If you’re seeking less crowd yet more serenity and natural beauty, let’s travel to Lan Ha Bay – a hidden treasure of Cat Ba, Hai Phong Province, and even before you go, read on Lan Ha Bay cruise question and answer below. The knowledge in advance might better convince you of the attractive destination which is worth cruising and mingling with Nature. Getting there, you can put all work pressures or tight deadlines behind the back and keep sailing forward.

How far is Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi airport?

It is 140km from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) to Lan Ha Bay. To get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi, you can take advantage of the Hanoi – Hai Phong highway for the 2-hour drive. There are options of tourist buses and public buses to the destination, as well as the limousine shuttle bus arranged by the cruise operators (if you’ve already booked their pick-up and transfer services). Upon your arrival at Got Ferry Terminal (Hai Phong), take a speedboat to Cai Vieng Port of Cat Ba Island (around 10 minutes), a bus to Cat Ba Town (around 40 minutes), and a boat to Lan Ha.

The route should be as follows:

• Hanoi – Hai Phong (Got Ferry Terminal) by land transport (~ 2-4 hours)
• Got Ferry Terminal – Cai Vieng Port of Cat Ba Island by speedboat (~ 10 minutes)
• Cai Vieng Port – Cat Ba town by bus (~ 40 minutes)
• Cat Ba town – Lan Ha Bay by boat

How far is Hanoi from Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay is around 134km away from Hanoi capital city. Due to the type of transportation that you use, the drive from Hanoi to Hai Phong might last around 2-3 hours. Often, the public bus takes more travel time than the private limousine or van.

Is Lan Ha Bay Safe?

Absolutely safe. Lan Ha Bay is gorgeous and pristine. It owns the same beauty as the famous neighboring Halong Bay but in the smaller scopes. A distinctive characteristic is that nearly 400 islands and islets of Lan Ha Bay are covered by greenery, regardless of its sizes and shapes. The Bay is safe for cruising all seasons as it features the typical humid and tropical monsoon weather of northern Vietnam. As long as you love cruising, Lan Ha Bay is the ideal haven to go any time of the year.

Should you book Lan Ha Bay cruise in advance?

Yes, please book Lan Ha Bay Cruise prior, in order to preserve your cabin, especially during the peak time (from November to March) when foreign guests love traveling on a cruise. Booking in advance is also beneficial for you in terms of money because you know ahead of the inclusive services at certain prices. Do not forget the promotion programs for summer! Do some online researches to find the most suitable cruises for your next vacation. This way, you can count the days until a happy journey as already booked. Go to check all Lan Ha Bay cruise packages here!

How many days do you need in Lan Ha Bay?

The duration of the cruise trip is up to your monetary and time budgets but know that Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours can take place in 1 day, 2 nights 1 night, and 3 days 2 nights. Most travelers opt for the 2-day 1-night package to both enjoy the aboard comfort and the ashore adventures to the top attractions (namely Ba Trai Dao Beach and Dark & Light Cave). For the itinerary of 3 days 2 nights, you can level up the trips with the cycling trip in Viet Hai Village as well as swimming time in Van Boi Beach.

What is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?

June, July and August are the best months to visit Lan Ha Bay. The sunny weather is ideal for sunbathing and a variety of beach activities like swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. And, if you prefer the pleasant weather and the low chance of rain, it’s good to travel from October to December – the peak tourism season of the area because many overseas tourists start their autumn vacation in both Halong Bay and even Lan Ha. As always, the peak season is linked with the high prices and crowds of foreigners.

How much is the bus from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay?

The price depends on the type of bus that you choose. Know the following:

• Sharing tourist bus – Good Morning Cat Ba Bus (recommended)
• Hanoi – Cat Ba pickup time: 08:00 / 11:00 / 14:00
• Cat Ba – Hanoi pickup time: 09:00 / 12:30 / 16:00

Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and drop off at the hotel in Cat Ba Island

• Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours
• Cost: 14 USD / person / one way
• Public bus – Cat Ba Express (recommended)
• Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and drop off at the hotel in Cat Ba Island
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: 26 USD / person / round trip (bus and speedboat)

We hope that above things you need to know before traveling to Lan Ha Bay will help you to have a successful vacation in Vietnam.

Vu Hoang Anh

I love traveling and have been working in tourism industry since 1996. Vietnam is my homeland so I would like to share with you my experience to discover this destination best!