Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Vietnam | Lượt xem: 1031
Emerging charmingly in the Gulf of Tonkin, Lan Ha Bay near Cat Ba Island is a perfect destination for those who are into unspoiled Vietnam travel attractions. Boasting the same geological characteristics as its renowned neighbor Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is just equally gorgeous but way more tranquil and less touristy. Whether you’re seeking thrilling coastal adventure or pure relaxation on the beach, you can find it all in this superb paradise.
Lan Ha Bay is an arc-shaped bay off the North-Eastern coast of Vietnam. It wraps around the East of Cat Ba Island and borders Halong Bay in the North. Geographically, Lan Ha Bay Vietnam belongs to Hai Phong City. It is located 30 km from the city center.
There are approximately 400 karst islands of various sizes and 139 small beaches in the territory of Lan Ha Bay. The whole bay stretches over an area of about 7,000 ha, of which 54,000 ha is under the administration of Cat Ba National Park. Notably, this spot has officially been a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club (MBBW) since May 2020.
Wondering when is the best time to include Lan Ha Bay in your Vietnam travel package? Lan Ha Bay’s climate is classified as warm and temperate with four distinguishable seasons. It can be visited at any time, but the summer (May – July) is said to be the best time for boat trips here thanks to sunny weather, calm waters, and low levels of rainfall. This is also the tourist season of the area.
For those who prefer a serene excursion, the Autumn (August – October) will be a better choice. The weather during this period is quite pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities like cruising, surfing or hiking… However, you should check the weather forecast at least five days beforehand in case of sea storms, though rarely.
Most domestic airlines in Vietnam provide direct connections to Hai Phong City’s Cat Bi International Airport, so you can simply fly there from other hubs.
From Hai Phong City, continue to catch a taxi to Dong Bai Ferry Terminal (which has been recently created to replace the old Got Ferry Terminal), then board a ferry to Cat Ba Island. Besides the ferry, a 3955-meter cable car near this terminal can also take you to the island within 15 minutes. Once you’re on Cat Ba Island, opt for a Lan Ha Bay Cruise to explore the beauty of Lan Ha Bay. There are plenty of cruise trip options in this area, with durations ranging from six hours to three days.
If you’re traveling to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi, the cheapest choice would be taking a shuttle bus to Cat Ba Island. Do you wish to gain more authentic experiences? You may try a local train in 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Hai Phong City. You can take a short exploration of the city and try the renowned local food before carrying on with a taxi to the ferry terminal for Lan Ha Bay. Local tours that provide pickup services from Hanoi are a noteworthy solution as well.
Most accommodation facilities on the islands in Lan Ha Bay have been flattened in recent times to preserve the marine ecosystem, so tourists mainly stay on Cat Ba Island now. This island is also an attraction itself and offers a wide range of choices, from low-cost motels and standard hotels to secluded eco-lodges and five-star resorts.
In particular, Viet Hai Fishing Village on the island is an amazing stopping place for nature lovers. There are no luxurious hotels in the village, only affordable homestays.
Needless to say, you can choose to spend the night on a cruise instead of on the island. Most overnight cruise tours on Lan Ha Bay provide enough meals and other utilities.
Lush green islands, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters make Lan Ha Bay an ideal place for numerous water activities, typically swimming and kayaking. Kayaks could be easily rented here for about $2 – 4. These tiny watercraft also allow you to unveil a few hidden coves and secluded lagoons that can hardly be accessed by large boats.
To maximize the experience, don’t forget to try snorkeling or scuba diving as well. The abundant and colorful marine life of Lan Ha promises a fascinating journey under the water.
Cat Ba National Park is one of the largest special-use forests in Vietnam and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since 2004. The park covers an area of 17,363 ha, of which nearly two-thirds are mountains and jungles and about one-third are inshore waters. With a diverse ecosystem of over 282 species of plants and nearly 800 species of animals, the park offers some of the most rewarding travel experiences you can find in the whole region.
Hiking and biking are probably the best ways to immerse in the wild beauty of Cat Ba National Park. The entrance fee to the park is about $3 per adult. If you prefer to go on a bike instead, you can rent one at your hotel or in the center of Cat Ba town.
Dating back over a century ago, Viet Hai Fishing Village nests deep inside Cat Ba National Park and is blessed with a picturesque setting of karsts, rice paddies, and beaches. The village is quite small and could be explored easily on a rented bike or electric scooter. Besides taking in nature, you can also observe the traditional way of life and join locals in their daily activities here.
Viet Hai Fishing Village can be accessed by either boating or hiking. Boats depart daily from Ben Beo Ferry Terminal. If you choose to hike there, you will have to cross 12 km of dense jungles in Cat Ba National Park.
Another local village not to be missed in Lan Ha Bay is Cai Beo, one of the largest old fishing villages in Vietnam with up to 7,000 years of age. First discovered by a French archaeologist in 1938, this village has been proven to be a residence of ancient natives thanks to a significant amount of valuable artifacts excavated since then. It’s a mesmerizing location to swing by if you are passionate about the cultural charm of different countries.
Cai Beo Floating Village today is home to over 500 households whose fishing and fish farming are the main sources of living. To reach it, you will have to glide over 20 km of waterway from Cat Ba Island. Boat trips to Cai Beo could be incorporated into your Lan Ha Bay tour or arranged separately.
The area around Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay features a huge number of magnificent cave systems that boast various stalagmites and stalactites of different shapes and sizes. One of them is Trung Trang, a 300m-long cave near the center of Cat Ba National Park that was formed millions of years ago. If you are a history enthusiast, you should also stop by Hospital Cave on the same island – which was used as a hideout during the famous Vietnam War and offers an interesting insight into the way Vietnamese soldiers were hospitalized while fighting against the US army.
Off the island to the bay, you will find the Dark and Bright Caves – a unique frog-jaw-shaped complex located near the shared border with Halong Bay. Its two main parts are respectively called Dark Cave and Bright Cave due to the impressive contrast between its dark and bright sections. You can only come here by kayak or small boat.
Monkey Island located 2 km from the town of Cat Ba is the second largest among around 400 islands of the Cat Ba Archipelago. Aside from the scenic views and lovely beaches, it is also famous as home to about 20 cute-looking monkeys. You are welcome to play with them while visiting the island, but pay attention to your personal belongings as these smart, friendly creatures could suddenly turn into mischievous stealers any minute.
It takes about 10 minutes to travel from Ben Beo Ferry Terminal to Monkey Island, with prices varying depending on the service you choose. The entrance fee to the island is about $3.
Honeymooners - 14 days 13 nights
Essentials Tours - 10 days 9 nights
Essentials Tours - 14 days 13 nights
