Lang Co Bay, situated on the central coast between Danang and Hue cities, is an essential component of any trip to central Vietnam. Its pristine beach, complemented by a stunning natural and man-made landscape, is a major attraction for tourists.
1. Natural Beauty of Lang Co Bay
The Lang Co Bay is a stunning location that features a long beach with white sands and blue seawater. Many visitors fall in love with the bay’s beauty at first glance. At sunset, the peaceful fishing village of Lap An Lagoon, located near Lang Co Bay, can evoke a sense of nostalgia with its boats sailing and flocks of storks flying back to their nests.
Lap An Lagoon is an 800-hectare brackish water lagoon that forms part of the Gulf of Lang Co. It is famous for its poetic beauty, which is reflected in the clean blue water surface. This natural wonder also boasts rich resources like mangroves, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and explorers. The best time to visit is at dusk when the scenery is at its most spectacular.
The natural complex comprising Lang Co Bay, Lap An, and Cau Hai lagoons has been considered one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations. It is home to around 11,000 locals who earn their livelihoods by catching and farming fish while providing tourism services.
What sets Lang Co Bay apart is its proximity to four of Vietnam’s World Heritage Sites, including the ancient citadel of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, My Son Sanctuary, and Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. All of these sites are within 150 kilometers’ radius from Lang Co. Additionally, Lang Co is near Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking scenery of clouds, mountains, and sea, and Bach Ma National Park.
The best time to visit Lang Co Bay is between April and August when the weather is pleasant, sunny, with clear blue seas and cool temperatures. June and July are the hottest months, while October usually sees the most rainfall.
2. What to Do in Lang Co Bay?
2.1. Relax in the crystal clear beach of Lang Co
Lang Co beach, situated in Vietnam, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters. There’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in the sea early in the morning, which can instantly alleviate all your worries and anxieties. If you choose to stay at a resort, you’ll typically have access to their private sandbank, ultimately resulting in fewer crowds at the beach. This allows for a more pleasant and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking privacy and relaxation.
2.2. Explore Bach Ma mountain
Bach Ma mountain boasts the finest weather in Indochina and is home to a vast ecosystem, housing around 500 plant species including rosemary, rosewood and rare creatures like black-crested pheasants and star pheasants. Hiking amidst the clouds and mountains and taking in the breathtaking natural beauty will feel like a heavenly experience. Wildlife enthusiasts are sure to find it even more exhilarating, so be sure to add it to your itinerary when visiting Lang Co Bay.
2.3. See Lang Co Bay from Hai Van Pass
The breathtaking panoramic view of Lang Co Bay is best observed from the top of Hai Van Pass. The crescent-shaped bay with scalloped edges, fishing village, and turquoise green beach can all be seen from this majestic pass, often accompanied by white clouds and the occasional passing train. As the train winds along the strait, the sound of the swaying carriage and the wheels on the track create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of an old film.
2.3. Cruise along the Laguna Lang Co Canal
One activity that couples should not miss at the Laguna Lang Co Complex is sitting on a boat deck and cruising through a 3km long canal. The canal is inspired by royal architecture and traditional Vietnamese culture, allowing visitors to witness typical Hue impressions such as gray moss-covered walls, colorful lanterns, and the Thanh Toan wooden roof tile bridge. On special occasions, guests can participate in activities like folk singing, lantern making, or releasing candle flowers.
3. Where to Stay in Lang Co Bay?
In the vicinity of Lang Co Bay, there are various options for lodging available. The most prevalent type of accommodation here is resorts, which is fitting for individuals who desire total seclusion and tranquility, with the beauty of nature surrounding them. In addition to resorts, there are also a plethora of homestays, hotels and guesthouses that cater to different types of tourists. Below are some recommendations for each type of accommodation:
Lang Co Beach Resort
- Location: Lang Co, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue
- Contact: 0234 3873 555
Banyan Tree Lang Co Resort
- Location: Cu Du Village, Phu Loc, Thua Thien Hue
- Contact: 0234 3695 888
Laguna Park Townhouse
- Location: Loc Vinh Commune Phu Loc District, Cu Du, Lang Co
- Contact: 093 554 20 20
Canh Duong Motel
- Location: Canh Duong Beach, Loc Vinh, Phu Loc, Lang Co
- Contact: 093 511 09 05
Nguyet Anh Guesthouse
- Location: Thon Binh An, Loc Vinh, Phu Loc, Lang Co, Vietnam
- Contact: 094 851 60 85
4. What to Eat in Lang Co Bay?
Lang Co Bay: A Haven of Tourism in Hue, Vietnam, is a must-visit destination for those exploring the area. Make sure to indulge in Hues’s famous specialties when in Lang Co, and take advantage of the stunning beach views by enjoying a luxurious lunch or dinner at your resort or hotel. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local food scene by visiting small villages and local restaurants.
In addition to trying Hues specialties such as Banh Bot Loc, Com Hen, and Nem Lui, seafood should also be on your list of must-tries while in Lang Co. The seafood here is incredibly fresh and has a unique taste due to the way it is processed.
Some recommended restaurants for seafood include Be Den Restaurant (Bé Đen), Bien Ngoc Restaurant (Biển Ngọc), and Be Lai Restaurant (Bé Lai).
5. How to Get to Lang Co Bay?
To reach Lang Co from Danang City, the quickest and easiest way is to take a metered taxi from the Da Nang International Airport. The cost of the taxi ride, inclusive of tolls and airport exit fees, will be around 450,000 VND.
If you’re in Hue City, there are multiple ways to travel to Lang Co Bay. You can rent a motorbike for 100,000 VND – 150,000 VND per day, but it’s important to note that Vietnamese traffic can be dangerous, so make sure you have an experienced driver with you if traveling a long distance. Alternatively, you can hire a private car with a driver or take a taxi, which may end up costing more than a private car for a full day. Another option is to take bus number 7, which departs regularly from 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM, or take the train from Lang Co train station (Ga Lăng Cô). The train journey from Da Nang takes two hours and offers impressive views along Hai Van Pass, while the one from Hue takes two hours and forty-five minutes.
Lang Co Bay was recognized as one of the 30 most beautiful bays in the world by the Club of the World’s Best Bays (Worldbays) in 2009. This makes it the third bay in Vietnam to earn a place on the club’s list, alongside Halong Bay and Nha Trang Bay. If you plan to visit central Vietnam, it’s highly recommended to add Lang Co Bay to your itinerary.
