Cap La Island

Nestled within Bai Tu Long Bay, Cap La Island is a tranquil oasis offering a dream escape for travel enthusiasts. This unspoiled haven provides ultimate relaxation but no shortage of adventure, making it the perfect destination for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in northern Vietnam.

Location & time to go

Cap La Island is located within Bai Tu Long Bay, around 30 km to the East of Halong Bay. This is an extension of Halong Bay, more secluded and less touristy than Halong.

Featuring the typical tropical weather of the Northern region of Vietnam, Cap La area has 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The good time to visit is during dry months from November to April when the heat and rainfall decrease and the chance of storms is minimal. If you prefer outdoor activities with nice sunshine and pleasant temperatures, March to May are the best to come.

Things to do

Enjoy tranquil scenery

Under minimal impact of tourism exploitation, Cap La remains a pristine natural beauty. The emerald water reflects the blue sky, small beaches offer natural white sand, the mountains include diversified flora and fauna, and limestone caves boast untouched stalactites and stalagmites. All invite you to enjoy the tranquil scenery and leave the city hassle behind.

Kayak around the rocky islands

What could be better than floating on the sea, feeling the peaceful ambiance and cool sea breeze blowing on your face and taking a refreshing breath? Kayaking must be the best way to explore the well-blessed beauty of Cap La Island. Gently glide your paddle across the calm waters, approach rocky islands covered with seashells, and admire the lush greenery growing from the cliffs. Let's find your own way to experience Cap La!

Learn about local life

While visiting Cap La, visitors have a chance to see local fishing boats which are the houses and also the means of earning a living on the bay. Communicating with locals or listening to the story from the guide will help you understand the rich culture of Halong fishermen as well as their hard life in terms of daily meals, severe weather conditions, healthcare, education, etc.

Discover Cap La Grotto

Recently discovered, Cap La Grotto is among the most pristine in the bay. The grotto includes 2 storeys in which the higher has a lower ceiling, high steep while the lower is larger and stands out with many white stalactites. Cap La is suitable for cave adventure tours.

Try your hand at fishing

Want to experience like a local, try your hand at fishing. You can find this included in the overnight cruise program. No need to go far into the ocean, you will be guided on how to use a fishing rod with bait and lights to catch fish and squid on the sea. Night fishing is definitely a unique and unforgettable time for you and your loved ones.

How to get there

To visit Cap La Island, you can join a cruise from Tuan Chau Pier or Halong International Cruise Port, Halong City which is around 165 km from Hanoi. You can choose either day-long cruises (6-8 hours) or overnight cruises (1-3 nights) operating on Route No.4 on Halong Bay.

Besides Cap La, Route No.4 includes other landmarks namely Thien Canh Son Cave, Thay Cave, Cong Do, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Cong Do/Cong Dam, Da Xep Nature Park (Xep Island), and Tung Ang Ecological Area. Therefore, check the specified itinerary of the cruise before booking to make sure it suits your liking. Some cruise lines you can refer to are Dragon Legend Cruise, Swan Cruise, Renea Cruise, Prince Junk, Dragon’s Pearl Junk, L’amour Junk, etc.

Travel tips

• July to August is the stormy season. Check the weather forecast frequently.
• June to August is the peak season for domestic travelers.
• May to September is the low season for foreign travelers. There are more good deals for foreigners during this time.
• December to February is the festive season. There is usually a holiday surcharge during Christmas, New Year, and Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
• Things to bring: Clothes by weather, sunglasses and sunscreen, insect repellent, swimming suits, passport.