Should You Go to Lan Ha and Cat Ba After Two Days at Halong Bay?

After two days cruising through the limestone towers of Halong Bay, many travelers wonder: is it worth heading to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island next? The short answer: yes, if you’re looking for quieter waters, kayaking adventures, and stunning island viewpoints. But it depends on your travel style, season, and time left in Vietnam.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from differences between the bays, best times to go, transfer options, itineraries, costs, safety, and alternatives—so you can make the right choice.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

Go if: you want hidden lagoons, beaches, kayaking, or island hikes.
Skip if: you’re short on time, seas are rough, or you prefer cultural stops.
Best time: March–May & September–November for calm seas and sunshine.
Transfer time from Halong: ~1.5–2.5 hrs by bus + ferry or speedboat.

Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay vs Cat Ba – What’s Different?

Lan Ha Bay

Often called “Halong’s quiet twin”, Lan Ha features 400 limestone islets, emerald waters, and far fewer large ships. It’s famous for kayaking, swimming, and smaller day cruises.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba offers more than the bay—think Cannon Fort viewpoints, Cat Co beaches, and hikes in Cat Ba National Park. Cat Ba Town has lively seafood restaurants and budget-to-midrange hotels.

Halong Bay

What you’ve just seen—dramatic karst towers, caves, and big overnight boats. The scenery is spectacular, but it’s also the busiest section of the bay.

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Is It Worth Going After a 2-Day Halong Cruise?

Pros

Explore quieter waters and secluded beaches.
Kayak through lagoons not accessible in Halong.
Experience both land + sea activities on Cat Ba.

Cons

Scenery can feel similar to Halong.
Transfers require extra time and coordination.
Bad weather (storms, rough seas) may cancel boat trips.

Who Will Love It

Active travelers who enjoy kayaking, hiking, or cycling.
Couples looking for a romantic beach escape.
Photographers chasing unique island and sunset shots.

Best Time to Visit Lan Ha & Cat Ba

Weather & Seasons

March–May, September–November: Best conditions, calm waters.
June–August: Hot, sunny, but risk of tropical storms.
December–February: Cooler, overcast, but less crowded.

If Weather Turns Bad

Focus on Cat Ba’s land-based options: hikes, viewpoints, cafés.
Or swap to Ninh Binh (Halong on land) for river and mountain landscapes.

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How to Get There from Halong

Bus + Ferry

Most common, ~2–2.5 hours.
Buses connect Halong to Ben Got ferry, then 10–15 mins to Cat Ba.

Halong bay day cruise - Hanoi Halong tour pickup — Hanoi Halong tour pickup

Speedboat / Fast Ferry

Direct Halong → Cat Ba in 1–1.5 hours.
Costs more, but saves time.

Private Transfer

Door-to-door, easiest for families or groups.
Combine with sightseeing stops en route.

1–2 Day Itineraries

1-Day Snapshot (Cat Ba + Lan Ha)

Morning: Cannon Fort & Cat Co Beach.
Afternoon: Half-day Lan Ha kayak + swim.
Evening: Seafood dinner in town.

2-Day Lan Ha Focus

Day 1: Full-day Lan Ha cruise with kayaking, snorkeling → Overnight Cat Ba.
Day 2: Hike Cat Ba National Park → Return via ferry/speedboat.

2-Day Mixed Pace (Bad Weather Friendly)

Day 1: Scenic drive + Cannon Fort sunset.
Day 2: Hike Butterfly Valley or relax on beaches.

Costs & Logistics

Typical Prices

Lan Ha day tour: $25–40 USD.
Kayak rental: $5–10 USD.
Cannon Fort entry: $2 USD.
Hotels: $20–80 USD/night.
Transfers: $10–30 USD depending on method.

Where to Stay

Cat Ba Town: Budget-friendly, easy access to tours.
Remote resorts: For peace and private beaches.

Packing Essentials

Dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray.
Quick-dry clothes + swimsuit.
Motion-sickness pills if needed.

Safety & Responsible Travel

Sea Safety

Always wear lifejackets on boats.
Check daily weather forecasts.
Stick to reputable tour operators.

Eco Travel

Avoid single-use plastics.
Don’t touch coral or wildlife.
Take your trash back to shore.

Alternatives If You Don’t Go

Ninh Binh – “Halong on Land”

Riverboat rides through rice paddies and karst peaks. Excellent if seas are rough.

Hanoi

Perfect for food lovers and culture seekers. Try a street food tour or temple visit before flying out.

FAQs

Is Lan Ha less crowded than Halong?
Yes—fewer large boats, more intimate day cruises.

Can I visit Lan Ha on a day trip from Cat Ba?
Absolutely—many half-day kayak and swim tours available.

What if I get seasick?
Stick to Cat Ba’s land activities (Cannon Fort, National Park hikes).

Are beaches swimmable year-round?
Best from April to October; water cooler in winter.

Is 1 day enough vs. 2 days?
1 day covers highlights, but 2 days let you relax and explore properly.

Final Thoughts

So, should you go to Lan Ha and Cat Ba after Halong Bay? If you have at least one full day free, enjoy outdoor activities, and want quieter scenery, then yes—it’s well worth it.

But if you’re short on time or seas are rough, consider Ninh Binh or Hanoi as alternatives. Either way, you’ll end your Vietnam journey on a high note.