Lan Ha bay cruise review : All you need to know for a Lan ha bay cruise trip

Thinking about a less touristy bay but with a similar landscape to Halong Bay, with towering limestone karst mountains. Lots of guests ended up in Lan Ha Bay for a sightseeing and water-based activities trip, like swimming, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach. 

In this article, I would like to write more details about the Lan Ha bay cruise review, written by a tour guide who has been on board to take care of his guests for hundreds of trips to Lan Ha bay

Why Lan Ha bay cruise over Halong bay?

Lan Ha Bay is tranquil, less crowded, and an emerald-water alternative to neighbouring Ha Long Bay.

Lan Ha is a great fit for those who love water activities

There are lots of opportunities for those who love water activities, like kayaking through caves into a lagoon or simply kayaking around the limestone mountain, jumping off the boat to swim or just relaxing on the beach with sun and sea.

Lan Ha Bay is less crowded than Halong Bay

With towering limestone cliffs, Lan Ha Bay offers a landscape similar to Halong Bay but is less touristy. You may have heard of Halong Bay in every single sample itinerary, a must-see attraction for Vietnam, but not Lan Ha Bay. 

If you are lucky, you may kayak around and find your own beach, just for yourself, or kayak into a lagoon where you see only a few others around.

Island-hopping with a village

One of the unique things about Lan Ha Bay is the inland hopping experience, where you get to explore one of the local villages on an island called Viethai, which is home to 70 local families living in a small valley. 

Sample itinerary for a Lan Ha bay cruise

Day 1 : Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, set sail and water activities

Set sail from either Tuan Chau or Cat Ba island

Kayaking or bamboo boat rowing at the Dark and Light cave area. 

Back to the boat for cruising to other spot for swimming.

Some of the cruises will offer you to kayak and chill on the beach at the Three Peaches Beach area or kayaking in Ba Ham lake 

Day 2 : Island hopping

Some of the cruises offer a cycling trip or an electric golf cart ride to Viet Hai village. Or some of them will take you to Cat Ba Island for hiking in Cat Ba National Park, or simply to visit Trung Trang cave. 

Or some of them give you more time to kayak if you wish. Then back to the mainland of Cat Ba or back to Tuan Chau (Halong) and disembark the cruise

If you book a 3-day, 2-night trip, on the second day you will take a day boat, with a chance for more kayaking and swimming, and return to the main boat around 2 to 3pm.

Services, staff and Practical logistic

Services and staff onboard

Most of the servers, bartenders, and cruise managers speak English, but some only speak basic English, which allows them to have basic conversations. 

Services you may want to use: spa and massages. Most 4-star and 5-star cruises offer onboard massage services at an affordable cost. 

Transfer from Hanoi to the port 

A transfer from Hanoi might be included if you book directly with the cruise line. However, if you make a reservation through online platforms like Booking and Agoda, it is often excluded. You may consider arranging your own private transfer or taking a shared limousine provided by the cruise company or an independent transfer service

Read more : Private transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina

Private transfer from Hanoi to Cat Ba 

Things to do in Lan Ha bay

• Passing by Cai Beo floating village near the mainland of Cat Ba
• Visit Trung Trang cave in the national park area
• Kayaking through caves
• Island hoping on Viet Hai village
• Kayaking or bamboo boat rowing at the Dark and Light cave area
• Swimming and relaxing on the beach at the Three Peaches beach area 
• Checking out monkeys at Monkey Island (Day cruise only) 

Cost, inclusions and  exclusions for a Lan Ha bay cruise trip

What’s included in the price : Private cabin, welcome drinks Full board meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), Tour guide on board, entrance fees, activities as mentioned

What’s excluded in the price : Transfer from Hanoi, drinks and beverage, personal expenses, tipping, 

Departing Hanoi :

Day trip to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi starts from $95  per person for a group tour and $155 per person for a private tour

2 days trips in Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi with one night onboard, starting from

Standard quality (3 stars cruise) starts from $130 to $165 for a group tour and $380 to $495 for a private charter cruise for a group of 4 persons above

Medium and high quality  (4 to 5 stars cruise) start from $160to $350 per person for a group tour

3 days trips in Lan Ha Bay with 1 night on board and  1 night either in Viet Hai village or a hotel in Cat Ba island

Group tour starts from  $195 to $225

Lan Ha 3 days 2 nights tour with 2 nights on a cruise is from $350 to $450 for a group tour

A private charter cruise is a good option for a group of friends, a family with kids who like to have their own privacy. Even a couple going on a honeymoon trip. 

Essential tips for a Lan Ha Bay cruise

When is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay

All year round. But a different period with different weather and experiences

The typhoon season runs from May to September. Don’t get me wrong. It doesn’t mean that you may encounter a typhoon all the time. The weather is hot and humid but when cruising on the bay, it is much cooler. You’ll see blue sky and sunshine. 

October to early November: That’s the ideal time for cruising, since it isn’t too hot or too cold, allowing you to take part in all activities, both on land and in the water.

Late November to April: Winter and Springtime. It might be misty or foggy in some days in March and early November but sky is clearing up later in the day. 

What to pack

• Sun cream
• Sung glasses
• Buck spray
• Cash in VND
• Waterproof bag
• Hat
• Changes of clothes
• Swim suits

Booking tips

Unless you are travelling during the peak season (Christmas period), you are recommended to book the trip in advance. Alternatively, you may consider booking a trip once you are in Vietnam.

Over to you

I hope this Lan Ha bay cruise review article helps you some ways to have a better understanding about a Lan Ha bay cruise trip 

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