Lan Ha Bay is the smaller, southern sister of Ha Long Bay, but is nearly indistinguishable apart from its distinct lack of crowds. This highly underrated bay places the focus on nature and visiting undisturbed locations, far from the tourist mecca of Ha Long Bay.

But you will still be enveloped by a fantasy world of limestone cliffs and flaming sunsets. Dive into the water less trodden and fully immerse yourself in one of the most spectacular locations on earth with a day trip to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi.

Here's all you need to know about Lan Ha Bay, one of the most exciting day trips from Hanoi.

How to get to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?

Lan Ha Bay is south of the town of Ha Long, between Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island.

From Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay by car

Cruises leave from the mainland town of Ha Long. You will leave Hanoi on the new QL5B expressway. You will remain on this road for around 130 kilometers and then merge onto the QL18 for the last 18 kilometres.

Guided tour to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

Self-driving in Vietnam is notoriously dangerous and stressful. Sit back and enjoy a guided tour to Lan Ha Bay that includes comfortable transportation and a full-day cruise with plenty of activities.

What is the typical itinerary?

Day tours to Lan Ha Bay leave Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 6:30 AM. You will drive 1.5 hours to Ha Long and board your boat at Tuan Chau marina for the day. The boat cruise will set off towards Lan Ha Bay and activities are dispersed throughout the day.

Most tours kick off the adventure with kayaking or a sampan ride through Lan Ha Bay's Bright and Dark Caves. After that, you will enjoy a delectable Vietnamese fusion lunch onboard and you can spend the afternoon sunbathing and enjoying the views.

Later in the afternoon, you will join in a cooking demonstration and savor some exotic fruits and traditional biscuits at tea time. Enjoy more swimming and snorkeling from the boat or a white sandy beach before a sunset cruise back to land. The tour returns to Hanoi around 8:30 PM.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lan Ha Bay?

Many tours to Lan Ha Bay are multi-day cruises, but there are a few day trip options available if you are strapped for time or budget-conscious.

Guided tours to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

The most convenient day trip to Lan Ha Bay is a group tour from Hanoi. A comfortable limousine will pick you up from your Old Quarter hotel in the morning and take you to your chosen vessel in Ha Long. There are large luxury cruisers, sailing boats and catamarans to choose from, all offering a full day of adventure on the water.

You will enjoy lunch, a cooking demonstration and kayaking as part of your day trip and each tour has an English-speaking guide to help you navigate the itinerary.

2-Day tour to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

If you have a little more time to spare, consider an overnight trip to Lan Ha Bay. Stay in a luxury private room and see the sun set over the jagged limestone cliffs after a full day of adventures. In the morning, you will wake up to the most breathtaking views with tranquility beyond measuring surrounding you.

How much does a day trip to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi cost?

Most Lan Ha Bay tours include the following:

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Boat cruise
Lunch
Cooking Demonstration
Kayaking
Entry fees

The prices range from around US$50 per person to around US$120 per person. The price difference is determined by the cruise vessel's modernity, the transfer's luxury and the group size.

What will you see and do?

A day tour to Lan Ha Bay brings you back-to-back activities and there won’t be a dull moment in sight:

Visit the Dark and Bright Caves

Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its intriguing caves that form underneath the goliath limestone rocks. Kayak underneath the cliffs and into these two contrasting caves. Or opt for a relaxing sampan ride as a local fisherman paddles a traditional boat for you.

Swim in the tranquil water

You will have the opportunity to visit some of the white sandy beaches along the rocky formations of Lan Ha Bay. From here you can swim in the pleasant water, cliff dive in deeper parts or snorkel around the boat.

Attend a cooking demonstration

In the late afternoon, you can attend a cooking demonstration by world-class chefs. Learn how to make scrumptious Vietnamese summer rolls or learn the art of fruit carving to make your own exotic creations.

When is the best time to visit Lan Ha Bay?

The best time to visit Lan Ha Bay is during spring, from March to June or autumn, between October and November. It is not too warm during these seasons and not as rainy and muggy as in summer.

Travel tips

Bring your own swimsuit, towel and lots of sunscreen.
All beverages are at your own cost.
Group sizes are usually small, so book the tour well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Make sure all your devices are fully charged, as not all boats have charging facilities.

Lan Ha Bay: Day Trips and Tours from Hanoi