Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island Biosphere

Category: UNESCO World Natural Heritage & Marine Island | Location: Cat Ba Archipelago, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City

Lan Ha Bay, hugging the eastern coastline of Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong City, was officially inscribed as an extension of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site "Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago" in 2023. Spanning over 7,000 hectares of pristine seascape, the bay is home to approximately 400 limestone karst islands draped in verdant tropical foliage, rising majestically from crystal-clear azure waters. Unlike more crowded cruise routes, Lan Ha Bay retains an intimate, untouched tranquility, graced with 139 secluded natural golden sand beaches tucked beneath sheer limestone pinnacles, such as Van Boi and Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches) beaches. It also cradles the 7,000-year-old Cai Beo Floating Village, recognized as the oldest marine floating settlement in Vietnam, where resilient seafaring families have thrived for millennia. Travelers exploring Lan Ha Bay can paddle sea kayaks through the magical submerged archways of Bright and Dark Caves, snorkel among vibrant coral beds, cycle through dense jungle trails to the isolated traditional eco-village of Viet Hai inside Cat Ba National Park Biosphere Reserve, or unwind aboard luxurious boutique cruise ships.