Cat BaIsland & Lan Ha Bay guide

04Beaches

Van Boi beach

Van Boi is one of the prettier beaches in Lan Ha Bay: a short arc of pale sand under steep cliffs, with calm water in front. You can only get there by boat, which keeps it peaceful outside the midday rush.

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Fact sheet

Location
Lan Ha Bay, a few km from Cat Ba Town
Access
Boat only
Sand
Pale, mixed with shell
Water
Calm, among the cleaner spots
Nearby
Climbing walls, kayak routes
Facilities
None or very few

Short answer

Include Van Boi on a private boat or a tour that lists it, ideally early or late in the day. Bring water shoes and drinks.

01The cove

Cliffs wrap around a small beach, giving shade in the late afternoon and shelter from the wind. The water is usually calm and a bit clearer than close to the fish farms. Climbers know the area for the crags nearby, and it is a popular stop for kayaks.

02How to visit

Ask your boat operator whether Van Boi is on the route, or hire a private boat from Ben Beo pier and include it. Some resorts and operators use the area for their guests, so landing rules can change; your crew will know what applies.

?Questions people ask

Can I kayak to Van Boi?

Experienced paddlers can, from a mother boat or a rental point nearby. It is too far for most beginners from town.

Read next

  1. Ba Trai DaoThe 'three peaches' beach between three islets, a tide-dependent swim stop.
  2. Rock climbingBolted crags at Butterfly Valley and deep water soloing above the bay.
  3. Lan Ha BayCat Ba's own bay: karsts, lagoons, beaches and fish farms. How to visit.