Lan Ha Bay – An Unforgettable Journey In Cat Ba Island

If you’re looking for a fantastic destination that has it all – natural beauty, cultural diversity, and plenty of adventure – then Lan Ha Bay is definitely worth considering. It’s tucked away in the Gulf of Tonkin, near Hai Phong city. Like Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay amazes tourists with its untouched and serene beauty, featuring more than 400 islands of various shapes and sizes. In here, I had the pleasure of exploring it myself, and I can confidently say it became one of my most unforgettable trips.

The Best Time to Visit

Lan Ha Bay is always beautiful, no matter the time of year. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your trip. The weather in Lan Ha Bay follows two seasons: the dry season (from October to April) and the rainy season (from May to September).

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit. During this time, the weather is stable and pleasant, with less rain and more sunshine. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming, or biking. Plus, the visibility is better, offering clearer views of the stunning bay.

Avoid the rainy season, which runs from May to September, to ensure you can fully enjoy the outdoor activities.

Things to do

Exploring Cat Ba Island

I just had the most amazing time on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Lan Ha Bay! It’s actually a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which means it’s a pretty special place. There’s so much to do and see here!

Day One: Hiking in Cat Ba National Park

It’s home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur, and the scenery is just breathtaking. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention Cat Co Beach. The beach is absolutely beautiful, with its soft sand and crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.

Day Two: Visiting Viet Hai Village

I also had the opportunity to visit Viet Hai Village, a secluded community that’s all about preserving the islanders’ ancient customs and traditions. It was really cool to see how they live and learn about their way of life.

During my time on the island, I went on an adventure with a local guide. We explored the national park together and I got to see some rare plants and animals. We even visited Hospital Cave, a secret bunker from the war. It was fascinating to see how the soldiers survived in such tough conditions.

If you’re thinking of visiting Cat Ba Island, I recommend booking your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season when it gets busy.

Visiting Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

Have you heard about Monkey Island? I also visited Monkey Island on the third day in Lan Ha Bay, and it was such a fun and entertaining experience!

The island is famous for its playful monkeys, but remember to be careful and not get too close or feed them. They can be a bit aggressive sometimes. Nevertheless, watching them was a delight! Some of the monkeys were curious and friendly, while others seemed a bit shy and cautious.

But what really blew me away was the view from the highest point on the island. Sure, the path up there was a bit challenging with all those rocks, but it was totally worth it. I was greeted by a fantastic view of blue waters, green islands, and fluffy white clouds. It felt like I was in a real-life postcard!

To get to Monkey Island, you can either join a cruise that includes it in their itinerary or take a boat from Cat Ba Island. The boat ride takes around 15 minutes and costs about 100,000 VND (around 4 USD) per person. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a kayak and paddle your way to the island independently.

Dark and Bright Cave

This amazing cave can only be accessed by kayak or bamboo boat. Inside, there’s a tunnel that connects two lagoons: one dark and the other bright. As you paddle through, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the cave’s ceiling and walls. And once you reach the bright lagoon, you’ll be greeted by a peaceful sight of emerald-green water surrounded by lush vegetation.

The dark cave had this mysterious vibe to it. All I could hear was the gentle sound of water dripping, and it was so calming.

To visit Dark and Bright Cave, you can either join a cruise that includes it in their itinerary or take a boat from Cat Ba Island. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and costs around 150,000 VND (around 6 USD) per person. And if you’re up for a real adventure, you can even rent a kayak and paddle your way to the cave independently.

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Lan Ha Bay Trip

Here are some valuable tips I learned from my experience that I hope will help you too:

Choosing The Right Cruise: To make an informed decision, it’s a good idea to do some research and compare your options. Consider things like price, itinerary, duration, facilities, food, staff, reviews, and safety.
Packing and Preparing: Depending on the season and planned activities. Stuff like your passport or ID card, a camera or phone, a power bank or charger, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, a swimsuit, a towel, a change of clothes, a waterproof bag or case, some cash or a credit card, and snacks or water.
Respecting the environment: Respecting the environment and local culture is super important when visiting Lan Ha Bay. It’s a natural treasure that needs to be protected and preserved. Always make sure to follow the rules and regulations of the bay and show respect for its environment and wildlife.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to book your trip to Lan Ha Bay today and witness its beauty firsthand! Trust me, you won’t regret it!