Halong Bay, one of the world’s New Seven Wonders, is perhaps the first destination many travelers think of when they are planning a holiday in Vietnam. However, recently, Lan Ha Bay has become a new star as a cruise destination in the northern part. Follow us in this post to see what makes Lan Ha Bay so popular and why this bay should have a line on your bucket list.
1. Location of Lan Ha Bay
Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay actually consists of three distinctive bays, including Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay. They have similar geological features, such as the well-known breathtaking scenery of karst cliffs and limestone outcrops.
Of the three, Lan Ha Bay is the smallest. It is situated east of Cat Ba Island and south of Halong Bay. Even though it is smaller than its neighbor, with 300 or so limestone islands and islets, it is equally as beautiful. Visitors would likely find it hard to distinguish between the two bays.
2. Why should you visit Lan Ha Bay?
Like Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is best explored by overnight cruises. Some new cruises choose to explore this destination instead of the core heritage bay, and the reasons are right here:
Less touristy
Due to its distance from the mainland and the major tourist dock, Lan Ha Bay’s popularity never really takes off, though this does give it the big advantage of remaining an untouched gem, with secluded coves, immaculate seas, and caverns to discover. It is best known, of course, for its spotless white beaches, which are uncommon in Halong.
While sailing in Lan Ha Bay, you will find the space not too touristy, even during the busy travel season. Feel free to enjoy the spectacular landscape as far as you wish without cruise ships obstructing your desired view. Compared to the nearby Halong Bay, Lan Ha is a great option for anyone looking for a more relaxed and serene experience.
More activities and attractions
There are plenty of things to do at Lan Ha Bay, despite the location appearing to be out of the heritage zone. Firstly, it’s a paradise for kayaking as the natural wonder is wide open to paddle through limestone karsts and interesting caves, such as Dark & Bright Cave, Tra Bau Area, and Ao Ech Area.
Tourists can also spend time on Ba Trai Dao Islet, a special treat for nature lovers, which is famed for its pristine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters for swimming and sunbathing.
Halong Bay offers hundreds of cruise options, but just a few of them will take you to Cat Ba Island. Meanwhile, most Lan Ha Bay cruises will tend to guide your tour to the island for an entirely new experience. Stretch your legs before participating in a variety of outdoor activities, like exploring historical caves, trekking through dense forests, climbing to the island summit, or biking to the village of Viet Hai. You can literally spend several days on Cat Ba and explore its national park.
Excellent Cruise Experience
Most cruises dotting Lan Ha Bay, especially the new ones, are outfitted with first-rate facilities and services. Luxury cruise lines will provide spacious guest rooms furnished with elegant décor and private bathrooms, as well as swimming pools, spas, and fancy restaurants. While on board, passengers can also engage in a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as swimming, sunbathing, golfing, and morning taichi.
3. Best recommended Lan Ha Bay Cruises
Words fly, more tourists head to Lan Ha Bay, and many cruise lines set their route to Lan Ha Bay instead of the neighboring star. If you’re also considering a voyage in Lan Ha, here are our suggestions of the best cruises: Ambassador Signature Cruise, Orchid Classic Cruise, Mon Cheri Cruise, Nostalgia Cruise, Elite of the Seas Cruise, Orchid Trendy Cruise, Paradise Grand Cruise, and Peony Cruise.
4. Best places to visit in Lan Ha Bay
Adventurers and nature enthusiasts will love Ba Trai Dao Beach, a tranquil haven with stunning surroundings and crystal-clear waters that reveal the beautiful white sand underneath. This is a safe and pleasant place for beachgoers to go swimming, kayaking, or taking memorable photos.
With the same structure as Luon Cave in Halong Bay, Dark & Bright Cave is only accessible by bamboo boat or kayak. Passing through a 100-meter arch-shaped tunnel cave with sparkling stalactites on the ceiling, you will enter a serene lake encircled by limestone mountain rocks and see an abundance of luxuriant flora creating a huge green wall.
Walled by towering mountains and dense jungles, Viet Hai is a small village located deep on Cat Ba Island. From Beo Pier, tourists can enjoy a biking tour of the village, visit ancient houses, experience the local life of the villagers, and immerse themselves in the peaceful natural scenery of the island.
Also nestled in the heart of Cat Ba Island, Trung Trang Cave is an intriguing place to soak in stunning natural landscapes and see magical stalactites in various shapes. Visitors can walk between the lush greenery, explore hidden chambers, and learn about the site’s history and cultural significance.
Tucked between the high limestone mountains of Lan Ha Bay, Ao Ech is a secluded pool of jade green water where travelers can freely swim and kayak close to karst outcrops.
In a nutshell, Lan Ha Bay is definitely worth your time and money. So, don't hesitate; book a Halong cruise tour now and create your own interesting memories. If it sounds a little challenging to choose your perfect cruise, please contact our Halong Bay Cruise Experts for more information and appealing promotions.
