Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island |
| Swimming and kayaking | Excellent, calm and clear | Good, but busier |
| Best for | A quieter, more relaxing cruise | A first look at the famous bay |
Our tip: choose a cruise that starts in Ha Long Bay and spends most of its time in Lan Ha Bay. You see both bays and enjoy the quieter part for kayaking and swimming.
Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay
October–November and March–April
The best months. Mild weather, less rain, clear views and good conditions for kayaking and swimming.
December–February
Cool and often misty. Atmospheric and quieter, but too cold for most people to swim.
May–September
Hot and sunny, best for swimming, but rainier. Storms can cause cruises to be rescheduled by the authorities.
Best things to do in Lan Ha Bay
Kayak through Dark and Bright Cave
Dark and Bright Cave (Hang Sang Toi) is a low cave that opens onto a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs. You pass through by kayak or bamboo boat. It is one of the highlights of most Lan Ha Bay cruises.
Swim and kayak at Tra Bau
The Tra Bau area is a calm stretch of water between the islands, ideal for swimming and kayaking away from the crowds.
Cycle around Viet Hai Village
Viet Hai is a small car-free village inside Cat Ba National Park, surrounded by mountains. Visitors arrive by boat and cycle or walk through rice fields and gardens to the village.
Relax on Ba Trai Dao and Van Boi beaches
Lan Ha Bay has 139 small beaches. Ba Trai Dao (“Three Peaches”) and Van Boi are among the best known, with clear water and white sand.
Visit Cai Beo floating village
One of the oldest fishing villages in the area, where families still live and farm fish on floating houses.
More to do
- Quan Y Cave (Hospital Cave) on Cat Ba Island
- Monkey Island and the Cat Co beaches near Cat Ba town
- Rock climbing on the limestone cliffs
- Sunset party, cooking class and squid fishing on a cruise
- Tai Chi on deck at sunrise
- Hiking in Cat Ba National Park
How to visit: cruise or day boat?
Overnight cruise (recommended)
- Sunset and sunrise on the bay
- More time for kayaking, swimming and caves
- A balcony cabin and all meals on board
- Transfers from Hanoi available
Day boat from Cat Ba
- Only a few hours on the water
- You first need to get to Cat Ba Island
- Simpler boats, no overnight on the bay
- Good if you are already staying on Cat Ba
Our Lan Ha Bay cruises
2-Day Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise
1 night in a balcony cabin. Dark and Bright Cave, Tra Bau, sunset and sunrise. $157 with hotel pick-up in Hanoi.
3-Day Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise
2 nights on board. Adds Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao Beach and Quan Y Cave. $295 with hotel pick-up in Hanoi.
3-Day Lan Ha Bay 5-Star Cruise & Ninh Binh
1 night on the cruise, then straight to Ninh Binh for Hoa Lu, cycling, Trang An or Tam Coc and Mua Cave.
All our cruises include an English-speaking guide, all meals on board, kayaking or bamboo boat, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Sample itinerary: 2 days, 1 night
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay
- MorningPick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter (optional) and transfer to Tuan Chau Port
- MiddayBoard the cruise, check in and have lunch while sailing into Lan Ha Bay
- AfternoonDark and Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat, swimming at Tra Bau
- EveningSunset on the sundeck, cooking class, dinner and squid fishing
Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi
- SunriseTai Chi on deck
- MorningBrunch while sailing back to Tuan Chau
- AfternoonDisembark and transfer back to Hanoi
How to get to Lan Ha Bay
On a cruise from Tuan Chau (easiest)
- RouteHanoi to Tuan Chau Port by car or shuttle bus, then the cruise sails through Ha Long Bay into Lan Ha Bay
- TransferHotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter can be included
Via Cat Ba Island
- RouteHanoi to Hai Phong, then across to Cat Ba Island by car ferry or cable car
- On Cat BaDay boats and cruises leave from the piers around Cat Ba town, such as Ben Beo
From Hai Phong city
- RouteTake a boat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, then join a day boat or cruise
The easiest option is a cruise with transfers from Hanoi: you go straight from your hotel to the bay, with no ferries or changes to organise.
Tips for visiting Lan Ha Bay
Book ahead
- Book early for weekends, holidays and peak months
- Have every traveller’s passport details ready, cruises need them
What to pack
- Swimsuit, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- A change of clothes for after kayaking
- A light jacket for evenings
On the bay
- Follow your guide’s safety instructions when kayaking
- Don’t leave litter
- Bring some cash for small purchases
Frequently asked questions
Is Lan Ha Bay better than Ha Long Bay?
It has the same limestone scenery with far fewer boats, so it feels calmer and is better for kayaking and swimming. Many travellers combine both: the cruise starts in Ha Long Bay and spends most of its time in Lan Ha Bay.
Where is Lan Ha Bay?
On the east side of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam, next to Ha Long Bay.
Is Lan Ha Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Since 2023 the Cat Ba Archipelago, including Lan Ha Bay, is part of the Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site.
How do I get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
The easiest way is a cruise with transfers from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Port. You can also travel via Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island and take a boat from there.
How many days do I need in Lan Ha Bay?
2 days, 1 night is the most popular. 3 days lets you add Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao Beach and Quan Y Cave.
What is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?
October to November and March to April. Summer is best for swimming but rainier.
How much does a Lan Ha Bay cruise cost?
Our 2-day 5-star cruise starts at US $135 per person, and the 3-day cruise at US $270.
Can I swim in Lan Ha Bay?
Yes. The water is calm and clear, and swimming and kayaking are part of every cruise, weather permitting.
Read more about the bays
- CompareWhich Halong Bay cruise is best?
- GuideHa Long Bay travel guide
- Private boatsHalong Bay private cruises
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