Lan Ha Bay 2026: Quieter Alternative to Halong Bay Guide
By Jimmy Nguyen, Founder & Director of Asia Travel Expert Co., Ltd.Lan Ha Bay (Vịnh Lan Hạ) is a bay of about 400 limestone islands and 139 small beaches east and south of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, linking Cat Ba with Ha Long Bay. Since 2023 it has been part of the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. It is known as a quieter alternative to Halong Bay, visited on day boats from Cat Ba or 2–3-day cruises.
Status (checked October 2026): open and cruising as normal. A cross-region tourist route between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay began on 1 April 2026. Kayaking was suspended by local authorities in November 2024 pending new regulations, so confirm with your operator whether kayaking is included; boats do not sail in storm warnings.
Why Lan Ha Bay is worth seeing:
- World Heritage scenery with fewer boats than central Halong Bay.
- Small sandy beaches tucked between karsts, such as Ba Trai Dao.
- Lagoons and sea caves, including Dark and Bright Cave and Ao Ech.
- Floating fish farms around Cai Beo and the Cat Ba coast.
- Easy combination with hiking and cycling on Cat Ba Island.
Lan Ha Bay at a Glance
| Vietnamese name | Vịnh Lan Hạ |
|---|---|
| Location | East and south of Cat Ba Island, Cat Hai Special Zone, Hai Phong city; about 30 km from central Hai Phong |
| Size | Over 7,000 ha with about 400 islands and islets; more than 5,400 ha managed by Cat Ba National Park |
| Known for | Karst islands, 139 small beaches, lagoons, sea caves, fish farms |
| Recognition | Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (2023); Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve (2004) |
| Fees | Bay sightseeing fee 120,000 VND per adult (60,000 VND child aged 6+; under 6 free), set by Hai Phong city; usually included in boat and cruise prices |
| Main piers | Ben Beo (Cat Ba town), Gia Luan (north Cat Ba); some cruises from Tuan Chau (Ha Long) or Hai Phong |
| Time needed | Full day minimum; 2 days 1 night recommended |
| Best time | April–June and September–October |
| Nearby | Cat Ba Island, Halong Bay, Viet Hai Village |
| Find it | Google Maps · Tripadvisor · UNESCO · Wikipedia |
Is Lan Ha Bay Worth Visiting?
Yes. Lan Ha Bay shares the karst scenery of Halong Bay but feels more intimate, with smaller islands, more beaches and fewer big cave sites crowded with tour groups. It is especially good if you also want time on Cat Ba Island. Note that it can still be busy around popular stops in summer.
- Best for: beach lovers, couples, families and travellers who want a calmer cruise.
- Skip if: the classic big caves such as Sung Sot are your top priority.
- Short on time: a day boat from Cat Ba covers the highlights; compare options in our cruise guide.
Background of Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay lies on the south-eastern edge of the Cat Ba Archipelago and continues the limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay to the north. The islands are drowned karst towers formed over millions of years. Much of the bay is protected within Cat Ba National Park, created in 1986, and the archipelago became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004.
In September 2023 UNESCO extended Ha Long Bay’s World Heritage listing to include the Cat Ba Archipelago, so Lan Ha Bay is now part of the 65,650-hectare site “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago”. Since 1 July 2025 the bay has been administered by the Cat Hai Special Zone of an enlarged Hai Phong city, which merged with Hai Duong province.
What to See in Lan Ha Bay
1. Ba Trai Dao Islets
Three small islets said to resemble peaches, with a little beach. Some swimming spots here have been closed at times, so follow your guide. See our Ba Trai Dao guide.
2. Dark and Bright Cave (Hang Sáng Tối)
A low sea tunnel leading into an enclosed lagoon, traditionally explored by kayak or bamboo boat. Read our Dark and Bright Cave guide.
3. Ao Ech (Frog Lake)
A calm lagoon enclosed by limestone walls, a classic stop on Lan Ha itineraries. More in our Ao Ech guide.
4. Beaches
Lan Ha has 139 small sandy beaches, including Van Boi, Ben Beo area beaches and Cat Co near Cat Ba town. Many are reached only by boat.
5. Floating Fish Farms
Around Cai Beo and Ben Beo, floating fish farms and homes show the bay’s fishing economy.
6. Viet Hai Village
Many boats stop at Viet Hai pier so guests can cycle into this village inside the national park. See our Viet Hai Village guide.
Fees and Trip Options
| Option | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Day boat from Cat Ba (Ben Beo) | About 6–8 hours | Lunch, beach stop, cave/lagoon visit; bay fee usually included |
| Day cruise from Ha Long or Hai Phong | Full day | Longer transfers; check route and fees |
| Overnight cruise (2 days 1 night) | About 22–24 hours | Cabin, meals, beaches, Viet Hai cycling on many itineraries |
| 3 days 2 nights | About 46–48 hours | Deeper Lan Ha and Halong routes |
The Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee is set by Hai Phong city and collected through licensed boat operators; check that your quote includes it.
