Lan Ha Bay: Halong Without the Crowds

Lan Ha Bay lies just south of Halong Bay. Same green water, same limestone islands, but far fewer boats. Most trips leave from Cat Ba island instead of the busy Halong harbour.

What you can do

• Take a day boat Most boats sail between the islands, stop for swimming, and come back in the afternoon.
• Kayak between the rocks You can paddle into small lagoons that the big boats cannot reach.
• Swim from the boat The water is clean and warm most of the year.
• See the floating villages Fishing families live on the water in wooden houses.

Good to know

• Book from Cat Ba, not from Halong city. It is quieter and usually cheaper.
• Sea can be rough between July and September because of storms.
• A day trip is enough for most people. An overnight boat is nicer if you have time.

Where it is

• Region: Hai Phong
• From Hanoi: about 3 hours to Cat Ba
• From Ninh Binh: about 4 hours
• From Cat Ba town: 15 minutes to the harbour
• Coordinates: 20.75157, 107.10428
• Map: Open in Google Maps

How to fit it into your trip

Combine with Cat Ba island. Two nights on Cat Ba gives you one full day on the bay and one day on the island.

Travelling around North Vietnam is easiest with your own driver. We arrange cars and drivers for trips like this.

Getting there: see Ninh Binh to Halong Bay and Cat Ba, or let us plan your whole trip, airport to airport.

Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.