Halong Bay is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination in Northern Vietnam. Halong Bay belongs to a collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – a testament to its beauty and significance. As a result, many tourists flock here to witness its beautiful scenery with its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. However, if you want to avoid the typical touristy Halong Bay cruise tours, consider visiting Lan Ha Bay instead.
Located in the same Gulf of Tonkin as Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a relatively new addition to the tourist map. It boasts a similar landscape of limestone karsts and turquoise waters but with fewer crowds, making it an ideal destination for those wanting a more secluded and peaceful experience.
Lan Ha Bay is also home to numerous sandy beaches, fishing villages, and floating markets, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. Furthermore, you can participate in various activities such as kayaking, swimming, and rock climbing.
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Why Choose A Lan Ha Bay Over Halong Bay Cruises? Vietnam insiders guide
Explore the secluded Lan Ha Bay, a serene alternative to the bustling Halong Bay, offering private balcony views and luxury cruises. Lan Ha Bay is situated to the south of Halong Bay and shares many similarities in terms of geography. However, it is smaller in size and more secluded, making it the perfect choice for those seeking privacy and a rustic escape.
Attractions: Cat Ba Island & Surrene Marvels of Lan Ha Bay
One of the main attractions of the Halong Bay area in Lan Ha Bay is Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island surrounded by Lan Ha Bay and has been officially recognized as having a Biosphere Reserve Zone within the Cat Ba National Park. This makes it an ideal location for nature lovers who wish to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Visit the Viet Hai Village for a glimpse into local life as part of your Lan Ha Bay itinerary. Brace yourself for some unforgettable experiences, sunset parties, seafood, kayaking, exploring the bright cave, and the best cruises Northern Vietnam has to offer.
The Ao Ech area in Lan Ha Bay is known for its untouched beauty and tranquility, offering a serene escape with its unspoiled landscape, rocky mountains, and crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal destination for kayaking, allowing visitors to explore small islands, caves, and witness vibrant marine life up close. The area is accessible via day trips or overnight cruises and provides various activities like swimming in the bay, enjoying pristine sandy beaches, rock climbing, and hiking. Ao Ech is a place of natural splendor, promising unforgettable experiences and connections to the tranquil beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
The Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay is a tranquil spot known for its scenic beauty with massive limestone islets and emerald waters, once home to a vibrant fishing village. It offers a range of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and cultural interactions, making it a popular destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in the midst of Lan Ha Bay’s natural splendor.
While considering Lan Ha Bay, don’t miss the nearby Bai Tu Long Bay known for its remote serenity. You can learn more about Bai Tu Long Bay here.
Related Articles:
- Overview of 3 Famous Bays (Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay)
- The best time to visit Halong Bay Autumn (September – November).
What’s The Best Way To Experience Lan Ha Bay?
By boat! An overnight Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise is the best way to experience all the things to do in one of the world’s seven wonders. Choose a luxurious experience from our guide to truly enjoy the spectacular scenery of the less famous Halong Bay.
7 Best Lan Ha Bay Cruises – Luxurious Picks
Explore Lan Ha Bay in style with an overnight cruise that takes you through the mysterious waters of this beautiful bay. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, an all-inclusive luxury cruise, or an excursion-packed Lan Ha Bay, we have just the cruise for you.
If you’re looking for a night dancing under the stars, try one of these party cruises! If you’re looking for all round luxury, read on to find out the 7 best Lan Ha Bay Cruises!
Family Friendly Lan Ha Bay Cruises
1. Mon Chéri Cruise
Mon Chéri Cruise tours through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Sailing off from Hai Phong City, this delightful route saves you time on the road and gives you more time on the water! The rooms are clean, comfortable, and spacious, there is even a family-cabin option with 2 bedrooms, a private seating area, and a balcony.
What makes Mon Chéri Cruise a top choice amongst families is their utmost attention to cuisine. They can cater to many different dietary requirements, including Kosher, Vegetarian, and Gluten-Free, and they are the first and only Halal-certified cruise.
The staff is exceptionally friendly, and the itinerary is filled with activities kids will love to do – including swimming, kayaking, and boat rowing.
2. Elite Of The Seas
The Elite Of The Seas Lan Ha Bay is the definition of a fun family cruise. It offers many entertainment activities onboard that you can find nowhere else on a Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay cruise. Designed by the quintessential ideas of contemporary, luxurious style, Elite of the Seas delivers a world-class standard of service and a unique cruising route through the natural wonders of both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
What’s more, drawing on the experiences of her sister – Stellar of the Seas, this beauty of a cruise liner stands out with exquisite interior design, a well-trained staff, a delicious and abundant menu, and well-balanced itineraries. Therefore, it is guaranteed to provide the perfect conditions to enjoy the glorious Halong Bay and its environs truly.
While the ship tours Lan Ha Bay, there will be exciting stops, including cycling down quaint country roads around the Viet Hai fishing village and seeing the daily life of local people. So Elite of the Seas is your perfect choice for a memorable experience in the Halong Bay area.
3. Paradise Grand Cruise
Paradise Grand Cruise is a luxury cruise that is worth every penny. From the exquisite modern furnishings of the boat to the luxury service provided by the staff, the cruise experience is a treat for the entire family. Opt for the overnight cruise for the whole slew of family fun.
This Lan Ha Bay cruise has many activities and facilities catered to quality time for parents and kids. For instance, your family can relax in your lovely and spacious cabin with ocean views. Besides, the restaurant has many food options for picky eaters.
Guest reviews typically mention that children, in particular, enjoyed the cooking class, which is a beautiful way to introduce kids to new cuisine.
