Ha Long, Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay: which one to choose?

Updated 31 October 2026

Our verdict

For a first cruise, Lan Ha Bay is the best compromise: the same scenery as Ha Long, far fewer boats, and more kayaking and beaches. Ha Long remains the choice for a day trip from Hanoi. Bai Tu Long is the quietest, for those avoiding crowds.

Point-by-point comparison

Criterion	Ha Long Bay	Lan Ha Bay	Bai Tu Long Bay
Crowds	Highest, many boats	Moderate	Low
Location	Off Ha Long city	To the south, around Cat Ba Island	North-east of Ha Long
Activities	Famous caves (Sung Sot), viewpoints	Kayaking, small beaches, swimming	Kayaking, fishing villages
Day trip	Yes, easiest from Hanoi	Possible, a long day	Not ideal, better as a cruise
Choice of boats	Very wide, every budget	Wide, mostly mid-range and upscale	More limited

Which to choose?

Ha Long Bay

The right choice if you only have one day, or want to see the best-known caves.

Lan Ha Bay

The right choice if you are doing an overnight cruise and want kayaking without the crowds.

Bai Tu Long Bay

The right choice if peace and quiet comes first, even with fewer boats to choose from.

See the Ha Long Bay guide

Activities to book: Ha Long Bay

Cruises, day trips and guided tours — free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most offers.

This module shows GetYourGuide activities and may set third-party cookies.

Open directly on GetYourGuide

Bookings handled by GetYourGuide. If you book through this module we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lan Ha Bay as beautiful as Ha Long?

Yes: it is the same karst landscape, the southern continuation of Ha Long. The main difference is the number of boats, clearly lower in Lan Ha.

Where do Lan Ha cruises leave from?

Depending on the company, from Tuan Chau port in Ha Long, or from Cat Ba / Hai Phong. Most include the shuttle from Hanoi: check the departure port when booking.