Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam – everything you need to know
November 14, 2025
Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam – everything you need to know
Table des matières
Halong Bay (or Along) is a vast archipelago located in the northeast of Vietnam, made up of nearly 2,000 islands covering an area of 1,500 km². But in reality, Halong Bay is divided into two parts: Halong Bay, which can be considered the main one, and Lan Ha Bay, surrounding Cat Ba Island.
In this article, we will present in detail Lan Ha Bay, which is accessed from Cat Ba Island.
Contact us to organize your cruise in the bay.
Is Lan Ha Bay the same as Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is divided into two areas: Halong Bay, which includes Halong and Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha Bay.
Each area is managed by a different province: Halong Bay falls under the authority of Quang Ninh Province, while Lan Ha Bay is governed by Hai Phong Province.
Halong Bay covers a very large area and is the one most people refer to when they talk about “Halong Bay.” However, today, Halong Bay has become somewhat a victim of its own success, with a very (too?) large number of cruise boats registered there.
This is why it may be more interesting to sail in Lan Ha Bay instead. We explain why below.
Why choose Lan Ha Bay?
We’ve listed for you the 5 main reasons why we recommend visiting Lan Ha Bay rather than the main Halong Bay.
To experience Halong Bay in peace
More than 10 million tourists per year visit Halong Bay, and most of them navigate in the main zone. If you choose that area, you should be prepared to see dozens of boats around yours. Moreover, today, the boats in Halong Bay look more like large cruise ships than the small traditional junks of the past..
In contrast, in Lan Ha Bay, only 135 boats are registered with Hai Phong Province and therefore authorized to sail in its waters. Among them, only 60 are allowed to drop anchor and spend the night in the bay.
This relatively small number of boats, compared to the main Halong area, allows travelers to fully enjoy the bay’s magical and serene atmosphere.
Peaceful Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
To enjoy a cruise on a traditional junk
As mentioned earlier, the main Halong Bay no longer hosts traditional-style boats for overnight cruises. Small boats do still exist, but only for day trips.
So if you want to spend the night in the bay, you’ll have to choose a boat that looks more like a floating hotel than an old-fashioned vessel. If comfort and “modernity” are what you prefer, that’s perfect! But if you are seeking authenticity during your trip… then it’s best to avoid the main Halong area.
In contrast, in Lan Ha Bay, it is still possible to enjoy an authentic experience aboard a real junk, reminiscent of some of the most beautiful scenes from classic Indochina films.
If this is what you’re looking for, you can choose a junk departing from the small Ben Beo port, located in the south of Cat Ba Island (see below for more information on cruise operators).
> > See our article on the best junks in Lan Ha Bay.
The Four Seasons junk in Lan Ha Bay — photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
To discover the life of the fishermen of Halong Bay
Just like traditional junks, which have now disappeared from the main Halong Bay, the fishing villages have also vanished… Today, Halong Bay looks more like a tourist “park” with little real life within it.
Once again, this is not the case in Lan Ha Bay. According to available figures, more than 300 families still live in Lan Ha Bay in floating houses.
If you choose a cruise in Lan Ha Bay, you will not only enjoy the scenery (there are 400 karst peaks in Lan Ha Bay), but you will also be able to catch glimpses of local life on the water: floating vendors, shellfish gatherers, fishermen, and people who deliver drinking water to the floating homes, etc.
This makes the experience far more authentic and vibrant compared with the main Halong area.
Fishermen in Lan Ha Bay — photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet
To discover hidden beaches and secluded coves
Lan Ha Bay does not have caves as impressive (and overcrowded) as those in Halong Bay, but it boasts beautiful beaches and intimate coves. As you cruise or kayak, you can explore them — and even stop for a peaceful sunbathing break.
You won’t be disturbed by other travelers!
You can also visit Van Boi Station, a small refuge nestled in Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Known for its almost unshakeable tranquility, Van Boi is the perfect spot to relax far from the crowds, noise, and agitation. The waves there are gentle, offering ideal conditions for swimming or snorkeling among the coral.
While tourists flock to Titov Beach in Halong Bay, Van Boi is an excellent alternative if you’re looking to unwind on a quiet beach in the Halong area.
The coves of Lan Ha Bay — photo credit: Parfum d’Automne
To visit Cat Ba Island
Lan Ha Bay surrounds Cat Ba Island, and it would be a shame not to explore the island if you’re planning to cruise in Lan Ha Bay.
