Lan Ha Bay is one of the most magnificent and alluring destinations on Cat Ba Island, Hai Phong Province. Spanning over 7,000 hectares—with 5,400 hectares managed directly by the Cat Ba National Park—Lan Ha Bay boasts over 400 magnificent large and small islands blanketed in diverse vegetation, pristine golden sandy beaches, mesmerizing caverns, and crystal-clear emerald waters ideal for scuba diving and coral reef exploration. It is a breathtaking masterpiece that rivals even Ha Long Bay itself.
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Lan Ha Bay Route 2 is the longest voyage on the bay, perfectly suited for both leisurely day excursions and overnight luxury cruise itineraries. This comprehensive route encompasses iconic landmarks such as: Cai Beo Pier – Monkey Island – Turtle Islet – Viet Hai Inlet – Quai To – Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Beaches – Dark & Bright Cave – returning to Cai Beo Pier. The journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours by private boat or luxury cruise. Ticket prices and associated fees vary depending on the vessel class and bespoke services included.
To ensure discerning travelers can fully discover the most exquisite destinations of the Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay region, expert tour organizers and the Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Management Board have meticulously curated a variety of sightseeing itineraries tailored to every guest’s preference. Among them, Route 2 stands out as the most extensive journey, featuring the highest concentration of legendary attractions.
General Overview of Lan Ha Bay Sightseeing Route 2
Route 2 invites travelers to explore the most celebrated landmarks of Lan Ha Bay, including the ancient Viet Hai Fishing Village, Quai To, Ba Trai Dao, and the magnificent Dark & Bright Cave. This exceptional voyage offers guests a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic local way of life while marveling at the rich biodiversity of the Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve.
Lan Ha Bay Route 2
Full-Day Lan Ha Bay Boat Charter Rates
– For groups of 10 – 20 guests: Charter rates range from 5,000,000 VND to 5,500,000 VND per boat per day.
– For groups of 25 – 50 guests: Charter rates range from 6,000,000 VND to 7,000,000 VND per boat per day.
Highlights of Lan Ha Bay Route 2 Attractions
Departing from Cai Beo Pier, guests will first admire the scenic floating fishing village with its myriad fish cages scattered across the bay before journeying toward Monkey Island. Following this, the cruise will glide past celebrated landmarks including Turtle Islet, Viet Hai Inlet, Quai To, Ba Trai Dao, and the mystical Dark and Bright Caves, before returning to Cai Beo Pier. Throughout this extraordinary expedition, travelers will relish the breathtaking splendor of Lan Ha Bay, indulge in refreshing swims at Monkey Island, Van Boi, and Ba Trai Dao beaches, and embrace a sense of adventure with kayaking excursions through the Dark & Bright Cave.
Nestled deep within the emerald heart of Cat Ba National Park on Cat Hai Island, Hai Phong, Viet Hai is an enchanting, sequestered fishing village. Spanning a modest area of approximately 141 hectares and home to just 70 households, this ancient community boasts a heritage spanning over a century. Local lore tells of fishermen seeking refuge from a ferocious storm on Lan Ha Bay who stumbled upon a pristine freshwater spring and decided to settle permanently. Surrounded by majestic limestone karsts, deep primeval forests, and a rich, diverse ecosystem, Viet Hai offers an unforgettable encounter with untouched nature and authentic rural life. Visitors can journey to the village via two routes: a scenic cruise by sea or an exhilarating motorbike ride through jungle trails.
Green Experience in Viet Hai Village
2. Turtle Islet
Turtle Islet is a diminutive yet striking islet shaped remarkably like a swimming turtle, resting among the 388 islands of the Cat Ba archipelago. For generations, locals have named this formation after the resilient, long-lived creature. Viewed from above, Turtle Islet resembles a sacred guardian spirit watching over the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay. Adorned with lush greenery year-round, it is a captivating landmark and an enduring symbol of Cat Ba tourism, representing one of the four legendary creatures of Vietnamese folklore: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, and Phoenix.
Turtle Islet
On March 30, 2019, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Uncle Ho’s visit to the local fishing community alongside the grand opening of Cat Ba Tourism 2019, the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam officially granted the trademark registration certificate for “Green Cat Ba – The Beauty of Nature” to the People’s Committee of Cat Hai District. The focal emblem of this prestigious trademark is the iconic image of Turtle Islet.
Formerly known as Cat Dua Island, Monkey Island is an enchanting attraction situated approximately 1.5 kilometers south of Cat Ba town. Spanning a compact area of roughly 0.2 square kilometers, the island boasts breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife.
Part of the Cat Ba National Park ecosystem, Monkey Island has welcomed travelers for over two decades. Its signature highlight is a colony of roughly 20 golden monkeys residing on the island. Exceptionally friendly and playful, these macaques frequently venture onto the beach to interact with visitors and accept treats such as fruit and sweets. Consequently, travelers affectionately refer to it as Monkey Island.
Monkey Island features two pristine beaches: Cat Dua 1 and Cat Dua 2. Cat Dua 1, situated on the eastern shore, stretches over 200 meters with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Cat Dua 2 lies tucked away on the southeast coast, extending over 100 meters and sheltered behind a tiger-shaped rocky promontory, complemented by a verdant garden teeming with lush flora and birdsong.
4. Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) Islets
Ba Trai Dao is one of the standout destinations in Lan Ha Bay, an exquisite marine paradise located southeast of Ha Long Bay in Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. Situated about 22 kilometers from Cat Ba Island, this picturesque enclave spans approximately 1 square kilometer. The name originates from a romantic legend of a tragic love affair between a beautiful fairy and a poor fisherman, involving three divine peaches she stole from heaven to grant him eternal life. When the Jade Emperor discovered this transgression, he turned the three peaches into towering stone mountains to eternally separate the lovers.
Ba Trai Dao Beach
Regarded as a natural wonder of Lan Ha Bay, the Ba Trai Dao Islets feature three soaring limestone peaks reaching approximately 23 meters in height, resembling three luscious peaches floating atop azure waters. These sculptural mountains owe their bizarre and unique forms to centuries of tidal erosion and weather patterns. Crevices along the rock faces have formed intimate grottoes that serve as sanctuaries for diverse bird and marine species.
Surrounding these majestic peaks is a rich and vibrant botanical tapestry of wild grasses, colorful blossoms, emerald mosses, and thriving seaweed. Wildflowers blooming across the cliffs inject brilliant strokes of color into the natural panorama. Furthermore, Ba Trai Dao boasts a charming, intimate beach with impeccably clean, translucent waters. Sheltered by surrounding limestone islets, this secluded beach remains remarkably tranquil and protected from strong winds.
5. Dark & Bright Cave
The Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang Toi) is a remarkable water cave nestled in Lan Ha Bay within the Cat Ba archipelago, right where Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay converge. This extraordinary cavern pierces directly through a colossal limestone mountain, extending nearly 100 meters in length, roughly 4 meters wide, and towering about 3 meters above the water’s surface. To explore this marvel, travelers embark on a serene kayaking excursion, gently paddling along the water current to unveil the hidden mysteries within.
Dark and Bright Cave
The Dark & Bright Cave creates an ethereal atmosphere as towering limestone karsts converge to form a majestic oceanic tunnel. This offers an unmissable opportunity for guests to experience an exceptionally unique and captivating landscape. Gliding through the soaring cliffs while marveling at pristine nature evokes an incomparable sense of wonder and delight.
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