Contrary to common knowledge, Ha Long is actually made up of three separate bays: Ha Long, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay. The southernmost of the triplet, Lan Ha Bay, is comprised of over four-hundred islets with secluded sandy beaches; however, unlike the majority of Ha Long, Lan Ha has retained a more pristine environment and higher exclusivity by avoiding substantial tourist attention.
Lan Ha ’s iconic resident, Cat Ba island, is the largest landmass in the Ha Long Bay complex, stretching over an area more than 200km2. Officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, Cat Ba is famous for its limestone mountains, extensive cave systems, tropical forests and casual island lifestyle. The mountainous landscape offers incredible views to any would-be hikers, with Ngu Lam Peak standing as the ultimate panoramic money-shot. Due to the geography of Cat Ba, a hike never finishes far from a beach, providing for the perfect cool-down