Lan Ha Bay

Binh Giang · Public domain

Ha Long's quieter neighbour: hundreds of limestone islands and small sand beaches hidden behind the cliffs.

Lan Ha lies just south of Ha Long, on the same limestone geology but with far fewer boats. The difference is the sand: Ha Long has almost none, while Lan Ha scatters hundreds of small beaches behind rock walls, many reachable only by kayak at low tide. Mid-bay float the Cai Beo fishing villages — among the oldest water-borne settlements in Vietnam — where sampans still tie up alongside fish pens. Paddling through the tunnel caves early in the morning, when the water is glass and the only sound is your paddle, is the way to understand this bay.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?

April to June and September to November

How much does it cost to visit Lan Ha Bay?

80,000₫ (bay entry fee)

How long do you need at Lan Ha Bay?

1 - 2 days

What are the opening hours of Lan Ha Bay?

07:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The bay lies off Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, adjoining Ha Long Bay.
It holds hundreds of limestone islands and many small beaches, unlike Ha Long which has almost none.
The floating village of Cai Beo is one of Vietnam's oldest water-borne settlements.
It lies within the Cat Ba Archipelago UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Travel tips

Kayak at first light: the water is flattest and the tour boats have not arrived.
Sleep aboard to see the bay empty — a different place from the day tour.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vịnh_Lan_Hạ

Updated: 2026-08-06