I’d be happy to explain why some travelers might prefer visiting Lan Ha Bay over the more famous Ha Long Bay. Let me break this down into a few key points:

Pristine and Less Crowded Environment

One of the main reasons to choose Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long Bay is the more pristine and less crowded environment. Lan Ha Bay is often described as an “uncrowded alternative to Halong Bay”. While hundreds of boats make their way into Ha Long Bay daily, only a fraction of this number sail into Lan Ha Bay. This is partly because over 50 square kilometers of Lan Ha Bay is included in the Cát Bà National Park, meaning its beautiful landscape is strictly protected.

Natural Beauty

Lan Ha Bay offers stunning natural beauty similar to Ha Long Bay. It features “the same jaw-dropping landscape of towering karst outcrops” that tourists typically associate with Ha Long Bay. The bay has an intense concentration of limestone mountains, which the sea surface has partitioned into smaller bays and gulfs.

Beaches and Activities

Lan Ha Bay boasts over a hundred beautiful, small beaches lying at the feet of the mountains. This provides excellent opportunities for swimming, organizing private beach BBQs, or even overnight camping. The bay is also known for having good water quality for diving and suitable conditions for rock climbing.

Authentic Experience

Lan Ha Bay offers a more authentic experience compared to the increasingly commercialized Ha Long Bay. While Ha Long Bay has seen the disappearance of traditional fishing villages, Lan Ha Bay still maintains some of its traditional character. This allows visitors to experience a more genuine slice of local life.

Quieter Atmosphere

The relative lack of crowds in Lan Ha Bay contributes to a more tranquil atmosphere. After a day of exploration, visitors can “totally relax while bathing in the azure waters and breathing the salty sea breeze” of Lan Ha Bay. This quieter environment is often appreciated by travelers seeking a more peaceful experience.

Accommodation Options

Lan Ha Bay offers various accommodation options, including hotels and hostels on Cat Ba Island, in Viet Hai Village, or on Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island). Of course, you can also spend the night on a traditional junk boat, surrounded by the stunning landscape.

While Ha Long Bay certainly has its merits, including being a UNESCO World Heritage site with some unique attractions, Lan Ha Bay provides a compelling alternative for those seeking a less touristy, more serene experience of Vietnam’s beautiful karst landscapes.