Having been a travel hotspot for many years, Hạ Long Bay has become a bit of an over-crowded tourist trap. The beaches often have so many people deposited by the conveyor belt of boats that you can’t move. It leaves most feeling like a just another statistic after they have fed the well-oiled money making machine.
Thankfully the scenery and serenity that lures the numbers in to North Vietnam is not confined to Hạ Long, with the much more calm and quiet Lan Ha Bay also boasting breath taking limestone islands rising from the tranquil turquoise ocean.
Lan Ha tours often start with a pickup at your hotel in Hanoi, followed by an hour or so drive to the coast and a brief taste of Cát Bà island.
Access to the bay is from the other side of the island so a quick transfer gave us a glimpse of Cát Bà as we journeyed to Viet Hai, a charming little ancient village well off the beaten track.
Our tour included bicycle rentals so we could explore the scenery at our pace before being whisked back to board the boat.
There are a few different cruises to opt for, we went with this one which also included kayaking and a buffet lunch, with very reasonably priced drinks at the onboard bar also on offer.
Once aboard it was pure chill time with plenty of seating or sun loungers available to sit back and enjoy the beautiful landscape as we cruised through the limestone islands.
The boat also offered a few different bathing options on board to escape the heat, as well as the air conditioned lounges on each floor.
The time flew by and before we knew it was time to dock back at Cat Ba island to watch the sunset from the bus back to Hanoi, our only regret was not having more time to spend wandering the island.
Co-ordinates – 20.808, 107.101