What is Lan Ha Bay & Why it’s gaining attention?
Tucked just south of the iconic Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming one of Vietnam’s most sought-after travel destinations—and for good reason.
Located off the coast of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong Province, Lan Ha Bay shares the same dramatic seascape of towering limestone karsts and emerald-green waters as Ha Long Bay, but offers a quieter, more untouched atmosphere.
So, what makes Lan Ha Bay special?
Unlike Ha Long Bay, which is bustling with hundreds of tour boats daily, Lan Ha Bay remains peaceful and uncrowded, giving travelers a chance to connect more intimately with nature.
- Over 300 limestone islets—many still untouched
- Hidden lagoons perfect for kayaking and swimming
- Authentic floating fishing villages still operating today
- Secluded beaches like Three Peaches (Ba Trai Dao)
- A slower, more serene pace—ideal for those seeking tranquility
It’s the perfect escape for:
- Couples looking for romantic overnight cruises
- Photographers chasing natural beauty
- Travelers who’ve “been there, done that” with Ha Long Bay
- Eco-tourism lovers and kayaking enthusiasts
📌 While Ha Long Bay often steals the spotlight, many seasoned travelers now say:
“Lan Ha Bay is like Ha Long 20 years ago – peaceful, raw, and unforgettable.”
📌 Curious about how Lan Ha Bay compares to Ha Long Bay?
We’ve got you covered in the next section:
👉 Lan Ha Bay vs Ha long Bay – What’s the Difference?
Or go deeper with our full guide: Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which One to Choose?
👉 Ha Long Bay in Vietnam: What Makes It a Must-Visit Destination?
Where is Lan Ha Bay located? (Map & How to get there)
Where is Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, to the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong Province, Northern Vietnam. Although it shares the same karst-studded seascape as Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha belongs to a different administrative zone and is often accessed through Cat Ba Island rather than Ha Long City.
📌 Unlike Ha Long Bay cruises that typically depart from Tuan Chau Harbor (Ha Long City), most Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from Got Pier or Beo Pier (Cat Ba Island).
Visual Map: Hanoi → Hai Phong City (2.5 hrs highway) → Got Pier → Speedboat to Cat Ba → Lan Ha Bay (15–25 min transfer)
How to get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi
There are three main routes to reach Lan Ha Bay, depending on your preferred method of travel:
Option 1: Hanoi → Hai Phong → Got Pier → Lan Ha Bay (Most Common)
- Duration: ~2.5–3.5 hours
How:
- Limousine bus or private car to Got Pier (Hai Phong)
- Board cruise directly from Got Pier, or take ferry/speedboat to Cat Ba Island, then join a tour
✅ Best for: Tourists joining overnight or day cruises that include transport from Hanoi
✅ Bookable via: Best travel agency in Hanoi, Cruise companies, 12Go Asia
👉 Explore more:
Option 2: Hanoi → Cat Ba Island → Lan Ha Bay
- Duration: ~4–4.5 hours
How:
- Bus or car to Hai Phong → speedboat or ferry to Cat Ba Island
- Stay overnight in Cat Ba Town
- Join a Lan Ha Bay day cruise from Beo Pier
✅ Best for: Independent travelers, backpackers, or those who want to explore Cat Ba Island
👉 Have a look at: Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Transfer from Hanoi
Option 3: By Air (for international travelers)
Fly into Cat Bi International Airport (Hai Phong) from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang → transfer 30–45 mins to Got Pier.
✅ Best for: Travelers coming from other regions of Vietnam.
📌 Related read:
💡 Travel Tip: Many Lan Ha Bay cruise operators offer combo transfers from Hanoi → Got Pier → cruise → return, so you won’t need to plan separately.
Lan Ha Bay vs Ha Long Bay – What’s the Difference?
At first glance, Lan Ha Bay and Ha long Bay look nearly identical—both showcase dramatic limestone islands rising from emerald waters.
However, travelers who’ve been to both will tell you:
“They have many similarities, but offer very different experiences.”
Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which bay is right for your trip.
Location & Access
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📌 Lan Ha Bay is part of the same archipelago, but further south, and accessed through Cat Ba Island.
Scenery & Landscape
- Ha Long Bay: Grand, wide views, tall karsts, dramatic skyline
- Lan Ha Bay: Tighter clusters of islets, hidden lagoons, floating villages, secluded beaches
💬 Lan Ha Bay feels more “immersive” while Ha Long is more “majestic.”
Cruise Options
| Feature | Ha Long Bay | Lan Ha Bay |
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📌 Lan Ha Bay cruises often include kayaking in Ao Ech Lagoon, visits to Three Peaches Beach, and quiet time away from the crowd.
Crowds & Atmosphere
- Ha Long Bay: Can be crowded, especially at major sights (Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island)
- Lan Ha Bay: Calmer, more serene, fewer tour boats
✅ If you value peace, space, and intimacy, Lan Ha Bay wins.
👉 Check All: Lan Ha Bay Cruise Options 2025: Best Day & Overnight Cruises Compared
Pricing & Value
- Ha Long Bay has more budget-friendly cruises due to volume
- Lan Ha Bay cruises may cost slightly more but offer more privacy and better design
Quick Decision Guide
| You should choose… | If you want… |
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Lan Ha Bay Cruise Guide – Types, departure ports & What to expect
Cruising is the best way to experience Lan Ha Bay—whether you’re after a day of kayaking and sightseeing or a luxurious overnight escape on the water.
Compared to Ha Long Bay, the cruise scene in Lan Ha Bay is newer, more boutique-oriented, and offers a more peaceful itinerary with fewer boats around.