Whereas a Halong Bay cruise often boils down to a simple round trip between Halong and Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay offers the possibility to combine a cruise with a stay on Cat Ba Island. We often recommend spending one night on board and another night in a small hotel on the island.
Cat Ba Island offers plenty of activities, and from Cannon Fort you can enjoy a stunning viewpoint over the bay — a perspective you can’t get from your boat. Cannon Fort overlooks the entire bay, offering magnificent views on clear days!
View of Lan Ha Bay from Cannon Fort, Cat Ba Island. Photo: Parfum d’Automne
Essential information to know about Lan Ha Bay
Here is some information about the bay itself that only guides would normally give you.
How many boats sail there?
Before Covid, 135 boats were registered with Hai Phong Province and therefore authorized to operate in the waters of Lan Ha Bay. However, only 60 of them were allowed to drop anchor and spend the night there. Today, this number has decreased due to the bankruptcy of several cruise operators during the pandemic.
The relatively low number of boats sailing in these waters, compared with the main Halong Bay, allows travelers to fully enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of the bay.
How many islets are there?
Some of you might wonder whether the landscapes of Halong Bay are more spectacular than those of Lan Ha Bay. From our experience, they are not – the landscapes are exactly the same. About 400 rocky islets have been counted in Lan Ha Bay. While the main Halong Bay actually has more – around 1,900 – it’s important to know that you will only ever see a very small portion of them.
How many people live in Lan Ha Bay?
According to the figures we have, more than 300 families live in Lan Ha Bay, that is, on floating houses.
What can be fished in Lan Ha Bay?
Families fish for anchovies (notably used to make the famous Cat Hai fish sauce), squid, herring, shrimp, and more.
And what do locals farm?
You can also see fish cages scattered throughout the Bay, in front of the houses. These cages contain many species of fish, such as cobia, grouper, snapper, or green mussels, among others. Since 90% of farmed fish in the world comes from Asia, it’s no surprise to see local fishermen engaged in aquaculture – a practice whose origins date back to the 5th century BC in China.
Who do the fishermen sell their fish to?
The fishermen and fish farmers living in Lan Ha Bay sell their products at the market in Cat Ba town and directly to pleasure boats. The crews of our junks purchase fish and aquaculture products either at the market or directly from fishermen they know. Relying on aquaculture allows them not to depend on the fishing seasons.
Practical information
How to get to Lan Ha Bay?
It’s important to know that cruise boats depart from two locations: the ports of Pha Got and Ben Beo. While the Ben Beo port only hosts “small” traditional junks, Pha Got is the departure point for larger, modern boats. Pha Got port is located on the mainland, whereas Ben Beo is at the southern tip of Cat Ba Island.
You therefore have two options:
# Take an organized tour from Hanoi – in this case, everything is arranged for you: you’ll take a bus from the Vietnamese capital, which will take you either to Pha Got or to Ben Beo. If it’s to Ben Beo, you’ll need to take the speed boat between Pha Got and Cat Ba Island. Another bus will then meet you to take you to the port.
# Go independently to Cat Ba Island – in this case, we recommend taking the bus, the most economical and convenient option. Bus tickets usually include both the bus ride and the price of the speed boat ticket.
Here’s a breakdown of the different periods of the year:
October – November – Early December: The best temperatures for northern Vietnam (around 25°C / 77°F). Little rain. One of the best times to travel in the North and cruise in Lan Ha Bay.
Late December – January – February: This is winter in northern Vietnam. It’s cool (sometimes cold) and it often rains. Not a period to avoid, but go prepared: bring warm and rainproof clothing.
March – April – May: March can be rainy, then temperatures gradually rise. April is certainly a good period to visit the Bay. But be careful: it’s also high tourist season, so book in advance!
June – July – August: Hot and rainy season! Perfect for swimming in Lan Ha Bay. However, there can be heavy rains and even typhoons. Cruises may sometimes be canceled if sea conditions are too dangerous for the crew and passengers.es et les clients.
Rest assured, Lan Ha Bay offers stunning landscapes and a relaxing atmosphere in every season.
Which cruise to choose?
This is probably the most important question: which cruise should you take?
You need to ask yourself the following questions to decide: How much time can I spend in the bay during my trip? What is my budget? What type of boat do I prefer: luxurious and modern, or traditional?
