If you’re seeking a journey that perfectly blends majestic mountain passes, tranquil waters, and pristine beaches, then a day trip to Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co Bay is your next must-do in Central Vietnam. Located between Da Nang and Hue, these hidden gems lie just off the breathtaking Hai Van Pass—making the entire route a postcard-worthy experience.
This article will guide you through how to visit, what to see, when to go, and the best way to explore these spots in 2025, including booking a private car with Danang Transfer for the ultimate scenic trip.
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- 1 📍 Where Are Lap An Lagoon & Lang Co Bay?
- 2 🛣️ How to Get There: Best Route from Da Nang
- 3 🌿 Lap An Lagoon – The Lagoon of Clouds
- 4 🏖️ Lang Co Bay – A Beach Lover’s Paradise
- 5 🧭 Full-Day Itinerary – Da Nang ➝ Hai Van ➝ Lap An ➝ Lang Co
- 6 🍽️ What to Eat in the Area?
- 7 🛎️ Where to Stay (Optional Overnight Trip)
- 8 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 9 🧧 Cultural Tips – Be a Respectful Guest in Vietnam 🇻🇳
- 10 🌱 Eco Travel Advice – Travel Responsibly, Leave Only Footprints 🌍
📍 Where Are Lap An Lagoon & Lang Co Bay?
Both destinations are located in Lang Co Town, Thua Thien Hue Province, nestled between the Hai Van Pass and Bach Ma National Park:
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Lap An Lagoon: A large brackish water lagoon surrounded by misty mountains
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Lang Co Bay: A stunning bay lined with soft white sand and crystal-clear water
🌍 These are must-visit stops if you’re heading from Da Nang to Hue, or even for a dedicated full-day adventure.
🛣️ How to Get There: Best Route from Da Nang
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🚗 By Private Car (Recommended):
The most comfortable and flexible way to enjoy every stop along the Hai Van Pass is with a private car from Danang Transfer. You can pause at scenic viewpoints, take your time at each destination, and travel safely. -
🏍️ By Motorbike:
For thrill-seekers and experienced riders, the Hai Van Pass by motorbike offers adrenaline and freedom. Be cautious of weather and steep turns. -
🚌 By Bus or Train:
Public buses don’t stop at these natural spots directly, and trains don’t offer flexibility. Great for budget travel, but less ideal for sightseeing.
🌿 Lap An Lagoon – The Lagoon of Clouds
Often called the “lagoon of mirrors,” Lap An Lagoon is famous for its still water reflecting the sky, especially at low tide. Surrounded by forested mountains, it’s an otherworldly sight, perfect for both quiet reflection and stunning photography.
📌 Highlights at Lap An Lagoon:
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“Floating road” during low tide – perfect for Instagram! 📸
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Eat at a floating seafood restaurant with fresh oysters 🦪
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Coffee with a view – relax at lakeside cafes ☕
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Watch local fishermen casting nets 🛶
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Ride a sampan boat across the calm waters
💡 Best time to visit:
Between 3PM–6PM, especially for the golden hour and low tide photos.
🏖️ Lang Co Bay – A Beach Lover’s Paradise
Just 5–10 minutes from the lagoon lies the spectacular Lang Co Bay. Named one of the “World’s Most Beautiful Bays” by the World Bays Club, it’s a hidden coastal treasure for those looking to swim, sunbathe, and eat fresh seafood without the crowds.
📌 Top Activities at Lang Co Bay:
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Chill or swim on a 10km-long quiet beach 🏊
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Drone shots of the bay from Hai Van viewpoint 📷
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Walk along the fishing village and interact with locals
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Try Hue-style seafood dishes: crab, clam, squid, and more 🍤
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Stay overnight in local resorts or budget guesthouses 🛏️
💡 Travel tip: Pair this visit with Bach Ma National Park if you have more time!
