Planning a trip to northern Vietnam? Don't leave without visiting Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay! These two natural gems (one of which ranks among the 7 natural wonders of the world) offer exceptional landscapes, featuring caves, enchanting islands and floating fishing villages… Follow along as we detail the strengths of each, to help you choose between the two.

Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay: What's the Difference?

Both Halong and Lan Ha bays are located in the Gulf of Tonkin. The first lies off the coast of the city of Halong (approximately three hours' drive from Hanoi), while the second is located to the east of Cat Ba island.

While both bays are technically part of Halong Bay, they are not managed by the same provinces. Indeed, Halong is administered by Quang Ninh Province, while Lan Ha falls under Hai Phong's jurisdiction.

Blessed with exceptional landscapes, the two sites stand apart primarily due to their visitor traffic. Halong Bay opened to tourism in the 1990s, while tourism development in Lan Ha began later, in the 2000s.

The result? Halong Bay today is a victim of its own success, with very high visitor numbers, which is increasingly leading travelers to seek out other, lesser-known Vietnamese bays (though equally beautiful) like Lan Ha Bay…

1/ Halong Bay: One of the 7 Natural Wonders

Prestige Cruises

Halong Bay can be explored aboard various types of boats. Beyond standard tourist vessels, which offer excursions of about 3 hours, some luxury companies offer prestige cruises aboard high-end boats.

There are, for instance, 5-star cruises that allow you to enjoy a journey punctuated by outdoor activities – such as exploring certain parts of the bay by kayak. But also more unique activities, like a traditional cooking class aboard the vessel, private concerts, a relaxing time in a hot tub, and more.

Cruises typically last between 2 and 3 days, and some can be done aboard a private boat. While pricier, this option allows you to stay away from the crowds.

Spectacular Caves

Much of Halong Bay's success is due to the beauty of its caves. Located in a karst area, the bay is dotted with caverns. Among the most stunning:

● Thien Cung Cave (or the "Heavenly Palace"): spanning 10,000 m², it offers a magnificent limestone landscape, featuring stalagmites and stalactites. The cave entrance is accessible after a short hike through the mountains.

● Sung Sot Cave: accessible by boat, this natural cavity also requires a bit of effort to reach its entrance, with a 200-step staircase leading up to the cave! Once there, you can admire stunning geological formations spread across two chambers.

The Trong Mai Islets

Among Halong Bay's iconic rock formations, don't miss the "Trong Mai Islets." These two enormous zoomorphic rocks, shaped like a hen and a rooster, are symbols of eternal love.

The ensemble, located in the bay's southwest, rises more than 10 meters high! Some locals call the two islets "the cockfight" or "the kiss of the rocks"; it's all a matter of perspective!

Kayaking Adventures

Halong Bay is also the setting for unforgettable kayaking adventures! This popular activity in the bay allows you to access small coves, get close to iconic rock formations, and dock on small islands, such as Tuan Chau.

Halong Bay Pearl Farm

Halong Bay is also renowned for its pearl farming, and its famous pearl farm Tung Sau. Access to the farm is by boat (via one of the bay's most popular circuits).

During your visit, you can admire thousands of pearl cages and visit the production workshops, where you'll discover the different stages, from oyster farming to pearl extraction.

After the visit, you can, if you wish, stop by the farm's shop, where you'll find authentic pearl jewelry.

Titop Island

Titop Island is a little paradise, renowned for its fine sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. The islet also features a short forest hike that leads to the mountain summit, offering breathtaking views of Halong Bay! It's an extraordinary place but very touristy (to be avoided during peak season).

2/ Lan Ha Bay: An Alternative to Halong Bay

Cruises Aboard Traditional Junks

While approximately 2,000 pleasure boats are authorized to sail in Halong Bay, only 135 boats are permitted in Lan Ha Bay (and only about sixty are allowed to anchor there overnight).

Much less touristy and far more peaceful, Lan Ha Bay is explored aboard a traditional wooden junk – not a large cruise ship…

But traditional doesn't mean uncomfortable! Indeed, most boats are equipped with air-conditioned cabins, large beds, and a bathroom. It's also possible to take a half-day excursion.

The Village of Cai Beo

While Halong Bay lets you discover the charming floating village of Cua Van, Lan Ha Bay also has its share of small fishing villages (about 300 families live offshore in Lan Ha).

Among them? The village of Cai Beo ! During your boat tour, you can observe their way of life and professions related to aquaculture (fishing and pearl oyster farming). Note that it's not possible to land in the village, in order to avoid overwhelming the local population.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is one of the must-see visits in Lan Ha Bay. UNESCO-listed, it's also the third-largest biosphere reserve in Vietnam.

Made up of lush forests, the island also boasts a few heritage treasures, such as Cannon Fort – an artillery fort built by the French in 1942. Cat Ba is also the departure point for nearby Monkey Island.

The Light & Dark Cave

In Lan Ha Bay you'll also find the "Light and Dark Cave" (or Hang Sáng Tối), which owes its name to the light beams filtering through its walls.

To access it? You'll need to opt for a kayaking adventure – as there's no other way in! You can thus explore its underground passage, gliding between rock and limestone formations.

Halong or Lan Ha Bay: Comparison Between the Two Bays

The choice between the two bays will depend mainly on your expectations and the atmosphere you're seeking. Indeed, while Halong Bay is much more touristy than Lan Ha (which is a major drawback), it also offers more activities and liveliness than Lan Ha (which is much quieter and therefore less festive).

Here's a brief recap of their respective strengths to help you choose between Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrestrial Halong Bay called?

The "terrestrial Halong Bay" is the nickname for Tam Coc, a village located in northern Vietnam, about a hundred kilometers from Hanoi. It's renowned for the beauty of its landscapes (terraced rice paddies, limestone caves, Hang Mua peak) and its many pagodas nestled within nature.

What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

The two best periods to visit Halong Bay are spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October). Both enjoy perfect weather conditions, with sunshine and mild temperatures. If you wish to witness Tet celebrations (Vietnamese New Year), you'll need to brave the February cold!

What is the most beautiful bay in Vietnam?

Vietnam is known for its lush landscapes and the beauty of its coastline. Among the most stunning sites are Halong Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago (a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble).

How to Visit Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha Bay can be visited aboard a traditional junk or by kayak!

Audrey Denjean