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Sapa
Mekong Delta
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Thai Nguyen
Booking a 2-night cruise for mid-December and every blog says the same thing: Lan Ha Bay is the quieter, prettier alternative to Ha Long. But when I look at the prices and the itineraries, they look basically identical. Same kayaking, same cooking class, same sunset deck.
Has anyone done both recently? Is Lan Ha genuinely less crowded, or is that just what the Lan Ha cruise companies want us to believe? We are happy to pay a bit more if the experience is actually different, I just do not want to pay extra for the same bay with a different name on the brochure.
Also, swimming in December: is the water bearable or should we lower our expectations now?
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We chose Lan Ha Bay specifically to avoid crowds and it worked. Saw maybe 4 other boats the whole day. The karst scenery is just as dramatic, I did not feel like I missed out on anything.
Went to both last year. Ha Long is stunning but yes, the main bay feels like a parking lot of cruise ships at midday. Lan Ha was noticeably quieter, we kayaked between the karsts for an hour and barely saw another boat. If crowds bother you, Lan Ha, no contest. Just check the weather first, both get foggy in winter.
Replying to Emily Dziedzic
Thanks Emily, this is exactly what I needed to hear. Did you do a day trip or an overnight cruise for Lan Ha? I am wondering if one day is enough to actually enjoy the quiet parts or if you need the overnight to get away from the day boats.
Replying to Tom Bird
Replying to Tom Bird @Tom Bird We did the overnight 2 days 1 night and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The second morning was the best part, we were kayaking through a lagoon at 7am before any of the day boats arrived. Friends who did the day trip said it felt rushed. If your schedule allows the extra night, take it.