Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha is the bay south and east of Cat Ba island, geologically the same drowned karst tower field as Ha Long, with several hundred limestone islands, beaches on some of them, and floating fishing villages in the channels. It has always taken far fewer boats than Ha Long proper, which is the reason people come here instead. In 2023 UNESCO extended the Ha Long Bay inscription to include the Cat Ba archipelago, so Lan Ha now sits inside the World Heritage property rather than beside it - a change that has brought both protection and more attention. Cat Ba langur, one of the rarest primates in the world, lives on the island.

What you actually see

• The same karst as Ha Long - several hundred limestone towers.
• Beaches and floating villages - in the channels between them.
• Inside the property since 2023 - when Cat Ba was added to the inscription.
• Cat Ba langur on the island - among the rarest primates anywhere.

When to go

October to April; summer brings heat, haze and storms. A full day or overnight.

Honest expectations

Boat quality varies enormously and cheap trips cut corners. Water quality and litter are real problems in places. The langur is down to a very small population and is not something visitors will see. Weather cancels sailings.

Nearby

Cat Ba town is the base; Ha Long Bay is north across the water.