1. Overview of Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) is an attractive tourist destination in 2025. (Source: Collected)
When mentioning the beautiful green gems of the Northern coastal region, Lan Ha Bay – Cat Hai, Hai Phong is always a top choice for tourists. With its pristine, natural beauty and rich ecosystem, this destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who sets foot here.
1.1. Geographical location of Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Lan Ha Bay, located east of Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong City, serves as a natural bridge between the World Heritage complex of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island. About 30km from Hai Phong city center, tourists have many transportation options, with travel times ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the vehicle.
With this unique location, Lan Ha Bay becomes an ideal stopover for those who want to explore both Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island in a single trip. The modern transportation system, especially the Sun World cable car line, allows for quick and convenient travel, suitable for families with young children or the elderly.
1.2. Scale, terrain characteristics, and outstanding landscape
Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) , spread over an area of more than 7,000 hectares, is home to over 400 lush green limestone islands, creating a majestic natural landscape. The bay is distinguished by 139 small golden sandy beaches, each like a hidden gem amidst towering rocky cliffs, offering a unique beauty found nowhere else.
The islands here are covered by lush primeval forests, creating a natural scene like a watercolor painting. The bay's ecosystem is diverse with rich mangrove forests, colorful coral reefs, and precious marine species carefully preserved.
The bay's seawater is clear and blue, very suitable for snorkeling and underwater activities. The steep cliffs interspersed with small coves create private spaces, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking tranquility and relaxation amidst wild nature.
1.3. Attractive differences compared to Ha Long Bay
What makes Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) so attractive to tourists is its peaceful atmosphere, almost untouched by commercial tourism. While Ha Long Bay is always crowded, Lan Ha offers a gentle pace of life, immersing visitors in fresh and quiet nature.
The landscape in Lan Ha Bay maintains its lush green color year-round thanks to the forests covering the islands, creating a contrast with many barren islands in Ha Long Bay. Seen from above, the sprawling green expanse makes the scenery even more poetic and romantic.
The marine ecosystem here is strictly protected, with many rare coral and fish species still living naturally. The small, secluded beaches make tourists feel like they own a pristine beach, offering a relaxing experience hard to find at other tourist spots.
2. Detailed guide on how to travel to Lan Ha Bay
Moving to Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) by Sun World cable car. (Source: Collected)
Lan Ha Bay – the green jewel of Hai Phong – is not only attractive for its magnificent natural scenery but also for its convenient and easy travel for all tourists. Whether departing from Hanoi or major provinces, you can quickly reach here by many modern means, flexibly combining road, sea, and cable car to fully enjoy the beauty of the bay.
2.1. From Hanoi and major cities to Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
The journey to Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) is now easier and more convenient than ever thanks to the modern transportation system. Whether departing from Hanoi or major cities, tourists have many flexible travel options, from premium limousine cars to Sun World cable cars with beautiful panoramic views of the bay.
From Hanoi to Cat Ba, tourists can choose buses or premium limousines with round-trip prices ranging from 370,000 – 490,000 VND. Reputable bus companies like Hoang Long or Good Morning Cat Ba depart from My Dinh and Gia Lam stations, with a journey of about 3.5 hours, including ferry crossing time.
If you don't want to take the ferry, you can experience the Sun World cable car, which takes less than 15 minutes to get from the mainland to the island, offering a panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay from above.
If starting from Hai Phong city center, it only takes 1.5 – 2 hours to travel to Lan Ha Bay by bus combined with a ferry or Sun World cable car.
2.2. Intra-regional transportation in Cat Hai, to Lan Ha Bay
Upon arriving at Cat Ba town, Beo pier is the familiar starting point to explore Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong). Tourists can choose to rent a private boat or join group tours, with flexible pricing. The basic entrance ticket is currently 120,000 VND/adult and 60,000 VND/child, including boat transportation to the main attractions on the bay.
At the pier, various types of boats are available to serve different needs, from traditional wooden boats to modern, fully-equipped yachts. Tourists who love exploring close to nature can rent kayaks, priced from 50,000 – 100,000 VND/hour, to paddle through small caves or tranquil bays.
For large groups or families needing privacy, chartering a boat is an ideal choice. The price for renting a private boat for a group of about 10-12 people for a day starts from 4,000,000 VND, including fuel and an experienced captain, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and complete experience on the bay.
3. Attractive activities and experiences in Lan Ha Bay, Cat Hai, Hai Phong
Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) is not only a place to admire scenery but also a paradise for sea sports and rich cultural activities. The experiences here all bring a close connection with the local nature.
3.1. Swimming and kayaking at pristine sandy beaches
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong). (Source: Collected)
Cat Dua Beach always wins visitors' hearts with its 200m long fine golden sand beach and clear blue sea water year-round. The space here is surrounded by high cliffs, creating privacy, ideal for groups of friends, couples, or families who want to enjoy quiet moments by the sea.
