A serene world of emerald waters, hidden lagoons, and graceful adventure.
To the south of Halong Bay lies a quieter yet equally enchanting corner of Vietnam’s World Heritage seascape — Lan Ha Bay. Stretching along the eastern side of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha is often described as Halong’s younger, greener twin — a place of harmony, intimacy, and calm.
Here, limestone islands are blanketed in lush greenery, small beaches shimmer beneath emerald cliffs, and the water glows like glass under the morning sun.
Lan Ha Bay – The Southern Jewel of the Gulf
Location & Geography
Located in Hai Phong Province, Lan Ha Bay covers an area of more than 7,000 hectares, sharing the same geological structure as Halong Bay.
It is made up of over 300 limestone islands, all covered in rich vegetation — creating a greener, softer landscape than its famous neighbor.
Lan Ha’s calm and clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and exploration by small boat.
Unlike Halong, every island here is carpeted with trees, making the bay appear like a floating garden.
“Lan Ha feels like Halong seen through a softer lens — equally majestic, yet infinitely more serene.”
What Makes Lan Ha Bay Special
Lan Ha Bay is often called the “hidden paradise” of the Gulf of Tonkin — less commercial, more authentic, and deeply tranquil.
- Peaceful waters: Very few large cruises operate here, keeping the atmosphere pure and quiet.
- Green limestone islands: Each is covered in forest, adding a sense of warmth and life to the seascape.
- Hundreds of secluded beaches: Many of them tiny and private, accessible only by boat or kayak.
- Natural tunnels and lagoons: Ideal for bamboo-boat rides and kayaking through crystal-clear water.
- Spectacular sunsets: Light reflects off the water in shades of gold and jade, creating dreamlike views.
Lan Ha is not a place to rush through — it is a place to drift, breathe, and reconnect.
Highlights of Lan Ha Bay
Dark & Bright Caves (Hang Tối – Hang Sáng)
A pair of sea caves symbolizing Lan Ha’s charm — one mysterious and shaded (Hang Tối), one glowing with sunlight (Hang Sáng).
Accessible only by kayak or bamboo boat, the passage through these caves opens into a hidden lagoon surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs.
It’s quiet, almost meditative — where only the sound of paddles and birds echo across still water.
Ba Trai Dao & Van Boi Area
This area is known for its smooth white-sand beaches and calm turquoise water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or photography.
Many travelers call it “the most beautiful part of Lan Ha”.
Viet Hai Village (on Cat Ba Island)
Nestled among limestone valleys, this small farming village offers a glimpse into local life.
Guests often cycle or take an electric cart through green trails, meeting locals who live in harmony with nature.
Floating Villages
Colorful floating houses and pearl farms create a unique, living rhythm — a reminder that life on the sea can be both simple and poetic.
Lan Ha Exploration with Aime’e Cruises (3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary)
On Day 2 of Aime’e Cruises’ 3 days 2 nights itinerary, guests are invited to sail further south — into the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay.
It’s a day dedicated to discovery and relaxation, where each activity unfolds at a gentle pace amidst stunning scenery.
Typical activities include:
- A day boat transfers deeper into Lan Ha Bay.
- Kayaking or bamboo-boat ride through Dark & Bright Caves – the most iconic spot of the bay.
- Swimming and relaxing at Ba Trai Dao or Van Boi area, known for clear turquoise water.
- Lunch on board the day boat, surrounded by limestone peaks.
- Return to Aime’e in the late afternoon for sunset cocktails at Amber Sky Bar, followed by a fine dinner at Elysian Restaurant.
It’s a perfect blend of active adventure and serene indulgence — designed for guests who want to experience both the grandeur of Halong and the calm intimacy of Lan Ha.
“From Sung Sot’s cathedral-like chambers to Lan Ha’s quiet lagoons, Aime’e takes you through every rhythm of the bay — from wonder to peace.”
When to Visit Lan Ha Bay
Like Halong, Lan Ha is beautiful all year, but the most ideal months are:
- March–May (Spring): Clear skies, soft breezes, calm waters.
- June–August (Summer): Bright sunshine, perfect for kayaking and swimming.
- September–November (Autumn): Golden light, quiet atmosphere — photographers’ favorite.
- December–February (Winter): Cooler, misty, and poetic.
The Aime’e Inspiration – Serenity as a Form of Luxury
Though Aime’e sails both Halong and Lan Ha, her soul feels closest to Lan Ha’s spirit.
Her Indochine-inspired interiors, soft ivory tones, and quiet 29-cabin capacity all reflect the bay’s gentle grace.
Every curve of the ship — from the spa’s tranquil lighting to the curve of the Sundara Jacuzzi — mirrors Lan Ha’s natural rhythm: calm, elegant, and balanced.
Here, luxury isn’t loud; it’s silent, effortless, and full of feeling.
“Lan Ha taught us that peace itself can be the greatest indulgence.
Lan Ha Bay is where nature whispers rather than roars — a quiet symphony of light, water, and limestone. From the grandeur of Halong to the serenity of Lan Ha, every journey aboard Aime’e becomes a portrait of Vietnam’s timeless beauty — where luxury finds its truest form in stillness.
