Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which one suits your travel style?

Contents

1. Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Key things to consider

1.1. Location & accessibility

When comparing Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay, location and accessibility play a crucial role.

Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay is situated in Quang Ninh Province. It is easier to reach from Hanoi (about 151 kilometers away). The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 2 hours via limousine bus. Other transportation means include coaches, cars, motorbikes, and even seaplanes. If you are departing from Noi Bai International Airport, Ha Long Bay is also the closer option.

Lan Ha Bay: Located off the coast of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, Lan Ha Bay is about 163 kilometers away from Hanoi. The journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay requires multiple steps: a limousine bus ride from Hanoi to Hai Phong, then a speedboat ride to Cat Ba Island, and lastly a ferry ride from Cat Ba Island to Lan Ha Bay. This more complex journey can be tiring. If you are departing from Cat Bi Airport, Lan Ha Bay is the closer option.

From Hanoi, it is easier to get to Ha Long Bay (Source: Collected)

1.2. Scenery

Both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay showcase breathtaking tropical landscapes, yet each possesses unique characteristics.

Ha Long Bay: Spanning 1,553 square kilometers and featuring 1,969 limestone islets, Ha Long Bay is known for its majestic scenery. Towering karst formations, some over 500 years old, rise dramatically from the emerald waters.

Ha Long Bay is home to over 60 limestone caves. The bay boasts 10 distinct ecosystems, including island vegetation, tidal areas, and coral reefs, supporting over 300 fish species, 545 marine invertebrates, and 1,000 plant species. UNESCO has recognized Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site twice: for its natural beauty (1994) and geological significance (2000).

Lan Ha Bay: Compared to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is smaller and quieter. Covering 70 square kilometers and featuring around 400 islands, it offers a more tranquil experience. Highlights include Cat Ba Island, Monkey Island, Ba Trai Dao Island, and Nam Cat Island. 

Lan Ha Bay is particularly famous for its 139 beaches with powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. A large part of the bay belongs to Cat Ba National Park, which was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2004. The ecosystems range from caves and coral reefs to tidal flats and mangroves. Cat Ba Archipelago hosts 3,860 plant and animal species, including 130 endangered species listed in Red Books.

Lan Ha Bay or Ha Long Bay? – Both have mesmerizing natural landscapes (Source: Collected)

1.3. Activities & attractions

Which one is better, Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay? Both of them offer a wide array of activities and attractions for different types of travelers.

Ha Long Bay: Known for its beaches, Ha Long features both easily accessible ones near the city center and untouched ones within the bay, such as the beach on Ti Top Island, Tuan Chau Beach, and Bai Chay Beach. There are many impressive caves in Ha Long Bay, including Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. 

Visitors can also go kayaking at Cua Van Fishing Village and Luon Cave, explore floating villages like Cua Van Floating Village or Vung Vieng Fishing Village, admire Fighting Cocks Islet, try night squid fishing, or go scuba diving to admire colorful coral reefs.

Lan Ha Bay: The beaches in Lan Ha Bay are renowned for their untouched beauty, with notable ones including Cat Co 1, Cat Co 2, Cat Co 3, Van Boi, and Ba Trai Dao. Most of the caves in the bay are located on Cat Ba Island, with highlights including Dark and Light Cave and Quan Y Cave. 

Popular activities include Lan Ha Bay kayaking, visiting fishing villages like Viet Hai and Cai Beo, snorkeling to see coral reefs, and participating in water sports such as jet skiing and banana boating. Additionally, visitors can cruise around the bay and explore the rich biodiversity of Cat Ba National Park.

Ha Long vs Lan Ha Bay both offer many activities and attractions (Source: Collected)

1.4. Crowds & atmosphere

Considering the number of tourists and the overall atmosphere is essential when comparing Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay.

Ha Long Bay: As a globally recognized tourist destination, Ha Long Bay attracts millions of visitors annually. However, given its vast expanse, the bay still has peaceful areas for relaxation.

Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and less crowded experience. The bay remains largely untouched, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty with minimal human impact.

1.5. Cruising

Overnight cruising is a must-try experience in both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. However, cruise availability and quality differ.

Ha Long Bay: With over 200 cruises available, ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious, Ha Long Bay offers more options. Cruises vary from traditional junk boats to high-end vessels equipped with spas, hot tubs, and fine dining. Due to conservation efforts, new cruise ships are no longer permitted, meaning most Ha Long Bay cruises were built before 2015, often featuring classic designs.

Lan Ha Bay: With only around 66 cruises operating, Lan Ha Bay has fewer options but generally offers more modern vessels. Most cruises in Lan Ha Bay are newly built with contemporary designs, spacious cabins with private balconies, and amenities such as outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and even mini golf courses.

Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise? – Both are unmissable (Source: Collected)

1.6. Cost comparison

The cost of tours in Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay is another consideration. Overall, Lan Ha Bay tends to be more budget-friendly than Ha Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay: A day tour costs around 250,000 VND per person, including access to various attractions like Trinh Nu Cave and Ti Top Island. Overnight cruises range from 500,000 VND to 750,000 VND per person, depending on whether it is a one-night or two-night stay.

Lan Ha Bay: Day tours are more affordable, ranging from 50,000 VND to 80,000 VND per person (in addition to a 60,000 VND entrance fee for the Dark & Light Cave). Overnight cruises cost 300,000 VND per person for one night and 550,000 VND for two nights.

Both bays offer cruises for different budgets. Budget cruises start at around 3,000,000 VND per person for a 2-day-1-night trip, mid-range cruises cost around USD 3,600,000 VND, while luxury cruises can cost up to 5,000,000 VND per person.

Discover: Facts about Ha Long Bay: 12 things that will amaze you

2. Which is better, Lan Ha Bay or Ha Long Bay?

Both Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay have a unique appeal, making it difficult to declare one superior to the other. Ha Long Bay is more famous and offers more attractions, while Lan Ha Bay is quieter and less commercialized. Given their proximity (only 25 kilometers apart), travelers can conveniently visit both in a single trip or explore one now and save the other for a future adventure.

Lan Ha vs Ha Long Bay are both appealing (Source: Collected)

Explore: Best time to go to Ha Long Bay: A complete guide for travelers

Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay each caters to different preferences. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, both destinations promise unforgettable experiences, making them must-visits for those fond of Vietnam’s natural wonders.

For a rejuvenating retreat in Ha Long Bay, consider staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. This premier resort offers breathtaking views of the bay and an array of top-tier amenities including a luxurious spa, a sparkling swimming pool, elegant dining options, a conference center, and more.

Stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to immerse yourself in nature

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Beyond Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, Vietnam boasts a wealth of other breathtaking destinations such as Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. In these vibrant destinations, be sure to visit VinWonders – a series of exhilarating entertainment complexes featuring amusement parks, water parks, aquariums, botanical gardens, safaris, and spectacular live performances. 

Challenge yourself with heart-pounding rides at VinWonders Phu Quoc

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The Tata Show – a must-watch at VinWonders Nha Trang

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VinWonders Nam Hoi An offers various architectural marvels

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To further enhance your journey in Vietnam, treat yourself to a stay at the world-class hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where indulgence, comfort, and impeccable service come together.

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