Lan Hạ Bay: The Quiet Beauty of the Dragon

Lan Hạ Bay is home to more than 300 limestone islands, many of them unnamed, their peaks covered in jungle. The bay is connected to Hạ Long Bay — they share the same geology — but Lan Hạ has a distinct character: its waters are shallower, its islands more numerous, its coastline dotted with the beaches of Cát Bà Island. The bay is part of the Cát Bà Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity. Here, you can find floating fishing villages, hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak, and beaches that you can have entirely to yourself.

The beaches of Lan Hạ are among the most beautiful in northern Vietnam. Bãi Tây (West Beach) on Cát Bà Island is the most accessible, with calm waters and a stretch of white sand. Bãi Đông (East Beach) is wilder, facing the open sea. But the true treasures are the hidden coves: Vạn Bội Beach, accessible only by boat, and the small crescent beaches that appear between the karsts. A cruise through the bay will often include a stop at one of these secluded beaches, where you can swim in water so clear you can see the sand below.

The best way to explore Lan Hạ is by kayak. The bay is dotted with sea caves — narrow passages that lead into hidden lagoons, some of them completely enclosed by limestone walls. Paddling through these caves, you emerge into still waters where the only sounds are the calls of birds and the splash of your paddle. The kayaking is gentle, suitable for all levels, and the rewards are immense: a sense of discovery, of having found a place that few others have seen. Many cruises offer kayaking as part of their itinerary, or you can rent a kayak from Cát Bà town and explore on your own.

While day trips to Lan Hạ are possible, the true magic of the bay is experienced overnight. As the sun sets, the day boats leave, and the bay becomes still. The lights of the karsts reflect on the water, the stars emerge, and the only sound is the lapping of the waves. Overnight cruises offer the chance to wake to a sunrise over the karsts, to have the bay almost entirely to yourself in the early morning. Whether you choose a traditional wooden junk or a modern luxury boat, an overnight stay on Lan Hạ is an experience that lingers.

Lan Hạ Bay is cradled by Cát Bà Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Much of the island is protected as Cát Bà National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From the heights of the park, you can look down on the bay, the karsts rising from the water, the islands scattered across the horizon. The park offers trekking through jungle, visits to caves, and the chance to see the endangered Cát Bà langur, one of the rarest primates in the world. A visit to Lan Hạ is incomplete without spending time on the island that frames it.

Day Cruise: A 6‑8 hour exploration of the bay, with kayaking, swimming, and a seafood lunch.
Overnight Cruise: The best way to experience the bay — sunset and sunrise among the karsts, with kayaking, cooking demonstrations, and Tai Chi on the deck.
Combined Itinerary: Pair Lan Hạ with a visit to Cát Bà National Park for a comprehensive island experience.
Private Charter: For those seeking privacy, a private boat can be chartered, with a flexible itinerary and personalized service.