Vinh Thuc Island

Located in Vinh Thuc Commune, Quang Ninh Province, Vinh Thuc Island covers nearly 5,000 hectares and is just a 10- to 20-minute boat ride from Mui Ngoc Pier, depending on weather conditions and the type of vessel. The short journey also makes seasickness less of a concern for visitors.

Often described as a "hidden gem," Vinh Thuc has retained its unspoiled charm, offering tranquil beaches, fresh sea air, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the bustling border city of Mong Cai on the mainland.

Its best-known beaches include Dau Dong Beach and Ben Hen Beach, both featuring long stretches of soft white sand and crystal-clear water.

Dau Dong Beach extends for about 5.5 kilometers, with white, golden, and light brown sand bordered by lush casuarina forests.

A highlight of the island is its lighthouse, built in 1962. It is considered the first lighthouse along Vietnam's coastline in the country's network of more than 90 lighthouses.

Visitors can also join local fishermen for traditional fishing trips, squid fishing at night, or crab hunting along the shore. Seafood is widely praised for its freshness, variety, and reasonable prices, with visitors reporting little concern about inflated tourist pricing.

Travelers can also combine Vinh Thuc with nearby Cai Chien Island as part of a multi-island itinerary, enjoying authentic coastal life and affordable seafood on both islands.

Ngoc Vung Island

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The Fort Hill viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the island's coastline and surrounding sea.

Ngoc Vung Island, part of Van Don Special Zone in Quang Ninh Province, covers roughly 45 square kilometers and is surrounded by eight inhabited islands and hundreds of rocky islets.

According to Quang Ninh's official portal, the island earned its name - meaning "Glowing Pearl" - because pearl oysters once flourished in its waters, and locals believed their luminous shells lit up the sea at night.

From Hanoi, visitors can drive about 2.5 hours to Vung Duc Pier in Cam Pha before continuing by speedboat or wooden boat.

Unlike many of Vietnam's more developed island destinations, Ngoc Vung remains quiet and lightly populated. Local residents primarily depend on fishing, aquaculture, and farming, although tourism has gradually expanded in recent years.

Accommodation is still limited, consisting mainly of simple homestays that prioritize an authentic local experience over luxury.

The island's main attraction is Truong Chinh Beach, a nearly three-kilometer stretch of fine white sand reaching almost 200 meters wide. Curving gently like a crescent moon, it is also one of the island's best locations for both sunrise and sunset.

Other attractions include Fort Hill, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the sea, Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple, the Temple of the Sea King, and the island's largest freshwater lake.

Popular local seafood includes stone crabs, grouper, oysters, and squid.

Cai Chien Island

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Cai Chien is renowned for its peaceful beaches and spectacular sunrise and sunset scenery. Photo: Nguyen Thanh Tuyen.

Located in Quang Ninh Province, Cai Chien Island is less than a four-hour drive from Hanoi, followed by either a 15-minute speedboat ride or a 45-minute ferry crossing from Ghenh Vo Pier.

The best time to visit is from April through July, when skies are generally clear and rainfall remains limited.

The island is known for long white-sand beaches such as Cai Chien 1, Cai Chien 2, and Dau Rong Beach, all lined with dense casuarina forests.

Large areas of primary forest provide habitat for numerous bird and wildlife species.

Rocky coastal areas also support abundant marine life, including several species of sea snails, razor clams, mussels, oysters, and other shellfish.

One local specialty is "bearded chicken," a native breed with golden skin, firm texture, and naturally sweet meat.

Visitors can reach the island via a vehicle ferry operating from Ghenh Vo Pier, capable of transporting both passengers and cars. Larger groups may also charter private speedboats.

A round-trip private speedboat costs around VND3 million (US$115) for up to 20 passengers. Individual travelers can share a speedboat with others for between VND100,000 and VND200,000 (US$4–8) per person each way.

Cat Ong Island

 

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Cat Ong attracts visitors with its secluded beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and well-preserved natural landscape. Photo: Cat Ong Beach Cottages.

Located south of Cat Ba Island and about two kilometers offshore, Cat Ong remains one of the quieter islands in Lan Ha Bay, having avoided large-scale tourism development.

Its ecosystem has remained largely intact, with white-sand beaches curving beneath forested hillsides, calm turquoise waters, and dense tropical vegetation.

Visitors can follow forest trails through the island's lush interior or enjoy activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling among coral reefs.

The island is particularly popular with travelers seeking peace, nature, and slower-paced coastal experiences.

From Hanoi, visitors first travel to Cat Ba Island before transferring by traditional wooden boat, speedboat, or sightseeing vessel to Cat Ong.

The island currently has a seaside resort offering rooms overlooking its secluded beaches.

Khoi Vy