Things to do in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is not Ha Long Bay. It is a separate bay within the same limestone gulf, tucked against the south-east coast of Cat Ba Island, roughly 150-180 km from Hanoi by road, and it is often confused with its better-known neighbour simply because both sit under the same karst skyline.

What sets Lan Ha apart is proximity to Cat Ba town, where most boats depart, a string of small sandy beaches such as Cat Co and Van Boi tucked between the limestone islets, and a lower density of large tourist cruisers than the classic Ha Long routes further north.

Cat Ba National Park, on the same island, adds forest and coastline within a short transfer of the harbour.