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As “a hidden paradise” that is nestled in the east of Cat Ba Island and borders Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay today attracts tourists who want a destination for relaxing cruises, but what to do in Lan Ha Bay moves beyond only cruising. In an area of 7.000 hectares, of which 5.400 hectares are under the management of Cat Ba National Park, Lan Ha Bay offers the wonderful settings for a variety of activities that let you mingle with real nature and friendly people.
Cruising in Lan Ha Bay
There are cruises to Lan Ha Bay that might combine the itinerary to this destination with the neighboring Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island. It’s easy to sort out the names of the cruises that run itineraries including Lan Ha Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights and 2 Days 1 Night Packages, and the recommended names include Era Cruises, Mon Cheri Cruises, Ginger Cruises, Perla Dawn Sails, etc. Nearly 400 islands and islets of the Bay that are covered in greenness will treat your eyes wonderfully when you sail through each. Of course, sightseeing and photography opportunities are countless. Besides, you will be glad to enjoy the modern facilities and amenities on the cruise which are designed for your safety as well as comfort.
You can easily contact the cruise operators or local travel agents to arrange for an overnight cruise trip. It’s better to examine the services included in the cruise itinerary and the attractions to see. The journey on the sea of Lan Ha Bay will turn out to be one of the best cruising experiences that you’ve ever had in a lifetime.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
The destination is blessed with 139 exquisite beaches that are perfect for swimming and kayaking all seasons. The noteworthy Van Boi Beach will never fail to enchant visitors thanks to the moments of being private, relaxing, and happy, amid the beautiful nature. You will find that kayaking in Lan Ha Bay is one of the best ways to perceive the “feel and look” of this natural landmark. While kayaking, you become a part of the giant nature, feel the sound of the beaches, and contemplate the picturesque scenery that somehow remains original. Many incredibly private beaches stretching between the magnificent mountains are definitely great for swimming also.
If you want to kayak in transparent and calm water, this is a paradise of little sandy beaches and hundreds of islets to discover and enjoy the close access to where the big boats cannot get into. Together with Van Boi area in the center of the Bay, you can try kayaking in Cai Beo floating village, Monkey Island area, or Ba Trai Dao area. They are all amazingly beautiful. Kayaking, swimming, and other water activities like snorkeling and diving to view the coral reef establish a sense of excitement in the untouched Lan Ha Bay. The moments you’re kayaking in the middle of the Bay, take a moment to look at the blue sky and then emerald water, then you feel that life is so beautiful.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Rock Climbing in Lan Ha Bay
With attractive cliffs for rock climbing, Lan Ha Bay is also ideal for you to test your limit via rock climbing. The adventurous thrill-seekers are energetic to try this activity out, and some do a great job with amazing shoots. Climbing up high, you can observe the scenic panorama of the calm sea, the splendid mountains, the far-off islets, and a few luxury cruises, which make you feel like you’re discovering a new world. Try touching the limestone, set up the rope, and follow the safe route to conquer the cliff. It might be adventurous, thrilling, and wonderful. The beginner or intermediate or advanced climbers will be happy to take this challenge.
Visiting Fishing Village of Viet Hai
Some fishermen and their families keep the traditions and life of fishing in Lan Ha Bay that appear friendly and attractive in the tourists’ mind. Let’s just move to Viet Hai harbor from which you can hire a bicycle or take a motorbike taxi to go 6km to visit Viet Hai fishing village. This is the long-lasting village that is secluded from the outside world. It includes about 80 households who follow their traditional self-supply life by fishing, planting, etc.
Exploring Cat Beo Floating Village
For more cultural experiences and interactions with the local people, take a journey to Cai Beo Floating Village, next to Beo pier. This is the oldest and most scenic floating village in Lan Ha Bay, with around 300 floating houses whose major livelihoods are fishing and seafood farming. The “on-the-water” sights are accessible by the small boats or the kayaks.
Cai Beo floating village in Lan Ha Bay
Enjoying a placid escape alternative to the busy Halong Bay
Sometimes, simply being quiet and watch how life goes in a placid, beautiful setting can bring people happiness. In that sense, enjoy the joy of doing nothing in the peaceful Lan Ha Bay – a smart alternative to the celebrated and crowded Halong Bay. The travel to Lan Ha Bay is a way to escape the crowd of other tourists, which you will see it’s worth the time and budget. If you don’t stress on the “Halong Bay brand,” it’s interesting to move south a bit to get to Lan Ha in which the geological characteristics and natural sceneries are awesome too. When you’re in this serene haven, try being alone in the Bay in the morning, as this will encourage you to meditate and feel happier.
If you want to get to Lan Ha Bay without booking a luxury overnight cruise packages departing from Got Pier, you must first arrive at Cat Ba Island, and then Cat Ba town from which you find your ways to Beo pier (Ben Beo) to buy the boat ticket. If you just want some quick rounds around the Bay, then hire a boat of the local people or embark a shared boat; but if you’re going in a group or family, hire an entire boat on the pier. So what to do in Lan Ha Bay? As a venue for various outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, cruising, etc., Lan Ha Bay is also a placid haven to just rest and relax.
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!