Cruise types available
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What’s included in a typical cruise?
Most Lan Ha Bay cruises—especially mid-range and luxury—include:
- Kayaking in lagoons (e.g. Ao Ech or Dark & Bright Cave)
- Swimming at remote beaches (like Ba Trai Dao – Three Peaches)
- All meals on board (Vietnamese & Western cuisine)
- Bamboo boat or sampan ride
- Morning Tai Chi / Sunset cocktail
- Private en-suite cabins with bay view windows or balconies
- Round-trip transfer from Hanoi (optional / included)
👉 See more: Lan Ha Bay Cruise Activities – What to Expect
Departure ports for cruises
Most Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from one of the following:
- 2.5 hours by highway from Hanoi
- Modern port, used for direct cruise departures
- Common for luxury cruises (e.g. Stellar of the Seas, Mon Cheri)
✅ Ideal for: Travelers booking cruise packages with transfer from Hanoi
Beo Pier (Cat Ba Island)
- Used mostly for day tours and budget cruises
- Accessible by ferry or speedboat from Hai Phong or Ha Long
- Offers flexibility for travelers already staying on Cat Ba
✅ Ideal for: Independent travelers, backpackers, DIY planners
What makes Lan Ha Bay cruises unique?
- Fewer boats → more private coves and quiet time
- Kayaking is a core activity, not just an add-on
- Often includes interaction with local fishing villages
- Eco-friendly & boutique cruises are common
- Routes often avoid crowded tourist hubs
📌 Want a list of our recommended cruises? Browse:
How much does it cost to cruise?
Lan Ha Bay cruises offer great value for money — especially when you consider the intimate experience, smaller crowds, and high service standards.
General price range:
| Cruise Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
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💡 Pro tip: Many cruises include Hanoi transfer, all meals, kayaking, and onboard activities — making them excellent value.
👉 Read more: Lan Ha Bay Day vs Overnight Cruise – Which One Is Right for You?
What to do in Lan Ha Bay (Top Activities You’ll Love)
One of the top reasons travelers choose Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long Bay is the active, nature-focused itinerary.
Top Activities:
- Kayaking through hidden lagoons (e.g., Ao Ech, Dark & Bright Cave)
- Swimming at quiet beaches (Three Peaches – Ba Trai Dao)
- Bamboo boat ride with local guides
- Visit floating fishing villages
- Cooking class or sunset drink onboard
- Cycling in Viet Hai Village (for cruises with Cat Ba land tour)
- Tai Chi at sunrise on sundeck
📌 You get fewer crowds and more immersive nature-based experiences here compared to Ha Long Bay.
👉 Read more: Best things to do in Lan Ha bay
Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay by Season
Lan Ha Bay is open year-round, but the experience changes significantly with the seasons.
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📌 Related guide:
- Best time to visit Lan Ha Bay: Seasonal Guide for 2025
- Lan Ha Bay Weather by Month
- Best time to visit Ha Long Bay
Sample Lan Ha Bay Itinerary (1 Day – 2 Days – Combo Cat Ba)
Whether you have a day or a few nights, here’s what a typical itinerary looks like.
1-Day Cruise (From Cat Ba or Hanoi):
- Morning: Transfer to Got Pier → board cruise
- Midday: Kayaking, lunch onboard
- Afternoon: Swimming at Ba Trai Dao beach, return transfer
✅ Great for short trips or combined with a Cat Ba stay.
📌 Looking for a day cruise ideas? Explore:
1-Night Cruise:
- Day 1: Depart Got Pier → lunch → kayaking → dinner on board
- Day 2: Morning Tai Chi → bamboo boat ride → brunch → return
✅ Ideal for couples or first-time visitors.
2-Night Cruise (with Cat Ba combo):
- Day 1: Cruise → kayaking & swimming
- Day 2: Morning boat → Viet Hai cycling & local lunch on Cat Ba Island
- Day 3: Leisure breakfast → check out
📌 Combine it with: Ha Long Bay Itinerary
Where to stay: Cruise vs Cat Ba island accommodation
Stay on a Cruise:
- All-in-one package
- Best views from your cabin
- Perfect for couples & special occasions
- Fixed schedule
Stay on Cat Ba Island:
- More flexibility & lower cost
- Explore on your own
- Great for backpackers & nature lovers
- Need to book cruise/day tour separately
📌 Tip: Many travelers book 1 night on cruise + 1 night on Cat Ba Island for the best of both worlds.
FAQs + Travel Tips
Is Lan Ha Bay part of Ha Long Bay?
- No — but it’s geologically similar and connected. It’s technically in Hai Phong province, while Ha Long is in Quang Ninh province.
Is Lan Ha Bay better than Ha Long Bay?
- For less touristy, more active and nature-rich experiences, many say yes. But Ha Long is better for first-time visitors seeking iconic views.
How do I get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
- You can take a limousine or private transfer to Got Pier (Hai Phong), then board your cruise. Most operators offer round-trip packages.
Can I swim in Lan Ha Bay year-round?
- You can swim from April to October. Water is too cold in winter months.
What should I pack for a cruise?
- Swimsuit, quick-dry clothes
- Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent
- Camera or GoPro
- Motion sickness meds (optional)
📌 Read more: What to pack for Ha Long Bay
Book Your Lan Ha Bay Cruise or Ask Us Anything
Ready to explore Vietnam’s quieter, more intimate bay?
📞 Contact our local team for cruise quotes, custom itineraries, or travel support:
WhatsApp: +84 974 805 797 | +84 915 815 535
Email: info@hanoiexploretravel.com
👉 Related guides you might find helpful:
