Since April 20, 2026, when the first tourist cruises connecting Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay officially came into operation, four cruise vessels from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong had operated 51 trips as of May 19, carrying more than 2,200 visitors on inter-heritage bay journeys, the majority of whom are international tourists. The cruises are currently operating two itineraries, namely Ha Long Bay Route 3 - Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay Route 6 - Lan Ha Bay, among the four tourism routes licensed to connect the two bay areas.
Thien Cung Cave is a signature destination located relatively close to shore on Ha Long Bay.
The Ha Long Bay Route 3 - Lan Ha Bay itinerary features many scenic attractions rich in natural and cultural value, including Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple, Du Lagoon and Bamboo Forest in Ha Long Bay, as well as Tra Bau, Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Trai Dao, Quai To, Viet Hai entrance, Turtle Islet and Cai Beo fishing village - Beo Wharf in Lan Ha Bay.
Among these attractions, Tien Ong Cave stands out not only for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Based on archaeological artifacts discovered inside the cave, historians believe it was once a settlement site of ancient Vietnamese people during the Early Neolithic period associated with the Soi Nhu culture dating back around 8,000-10,000 years. Visitors can still see traces of prehistoric life inside the cave, including freshwater snail shells, mountain snail shells and rudimentary stone and bone tools.
International tourists watch the crafting of cultured pearls in the Vung Vieng area of Ha Long Bay.
Ba Ham Lake consists of three enclosed lagoons connected through underwater caves within limestone mountains. Traveling by small boat through narrow cave passages into each lagoon, visitors can experience the tranquil and poetic atmosphere of the water surface surrounded by lush vegetation covering the rocky slopes.
Bordering Lan Ha Bay is the Ba Men Temple area, considered sacred by local fishermen. Visitors arriving during the annual temple festival, held on the 19th and 20th days of the first lunar month, can experience a festive maritime atmosphere as fishermen from Ha Long and Cat Ba gather to pray for favorable weather and peaceful fishing seasons.
The Turtle Islet area, regarded as a distinctive symbol of the Cat Ba archipelago, impresses visitors with its pristine and beautiful natural scenery. Passing through the 70-meter-long Sang and Toi caves by boat, visitors may feel as though they are entering a hidden paradise surrounded by majestic limestone mountain ranges encircling vast tranquil lagoons. At Ba Trai Dao, a cluster of small islands in Lan Ha Bay known for its picturesque landscape, visitors can enjoy swimming at three crescent-shaped sandy beaches embracing peach-shaped limestone hills.
International visitors check in at Viet Hai Fishing Village (Lan Ha Bay) during the Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay tour. Photo: Hoang Nga.
Notably, this tourism route also includes three fishing villages offering distinctive cultural experiences. At Tra Bau fishing village, visitors can take part in fishing activities, prepare seafood themselves and enjoy fresh seafood meals in floating houses. To reach Viet Hai fishing village, visitors travel by electric car from Viet Hai Wharf along a five-kilometer road crossing Cat Ba National Park, where they can observe the area’s diverse natural ecosystem. In the center of the village, visitors can explore the unique cultural life of local residents.
Meanwhile, at Cai Beo fishing village, regarded as Vietnam’s oldest floating fishing village and one of the best-known attractions in the Cat Ba archipelago, visitors can enjoy sightseeing by bamboo boat or kayak around the village to explore both the natural landscape and the aquaculture and fishing activities of local fishermen.
On the Ha Long Bay Route 6 - Lan Ha Bay itinerary, attractions in Ha Long Bay such as Elephant Foot Islet, Ba Cua Lagoon, Tung Lam Island and Cap Bai Islet are located along the cruise route, offering visitors opportunities to relax and experience the bay’s majestic and distinctive natural beauty.
