Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are two parts of the same extraordinary seascape: thousands of limestone towers rising from green water in the Gulf of Tonkin. Since 2023 they even share one UNESCO World Heritage listing, “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago”. Yet the experience on the water is quite different. Our team runs cruises in both bays from Cat Ba Island every day, so here is an honest comparison to help you choose – or see both in one trip.
The short answer
Choose Ha Long Bay if you want the famous postcard islets and large show caves, and you do not mind sharing them with many other boats. Choose Lan Ha Bay if you want quieter water, more kayaking and swimming, small beaches and a base on Cat Ba Island. If you have two days, you can easily do both.
Side-by-side comparison
| Lan Ha Bay | Ha Long Bay | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | South-east of Ha Long, around Cat Ba Island | North, in front of Ha Long City |
| Atmosphere | Quiet, fewer boats, more natural | Busy around the main sights |
| Best for | Kayaking, swimming, beaches, village life | Iconic islets, large caves, big cruise ships |
| Water | Calm, clear green water in sheltered lagoons | Calm, busier boat traffic |
| Starting point | Ben Beo or Cai Beo pier, Cat Ba | Tuan Chau Harbour, Ha Long City |
| From Hanoi | About 3–3.5 hours | About 2.5 hours |
| Day tour price (our tours) | from US$27 from Cat Ba | Luxury day cruise packages from US$136 incl. transfers and a night on Cat Ba |
What makes Lan Ha Bay special
Fewer boats, more space
Lan Ha Bay has around 400 islands but far fewer cruise boats than Ha Long Bay. On most days you can stop at a beach or paddle into a lagoon with only a handful of other people around – something that is rare in the centre of Ha Long Bay.
The best kayaking in the region
Low cave arches such as Dark & Bright Cave and Bat Cave lead into enclosed lagoons that big boats cannot reach. Paddling through the arch into a silent, cliff-ringed pool is the highlight of most Lan Ha Bay tours.
Small white-sand beaches
Ba Trai Dao, Van Boi and the beach on Monkey Island are small, sheltered and perfect for a swim between kayaking stops.
Floating villages that are still lived in
Cai Beo is one of the oldest floating fishing villages in Vietnam. Families still raise fish, lobster and shellfish in nets beneath their wooden houses, and many tours stop at a fish farm.
Why Ha Long Bay is still worth seeing
Ha Long Bay is larger and home to some of the most photographed islets in Vietnam, such as the Fighting Cocks (Ga Choi) Islet, as well as big illuminated show caves. Modern luxury day cruises from Tuan Chau offer seafood buffets, sundecks, water slides and cooking classes – a comfortable way to see the bay if you prefer relaxing over paddling.
How to see both bays in one trip
- Day cruise from Cat Ba: our Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay day cruise (from US$27) sails through Lan Ha Bay into the southern edge of Ha Long Bay and back, with kayaking, a beach stop, lunch and a sunset party.
- Luxury cruise, then the island: start in Tuan Chau on the Hera cruise & Cat Ba 2-day tour (from US$136) and finish with a night on Cat Ba Island.
- Three days on the water: the floating house trip (from US$232) combines a Lan Ha Bay cruise, a night in Cat Ba Town and a night in a floating house, then leaves by canoe to Tuan Chau.
Which should you choose?
- One day, coming from Hanoi: a Ha Long Bay day cruise is quicker to reach, but you will spend about 5 hours on the road.
- One night or more: stay on Cat Ba and cruise Lan Ha Bay – you get the scenery without the crowds plus an island to explore.
- Active travellers: Lan Ha Bay, for kayaking, swimming and trekking in Cat Ba National Park.
- Families and comfort seekers: a luxury day cruise, or an overnight cruise from Cat Ba.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lan Ha Bay part of Ha Long Bay?
Geographically it is the southern continuation of the same karst landscape, and since 2023 both are part of one UNESCO World Heritage Site. Administratively, Lan Ha Bay belongs to Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay to Quang Ninh.
Can I swim in Lan Ha Bay?
Yes. Swimming stops are part of nearly every tour, and the water is warm from about April to October. Life jackets are always provided.
When is the best time to visit?
March to May and September to November bring calm seas and comfortable temperatures. Read our month-by-month guide for details.
Still unsure? Browse all Lan Ha Bay tours and Ha Long Bay tours, or tell us your dates for a free tailor-made plan.