The Emerald Secret: An Expert’s Guide To The Best Things To Do In Lan Ha Bay For Indian Travelers

While Ha Long Bay is world-famous, in 2026, the trend has shifted toward its pristine neighbor: Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha has transitioned from Ha Long’s “quiet alternative” to the definitive choice for eco-conscious luxury and raw adventure. Positioned within the UNESCO-protected Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve, the bay spans 7,000 hectares of emerald waters and 400 limestone islets that remain largely traffic-free. At Vietnam Story, we are proud to offer the Lan Ha Bay Route 2D1N Cruise Trip, an itinerary meticulously designed to minimize travel time and maximize the soul-stirring beauty of the North.

Whether you are looking for a romantic escape or a multi-generational family retreat, this guide will walk you through the absolute best things to do in Lan Ha bay.

Lan Ha Bay, the quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay, offers pristine, less-crowded limestone karst scenery ideal for active, nature-focused exploration.

What are the best things to do in Lan Ha Bay for Indian travelers?

Lan Ha Bay offers a much more intimate connection with nature because it has fewer cruise ships and more “hidden” lagoons that are only accessible by small boats. The most popular things to do in lan ha bay involve exploring hidden sea caves, visiting ancient floating fishing villages, and enjoying high-end cruises that offer specialized Indian cuisine. Because the bay is part of a biosphere reserve, the activities here focus on “slow travel” and deep nature immersion, making it perfect for the “Incredible India” spirit of adventure and wellness.

To make the most of your trip, you should look beyond just sitting on a deck. From kayaking through bioluminescent waters to cycling through jungle villages, Lan Ha offers a “land-and-sea” duality that its famous neighbor cannot match. Here is a detailed breakdown of the experiences waiting for you.

READ MORE: Lan Ha Bay Caves: Your 2026 Guide to the “Secret Gallery” of Wonders

Core water activities: Hidden lagoons and glowing seas

Lan Ha Bay is often called the “kayaking capital” of Vietnam. The water here is significantly clearer than in Ha Long, with visibility often reaching 3 to 5 meters. This clarity makes every water-based activity feel like you are gliding over a giant emerald mirror.

Among the most essential things to do in Lan ha bay is kayaking through the Dark & Bright Cave and swimming at the Ba Trai Dao beaches. However, the true “bucket list” experience for 2026 is night kayaking to witness the bioluminescent plankton – a magical neon-blue glow that reacts to every stroke of your paddle. To help you plan your water adventures, we have highlighted the three most iconic spots below.

Dark and Bright Cave

This is a 100-meter-long natural tunnel that you paddle through to reach a silent, cliff-ringed lagoon. It feels like entering a secret world. In 2026, visitor numbers are capped at 300 per day to protect the silence. At Vietnam Story, we secure the 7:30 AM “First Light” slot for our guests to ensure you have the lagoon almost entirely to yourself.

Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) and Van Boi

Lan Ha is home to 139 natural white-sand beaches. Ba Trai Dao is the most famous, named after three islets that look like giant peaches. This is one of the best things to do in lan ha bay if you want to snorkel around coral fringes or enjoy a private beach BBQ, which we can arrange for private groups.

Bioluminescent night kayaking

Best experienced from May to October during the New Moon, this activity takes place in Ao Ech (Frog Pond). As you move through the dark water, microscopic plankton ignite in a blue neon glow. It is a spiritual, almost surreal experience that our Indian guests often describe as “a scene from Avatar.”

Island and village exploration: Where the sea meets the jungle

One of the unique aspects of the Lan Ha Bay Route is the physical connection to Cat Ba Island. This allows us to combine maritime beauty with the rugged, green soul of the Vietnamese jungle. Exploring the land-based culture is one of the most enriching things to do in lan ha bay. You can cycle through the mountain tunnels to reach Viet Hai Ancient Village, witness 7,000 years of history at Cai Beo floating village, or hike the steep cliffs of Monkey Island for a 360-degree view of the karst landscape.

For those who want to see the “authentic” Vietnam, these village stops provide a window into a lifestyle that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Viet Hai ancient village

Viet Hai Village offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Vietnamese village life, combining cultural heritage with breathtaking natural scenery, making it a peaceful retreat and an adventurous destination.

Newly updated for the 2026 “Model Village” program, Viet Hai now offers a “Farm-to-Table” experience. You can join locals in traditional rice harvesting or experience the medicinal herbal baths using rare mountain ginger and lemongrass. Accessing the village via a 7km jungle path (by bike or eco-electric cart) is a breath of fresh air.

Cai Beo and Tra Bau floating villages

Cai Beo is Vietnam’s oldest maritime community, dating back 7,000 years. Visiting these villages is one of the most eye-opening things to do in lan ha bay. You can see sustainable aquaculture farms where giant groupers are raised and even join the local fishermen for an overnight squid-jigging session.

