Explore Lan Ha Bay: Your Ultimate Guide to Vietnam’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Lan Ha Bay, located in the Cat Ba Archipelago of Hai Phong City, is a breathtaking expanse of turquoise waters, limestone karsts, and over 400 islets, nestled just south of Ha Long Bay. Part of the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, it spans 7,000 hectares and boasts 139 pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and serene lagoons. Unlike Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter, less touristy experience, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and eco-tourism. Home to floating villages like Cai Beo and attractions like Viet Hai, the bay blends natural splendor with cultural richness. Legend Travel Group, a leading local tour operator, offers eco-friendly tours to explore Lan Ha Bay’s wonders, supporting conservation efforts for the endangered Cat Ba Langur.

Contact Information:

• Address: Cai Beo Wharf, Cat Ba Town, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City, Vietnam

• Tel: (+84) 225 368 8981 (via Cat Ba National Park)

• Email: vuonqgcatba@haiphong.gov.vn

• Website: catbanationalpark.vn

Lan Ha Bay, often mistaken for part of Ha Long Bay due to its similar limestone karst scenery, is a distinct destination within the Cat Ba Archipelago. Located 30 km east of Hai Phong City, 25 km southeast of Ha Long Bay, and 150 km from Hanoi, it features emerald waters, jungle-topped islets, and small, secluded beaches tucked between cliffs. Notable islets include Hòn Guốc (Wooden Shoe Islet) and Hòn Dơi (Bat Grotto), named for their imaginative shapes. The bay’s calm waters and rich marine life, including coral reefs and fish farms, make it a haven for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Floating villages like Cai Beo, with over 300 families, offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s unique coastal culture, dating back over 6,000 years.

Lan Ha Bay is a playground for adventure and relaxation, offering diverse activities:

• Kayaking: Paddle through hidden lagoons and limestone tunnels at Cai Beo, Van Boi, or Ba Trai Dao ($5-$10/hour). The bay’s calm waters are perfect for beginners and experts.

• Swimming: Enjoy crystal-clear waters at beaches like Ba Trai Dao, Monkey Island, or Van Boi Con Island. Most beaches are free, with sun loungers at $2-$5/day.

• Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Cruise among 400+ islets, stopping at floating villages and secluded beaches. Our day cruises start at $99, including lunch and activities.

• Rock Climbing: Join guided climbs at Butterfly Valley or deep-water soloing in Lan Ha Bay ($50-$80/day, equipment included). Book via Cat Ba Climbing Center.

• Visit Viet Hai Village: From Lan Ha Bay, take a boat to Viet Hai Harbor, then bike or trek 6 km through Cat Ba National Park to this tranquil fishing village ($10-$15 for bike rental or guided tour).

• Explore Floating Villages: Tour Cai Beo, Vietnam’s largest floating village, to see homes, schools, and fish farms on the water ($10-$15 boat tour).

• Beach Activities: Stay at private beaches with bungalows for volleyball, football, or bonfires. Resorts like Monkey Island offer packages ($40-$80/night).

• Snorkeling: Discover coral reefs and marine life ($5-$10 for gear rental, guided tours $20-$30).

Visit Lan Ha Bay from April to October for warm, sunny weather (25°C-32°C), ideal for swimming, kayaking, and cruising. April and May offer clear skies and fewer crowds, while June to August is peak season, so book early. January to March brings cooler temperatures (15°C-20°C) and local festivals like the Elephant Festival, adding cultural charm. Avoid November to December due to occasional rain and fog, which may affect visibility and tour schedules. Check weather updates, as tropical storms can occur from June to September.

Lan Ha Bay offers unique accommodations, from beachfront bungalows to floating homestays:

• Monkey Island Resort (Monkey Island): Beachfront bungalows with sea views, $40-$70/night. Includes kayak rentals and a restaurant. Ideal for swimming and rock climbing.

• Eco Floating Farmstay Cai Beo (Lan Ha Bay): Floating homestays with authentic local experiences, $45-$70/night. Offers kayaking and fresh seafood dining.

• Lan Homestay (Viet Hai Village): Rustic wooden cabins in a jungle setting, $35-$50/night. Perfect for trekkers and nature lovers.

• Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort (Cat Co Beach, near Lan Ha Bay): 4-star luxury with private beach access, $90-$150/night. Includes pools, spa, and tour booking.

• Cat Ba Eco-Lodge (Xuan Dam Village): Sustainable bungalows with organic dining, $40-$60/night. Supports the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
  Book through Legend Travel Group for exclusive discounts and tour-accommodation packages.

