Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay: The best guide on transport & itinerary

Contents

1. How far is Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi?

Lan Ha Bay is located to the south of Ha Long Bay and east of Cat Ba Island. Known for its breathtaking scenery, the bay is home to over 100 pristine beaches and countless limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Unlike Ha Long Bay which attracts large crowds, Lan Ha Bay offers a more tranquil experience. In May 2020, it was recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful bays by the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club.

The Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay distance is approximately 200 kilometers. On average, the journey takes around 4.5 hours.

Lan Ha Bay offers pristine beaches and limestone karsts (Source: Collected)

2. Best ways to travel from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

Since Lan Ha Bay is only accessible by boat, travelers must first make their way to Cat Ba Island before continuing the journey by sea or cable car.

2.1. Part 1: Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

2.1.1. Route 1: Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island

Regarding how to get from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Cat Ba Island route is the most convenient. Travelers first make their way from Hanoi to Hai Phong, either by:

• Coach: This is the most budget-friendly option, costing between 90,000 and 130,000 VND. The journey takes around 2 hours, but there will be additional wait time as the coach may pick up passengers along the way. You need to get to a bus station to hop on a coach.
• Limousine bus: This is the most popular option. These Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay buses are smaller than standard coaches, so they have fewer passengers and are more comfortable. Ticket prices range from 190,000 to 230,000 VND, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Limousine buses also offer flexible pick-up and drop-off points.
• Train: For those looking for a scenic journey, taking a train from Hanoi to Hai Phong is an excellent option. The train ride lasts about 3 hours and provides beautiful views of Vietnam’s countryside. Tickets are relatively cheap, ranging from 80,000 to 100,000 VND. However, there are only a few departures per day, so travelers should check the schedule in advance.
• Car rental with a driver: If flexibility and comfort are your top priorities, renting a car with a driver is the best choice. A one-way trip from Hanoi to Hai Phong costs from 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 VND and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• Car rental without a driver: Same as the last option, but you will be driving yourself this time. The Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway makes the trip relatively straightforward, taking around 1.5 hours.

To get from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, after arriving in Hai Phong, the next step is reaching Cat Ba Island, either by: 

• Speedboat: You can hop on a speedboat at Hong Bang Port or Binh Port. The journey by speedboat from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island takes about 45 minutes and costs around 250,000 VND.
• Ferry: For a cheaper but slower alternative, you can take a ferry ride from Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. The ride lasts approximately 3 hours but costs only 12,000 VND. 
• Cable car: Those seeking a unique experience may opt for the Cat Ba cable car, which offers breathtaking aerial views. The ride takes just 15 minutes and costs 100,000 VND per ticket, although it operates only from 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM and is closed on Tuesdays.

Traveling from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay is easy with multiple transport options (Source: Collected)

2.1.2. Route 2: Hanoi – Quang Ninh – Cat Ba Island

This route is ideal for travelers who want to visit both Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh and Lan Ha Bay on the same trip. You can get from Hanoi to Quang Ninh either by:

• Coach: The journey typically takes around 3 hours.
• Limousine bus: The journey takes around 2.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 200,000 to 350,000 VND.
• Car rental with a driver: The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs between 3,500,000 and 4,500,000 VND.
• Car rental without a driver: The route follows the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway and the Ha Long – Van Don Expressway, covering approximately 150 kilometers in about 2.5 hours.

After arriving in Quang Ninh, travelers must go from Tuan Chau Ferry Terminal to Cat Ba Island. The ferry departs multiple times a day and takes around 1.5 hours to reach Gia Luan Pier on Cat Ba Island. Departures from Tuan Chau operate from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, while return trips from Gia Luan operate between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. While this option provides a scenic ferry ride through Ha Long Bay, travelers should be mindful of the limited departure time.

Check out the detailed guide on how to get to Cat Ba Island!

2.2. Part 2: Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay

On Cat Ba Island, travelers can purchase boat tickets at Beo Pier to explore Lan Ha Bay. The ticket price starts from 80,000 VND for adults and 40,000 VND for children.

For groups, boat rentals are available. A boat for 10 to 20 people costs between 1.6 million and 5 million VND, while a boat for 25 to 50 people costs from 2.2 million to 7 million VND. Prices vary depending on the type of boat and the duration of the trip.

Popular routes for exploring Lan Ha Bay:

• Route 1: Beo Pier – Floating village – Monkey Island
• Route 2: Beo Pier – Monkey Island – Turtle Islet – Viet Hai Gate – Ba Trai Dao Islets – Dark and Light Cave

Note: These transport fees are for reference purposes only and may change over time. Please contact the service providers for the most updated information.

The scenic journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay takes you to a tranquil paradise (Source: Collected)

The choice of transport from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay depends on budget, time, and personal preferences. If you want to save costs, take the coach. For comfort and flexibility, getting from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay by car is preferable. If you seek scenic views, the train is worth considering. For a hassle-free trip, just book a tour with a local agency.

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3. Recommended day trip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay

If you are looking to have a short trip to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi, here is a suggested itinerary:

Morning

• Travel from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island via limousine bus and speedboat.
• Board a cruise at Beo Pier.
• Discover one of Vietnam’s oldest floating villages – Cai Beo Floating Village.
• Go sightseeing around Lan Ha Bay and marvel at the stunning limestone karsts of Luon Cave.
• Enjoy a swim and have fun at the inflatable water playground.
• Have a fresh seafood feast for lunch.

Afternoon

• Ride an electric car through dense forests to visit Viet Hai Village and experience fish foot massage.
• Experience Lan Ha Bay kayaking through hidden lagoons and caves.
• Relax on the soft sandy beaches of Lan Ha Bay.
• Unwind while watching the sun set over the bay.

Evening

• Head back to the mainland and take a bus back to Hanoi, concluding the one-day Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay tour.

A day trip from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay offers many exciting outdoor activities (Source: Collected)

4. Travel tips for going to Lan Ha Bay from Hanoi

To ensure a memorable journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay, keep these tips in mind:

• The limousine bus and speedboat combination is the most popular option for transport.
• Book tours in advance, as cruise tickets can sell out quickly.
• Check Lan Ha Bay weather in advance. May – August provides calm seas, clear skies, and ideal swimming conditions but is also the peak tourist season. September – November is quieter and great for relaxation, while other months are better for forest hikes.
• Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a waterproof bag, and motion sickness pills.
• ATMs are limited on the islands, and some places don’t accept credit cards.
• Opting for an overnight cruise or island stay enhances the experience.
• Be mindful when visiting villages and practice eco-friendly travel.

With multiple transport options, the journey from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay is straightforward and hassle-free. Now that you know the best ways to get there, it’s time to plan your adventure. Pack your bags, embrace the beauty of Lan Ha Bay, and create unforgettable memories in this hidden paradise!

For those looking to extend their journey, combining a trip to Ha Long with Lan Ha Bay is a fantastic idea. As one of Vietnam’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ha Long Bay offers stunning limestone formations, emerald waters, and exciting cruises. 

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