Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which one wins? Update 2025

Vietnam’s northeastern coastline is blessed with a breathtaking tapestry of limestone karsts jutting dramatically from emerald waters. Among these natural wonders, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay stand out as two of the most captivating destinations. For travelers planning a trip, the question inevitably arises: Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay – which one deserves your precious time? Ha Long Bay Cheers Tours will give you a detailed comparison of these two stunning bays, examining their key features to help you make the right decision. 

1. Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay – A Comparative Overview

While both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay boast spectacular scenery, understanding their nuances is crucial for tailoring your trip. Let’s take a look at the comparison of Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay. 

1.1. Distance from Hanoi

The journey from Hanoi is a significant factor for many travelers.

Ha Long Bay:

The traditional gateway to Ha Long Bay is Tuan Chau Marina, located approximately 170 – 175 kilometers east of Hanoi. With the improved highway infrastructure, the drive typically takes around 3 hours. This relatively shorter travel time makes Ha Long Bay accessible for day trips, although an overnight cruise is highly recommended to truly appreciate its beauty.

Lan Ha Bay:

Reaching Lan Ha Bay often involves a slightly longer and sometimes more varied journey. The primary access points are via Cat Ba Island (ferry from Hai Phong or speedboat from Hanoi) or directly from Got Pier in Hai Phong. The total travel time from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, including transfers, can range from 3 to 4 hours. Direct speedboat options to Lan Ha Bay can also take around 3 hours. 

So, Ha Long Bay holds a slight edge due to the generally shorter and more straightforward road journey to Tuan Chau Marina. 

1.2. Geography and attractions

The geological formations and available attractions differ subtly between the two bays.

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its sheer density of limestone karsts – thousands of islands and islets of varying shapes and sizes rise majestically from the turquoise waters. Iconic landmarks include Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stake Cave), Titop Island with its panoramic viewpoint, and Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave). 

The scale and grandeur of Ha Long Bay are truly impressive, and the sheer number of formations creates a sense of wonder. However, its popularity means that these key attractions can become quite crowded.

Lan Ha Bay

Located south of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is characterized by its equally stunning limestone karsts but with a more scattered distribution. It boasts numerous pristine sandy beaches tucked away between the islands, offering excellent swimming and kayaking opportunities in calmer waters. 

Lan Ha Bay is also home to several charming floating villages, providing a glimpse into the unique local way of life. While it shares the dramatic beauty of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay often feels more secluded and less commercially developed, offering a more intimate connection with nature. 

For this perspective, Ha Long Bay wins for its sheer scale, iconic formations, and well-established tourist infrastructure. Lan Ha Bay wins for its quieter atmosphere, more accessible beaches, and opportunities for closer interaction with local life. 

1.3. Highlighted activities 

Both bays offer similar core activities, but the emphasis and accessibility can vary.

Ha Long Bay

What things to do at Halong Bay? Here are some popular activities you can try when visit Ha Long Bay:

• Cruising: A must-do to explore the vast expanse of the bay, ranging from day trips to multi-night luxurious experiences (usually from 1-2 nights on cruise ships).
• Cave exploration: Visiting the large and well-decorated caves is a highlight for many.
• Kayaking: Paddling through the karst formations and hidden lagoons.
• Swimming: Designated swimming areas are available, often around islands with beaches.
• Hiking: Climbing to viewpoints like Titop Island for panoramic vistas (a trek up is about 400 steep steps).
• Visiting floating villages: Experiencing the traditional way of life on the water.

Lan Ha Bay

Offers a similar range of activities with a slightly different focus:

• Kayaking: Arguably even more enjoyable in Lan Ha Bay due to calmer waters and numerous hidden lagoons and tunnels to explore.
• Swimming and beach relaxation: The abundance of pristine sandy beaches makes swimming and sunbathing a primary draw.
• Rock climbing: Cat Ba Island, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay, is a renowned rock climbing destination.
• Visiting floating villages: Offers a more authentic and less touristy experience compared to some in Ha Long Bay.
• Snorkeling and scuba diving: While available in both, Lan Ha Bay’s clearer waters in certain areas can offer better visibility.

So, Ha Long Bay offers a wider variety of readily accessible and well-organized activities, catering to a broader range of tourists. On the other side, Lan Ha Bay excels in kayaking, swimming, and offering a more relaxed and adventurous experience, particularly for those staying on Cat Ba Island.

1.4. Embarkation point 

The starting point of your cruise significantly impacts your overall experience.

Ha Long Bay: The primary embarkation point for Ha Long Bay cruises is Tuan Chau Marina, a large and modern harbor with extensive facilities catering to the massive influx of tourists. While efficient, it can feel somewhat impersonal and crowded.