How to Get to Lan Ha Bay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Road to Got Pier (Cat Hai), ferry to Cat Ba, then Ben Beo Pier | About 3–3.5 hours |
| Hanoi | Cruise shuttle to Tuan Chau (Ha Long) for cruises entering Lan Ha | About 2.5–3 hours |
| Hai Phong city | Speedboat or road + ferry to Cat Ba | About 1–1.5 hours |
| Cat Ba town | Taxi or walk to Ben Beo Pier | 5–10 minutes |
For the Ha Long road option, read our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide.
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April–June | Warm water, settled weather; best for beaches |
| July–August | Hot, busy domestic season; storm cancellations possible |
| September–October | Comfortable and quieter; watch typhoon forecasts |
| November–March | Cool and misty; atmospheric but chilly for swimming |
Local Expert Tips for Lan Ha Bay
These tips come from years of arranging Halong and Lan Ha tours for international travellers.
- Ask exactly which stops and activities are included; rules on kayaking and swimming spots have changed recently.
- Choose licensed boats with proper life jackets.
- Stay on Cat Ba for at least one night to see the bay early before day boats arrive.
- Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag.
- Read our Halong travel tips for more planning advice.
Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay
| Lan Ha Bay | Halong Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Province | Hai Phong | Quang Ninh |
| UNESCO | Yes (since 2023) | Yes (since 1994) |
| Crowds | Moderate | High |
| Highlights | Beaches, lagoons, Cat Ba | Big caves, Ti Top viewpoint |
Our view: choose Lan Ha for beaches and a quieter feel; choose Halong Bay for its famous caves. Bai Tu Long Bay is the third option for real seclusion.
Nearby Attractions
- Cat Ba Island – national park, beaches and town.
- Trung Trang Cave – walk-through cave in the park.
- Viet Hai Village – cycling valley village.
- Ba Trai Dao Islets, Dark and Bright Cave, Ao Ech Area.
- Halong Bay – the classic bay to the north.
Halong Area for First-Time Visitors: Where Lan Ha Bay Fits
After Hanoi, many travellers choose a 2-day Lan Ha cruise or two nights on Cat Ba instead of a central Halong cruise. Both work well before Ninh Binh or Sapa; try local seafood with our Halong food guide.
Plan your trip with our Halong Bay travel guide and Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay tours. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lan Ha Bay
1. Where is Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay lies east and south of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong city, next to Ha Long Bay.
2. Is Lan Ha Bay part of Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is a separate bay in Hai Phong, but since 2023 it shares the UNESCO listing Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago.
3. Is Lan Ha Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Lan Ha Bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago, added to the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site in 2023.
4. How many islands are in Lan Ha Bay?
Lan Ha Bay has about 400 islands and islets and 139 small beaches.
5. Is Lan Ha Bay better than Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is quieter with more beaches, while Halong Bay has the most famous caves.
6. How do I get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?
Travel by road to Got Pier and ferry to Cat Ba, then take a boat from Ben Beo Pier, or join a Lan Ha Bay cruise from Ha Long or Hai Phong.
7. How long does it take from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay?
Allow about 3–3.5 hours from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay via Cat Ba, or 2.5–3 hours to Ha Long for cruises.
8. Can I kayak in Lan Ha Bay?
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay was suspended in November 2024 pending new rules; ask your operator whether it is currently offered.
9. Is there an entrance fee for Lan Ha Bay?
Yes. Hai Phong charges a Lan Ha Bay sightseeing fee, which is usually included in boat and cruise prices.
10. What is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?
April–June and September–October are the best months for Lan Ha Bay.
11. Can I swim in Lan Ha Bay?
Yes, swimming in Lan Ha Bay is possible at permitted beaches and cruise stops in the warm months.
12. How long should I spend in Lan Ha Bay?
A full day is the minimum for Lan Ha Bay; 2 days and 1 night is ideal.
13. Can I do a day trip to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba?
Yes. Day boats to Lan Ha Bay leave Ben Beo Pier near Cat Ba town every morning.
14. Can I travel between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay by boat?
Yes. Boats link the two bays, and a cross-region tourist route between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay opened on 1 April 2026.
15. Is Lan Ha Bay crowded?
Lan Ha Bay is less crowded than central Halong Bay, though popular stops can be busy in summer.
16. Which province is Lan Ha Bay in?
Lan Ha Bay is in Hai Phong city (merged with Hai Duong in 2025), within the Cat Hai Special Zone.
17. What are the highlights of Lan Ha Bay?
Highlights of Lan Ha Bay include Ba Trai Dao, Dark and Bright Cave, Ao Ech lagoon, small beaches and Viet Hai Village.
18. Is a Lan Ha Bay cruise good for families?
Yes. Lan Ha Bay cruises suit families thanks to calm water and beach stops.
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