One of the Vietnamese stunning natural landscapes renowned for its beautiful and mind blowing natural beauties and surrounding emerald water bodies. Located in northern Vietnam, Lan Ha Bay contains around 400 lush limestone islands and islets spread over 76 km, making it one of the spots in Vietnam recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Comes under the southern part of the Ha Long Bay, and more importantly it is a place known for a more calm and less crowded place alternative to the nearby Ha Long Bay, known for more peaceful destination for travellers. 139 white sandy beaches, marine life, multiple water activities, small islands, and cruise options make Lan Ha Bay the perfect spot for backpackers, especially those who are looking in Asia.
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Top 5 Things to Do in Lan Ha Bay
1. Kayaking
One of the must do activities in Lan Ha Bay, Kayaking will help us to explore some of the hidden caves, islands and some of the stunning seascapes. Due to its calm waters and limestone caves, travellers can easily paddle through secluded lagoons and hidden caves. Usually kayaking starts from Cat Ba Island, giving a very close up touch to the rocky cliffs and vibrant waters. April to June is considered a more ideal time to take a kayak in Lan Ha Bay due to its pleasant weather conditions.
2. Swimming
Since its water is more clear and calm, surely it is also a place renowned for swimming for water adventurers. Swimming is considered as one of the best ways to take advantage of the warm, tropical surroundings in Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay has 139 most incredible beaches such as Ban Chan Beach, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Tiptop Beach are well known for white coloured sand for soaking in sun and enjoy both sunrise and sunset points in Lan Ha Bay.
3. Visit Floating Fishing Village
Unique place where visitors can visit historical floating fishing villages in order to learn about history, local culture and lifestyles along with beautiful fish species. Established in the 12th century, floating villages gain some of the knowledge about Lan Ha Bay’s deep rooted cultures and traditions. Despite that, exploring the fishing waters of the deep sea bay and taking leisurely stroll in surrounding limestone mountains is really a next level travel adventure activity along with this. Make sure that your floating village tour includes learning how communities live and work on the water bodies.
4. Cruising
Lan Ha Bay is also an ideal place for cruising due to its long stretches of Cat Ba Island. Usually cruising in Ha Bay includes both 1 and 2 night cruises with the inclusion of leisure cycling tours of small and charming villages. Cruise includes an additional 2 night journey to guests from very remote and authentic floating villages and a half day at their own pace with beach relaxation, swimming and free kayaking. From Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay to Cat Ba Island, Orchid Cruises offers premium experiences with fine quality beats and premium services.
5. Explore Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba Island offers national park, hiking trails, pristine beaches and diverse wildfires to visitors. Island includes famous Cat Ba National Park, recognised as the A UNESCO World Biosphere, includes some of the lush forest hiding civet cats, deer, hornbills and many more animals. Cat Ba Island’s southeast coast is an ideal spot to capture some of the activities like rock climbing centres and bicycling paths. Perhaps one of the perfect places to spend time with a partner or family on the whole island for both relaxation and adventure seekers.
How to Get to Lan Ha Bay
1. By Air
- From Cat Bi Airport
Nearest and easiest way to reach Lan Ha Bay. There are many flights available in the airport in Hai Phong, the Cat Bi International Airport. Travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong daily. Located just 60 km away from Halong Bay, from there onwards visitors can take a taxi or private car.
2. By Cruise
Cruise travel is one of the most recommended travel options, due to its most stunning natural landscapes and crystal clear waters. Visitors surely get excited and feel more comfortable while travelling in cruises along with more luxurious and modern amenities like diverse Vietnamese cuisines, and entertainment activities.
Cruise in Lan Ha Bay includes both day and night trips, each of these offers unique experiences along with different location experiences. Your day trip includes more about Bright and Dark cave, Frog Pond, Van Boi Bay and Cai Beo Fishing village tours. However, the day trip also offers kayaking, swimming, fishing and lounging services to their guests. Likewise overnight cruise service includes Bright and Dark Cave, Frog Pond, Van Boi Bay and Viet Hai fishing villages along with some of the delicious local dishes.
3. By Bus
Taking a bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong city is considered as the more cost effective and more affordable option. Journey takes around 3 hours, and is offered by many bus service agencies and companies that operate daily services between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Usually ticket price includes $10 to $15 per person, but in some cases like festivals or peak seasons the price may go higher. Bus travel in Lan Ha Bay is more safe, flexible and more comfortable to the visitors.
Best Time to Visit Lan Ha Bay
Most mesmerising destination in Asia, Lan Ha Bay welcomes millions of visitors every year from its many incredible activities and islands, natural settings. Between April and July and from October to January is considered the most ideal time to visit Lan Ha Bay.
April to July is a perfect time for visitors to enjoy some of the activities such as swimming, kayaking, cruises and island tours. Despite that, Snorkelling and scuba diving are also possible during summer.
From October to January is the ideal time to watch natural views such as island tours, visiting and exploring Cat Ba Island and floating villages. During these times temperatures are colder, ranging from 15 to 23 degree Celsius,
making it perfect conditions to make your Lan Ha Bay tour more interesting.
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