Lan Ha Bay, located in Cat Ba National Park, is part of the Halong Bay complex. With its 70,000 hectares, it is home to hundreds of small islands and pristine beaches, offering a landscape as magnificent as that of Halong Bay, but more peaceful and preserved.
Every year, many visitors come to enjoy its breathtaking landscapes. Although many opt for 2 or 3 day stays to explore the bay, a day trip is ideal for those short on time.
If you prefer a quick trip, a detailed guide for a day trip is highly recommended.
How to get to Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay, with its peaceful and unspoilt nature, is the perfect choice for those seeking tranquility. Travelers can explore its many islands, enjoy the calm waters of the bay, and experience the local culture. For a unique experience, cruising to Lan Ha Bay is becoming a popular option, allowing visitors to explore this splendid region in an intimate way.
Although the bay is relatively undeveloped, it remains easily accessible thanks to its proximity to Ha Long Bay, located about 20 km to the south. The tourist center of Ha Long Bay offers modern transportation such as ferry and speedboat.
Day cruises from Ha Long Bay or Cat Ba Island are now available, ideal for those who are staying in the region and want to discover Lan Ha in a day, while enjoying a well-organized itinerary. For those who prefer to explore the region at their own pace, it is also possible to depart from Hanoi, with a suggested itinerary as follows.
Hanoi – Hai Phong
From Hanoi, you can reach Got Pier or Binh Port in Hai Phong by car, bus or train, depending on your preferences. The bus journey, lasting 3 hours, is generally recommended thanks to its time flexibility. Bus ticket prices vary between 3.20 to 4.00 EUR. This makes it an ideal option for a budget day trip to Lan Ha Bay.
Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island
Once in Hai Phong, you can take a speed boat or ferry to Cat Ba Island. The speedboat ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs approximately €2.20, but can be a little tiring. A quieter alternative is the ferry, which takes around an hour at a more affordable cost of around €0.48.
Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay
Arriving on Cat Ba island, you can take a bus to Cat Ba town and find a hotel to spend the night. For your day trip to Lan Ha Bay, you can rent a motorboat, the price of which varies between €8 to €20
What to see on a day trip to Lan Ha Bay
With thousands of islets, large and small, and hundreds of idyllic beaches, it can be difficult to choose where to go on your Lan Ha Bay excursion. Fortunately, a well-designed itinerary will allow you to experience the highlights of this stunning region in one day.
Cai Beo Floating Village
Situated among spectacular karst islets and stretching along the coast of Ben Beo (Cat Ba Island), Cai Beo floating village was one of the most prosperous villages several centuries ago, where the inhabitants lived mainly from fishing and aquaculture. Although less known today, the village retains its tradition of maritime culture and probably remains one of the liveliest places in the region.
During your day trip to Lan Ha Bay, you will have the opportunity to discover this indigenous culture through unique boathouses, dating back several centuries, or the typical floating markets.
Unlike Halong Bay, which is increasingly developed for tourism, Cai Beo village has retained its primitive and authentic appearance, offering you a much calmer and more immersive experience in a preserved natural setting.
Cat Dua Island (Monkey Island)
Just 5 minutes of navigation from the floating village of Cai Beo, Monkey Island, or Cat Dua Island, gradually reveals its wild beauty to you. Once you arrive, you will be immersed in the true “forgotten paradise” that is Lan Ha Bay.
The island is home to two tranquil and stunning beaches, Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2, with crystal clear, refreshing water ideal for swimming and relaxing. It is also on this island that the monkeys reside, a unique opportunity to discover their natural habitat. The monkeys, known for their curiosity and affability, make this visit all the more memorable, giving you an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Dark & Bright Caves
The Dark & Bright Caves are unique limestone formations, created over centuries by natural phenomena. They offer spectacular landscapes and a diverse ecosystem, rewarded by breathtaking nature. This structure has two distinct sections: the Dark Cave and the Light Cave.
There dark cave is vast and dimly lit, while the light cave is smaller, bathed in sunlight from entrance to exit. Both caves feature fascinatingly shaped karst cliffs, making them must-see destinations for nature lovers. Like Cat Dua Island, these caves offer an experience of peace and tranquility, ideal for a kayaking session.
Van Boi Beach
To conclude your day trip to Lan Ha Bay, don’t miss Van Boi Beach, where you can immerse yourself in its cool waters. Located on a small island, similar to Rua Island in Ha Long Bay, Van Boi Beach captivates with its wild and untouched beauty. The peaceful landscape and serenity of the place offer an experience of calm and relaxation that you won’t find anywhere else.
What to do in a day in Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay is not just about its breathtaking nature; it also offers a multitude of exciting activities to discover during your day trip.
Swimming and snorkeling
During your visit to Lan Ha Bay, two unmissable activities await you: swimming and the snorkeling. With its crystal clear, cool waters and diverse marine life, the bay is the perfect place to swim and explore the beautiful coral reefs.
Although you can swim freely at all the bay’s beaches, such as Van Boi or Ba Trai Dao, snorkelling requires a little more planning. You can book a snorkeling excursion from 24 EUR on Cat Dua Island, an experience that will allow you to discover the underwater beauty of the bay.
Kayak
Some tourist sites are difficult to reach by boat or cruise, so you will have to choose between kayaking or sitting on a small boat operated by locals. In general, kayaking is more recommended. A 2-person kayak tour can be rented for around 2.30 EUR/hour anywhere in Lan Ha Bay.
Alternatively, there is also a guided day kayak tour, priced between 38 EUR and 46 EUR per person. With one of these tours, you and your friend will be able to enter the unique Dark & Bright Caves or Luon Cave, enjoy the beautiful scenery and chat privately. It is also a great activity to stay active after a long trip in Lan Ha Bay.
Rock Climbing
If you are in the mood for something more adventurous, rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay will not disappoint. With thousands of magnificent mountains and breathtaking cliffs, the bay is ideal for those looking to challenge themselves while enjoying stunning panoramic views. Generally, there are three popular climbing sites: Dau Be Island, the cliffs near Beo Port, and Ba Trai Dao Island.
All the above activities are included in a cruise itinerary, which means you don’t need to pay separately for each of them when traveling on a Lan Ha Bay day cruise. On the other hand, if you come alone, you will need to bring cash to enjoy the activity of your choice.