Lan Ha Bay is accessible via Cat Ba Island:

• From Hanoi (150 km, 3-4 hours): Take a tourist bus to Hai Phong (2 hours, $10-$15), then a ferry from Binh Wharf to Cai Vieng Pier ($10-$15, 45 minutes) or the Cat Ba Cable Car from Cat Hai to Phu Long ($6.50-$10, 10 minutes). From Cai Vieng, a 3 km taxi ride ($3-$5) reaches Cai Beo Wharf, Lan Ha Bay’s main departure point. Combined bus-ferry tickets cost $20-$25.

• From Hai Phong (30 km, 1 hour): Board a speedboat or ferry from Binh Wharf to Cai Vieng ($10-$15, 45 minutes). Private speedboats for 1-4 people cost $35.

• From Ha Long Bay (25 km, 1-1.5 hours): Take a ferry from Tuan Chau Island to Gia Luan Port (30 minutes, $10-$15), then a taxi to Cai Beo Wharf ($10-$15, 30 minutes).

• Within Cat Ba: From Cat Ba Town, Cai Beo Wharf is 3 km away, reachable by motorbike ($5-$10/day), taxi ($3-$5), or bicycle ($3-$5/day).

• Legend Travel Group’s Tours: All packages include round-trip transfers from Hanoi, Hai Phong, or Cat Ba Town, starting at $99.

Our sustainable tours showcase Lan Ha Bay’s beauty while supporting conservation. All prices are in USD, including transportation, English-speaking guides, entrance fees, and eco-friendly activities.

• 2-Day Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba National Park Adventure
  Price: $159 per person (group of 4+); $209 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Cruise Lan Ha Bay, kayak at Ba Trai Dao, visit Cai Beo Floating Village, and trek Ngu Lam Peak. Includes a Viet Hai Village homestay and a donation to the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Transfer to Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay cruise, kayaking. Day 2 - National Park trek, Viet Hai visit.

• 3-Day Coastal and Wildlife Discovery Tour
  Price: $259 per person (group of 4+); $309 per person (private tour)
  Highlights: Explore Monkey Island, kayak in Lan Ha Bay, visit Trung Trang Cave, and tour the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong. Includes local seafood meals.
  Itinerary: Day 1 - Arrival, Lan Ha Bay cruise, Cai Beo visit. Day 2 - Kayaking, Monkey Island. Day 3 - National Park trek, Cuc Phuong visit.

• 1-Day Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Cruise
  Price: $99 per person (full-day)
  Highlights: Cruise through Lan Ha Bay’s islets, swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach, kayak, and visit a fish farms for an educational experience about the floating communities. Includes lunch and snorkeling gear.
  Itinerary: Morning cruise, kayaking, and swimming; afternoon fish farm visit and return.

Booking Information: Secure your tour with a $99 deposit via our website (www.legend.travel). Flexible cancellations up to 7 days before departure. Single travelers pay 65-75% of double-occupancy rates for private tours. Contact us for custom itineraries or group discounts.

• Book Early: Reserve tours and accommodations 2-3 months in advance, especially for April-October, to secure the best rates.

• Eco-Conscious Travel: Avoid littering and respect marine life. Do not touch corals or feed wildlife, such as monkeys on Monkey Island.

• Safety: Avoid swimming after 6 p.m. due to high tides. Follow guide instructions during kayaking or climbing.

• Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof bag for water activities. Insect repellent is essential for Viet Hai treks.

• Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at Vien Vuong Restaurant or Cai Beo Floating Market ($5-$15/meal). Try local specialties like Cat Hai fish sauce or grilled squid.

• Crowd Avoidance: Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds, especially during Vietnamese holidays (April 30, May 1, September 2).

• Language: Carry a note with “Cai Beo Wharf” or “Lan Ha Bay” in Vietnamese to assist with navigation.

Legend Travel Group, a local tour operator committed to sustainable tourism, partners with the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project to protect Lan Ha Bay’s ecosystems. With over a decade of expertise, we offer personalized itineraries, expert guides, and seamless logistics, ensuring an unforgettable Lan Ha Bay Travel adventure. Our Lan Ha Bay Tours blend exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion, making your Lan Ha Bay experience truly unique. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours at www.legend.travel and book your eco-journey today!
Book Now: Explore Lan Ha Bay’s pristine beauty with Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours. Secure your adventure with a $99 deposit at www.legend.travel and experience Vietnam’s coastal paradise sustainably!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.