Lan Ha Bay Travel Guide: Essential Tips, Itinerary & Detailed Costs for First-Time Visitors

Traveling to Lan Ha Bay offers you a journey through pristine natural beauty, with emerald-green waters, peaceful beaches, and hundreds of magnificent limestone islands. This guide provides essential tips on transportation, suggested itineraries, estimated costs, and important notes to help first-time visitors easily plan and fully enjoy their trip to one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION

Located on the eastern side of Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong), Lan Ha Bay is often referred to as the “forgotten paradise” of Northern Vietnam. With more than 400 lush limestone islands, emerald-green waters, and pristine scenery comparable to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and adventure.

For first-time visitors, planning a trip can feel overwhelming—when to go, how to get there, what to see, and how much to budget. Whether you’re interested in kayaking, swimming, cruising, or exploring traditional floating villages, this guide provides everything you need.

In this article, you’ll find complete tips, a detailed itinerary, and updated travel costs to help you enjoy a smooth, memorable, and well-prepared journey to one of the most stunning bays in Northern Vietnam.

What Is Lan Ha Bay? Overview of the Destination

Lan Ha Bay is part of the Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong and lies within a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Unlike the more crowded Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha offers a peaceful, untouched atmosphere with striking natural beauty.

Highlights of Lan Ha Bay:

Over 400 limestone islands covered in greenery

Crystal-clear emerald waters

Numerous secluded beaches ideal for swimming

Ancient floating village of Cai Beo

Rich marine ecosystem and coral reefs

 Benefits of Traveling to Lan Ha Bay

Less crowded, perfect for travelers seeking peace and quiet

Stunning scenery ideal for photography and drone shooting

Many activities: kayaking, SUP, swimming, snorkeling

More affordable than other popular bays like Ha Long

Easy to combine with Cat Ba, Hai Phong, or Hanoi

Common Challenges for First-Time Visitors

Lan Ha Bay offers multiple routes and travel options—boats, cruises, kayaks, and private charters—which can be confusing for newcomers. Without proper planning, you may face challenges such as:

Choosing between 1-day tours and 2-day-1-night cruises

Deciding which attractions to visit: Ba Trai Dao, Dark & Bright Cave, Monkey Island, Cai Beo Village

Managing unexpected travel costs

Understanding the best travel seasons and routes

This guide solves all of these issues.

 How Lan Ha Bay Tours Work: Popular Options

1. One-Day Group Tour (Most Popular)

Duration: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Activities: Dark & Bright Cave, kayaking, swimming at Ba Trai Dao or Monkey Island, lunch on board

Best for: visitors with limited time

 2. Overnight Cruise (2 Days 1 Night)

Includes: cabin with private bathroom, meals, kayaking, night squid fishing

Best for: couples, families, or anyone who enjoys a more luxurious experience

3. Private Boat or Speedboat Rental

Flexible schedule and personalized route

Higher cost but ideal for families or groups of friends

Detailed Lan Ha Bay Itinerary

One-Day Itinerary

Morning:

Depart from Beo Pier

Visit Cai Beo Fishing Village, one of the oldest villages in Northern Vietnam

Kayak around Dark & Bright Cave

Lunch:

Enjoy fresh seafood onboard

Afternoon:

Swim at Ba Trai Dao or Monkey Island

Return to Beo Pier to end the trip

Two-Day One-Night Cruise Itinerary

Day 1:

Board the cruise and enjoy a welcome drink

Visit Dark & Bright Cave

Kayak or swim in calm waters

Dinner and night squid fishing

Overnight onboard

Day 2:

Witness sunrise on the sundeck

Light breakfast

Visit Monkey Island or Ba Trai Dao

Disembark at Beo Pier

Tips & Important Notes for Visiting Lan Ha Bay

Best months: April–June and September–October

Avoid stormy or windy days

Bring sunscreen, swimwear, waterproof bags

Always wear a life jacket during kayaking

Book tours in advance during peak season

 Recommended Services (Optional)

Lan Ha Bay one-day tour

Overnight cruises

Speedboat / private boat rental

Hotels in central Cat Ba

 

CONCLUSION

Lan Ha Bay is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the raw beauty of Northern Vietnam’s seascapes. With its calm waters, hidden beaches, and breathtaking limestone formations, the bay offers a relaxing yet adventurous experience. Whether you follow the 1-day itinerary or choose an overnight cruise, this detailed guide ensures you can plan your trip with confidence. If you're searching for a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature, Lan Ha Bay is certainly a destination you shouldn’t miss.