Located in the South of the famous Halong Bay and the East of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay features the magnificence of the small and large islands with many interesting shapes. Not being well-known to tourists like Halong Bay, but Lan Ha Bay is also one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. This promised to be an attraction for tourists who want to discover beautiful Vietnam.
With a cool and fresh climate, Lan Ha Bay is ready to welcome tourists at any time of the year to enjoy comfortably outdoors activities like swimming, kayaking, boating… So here are the best things to do in Lan Ha Bay.
Some Attractions in Lan Ha Bay
1. Nam Cat Island
Nam Cat Island is an ideal destination for those who adventurous travelers. Nam Cat Island attracts tourists by four surfaces of nature, exotically charming forests and sea surrounding. The beach’s length is about 500m with white sand and calm water, which is suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and scuba diving safely. In addition, there are 3 large wooden stilt houses and 6 bamboo motels allowing you to immerse yourself with nature here. You can have an opportunity to enjoy seafood of Cat Ba and also explore the serene waters with small fishing villages here. Nowadays, tourism in Nam Cat Island is developing, which contribute to preserve and honor the hidden beauty of the island.
2. Monkey Island
Taking a boat from Ben Beo for 10 minutes, you can reach Monkey Island (also called Cat Dua Island in the past). At present, there are more than 30 monkeys here under the range of Cat Ba National Park. Tourists can play with them, feed them with bananas, apples, or candies. The monkeys are very funny to climb and play with those who visiting Monkey Island.
3. Van Boi Beach
Van Boi is one of the great places to relax with white sand and clear water you can see to the bottom. The waves are rather quiet, which is good to dive the coral and swimming. Also, you can relax with bathing on the beach and watching the beauty of the coral. You may feel impressed by this natural landscape and the surrounding cliffs. The beach seems to be escaped from the modern life with noise and bustle.
4. Rua Island (Turtle Island)
Opposite to Van Boi Beach, there is a small island with the shape like the turtle swimming on the water surface. It is like a masterpiece in the “forgotten paradise”.
5. Cannon Fort
Built from 1942 as a look-out point, Cannon Fort is at a 177-meter high hilltop overlooking Lan Ha Bay. It is an ideal place for trekking up to see the panorama view of Lan Ha Bay. From Cannon Fort, you will have a chance to see the scenic views of the bay in particular, and of Cat Ba Island in general with tiny houses and fishing boats.
Opening time: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm daily
Services in Cannon Fort:
Entrance fee: for adults: VND 50,000/person; for children: VND 20,000/person
Electric car fee: VND 50,000/person
Sightseeing fee by the observatory: VND 5,000/person
Things to do in Lan Ha Bay
1. Kayaking
With hundreds of small sandy beaches and islets, Lan Ha Bay is one of the paradises for kayaking. Those who love kayak will be interested in clean and calm water and the wild nature of Cat Ba Island. Some popular places for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay are Cai Beo Floating Village, Van Boi Beach, or Monkey Island… Discover the wild nature here and have the best experiences in the bay.
2. Swimming in Lan Ha Bay
When visiting Lan Ha Bay, swimming is one of the best activities that you should not miss. There are a lot of small lovely beaches such as Van Boi Beach and Monkey Island for you to enjoy swimming. Clear and warm water will bring you comfortable feelings in the beautiful bay.
3. Rock climbing in Lan Ha Bay
Touching the limestone by rocky climbing is an interesting experience when visiting Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Even you are a beginner or intermediate and advanced climbers, the guides will set up the rope and all protective equipment, and follow you on the routes to ensure that it is safe. You will get the most adventurous experience during your wonderful trip to Vietnam.
4. Visiting fishing village and floating market
Located on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Fishing Village has about 80 households, which is surrounded by mountains. The villagers mainly live on fishing, farming, and breeding. It is developed to become an eco-tourism and cultural tourism for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists coming to visit. Visiting the village, you will have a chance to experience the fishing life in Lan Ha Bay.
Move to Cai Beo Floating Village, near Ben Beo Harbor, it is the oldest and the most remarkable floating village in Lan Ha Bay. The village consists of about 300 floating houses living mainly by fishing and seafood farming. You can get there by a small boat or kayaking. Taking a closer look and experiencing the local life here is very interesting and memorable in your trip to Lan Ha Bay.
5. Playing and staying at a private beach
If you prefer relaxing in discovering the bay, you can choose for yourself one of a few private beaches including bungalows to stay overnight. You can book a tour package on a cruise or just book a room to have much more time for relaxing activities such as sunbathing, playing beach football, playing beach volleyball, swimming, or kayaking.