Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which One To Choose?

Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which One To Choose? We ensure that you may once in your life ask this question when planning a trip to the North of Vietnam. Today, we would like to give you a brief information including a few points and differences between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Let’s take a look the article for choosing a bay to visit!

1. Halong Bay Introduction

Is Halong Bay worth it? Absolutely YES. Halong Bay is a famous limestone seascape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam.  It has an area of up to 1,553 square kilometers and possesses over 1,969 islands. Most islands are mainly composed of limestone rock with strange and varied shapes, curving like sleeping dragons on the water’s surface. Hence, that is the reason why the local people have called it by the name “Halong”, which means “descending dragon”.

Halong Bay has a huge reputation for its spectacular karst geology displayed across the islands’ limestone mountains. Over millions of years, natural elements like rain, wind, and seawater have eroded the limestone to create different amazing formations. In addition, the bay is also famous for its breathtaking natural scenery and has soon become a hot spot for both domestic and international travelers each year. Especially, it is especially considered one of Vietnam’s natural wonders and one of the most beautiful bays around the world.

2. Lan Ha Bay Introduction

Lan Ha Bay is located in a very special place in northern Vietnam, nestled between Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa. It is a complex of more than 1,000 limestone islands along a majestic coastline. The bay got its name from its shape resembling a curved bamboo basket (which means “lan ha” in Vietnamese). It covers an area of over 150 square kilometers with a large number of islets.

Lan Ha Bay is framed by rocky cliffs and towering limestone formations. Many islands have surreal shapes like mushrooms, cruising boats, or even turtles from certain angles. Moreover, the signature of Lan Ha Bay is not only about its natural landscapes but also the pace of life here. The bay has a peaceful vibe that makes tourists relaxed and more comfortable when visiting.

Moreover, this is a good place to recharge the batteries after hard working days in the city. Hence, the atmosphere makes Lan Ha Bay stand out from Vietnam’s better-known destinations. It may be observed that the undeveloped, rural way of life is still found in many of the bay’s fishing communities.

Popular activities in Lan Hay Bay majorly include cruising between the islands, hiking trails that lead to scenic lookouts, and visiting caves. Swimming and snorkeling are also options to appreciate the marine life and coral reefs there.

These days,  Lan Ha Bay is becoming increasingly popular as an eco-tourism destination where people can admire stunning karst formations and immerse themselves in natural beauty and tranquility away from bustling crowds.

Let’s take into consideration in below cruise options that you may care about:

– Oasis Bay Party Cruise
– Mila Cruises
– Le Journey Premium Cruises
– Hermes Cruises

☘ You can follow our Facebook, contact us via WhatsApp, or visit below tours to get the best information about the Halong Bay cruises and Lan Ha Bay cruises in Vietnam:

3. Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which One to Choose?

Depending on your needs and conditions, choosing a bay to visit is not difficult. We already drew a table comparing Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay in various features such as Hanoi to Halong Bay, to Lan Ha Bay distance. You can take a look at the table below to make a choice.

– Recommendation: In summary, Halong Bay is more accessible and famous but crowded, while Lan Ha Bay offers a smaller, more peaceful natural setting ideal for interacting with the local community through low-key activities without large tourist crowds. However, we still recommend you visit Lan Ha Bay first to recharge your energy and feel peace and tranquility. Nowadays, there are a lot of cruises in Lan Ha Bay and this number is predicted to continue increasing in the future. After that, you can get to Ha Long and enjoy the energetic vibe here.

☘ Read more: Halong Bay activities and 5 Most Luxury Halong Bay Cruises.

4. Travel Tips

4.1. Lan Ha Bay travel tips

Here are some tips for you before planning a tour of Lan Ha Bay:

– First, you should visit mid-week to avoid crowds. The best time to admire the natural landscapes is in the early morning and late afternoon. The atmosphere is fresh and comfortable.

– You should consider homestays in local fishing villages because it will help you learn more about the culture and daily life here. If not, you can choose to book a cruise to stay overnight for the best service.

– It will be more comfortable if you wear shoes because you have to hike limestone cliffs and beaches. Moreover, remember to bring water following.

– Kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling allow close encounters with formations.

– You can try caught seafood, especially grilled fish and coconut curries.

4.2. Halong Bay travel tips

Before getting to Halong Bay, you also need to care about several tips below:

– You should book overnight cruise tickets in advance for the high season to avoid being out of stock. Moreover, day trips are also available, so you can ask the operator for more information.

– Small local boats will offer more cultural interaction than large cruise ships. Hence, you should consider this.

– Let’s join guided tours to see remarkable cave sites included in packages. If you are not a local, it is quite dangerous to go alone without orientation.

– Let’s get up early to see the sunrise and admire the bay views from cruise decks. It is truly beautiful.

– Remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to avoid the sunshine.

– You should avoid anchoring or feeding fish to protect ecology and the environment.

– If you tend to buy local products, you had better bargain for souvenirs to get the best deal for yourself.

☘ Read more: Top 6 Halong Bay honeymoon cruises or Halong Bay party cruises for tourists.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, both Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay are noteworthy natural destinations in northern Vietnam. They give us a hand to showcase stunning karst landscapes formed over millennia to international friends and increase tourism in the region. While Halong Bay is more developed with abundant tourist infrastructure and famous iconic sights that attract millions annually, Lan Ha Bay provides a welcome alternative for a more low-key experience. They are beautiful just the way they are.

Sun Getaways Travel already answers the question: Halong Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: which one to choose? We hope that through the article, you already know your answer for choosing a bay to visit.