Day cruises
For those on a limited budget or who do not want to sleep on the boat, you can book a day cruise. Keep in mind that in most cases, you will need to spend the night on Cat Ba afterward – the last ferries and speedboats usually depart around 4:00 PM. There are exceptions, such as this one-day circuit on a yacht with a round trip from Hanoi in a single day.
Otherwise, there are many other options that can be booked online or through your hotel. For example, Sunlight Cruise offers an affordable day tour (around €50) and will pick you up at your hotel on Cat Ba.
For a 2- or 3-day itinerary
Junks available for private hire
There are fewer and fewer of them, as the authorities of Hai Phong province tend to favor larger boats. Here is a selection of three junks that can be privatized for family or friends’ cruises.
The Four Seasons Junk (4 cabins)
This is the boat of our agency. It is a traditional sailing boat with four cabins: 3 air-conditioned cabins with a large double bed and a private bathroom, and 1 air-conditioned cabin with two single beds and a private bathroom. The living room and dining area are also air-conditioned and open to the scenery.
This Four Seasons Junk is ideal for a family or a group of friends (8 adults or 10 people including 2 children).
The Parfum d’Automne Junk is a 7-cabin boat offering the best value for money in Lan Ha Bay. All cabins feature stunning open views of the bay, each with a private bathroom. The cabins are spacious and perfect for couples and small families (for example, a couple with a child). Three cabins have balconies on the first floor.
An English-speaking guide will be on board to share insights about the life of the bay’s residents. They will also lead activities such as kayaking, cycling, and cooking classes. The kitchen team is trained to serve fresh Vietnamese dishes, making maximum use of local bay produce.
It is possible to book a single cabin or to privatize the entire boat if you are a large group (for example, 10 people).
The Cozy Junk is a modern and characterful boat with 11 cabins. All rooms feature stunning open views of the bay, each with a private bathroom. The cabins are spacious and ideal for couples and small families (for example, a couple with one child). On board, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, who will help organize the activities during the cruise.
The Cozy Junk with 11 cabines. Photo : Mathieu Arnaudet
For Cozy, please send us a request from this page:
Lan Ha Bay first offers travelers an unparalleled moment of contemplation. To fully enjoy this experience, we recommend booking a cruise on a small boat – daily boats, which sometimes carry up to 50 people, can understandably be a bit noisy…
Calm in Lan Ha Bay. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet/Parfum d’Automne
Kayaking
The crew will drop you off at a floating village, which provides the kayaks. Exploring Lan Ha Bay by kayak is particularly rewarding, as it allows you to get up close to the towering limestone karsts and access spots that are unreachable by larger boats. If the weather is sunny, we strongly recommend applying sunscreen and wearing a hat, as the sun is much stronger on the water. In case of rain, don’t forget a raincoat. This activity is truly worthwhile – we guarantee you won’t regret it.
There is also an alternative: a small sampan guided by a local from the fishing village. This option costs 50,000 VND per person (about 2 euros).
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet/Parfum d’Automne
Cycling to Viet Hai Village
Once you arrive at the Viet Hai port, bicycles will be made available to you, and you can’t go wrong with the route – there’s only one!
Hop on your bike and ride into the jungle between the mountains to discover the dense vegetation. You might even encounter some animals along the way, such as goats or water buffalo. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Viet Hai Village. Once there, you can park your bikes and enjoy a refreshment, or continue exploring the village. Make sure to respect the schedule provided by the captain to allow time for other activities!
Historical note: Viet Hai Village is isolated within Cat Ba Island National Park and is home to about 200 families. The village’s main activities are agriculture and fishing. Locals cultivate a variety of crops, including rice. Since no streams run through the village, they must collect rainwater to irrigate the rice fields. Each family has its own organized garden, and villagers also gather medicinal plants from the forest. Some residents work as fishermen in Lan Ha Bay. The village youth enjoy interacting with tourists and have built homestays, allowing visitors to spend the night in the village.
From the village, there are hiking trails to explore the national park. We recommend hiring a guide to fully enjoy and understand the surroundings!
Path leading to Viet Hai Village. Photo credit: Mathieu Arnaudet/Parfum d’Automne
Swimming and relaxing at Van Boi Beach
During your cruise, whether it’s a 1-day or 2-day trip, you will likely have the chance to disembark at Van Boi Cove at the foot of a karst islet. It’s a beautiful stop where you can swim and even go snorkeling in the surrounding turquoise waters.
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