Monkey Island (Cat Dua)

Aside from the friendly (and sometimes cheeky!) monkeys, this island features a challenging trek to a high viewpoint. It offers the most iconic “karst forest” photos in Northern Vietnam. Note: Please wear sturdy shoes as the limestone rocks are quite sharp.

READ MORE: Lan Ha Bay Fishing Villages: A Guide to the “Soul of the Archipelago”

Adventure and wellness highlights: Thrills and peace for every guest

Lan Ha Bay accommodates both perfectly. For the high-energy traveler, things to do in lan ha bay include rock climbing and Deep Water Soloing (jumping from cliffs into the sea). For those seeking peace, many premium cruises now offer specialized Himalayan Yoga and Tai Chi sessions on the sundeck, perfectly aligned with the spiritual preferences of our Indian guests. Let’s look at how you can satisfy your inner adventurer or find your “Zen” in the bay.

Rock climbing and deep water soloing (DWS)

Moody Beach is the premier 2026 spot for beginner-friendly climbing. For the truly brave, “Deep Water Soloing” at Three Brothers Crag involves climbing without ropes and jumping directly into the deep emerald water. It is a massive hit with younger Indian travelers.

Ngu Lam peak trek

Located within Cat Ba National Park, this hike takes you to a 225-meter elevation. The view from the top – a sea of green jungle “waves” meeting the blue ocean—is perhaps the most beautiful sight in all of Northern Vietnam.

Sunrise Tai Chi and yoga

We partner with premium cruises like Capella and Heritage that have introduced specialized yoga sessions. Practicing your Asanas as the sun rises over the limestone karsts is a moment of pure “Shanti” (peace) that many of our guests say is the highlight of their trip.

Vietnamstory guide: Tailoring things to do in Lan Ha Bay for Indian families

Vietnamstory knows that traveling as an Indian family requires extra care, especially regarding food and pace. We don’t just want you to see the bay; we want you to feel at home.

We customize the things to do in lan ha bay to ensure “Dining Sovereignty” with Halal, Vegetarian, and Jain-certified meals. We also prioritize accessibility, using the new 2026 express hydrofoils to reduce travel time and arranging private bamboo boats for elders who prefer a gentle row over active kayaking.

Dining sovereignty: We exclusively partner with cruises like Mon Cheri (which holds a Full Halal Certificate) and Stellar of the Seas, which employs chefs specifically trained in Indian Vegetarian and Jain cuisine.
Pace control: If trekking or kayaking feels too strenuous for some family members, we arrange private luxury tenders. You can still see the Dark & Bright Cave or the floating villages while sitting comfortably in a boat rowed by a local villager.

Planning and logistics: Practical 2026 estimates

Planning your budget is essential for a stress-free holiday. In 2026, the bay has moved toward high-quality, eco-certified tourism. When choosing things to do in lan ha bay, your budget will depend on the duration and depth of your exploration. From affordable day trips to 3-day eco-certified “deep dives,” there is an option for every traveler.

Activity Style	Duration	Est price (Per person)	Insider tip
Day Trip	8 Hours	$50 – $80	Best for “Essentials” (Cai Beo + Kayaking).
2D1N Cruise	2 Days	$180 – $280	Includes Night Squid Fishing & Sunrise Yoga.
3D2N Deep Dive	3 Days	$350 – $600	Includes Viet Hai Trek & Rock Climbing.

Rare insights: Beyond the Standard Guide for Lan Ha Bay

Explore the landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, weaving through small rocky islands and caves.

To conclude, we want to share a few “hidden secrets” that only a local would know. These small details will make your trip truly unique. To find the most unique things to do in lan ha bay, look for the “Python Guardian” legend at the Dark Cave entrance or join a 4-day quest to spot the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur. Furthermore, by 2026, many fleets have gone hybrid, allowing you to support “Green Lotus” certified tourism.

The “Python guardian” legend: Ask your guide to point out the giant rock formation that looks like a python at the entrance of Dark Cave. Local lore says it is the pet of the Goddess Trung Trang, sent to protect the bay’s biodiversity.
The “Langur” quest: If you are a wildlife lover, the 4-day itineraries reach the deepest, most protected parts of the reserve. Here, you might spot the Cat Ba Langur – one of the 25 most endangered primates on Earth. There are only about 70 left!

Conclusion

Lan Ha Bay is a place where time slows down, and nature speaks. Whether you are kayaking through a silent lagoon, sharing a laugh with a fisherman in Cai Beo, or enjoying a Jain feast on a sunset deck, the things to do in lan ha bay are designed to touch your heart.

At VietnamStory, we are ready to welcome you. We have the Halal food ready, the yoga mats rolled out, and the most beautiful emerald waters waiting for your arrival. We look forward to seeing you in 2026!