🧭 Full-Day Itinerary – Da Nang ➝ Hai Van ➝ Lap An ➝ Lang Co
🕘 Time | 📍 Activity |
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08:00 AM | Depart from Da Nang hotel |
09:30 AM | Scenic stop at Hai Van Pass summit |
10:30 AM | Explore Lap An Lagoon – coffee, relax |
12:00 PM | Seafood lunch at floating restaurant |
01:30 PM | Visit Lang Co Beach, swim or walk around |
03:00 PM | Optional: Lang Co Village Market |
04:00 PM | Return via Hai Van Tunnel or Pass |
05:30 PM | Arrive back in Da Nang |
🚗 Plan & book your private day trip here
🍽️ What to Eat in the Area?
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Steamed clams with lemongrass
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Grilled oysters with cheese
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Lang Co-style fish soup
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Squid salad with Vietnamese herbs
Many floating seafood restaurants along the lagoon or in Lang Co Town offer fresh catches of the day at reasonable prices.
🛎️ Where to Stay (Optional Overnight Trip)
If you’d like to stay overnight for a quieter experience:
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Lang Co Beach Resort – rustic, beachfront
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Làng Cò Resort – mid-range, family-friendly
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Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa – luxury eco-resort
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is Lap An Lagoon worth visiting?
✅ Yes! It’s peaceful, scenic, and offers unique views of mountains meeting water. Great for photographers and seafood lovers.
Q2. Can I swim in Lap An Lagoon?
No, it’s mainly a fishing and aquaculture area. For swimming, head to Lang Co Beach nearby.
Q3. How do I book a private car to Lap An and Lang Co?
You can book directly at DanangTransfer.vn for affordable, English-speaking driver service.
Q4. Is the route safe for motorbikes?
Yes, but caution is needed, especially on Hai Van Pass curves. Avoid during rainy or foggy weather.
🧧 Cultural Tips – Be a Respectful Guest in Vietnam 🇻🇳
When visiting Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Bay, or any rural destination in Vietnam, small gestures of cultural respect go a long way in creating a memorable and meaningful experience:
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🙏 Greet with a Smile and a Slight Bow
Locals appreciate friendliness. Saying “Xin chào” (Hello) with a smile is always welcomed. -
👚 Dress Modestly in Villages
While beaches are fine for swimwear, be sure to cover shoulders and knees when walking through local fishing villages or restaurants. -
💬 Basic Vietnamese Phrases Help!
Learn a few words:-
Cảm ơn (Thank you)
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Bao nhiêu tiền? (How much?)
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Ngon quá! (So delicious!)
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🧒 Respect Local Children & Communities
Don’t give money or sweets to children—it encourages begging. Instead, support local businesses by buying handmade goods or food. -
🙅 Avoid Bargaining Aggressively
Bargaining is okay in markets, but be polite and respectful of the seller’s effort and livelihood. -
📷 Ask Before Taking Photos
Especially in villages, always ask for permission before photographing locals or their property. A simple “Okay photo?” gesture works wonders.
🌱 Eco Travel Advice – Travel Responsibly, Leave Only Footprints 🌍
Both Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co Bay are part of Vietnam’s fragile coastal ecosystems. Your choices as a visitor matter. Here’s how to reduce your footprint:
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🚯 No Littering – Ever
Even small items like tissue or plastic wrappers can harm marine life. Bring a bag to carry your trash back. -
🥤 Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Bring a reusable water bottle, bamboo straw, or tote bag. Many cafes in Vietnam now support eco-friendly options. -
🐟 Eat Sustainably Caught Seafood
Choose seafood dishes from restaurants that support local fishing practices. Avoid overfished items like endangered sea cucumbers or shark fins. -
🌊 Respect the Water & Marine Life
Do not throw coins or food into the lagoon for “luck.” It pollutes and disrupts the habitat. -
🚗 Opt for Low-Emission Transport
Booking a shared private car or eco-friendly vehicle from Danang Transfer helps reduce your carbon footprint compared to taxis or multiple transfers. -
🌺 Support Local, Not Chains
Eat at local food stalls, buy handicrafts from villagers, and stay in eco-lodges when possible. This boosts the local economy directly. -
📚 Learn Before You Go
A little knowledge about local culture, environment, and customs will help you appreciate your trip more—and behave like a conscious traveler.
🌟 Travel Quote to Inspire Your Journey:
“Take only memories, leave only footprints, kill nothing but time.” – Chief Seattle