Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which One Should You Visit?

Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay – Which One Should You Visit?

Halong bay day cruise - Halong bay vs Lan Ha bay — Halong bay vs Lan Ha bay

Planning a trip to Northern Vietnam and torn between visiting Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay? You’re not alone. Both bays are breathtaking, filled with towering limestone karsts, emerald waters, and hidden caves—but they offer distinctly different experiences.

In this guide, we break down Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay by comparing scenery, crowds, cruise options, accessibility, and traveler preferences—so you can make the best decision for your next adventure.

Overview – Two Scenic Bays, One Tough Choice

Halong Bay: The Iconic UNESCO Marvel

Halong bay one day cruise 94/07/2025/6 — Cruise on Halong bay

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder. With over 1,600 limestone islands, it’s the classic postcard-perfect destination. But fame comes with a trade-off—bigger crowds and busier waters.

Lan Ha Bay: The Peaceful Alternative

Halong bay day cruise - Lan Ha bay floating village — Lan Ha bay floating village

Lan Ha Bay lies to the south of Halong Bay, technically part of the same geological system, but it’s lesser known and less visited. It offers a quieter, more exclusive experience with similar natural beauty—and some unique attractions of its own.

5 of the most popular caves in Halong bay to explore

Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay – Key Differences at a Glance


Feature	Halong Bay	Lan Ha Bay
Recognition	UNESCO World Heritage Site	Scenic extension of Halong Bay
Crowds	High, especially in peak season	Fewer tourists, more peaceful
Cruise Options	Budget to luxury, large boats	Mostly mid- to high-end, smaller boats
Activities	Caves, islands, kayaking, beaches	Kayaking, floating villages, biking
Scenery	Towering karsts, caves, wide views	Similar but often more pristine
Access Point	Halong City (Tuan Chau Marina)	Cat Ba Island or Got Ferry Terminal
Best For	First-timers, budget travelers	Repeat visitors, couples, nature fans

Halong Bay – What to Expect

Highlights & Attractions

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – Halong’s largest and most visited cave.
Ti Top Island – Famous for hiking and panoramic views.
Luon Cave – Ideal for kayaking or bamboo boat rides.
Floating fishing villages.

Cruise Experience

Lots of variety: from budget-friendly group tours to luxurious overnight cruises.
More boats on the water, especially during high season.
Cruises usually start from Tuan Chau Marina, 3 hours from Hanoi.

Pros & Cons

Easier to reach from Hanoi.
Wide range of cruise types and price points.
Crowded, especially during weekends and holidays.
May feel more commercialized.

Lan Ha Bay – What to Expect

Highlights & Attractions

Dark & Bright Cave – Paddle through tranquil waters under limestone arches.
Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) – Beautiful swimming spot.
Cua Van Floating Village – One of the oldest in Vietnam.
Biking & trekking on Cat Ba Island.

Cruise Experience

Fewer boats, smaller and more luxurious vessels.
Access via Got Ferry Terminal (Haiphong) or Cat Ba Island.
Orchid Premium Cruise is a standout choice in Lan Ha Bay.

Pros & Cons

Quieter, more exclusive feel.
Off-the-beaten-path activities like biking and nature treks.
Slightly more complex transport logistics.
Fewer budget cruise options.

When to Visit Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay

Best Months for Both Bays

March to May and September to November – Best weather and visibility.
Avoid July–August for potential storms, and Tet holiday (late Jan/early Feb) for crowds.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds

For Halong Bay: Book a weekday cruise, early departure.
For Lan Ha Bay: Even weekends are relatively calm.

✨ Need help choosing when to go? Check our Best Time to Visit Halong Bay Guide

Which Bay Is Right for You? (By Traveler Type)

First-Time Visitors:

Halong Bay – Iconic sights, easier access, variety of options.

Couples or Honeymooners:

Lan Ha Bay – Romantic, peaceful, intimate cruise atmosphere.

Families with Kids:

Halong Bay – More structured activities and family-friendly boats.

Luxury Travelers:

Lan Ha Bay – Fewer boats, boutique-style vessels like Orchid Premium.

Photographers or Nature Lovers:

Both – But Lan Ha offers less boat traffic for cleaner compositions.

FAQs About Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay

Is Lan Ha Bay part of Halong Bay?
Technically yes—it’s part of the same karst formation system, just to the south.

Can I visit both bays on one trip?
Not usually on the same cruise, but you can book back-to-back experiences or multi-day itineraries that combine both.

Which bay is better for kayaking and swimming?
Lan Ha Bay tends to have quieter, cleaner waters—ideal for paddling and beach stops.

Do Lan Ha Bay cruises include transfers from Hanoi?
Yes—most premium operators like Orchid or Mon Cheri include round-trip Hanoi transfers in their packages.