Lan Ha Bay: Cruises to Lan Ha Bay typically depart from Ben Beo Wharf on Cat Ba Island. These embarkation points generally have a more local and less overwhelming atmosphere compared to Tuan Chau. Choosing a cruise departing from Cat Ba Island allows for easy exploration of the island itself before or after your bay excursion.

So, Lan Ha Bay edges out in terms of a more relaxed and less chaotic embarkation experience, especially if departing from Cat Ba Island, which offers additional exploration opportunities.

1.5. Recommended itinerary 

The ideal duration and focus of your itinerary will differ depending on which bay you choose. Here is our recommended itinerary for each bay. 

Ha Long Bay itinerary

Given the shorter travel time from Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is feasible for shorter trips. You can choose to have a day trip or an overnight trip on cruises. 

• Day Trip: Possible but often rushed, focusing on a few key caves and a short boat ride. You can have a buffet lunch on board in a bay-view restaurant with cocktails, wine or tropical juice. 
• Overnight Cruise (2 Days/1 Night): The most popular option, allowing for visits to major attractions, kayaking through caves, and enjoying the bay’s scenery at sunset and sunrise.
• 2-Night Cruise (3 Days/2 Nights): Provides a more in-depth exploration, potentially including visits to less crowded areas or more extensive activities (squid fishing, cooking class, taichi class,..). 

Recommended best cruises in Ha Long Bay: 

Lan Ha Bay itinerary 

Due to the slightly longer travel time and the appeal of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay itineraries often integrate the island:

• 2 Days/1 Night Cruise (departing from Hai Phong or Cat Ba): Focuses on kayaking, sunbathing, swimming, exploring beaches, and visiting a fishing village within Lan Ha Bay.
• 3 Days/2 Nights (including Cat Ba Island): Allows for a day exploring Cat Ba Island (Cat Ba National Park, Cannon Fort, beaches) in addition to a full-day cruise in Lan Ha Bay. This offers a more diverse experience, suitable for time-conscious travelers.
• Multi-Day Trip (combining both bays): Some longer itineraries offer a combination of Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, often transiting through the less crowded areas connecting them.

So, Lan Ha Bay particularly offers a more diverse and potentially less rushed itinerary when combined with a stay on Cat Ba Island.

Recommended best cruises in Lan Ha Bay: 

2. Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which should you choose?

Ultimately, the “winner” between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay depends entirely on your individual preferences and travel style. The information below will help you answer the question: Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay – Which should you choose?

Choose Ha Long Bay if:

• It’s your first time visiting this region and you want to see the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• You prefer readily available and well-organized tourist infrastructure and a wider range of cruise options.
• You want to visit the famous and impressive caves like Thien Cung and Sung Sot.
• You are comfortable with larger crowds and a more bustling tourist environment.
• You have limited time and a shorter travel time from Hanoi is a priority.

Choose Lan Ha Bay if:

• You are seeking a more tranquil and less crowded experience.
• Pristine beaches, excellent kayaking in calmer waters, and opportunities for swimming are high on your list.
• You appreciate a more intimate connection with nature and a less commercialized atmosphere.
• You are interested in exploring Cat Ba Island and its national park.
• You prefer a potentially more adventurous and off-the-beaten-path feel.

3. How to get to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?

Ha Long Bay: 

The most common way is by car or shuttle bus (around 2.5 – 4 hours, depending on the route and traffic). Many tours include transfers, bringing convenience for visitors.

Lan Ha Bay: 

You can travel to Hai Phong and then take a ferry/speedboat to Cat Ba Island, followed by a bus to the harbor for your cruise. Alternatively, some cruises offer direct transfers from Hanoi to ports closer to Lan Ha Bay. Travel time is generally around 2.5 – 3 hours. 

>> Read more: Halong Bay cruise reviews – Real traveler experiences

4. Some useful tips for your trip 

Given the increasing popularity of both Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay, consider the following tips for your trip: 

• Travel during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to potentially avoid peak crowds in both locations. 
• You need to check the weather carefully before booking a tour to avoid cancellation because of storms. 
• If you choose Ha Long Bay, opt for cruises that venture into the less-visited parts of the bay, such as Bai Tu Long Bay (though technically separate, it offers a similar experience with fewer crowds). 
• Consider a longer itinerary that combines elements of both bays, offering the iconic scenery of Ha Long and the tranquility of Lan Ha. Several cruise operators now offer routes that navigate Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay, such as: The Au Co Cruise, Grand Pioneers II Cruise, and Emeraude Classic Cruises. 
• For Lan Ha Bay, booking a cruise that includes exploration of Cat Ba Island provides a well-rounded experience. 

>> Maybe you should want to know: The best time to visit Halong Bay

In conclusion, both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay offer unparalleled natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. By understanding Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay unique characteristics and aligning them with your travel preferences, you can choose the bay that will provide the perfect backdrop for your adventure in Vietnam. 

5. FAQ 

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