Van Boi Beach has a petite shape like a miniature bay, with gentle, safe waters, suitable for children to play. Meanwhile, Ang Vem Beach is an ideal destination for kayaking, exploring small caves and interesting cliffs around. In the morning, sunlight filtering through the rock crevices creates a unique golden space, bringing a wonderful nature experience to all visitors.
3.2. Snorkeling, exploring natural caves
The area near Viet Hai village is considered an ideal spot for snorkeling in Lan Ha Bay, with clear blue water and a diverse, colorful coral ecosystem. Brain coral, table coral, and staghorn coral grow abundantly, creating a vibrant marine landscape characteristic of the region.
Two prominent caves not to be missed when kayaking are Sang Cave and Toi Cave. Sang Cave is about 30m wide, with sunlight creating a shimmering, magical effect. Meanwhile, Toi Cave is smaller, offering a peaceful atmosphere, with only the sound of water dripping from the cave ceiling.
3.3. Visiting fishing villages, experiencing local culture
Discover the beauty of Viet Hai fishing village. (Source: Collected)
Viet Hai fishing village, located in Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong), is one of the ancient fishing villages that still fully preserves the traditional cultural values of the coastal region. With nearly 80 households, the people here mainly live by fishing, aquaculture, and still maintain the simple, peaceful lifestyle characteristic of the Northern Vietnamese coast.
Visitors can experience fishing with fishermen in the morning or participate in afternoon activities, exploring daily life while learning more about the livelihoods of the local residents.
The aquaculture rafts are neatly arranged, creating small "water roads" convenient for moving by coracle. Here, you also have the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood specialties such as grouper, snapper, and lobster, prepared right at the rafts, offering a unique culinary experience amidst pristine nature.
3.4. Enjoy seafood and coastal cuisine in Lan Ha Bay
A trip to Lan Ha Bay, Cat Hai, Hai Phong becomes more complete when visitors can savor delicious fresh seafood, imbued with the island flavor of Cat Hai. From horseshoe crabs to mantis shrimp, each dish is not only attractive for its natural sweetness but also an unforgettable culinary experience in this poetic bay.
Horseshoe crabs are one of the prominent specialties in Hai Phong's Lan Ha Bay, famous for their firm, naturally sweet meat and easy preparation into many attractive dishes such as grilled horseshoe crab with chili salt, horseshoe crab sour soup, or fresh horseshoe crab salad. Prices usually range from 150,000 – 300,000 VND, depending on size and type.
Fresh mantis shrimp with dark green shells and rich yellow meat are an excellent choice for steaming with ginger or grilling with scallion oil, preserving the characteristic sea flavor.
Cat Hai mantis shrimp are large with firm meat, priced around 400,000 VND/kg, suitable for stir-frying with salt and pepper or grilling over charcoal, becoming a favorite snack for many tourists.
4. Entrance fees, Lan Ha Bay cruise tours (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Choosing the right tour for traveling to Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
In 2025, Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong will apply new entrance and service fees to enhance the tourist experience while protecting the marine ecosystem. Diverse service packages, from basic sightseeing to all-inclusive tours, cater to various customer groups, from individual travelers and families to large groups, ensuring a convenient and environmentally friendly trip.
4.1. Entrance fees and basic sightseeing costs 2025
The entrance fees for Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) in 2025 are flexible to suit different travel needs.
Day-trip entrance fees are VND 120,000 per adult, VND 60,000 per child aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. The ticket includes a sightseeing itinerary of the bay's highlights by boat with a basic guide.
For visitors wishing to experience an overnight stay on the bay, the combined sightseeing and accommodation package costs VND 300,000 per adult and VND 250,000 per child per night, including overnight stay on the boat, three meals, and evening entertainment activities.
4.2. Lan Ha Bay Cruise tour prices in 2025
Traveling to Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) by cruise is becoming a popular trend for many tourists in 2025, thanks to the perfect combination of sightseeing, relaxation, and seafood cuisine. Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose a budget-friendly shared tour or a private luxury cruise to enjoy a high-class vacation amidst the bay.
Shared Lan Ha Bay cruise tours range from VND 700,000 to VND 1,500,000 per person, depending on the type of boat and included services. The basic package includes boat transportation, a seafood lunch, and visits to 3-4 highlights within a 6-hour period.
For groups seeking a private experience, a chartered yacht is an ideal choice, with prices starting from VND 5,000,000 for a 20-seater boat, including fuel, captain, guide, and a completely flexible itinerary according to your requirements.
Additionally, luxury cruises in Lan Ha Bay range from VND 3,000,000 to VND 6,000,000 VND/person, equipped with air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, selected seafood menus, and professional butler services.
4.3. Tips for choosing a cruise and accommodation
To have a complete Lan Ha Bay tour, choosing the right cruise and room type is crucial for optimizing your experience. Depending on the travel time, accommodation needs, and budget, visitors can flexibly choose between a well-equipped luxury cruise or a small boat that is closer to nature.
The ideal time to visit Lan Ha Bay is from April to October, when the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, favorable for outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, or visiting small islands.
