Overview Lan Ha Bay
Located in the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island. Lan Ha Bay has an area of more than 7,000 hectares with the spectacular beauty of about 400 large and dense islands, with many interesting shapes. Unlike Ha Long Bay, all the islands in Lan Ha Bay are covered with green trees, even though they are tiny islands.
Lan Ha Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam, especially in autumn. This time, Lan Ha Bay is the most attractive with pale sunlight, not hot, gentle with the ocean's cool breeze, making visitors feel comfortable while riding a boat and admiring the bay.
Top Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay
Located adjacent to Ha Long Bay, but Lan Ha still has its own unique beauty completely different from Ha Long. You can also combine travelling from Lan Ha Bay to visit tourist destinations by the Ha Long Bay.
1. Luon Cave
Luon cave is located on Bo Hon island, in front of the cave is Con Rua island, and on the right is Heaven Gate. Here the cliff stands up, four seasons the water is clear and blue as a mirror. The cave always attracts visitors not only because of its unique shape but also because of its beautiful and harmonious natural scenery.
2. Nam Cat Island
Nam Cat Island attracts tourists by its wild features, four natural surfaces, and exotic forest cover. You will reach Nam Cat Island from Ben Beo about 15 minutes by boat. Because of its pristine beauty, you always enjoy peaceful feelings. Besides, human intervention on this island is minimized to preserve natural value.
Nam Cat Island
With 3 large wooden houses on stilts and 6 guesthouses made from bamboo resting, you will be immersed in the nature and atmosphere of the sea.
In addition, on the island, there is a full range of services for tourists, from beaches, kayaking, scuba diving, fishing … campfire, and group activities at night.
3. Monkey Island (Cat Pineapple Island)
To reach Monkey Island, you will take a boat from Ben Beo. It takes about 10 minutes to go through the Cai Beo fishing village and some small islands.
In the past, Monkey Island was called Cat Dua Island because many wild pineapple trees with fruit looked delicious but could not be eaten. Currently, the name of the island is often called Monkey Island.
More than 20 monkeys have been released by the forest rangers of Cat Ba National Park here on the island.
They often go to the beach to play with tourists and eat food given by tourists, such as bananas, apples, tangerines, and candies … funny monkeys play, climb, and create an impression for those who have come here and gradually, it is known as Monkey Island.
Monkey Island
4. Snorkelling
There are over 400 islets and limestone karst formations in Lan Ha Bay. Snorkelling is a great way to immerse oneself in a fascinating underwater environment.
Admire the diversity of aquatic life and be in awe of the coral reefs. Snorkelling here is a delight from another world, with seas cleaner and less contaminated than Halong Bay's.
The nicest locations, with serene waters and marine life awaiting you, are Turtle Island, Monkey Island, and Nam Cat Island!
5. Kayaking
Take in the bay's natural splendour up close and personal on your own little boat. One of the best ways to see nature entirely is to go kayaking; you'll be able to reach locations other tours can't.
Kayaking is a popular activity included in Halong Hub boats' schedule. On the other hand, renting a kayak beside the water is simple to organise. Ba Ham Lake, Tra Bau, and Ba Trai Dao Island are well-liked locations for this pastime because of their lovely surroundings and protected climate.
6. Cai Beo fishing village
Cai Beo fishing village is a unique tourist destination situated in Lan Ha Bay. Home to fishermen for many years, it's Vietnam's biggest floating fishing hamlet.
Cai Beo fishing village
The fishing town's hundreds of tightly packed floating houses, vibrant activities, and massive caged fish-growing facilities are visible from the boat voyage to the harbour. Instead of stopping at a houseboat, you will have the chance to explore the fishing village and take in the unique culture of the locals.
The cost of tickets for Lan Ha Bay
To enter the island, you must buy a ticket, and there are various kinds of tickets available. Every ticket type will include a pre-planned sightseeing itinerary with unique tourist destinations. Here are the specifics:
Route 1: Monkey Island - Ben Beo Pier - Cai Beo fishing village
Route 2: Quai To - Ba Trai Dao island - Ben Beo Pier - Monkey Island - Cai Beo fishing town - Turtle Islet - Viet Hai - Dark Cave - Bright Cave
Route 3: Gia Luan - Got pier - Tra Bau - Ang Ong Cam - Dark Cave - Bright Cave - Gia Luan
Route 4: Thien Ung pagoda - Cat Ba Ferry Terminal - Cat Ong island
The following is the cost of a Lan Ha Bay ticket:
- Adults: 80.000VND each ticket, per turn
- 6 to 9-year-olds: 40.000VND per ticket/turn. Youngsters under 6: No charge
Additionally, the following fees will be charged to those who wish to spend the night in the Cat Ba Archipelago and Lan Ha Bay:
- 300.000VND per adult, 250.000VND per child for a one-night stay.
