Choosing between a 2-day cruise in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay completely depends on your preferences and expectations, as both promise unique and exciting experiences. Let’s go through the highlights of each route to help you make decisions and plan your perfect trip.
Halong Bay 2-day cruise
Pros
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most well-known scenic spots, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Ha Long Bay captures the hearts of visitors with its majestic and unique natural scenery, featuring hundreds of thousands of towering limestone karsts and emerald waters. Thanks to its picturesque landscapes, Halong Bay was twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site and became one of the 7 new natural wonders of the world.
Ha Long Bay has a total natural area of over 1,500 km² with about 1,900 large and small islands, creating incredibly impressive landscapes. Within the island system of the bay are sea caves and dry caves with beautiful colors and famous stalactites. One of the iconic dry caves in the bay is Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, featuring countless shimmering stalactites in mystical shapes. In addition to sightseeing, tourists also spend time swimming, especially on Titop Island, the most beautiful island here.
Cruise ships in Halong Bay vary in options, from 3-star to 5-star, from classic junk boat style to modern iron ships like Halong Paradise Elegance Cruise. Additionally, many cruises also customize the service package and amenities for families, groups, mature couples, honeymooners, etc.
Cons
Although having breathtaking scenery, Halong Bay still has some disadvantages. Firstly, the travel routes in Halong Bay usually are similar, including exploring famous caves such as Luon Cave, and Sung Sot Cave and attractive islands such as Tiptop Island.
Secondly, the high tourist volume making attractions in Halong Bay are usually crowded during the peak tourist seasons, typically from May to August or during holidays.
All in all, Halong Bay Cruise is suitable for the masses and first-time travelers.
Lan Ha Bay 2-day Cruise
Pros
Despite having similar landscapes to Halong Bay and also being a part of the same UNESCO World Heritage ecosystem, Lan Ha Bay is a less-crowded destination, featuring pristine and serene beauty. With hundreds of untouched beaches and great biodiversity, Lan Ha Bay has become an ideal stop for those who appreciate wilderness and tranquility. Visiting Lan Ha, travelers not only get to soak up nature but also explore the lives of local communities.
Lan Ha Bay is located to the south of Ha Long Bay, covering an area of up to 7,000 square meters, boasting more than 400 large and small islands and many hidden white sandy beaches. Coming here, you will have an opportunity to discover Cat Ba Island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This island features rich vegetation, and a network of unspoiled caves, along with many exotic species of plants and animals included in the Red Book for protection.
Cruises in Lan Ha Bay are mostly new and modern and tend to offer the mid-range and luxury standard with many high-end yachts and boutique-style ships. For the 2-day tour, most of the cruises follow the usual route of Dark & Bright Cave – Tra Bau; however, some cruises like Ginger Cruise Halong Bay have the unique route of Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island.
Cons
The biggest drawback of cruising in Lan Ha Bay is that there are only a few activities, less varied than that of Halong, and tend to focus on relaxation. Compared to journeys in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay are ideal option for those who want a serene getaway and high-class experience than those who want to explore and discover nature.
Although the two bays are adjacent and resemble each other, they bring distinctive vibes and create different experiences for tourists. If you want a glimpse at the classic landscapes of the World Heritage Site and do not mind the crowds in famous attractions, Halong Bay is your destination. On the other hand, Lan Ha Bay will be a perfect choice for those seeking tranquility and relaxation in wild nature, along with high-class cruise services.