Apart from the awesome onboard things to do, Paradise Grand has an exciting itinerary. Depending on the length of your tour, this will include a visit to Dark and Bright Cave, a trip to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island, cycling, swimming, and kayaking around the islands.
Lan Ha Bay Cruises For Lovebirds
4. Stellar Of The Seas
The Stellar Of The Seas is a top choice for Lan Ha Bay Cruise for those looking for a romantic getaway. This luxury Halong Bay Cruise has only 22 cabins, and every single one comes with a private balcony. For a treat, opt for the president or executive suites offering a private sun terrace with full ocean views during the cruise’s unique route.
Celebrate your special occasions in the unique wine cellar tucked away in this oriental-style boat. Unlike most Halong Bay cruises with only bars, this delightful cruise has a wine cellar. As a cozy nook on the top boat deck, it’s perfect for you to sip on a fine selection of wines while toasting your wonderful Lan Ha Bay trip and your love story.
While you cruise Lan Ha Bay, there are many things to do, such as visiting the Cat Ba area, discovering Con Vit islet and Thumb islet, and conquering Gia Luan harbor.
Enjoying time with your loved one is accessible on the Stellar Cruise, whether over cocktails, on the pool deck, or doing tai chi. Don’t forget that swimming and kayaking around natural lagoons and islands is also very romantic for the adventure seeker! And after a long day adventuring, unwind with a stunning spa treatment!
Read more: A Guide To An Unforgettable Overnight Halong Bay Cruise
5. Genesis Regal Cruise
The Genesis Regal Cruise combines the Vietnamese royal family’s traditional quintessence and France’s neoclassical style (Indochina/Indochina). As a result, the cruise has a high aesthetic, is associated with many traditional cultures of Vietnam, and blends with European luxury and modernity to create a delicate, elegant, and profound beauty.
Designed with a steel shell, wooden interior, natural stone… with many trees, and luxurious and modern imported amenities, Genesis Regal is like a floating resort amid the World of Natural Wonders.
The Genesis Regal Cruise has always blown away the expectations of couples looking for a relaxing trip to unwind and reconnect with each other. The rooms have a private balcony with a full sea view, making them a comfortable, cozy spot for two.
This cruise departs from Tuan Chau Pier in Halong City, and you will exclusively cruise Lan Ha Bay. A short excursion to Cat Ba Island and the national park is included, where you will see the daily life of Viet Hai Village locals. There is also a trip to the Dark and Bright Caves, where you can kayak through underground rivers.
Top tip: The two-night Lan Ha Bay tour features a visit to a special destination: Lan Ha Fishing Village – a fascinating floating village practicing an ancient way of life. Don’t miss it!
Adventure & Activity-Packed Lan Ha Bay Cruises
6. Peony Cruise
You could not ask for more with this 5-star Lan Ha Bay cruise. The Peony Cruise is well suited for the experienced traveler looking for a peaceful and fun getaway.
Inspired by the peony flower’s timeless beauty and cultural significance, Peony Cruise offers intricate designs throughout the entire ship and spacious private cabins – each with panoramic views, a balcony just for you, a decadent shower, and a bathtub.
Taking you through Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay through a unique and exclusive route, you will get to see the spectacular and unique scenery unfold before you. It lists attractions such as the Got Pier, Cai Trap Canal, Da Chong Islet, Dark and Light Cave, Frog Pond, and more.
Get ready to explore Lan Ha Bay by kayaking and swimming, with plenty more opportunities to get active during your trip.
Top tip: After a fun Halong Bay day trip, relax at the spa or roof deck.
7. La Regina Cruise
The La Regina Cruise is a luxurious choice to cruise Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay with ease and splendid comfort.
The ship is an elegant mix of traditional Vietnamese design with modern touches. This luxury Lan Ha Bay cruise takes a well-designed route around the mysterious Halong and Lan Ha Bay with an itinerary built for people who enjoy discovering nature.
The La Regina will take you to Van Boi or Ao Ech, where the emerald and clear waters are perfect for water sports.
Swimming and kayaking allow visitors to get up close and personal with the limestone karst and islands and enable exploring these ancient places on your own. On longer trips, there is also a visit to Cat Ba Island and a hike to Trung Trang Cave. Legend has it that it is the home to an ancient Dragon King – take your time to discover the 300m long depths of this Lan Ha Bay mystery!
Read more: 10 Best Luxury Cruises in Halong Bay
5 Must-Pack Essentials For A Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Before you sail away, here is our list of 5 essential items that you’ll need to have a happy and fun cruise:
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Swimsuit
- Light jacket
The last item may surprise you, but it can get chilly out on the waters, especially during evenings and early mornings during winter.
Sail Away
Embark on a journey of a lifetime to Halong Bay and its enchanting sister, Lan Ha Bay. Discover the hidden wonders of these breathtaking destinations, from small limestone islets to remote villages on the lush Cat Ba Island. With our comprehensive list of luxury cruises, you’ll find the perfect way to explore these stunning bays. So, set sail and let the beauty of these places leave you in awe.
Take the plunge and book your Lan Ha Bay Cruise today and with pay later options and free cancellation! Halong Hub can be your one stop shop to add transfer service. All of our cruises offer extra experiences like stopping in Ninh Binh on the way, or flying over Ha Long Bay. Interested in more than Lan Ha Bay cruises? Book Halong Bay Cruises or book Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises.
But how can you start this adventure? The first step is to book your Lan Ha Bay Cruise today and pay later! Interested in more than Lan Ha Bay cruises? Book Halong Bay Cruises or book Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises for more luxurious options!
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