- 450.000VND per adult, 350.000VND per child for a two-night stay.
- 500.000VND per adult, 400.000VND per child for a three-night stay.
The price of a day trip's boat rental
Hourly sightseeing boat rental: The price for a group of 10 to 20 people in 2.5 hours is between 1.6 and 1.8 million VND, or 2.2 million VND for 25 to 50 people.
Half-day sightseeing boat: For 10 to 20 people, the boat tour costs 2.5 million to 3.5 million VND and lasts 4–6 hours. Each boat costs between 3.8 million and 5.5 million for a larger group of 25 to 50 people.
Full-time sightseeing boat: Each group of 10–20 people will pay 6–6.5 million to rent the boat, and 25–50 people will pay 6.5–9 million. Eight hours are spent aboard the boat in total.
Turtle Island
What is The Best Time To Visit Lan Ha Bay?
Here, the typical temperature ranges from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. While winter temperatures vary from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and there may be severe winds, summer temperatures can reach above 30 degrees Celsius and storms might occur towards the end of the season.
August through October is the worst time to visit because of the heavy rain and storms.
International travellers typically arrive in large numbers between October and April as they head to warmer nations like Vietnam for their winter getaways.
While there is very little chance of storms striking Lan Ha Bay at this time of year, the weather is typically dark and wet, especially from February to April.
So, April through July are the best months to visit Lan Ha Bay because of the beautiful, sunny weather that is perfect for swimming and other leisure activities.
How To Get There?
Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba is under the management of Hai Phong where the transportation system is quite convenient. Here are some suggestions for you to get to Lan Ha Bay more accessible and more convenient:
– By air: The airplane is probably the best choice for those who are far away. Currently, the North of Vietnam has three large airports convenient for moving to Ben Got – Hai Phong, where most of Lan Ha’s yachts are gathered.
If you choose the yachts from Pha Got station, you should fly to Cat Bi airport (about 30km from Got station – very convenient but there will be few flights to and from Cat Bi).
If it is too difficult, you can fly to Noi Bai airport (about 100 – 130 km from Got station, then follow the highway 5B Hanoi – Hai Phong.
In Tuan Chau, it is most reasonable to fly to Van Don airport, Van Don airport is about 60km from Tuan Chau pier (it takes about 1 hour to travel on Hai Phong – Van Dong expressway)
– Road: With the investment in and putting into the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway system It is very convenient to go by car to Ben GOT or Ben Tuan Chau.
It only takes 2 hours by car from Hanoi to Got station or 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Tuan Chau wharf where luxury yachts await you. In addition to this expressway, you can take the old Highway 5 or route 18 (it will take more time).
Currently, many bus companies are serving the delegation along the Hanoi – Cat Ba route such as Hoang Long, Cat Ba Express, Daiichi bus, Good Morning Cat Ba, Interbusline … Fares range from 200 – 280 000 VND / 01 ticket
Recommended Accommodation
1. Vu Binh Stilthouse:
As one of the beautiful and cheap motels and hotels in Lan Ha Bay that you should choose. Although it is just a simple-looking stilt house, its quality is not inferior to that of high-end hotels.
Besides, Vu Binh Stilthouse, conveniently located near Lan Ha Bay helps you move conveniently.
Address: Nha San Vu Binh Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay.
2. Corner CatBa:
It also a cheap hotel located in Lan Ha Bay with complimentary breakfast. Although it is just a homestay, the facilities are pretty good, the essential equipment is still adequate and convenient to help meet all customers' needs.
Especially, the homestay also has a beautiful sea view, located in a quiet location
Address: Alley 352, Ha Sen Street, Cat Ba Town
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What to Eat in Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is a marine tourist area. So the delicious dishes and famous specialties in Lan Ha Bay are main dishes made from seafood such as lobster, sea crab, seaweed, tu comedy, sea snakes …
There are many delicious dishes for you to enjoy, including some of the most delicious and attractive dishes in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba such as Fried crab with salt, sea sam grilled, baked lobster with egg sauce, poached lobster with wine, grilled shrimp, steamed shrimp,…
In conclusion, if you have some spare time in Vietnam, you should put Lan Ha Bay on your bucket list. Asking for assistance from locals is always a good idea because the route to Lan Ha Bay might be a little tricky. If they are able to communicate in English, they will typically offer assistance. In order to tour Lan Ha Bay securely, don't forget to wear a life jacket.
