Lan Ha bay for solo traveller : The ultimate guide

Lan Ha bay is a rising travel destination for boat cruise in the North of Vietnam, a great alternative to the overrated Halong bay. This Lan Ha bay for solo travellers guide , is written by David from Hanoi Eco Tour who has been working as a guide in Lan Ha bay for years is everything you need to know as a solo traveller in Lan Ha bay from Cat Ba, including top things to do in Lan Ha bay for a solo traveller, which day tours and overnight cruises to pick and so on.

Lan Ha Bay is a great place for solo travellers since it is safe and quieter than Halong with lots of activities. The landscape of the limestone mountains and island is stunning.

Why is Lan Ha bay good for solo travellers?

Lan Ha bay is really safe

It’s safe for taking a day trips and overnight cruise in Lan Ha bay

The water is calm since you are cruising on the bay. It might be a little bit rough sometimes since you are cruising pass open space of the sea but all good.

Easy to book tours and activities

There are tons of Lan Ha bay day trips to choose from, the price is affordable from 35 to 55 USD for a full day seat in coach tour and 159 USD for a private boat tour whist you have to pay double the price for a private boat in Halong bay.

Read more : How to get to Cat Ba island from Hanoi

Less touristy, quiet, and off the tourist trail

Lan Ha bay with similar landscape but a lot less touristy than Halong, you may find your own little private white sand beach, away from the big crowd, hidden lagoon to enjoy its tranquility on your own. There are secret spots to enjoy the bay your way

Best time to visit Lan Ha bay - Lan Ha solo traveller guide

From late April to early November. But try to avoid weekend trips from the middle of May to the Middle of August since it is the high tourist season for Vietnamese travellers.

February and March can be foggy and misty.

Things to do in Lan Ha bay for solo travellers

For solo travellers to Lan Ha Bay who want to travel at a slower pace, book the 3 days 2 night or 2 days 1-night cruise on Lan Ha bay, staying overnight on a cruise is the best way to experience the beauty of Lan Ha bay in a relaxing and laidback style..

For those who love doing a private Lan Ha bay tour, I suggest signing up for a full-day tour and half day tour which with affordable prices from 115 USD to 159 USD. I have lots of solo travellers who sign up for private tours of Lan Ha bay.

Taking a leisurely bicycle ride in Viet Hai village

It’s great fun to take a leisurely bike ride around the remote village of Viet Hai to enjoy the rustic beauty of rural areas with local houses, organic farms and more

Kayaking into a hidden cave

You can kayak through hidden caves to get to a secret lagoon, making Lan Ha Bay different from Halong Bay.

Swimming on a private beach

It would be great if you could swim, sunbathe or just relax on a private beach, away from the big crowds. There is tons of little tiny beaches on Lan Ha bay to choose from.

Seeing monkeys on Monkey island

There are Cat Ba langurs (a type of monkey) which is native to Cat Ba. Seeking monkeys from a closer distance or just hike up to reach the top to see the panoramic view of the bay is fun.

Cruising in hidden trails around Lan Ha bay

This is an exclusive experience that very few private day cruises in Lan Ha bay offer it, it is suitable for senior couples who just want to enjoy a sightseeing trip of Lan Ha Bay without doing outdoor activities, like on a sailing trip.

Having lunch onboard with seafood

It sounds obvious. Believe me, having lunch onboard like you are having meals in a million-dollar view restaurant, the feeling is just amazing, enjoying fresh seafood from the market which is tasty and enjoyable.

Interacting with local people living on floating village

Again, it can be done with a private cruise, stop at a local family to learn about their day-to-day activities and techniques how to catch fish or squid using their fishing boat, how electricity and water are supplied to the village etc…

Budget for solo travellers in Lan Ha bay

Please see suggestions for prices for tours and activities on Lan Ha bay so that you have some ideals for how much to spend

Rate for tours in and around Cat Ba(All rate in American Dollar)

If you want to have more information about the tours above, please contact us via Whatsapp at +84974313104

Lan Ha bay itinerary for solo travellers in Lan Ha bay

I have written a detailed article of Lan ha bay. Please see the article below

Lan Ha bay itinerary

Top tour companies for Lan Ha bay tour for solo traveller

• Cat Ba Venture
• Smile Tour
• Hanoi Eco Tour
• Cat Ba Express
• Cat Ba Vision

Local advice: Contact a private local guide in Lan Ha to show you around, which helps you save time, and money, and travel with a flexible itinerary.

Top frequently asked questions about travelling solo in Lan Ha bay

Can we get a shared cabin on an overnight boat?

99% is a NO. Hopefully, you can find a cruise which offers a sharing twin policy. Anyway, be happy to pay single supplement.

Should I book a party boat or a boutique cruise?

It’s up to you. There is a party boat called Hideaway. Otherwise, I feel like a boutique overnight cruise from 5 cabins to 14 cabins with a small group, not too busy

Which private boat tour is good for a solo traveller?

Take a full day or half day trips to Lan Ha bay with affordable prices from 89 to 159 USD. Please note that the boat tour isn’t charged by hour on the boat, it’s priced per trip. No matter if it’s 2 hours or 4 hours, it will be the same price for a half-day tour.

Is there any dry limestone cave to visit?

Unfortunately not. But you can kayak through a cave.

How to book a private Lan Ha bay tour?

Contact travel agencies and arrange through them. Hanoi Eco Tours does offer private Lan Ha bay tours

We hope this complete Lan Hay bay for solo travellers guide by Hanoi Eco Tour will help you some ways to plan a trip when travelling solo in Lan Ha Bay.

Other travel guides about travelling solo in other destinations in Vietnam

Hanoi Solo traveller guide

Ninh Binh Solo Traveller guide