Lan Ha Bay, friendly attraction on the island map of Vietnam, is loved for its wild and peaceful beauty, with many large and small islands with different shapes and beauty. Visiting Lan Ha Bay, visitors will experience the feeling of being immersed in nature, discovering the daily life of indigenous fishermen.
1. Geographical position of Lanha Bay
Located to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, home of Cat Ba Island, spreads over an area of more than 7,000 ha, of which 5,400 ha are under the management of Cat Ba National Park. This is a very gulf-shaped bay about 400 large islands creating a huge picture depicting the scene.
2. Legend - History
Legend of Lanha bay is associated with the history of defending our country in Tran Dynasty. Tran Hung Dao chose the southern part of Ha Long as a place to gather, train army and hide ships. Lanha Bay is the place to store food, take care of the wounded solidiers by the women. Therefore, a well-known island in here is called Cat Ba Island which means Women’s Island.
3. Lanha Bay Natural features
3.1. Topography
The density of limestone islands here is quite thick and still very primitive. It's divided sea surface into small, bays. Lots of lagoon and caves have not yet been discovered. There are hundreds of islands with many shapes depending on the imagination of tourists such as: Guo island (like a clog). Doi cave (like bats)... The stalactite caves, the characteristic features of the Ha Long populations are also present in Lan Ha, which is Ham Rong, Dau Ca, Ca cave...
Different from Halong Bay. Lanha Bay has 139 small golden sand beaches, lovely and desolate as the "blue water" invite visitors to explore. Many sandy beaches stretch between two rocky mountains, quiet with no big waves. It's really the ideal beach lover. In the blue water is the colorful coral reefs such as Van Boi Beach, Van Ha... The calm sea as the island, island Cu, Monkey Island... where visitors can dive the coral.
3.2. The Bay's Climate
Lanha Bay has tropical hot climate so that tourists can visit here at any time of the year. Vietnamese tourists often come here in April to October. Deciding on the best time to visit depends on personal preferences. As many people prefer the cool, dry weather of Spring and Fall, the peak visiting times tend to be from March to April and September to October. During these months, you can expect more sunny days, a cooler breeze and calmer weather. A minor shower is to be expected occasionally, but they rarely last long enough to disrupt visitors' plans.
4. Outstanding values
4.1. Geological value
Lan Ha Bay is made up of around 300 karst islands and limestone sea rocks and can be found southeast of Cat Ba Island. As a geological extension of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay is more isolated and untouched, and have the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches.
4.2. Biodiversity value
Lanha Bay is home to a high number of species. There are 1,561 recorded species of flora found in Cat Ba national Park, from 186 families, including 406 species of wooden trees, 661 medicinal plants, and 196 edible plants. The fauna on the island consists of 279 species, including 53 mammal species from 18 families, and 23 Endangered and Critically Endangered species.
There are 160 bird species, 66 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 274 species of insects from 79 different families. Aquatically, there are 900 sea fish, 178 species of coral, 7 species of sea snakes, 4 species of sea turtles, and 21 species of seaweed found throughout the archipelago.
5. Tourism destinations
Embark on
Lanha Bay cruise for an exhilarating adventure. Explore the bay's hidden coves and uncover the timeless beauty of its ancient caves..
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Luon Cave: Luon Cave is considered as one of the most ideal places in Lanha Bay for kayaking. If you have a great passion for kayaking, you should not miss Luon Cave. In addition to kayaking, rowing is another great option if you want to explore Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, visitors can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids. If are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys Nam Cat Island attracts visitors by its pristine features, four natural surfaces, and an enchanting and mysterious sea of forests.
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Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island: One of the most famous cave located in the heart of Cat Ba Island with various stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which have been formed over millions of years. Trung Trang Cave is one of the largest caves in Lanha Bay of Vietnam and the third-largest limestone cave system in the world. Take a boat through impressive underground river and step on to the Trung Trang cave exploration, which will give you the best experience of your life.
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Van Boi beach: Van Boi beach impresses visitors by the blue water so much to see the bottom, along the colorful coral beaches hidden under each wave. Besides, the water here is shallow and calm, so it is very convenient for snorkeling or swimming in the water. The natural scenery is quite unspoiled and tranquil, with cliffs surrounding beach.
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Viet Hai village: When traveling to Viet Hai village, it is interesting to walk through the fields, on the village road and breathe the rhythm of the mountains and forests, which make you value the simplicity and purity of this place more. With the beauty of the wild nature, majestic, charming painting, Viet Hai village has become community ecotourism attracting a lot of visitors in and outside the country.
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6. Lanha Bay's Fresh and Delicious Culinary
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Grilled lobsters: Lobsters in Lan Ha Bay are great ingredients to cook with wine that result in the delectable seafood dishes. Besides, the locals have a special way to process lobsters, which is by grilling them with egg sauce. As long as you think that travelng is not only about setting food in a destination that you have not visited yet, but it is also about eating the local food and say how delicious it is, just try the local lobsters. The local ways of cooking and spicing might make your culinary experience differently special.
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Grilled Ocean Oyster: Fresh, plump oysters from Lan Ha Bay's waters are grilled to perfection, leaving them juicy and smoky. The briny sweetness of the oysters is the star, but a squeeze of lime, a sprinkle of peanuts, and a touch of chili oil (optional) add exciting twists. It's a simple but delicious dish that captures the essence of Lan Ha Bay's seafood.
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Green mussel grilled with spring onions: “Vem”, the scientific name is Perna viridis, is a kind of green mussel that is ideal for being grilled together with spring onions and peanut. The fresh mussels once grilled can attract your senses even from afar. And, when you come closer to the eateries, the color completion can urge you to eat, and then the taste wins all.
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Stirred-Fried Squid: Lanha Stir-fried squid is flavorable dish that impress guest by the tender texture of squid with a symphony of savory, spicy, and sometimes sweet favor. Squid was cooked wirh onions and herbs, making a truly captivating and distinctive local flavor. It's a popular Asian dish enjoyed for its simplicity and versatility.
Wandering along pristine azure beaches, the ocean breeze caressing your skin as you soak up the tropical sunshine. Your dream Vietnam vacation takes flight in Lan Ha Bay, a breathtaking landscape dotted with towering limestone pillars.
Indochina Sails - Indochine Cruise designs 2 days 1 night cruise full board tour to explore Halong bay - Lanha bay. If you would like more information, send us an email: info@indochinasails.com, give us a call: +84 982 042 426 or visit Indochina Sails’s website.