The low season from November to March offers many discounts, ideal for travelers looking to save costs and enjoy a quiet space with cool, fresh air.
When booking a Lan Ha Bay tour, visitors should pay attention to included services such as kayak rentals, snorkeling equipment, English-speaking guides, and meal quality.
Families with children should choose larger boats with air-conditioned cabins for safety and comfort. Meanwhile, couples or young groups may prefer smaller boats for a closer-to-nature experience and more privacy.
5. Suggested notable resorts and hotels in Cat Ba – Cat Hai
Many quality resorts and hotels in Cat Ba. (Source: Collected)
Cat Ba – Cat Hai is not only famous for its beautiful island scenery but also boasts many high-class resorts and hotels that meet all vacation needs. From luxurious seaside resorts to comfortable hotels at reasonable prices, visitors can easily choose suitable accommodation for a perfect holiday.
Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa is a top-tier choice with 120 sea-view rooms, a relaxing natural spa, and a 5-star seafood restaurant. Room rates range from 2,800,000 – 4,500,000 VND/night, including breakfast buffet and shuttle bus service to tour the bay.
Flamingo Cat Ba Beach Resort combines modern style with traditional charm, featuring an infinity pool overlooking the bay and a children's play area. Room rates are from 1,800,000 – 3,200,000 VND, accompanied by various tour packages to explore Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong).
Paradise Cat Ba Hotel offers 80 international standard rooms, suitable for families and groups of friends on a moderate budget. Room rates are from 1,200,000 – 2,100,000 VND, including motorbike rental services and discounted bay exploration tours.
6. Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) exploration itinerary 3D2N
Experience the full Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) in 3 days 2 nights. (Source: Collected)
The 3-day, 2-night journey to explore Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) is the perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in island nature, enjoy fresh air, and experience unique local life. The itinerary combines relaxation, sightseeing, and outdoor activities, promising visitors memorable moments on the "green pearl" of the Northern Bay.
6.1. Day 1: Travel to Cat Ba and explore local life
First, visitors will travel to Cat Ba by bus, then can take the Sun World cable car to Cat Ba Island. Here, visitors check into their hotel and enjoy a seafood lunch with specialties such as grilled horseshoe crab and salt-and-pepper mantis shrimp at a restaurant near Beo pier.
In the afternoon, visitors can visit the Cat Ba seafood market, explore local life, and buy some specialties. Afterwards, they can move to Cat Dua beach for swimming and relaxing in a quiet atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood and rest at the hotel.
6.2. Day 2: Full-day cruise tour of Lan Ha Bay
Start the day with breakfast, and at 8 AM, depart for a cruise tour to explore Lan Ha Bay. Visitors will kayak to discover Sang Cave – Toi Cave, small islands, and pristine sandy beaches.
Lunch on the cruise will feature dishes like steamed grouper, grilled lobster, and snapper sour soup. In the afternoon, visit Viet Hai village, experience the life of fishermen, tour fish farms, and learn how to make traditional fish sauce.
6.3. Day 3: Nature exploration and return
In the morning, participate in snorkeling to admire the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life near Ang Vem, guided by professional divers.
After lunch, enjoy a light trek through Cat Ba National Park, explore the tropical forest ecosystem, and admire the panoramic view of the bay from above. Conclude the trip by checking out, buying reputable specialties, and boarding the bus back to Hanoi at 3 PM.
7. Useful tips for visiting Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong)
Be environmentally conscious when visiting Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong). (Source: Collected)
To make your exploration of Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) more complete and safe, visitors should prepare thoroughly in terms of luggage and experience knowledge. The following tips will help you fully enjoy the beauty of the "green pearl" of the Northeast region while ensuring environmental protection and respect for local culture.
The most ideal time to visit Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, the sea is calm, and it is convenient for outdoor activities.
Besides swimwear, towels, and SPF 50+ sunscreen, you should bring non-slip sports shoes for trekking, flip-flops for easy movement on the boat, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays reflecting off the water.
For activities like kayaking and scuba diving, prepare a waterproof camera or a phone protective pouch. Those prone to seasickness should bring anti-seasickness medication and a basic first-aid kit.
Lan Ha Bay is a strictly protected area, so visitors must absolutely not litter, pick plants, or break coral.
When visiting fishing villages, you should ask permission and respect local customs when taking photos, and buy specialties directly from the locals to support community economic development and encourage sustainable tourism.
Limit single-use plastics by bringing personal water bottles and cloth bags. You can also contribute to environmental protection by participating in beach clean-ups or joining locals in coral planting, helping to preserve the natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
Exploring Lan Ha Bay (Cat Hai, Hai Phong) in 2025 will offer you an inspiring journey with blue seas, majestic limestone mountains, and luxurious resort experiences. It is an ideal destination to relax and immerse yourself in the fresh nature of Northern Vietnam. A complete trip to Lan Ha Bay will surely leave unforgettable memories for visitors.
