A two-day itinerary for a trip to Cai Chien Island, as shared by Ms. Thu Ha from Hanoi, after her visit there during the recent 30/4 holiday.
Day 1
For those traveling from Hanoi, it is advisable to set off in the afternoon beforehand, spending the night in Ha Long City or Van Don. The next morning, it will take approximately 1-2 hours to reach Ghenh Vo port to purchase ferry tickets to the island.
Getting to the Island
For larger groups, it is recommended to book a private canoe. A round-trip canoe ride costs three million VND for a group of about 20 people. For smaller groups or individuals, you can wait for a shared canoe, with a cost of 100,000 to 200,000 VND per person, per trip. The canoe ride to the island takes around 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you may opt for the ferry, with tickets priced at 30,000 VND per person, although the journey takes longer, approximately 30 to 40 minutes. It is also possible to take a motorbike or a 4-seater car onto the island via the ferry.
On Cai Chien Island, the primary means of transportation are electric cars, which are convenient for larger groups, while motorbikes and bicycles are suitable for smaller groups.
Renting Homestays on the Island
A homestay area near the beach. Photo: Hoan Cai Chien
Currently, the island does not have any hotels, only homestays and guesthouses run by the locals. Double rooms range in price from 700,000 to 1.5 million VND per night.
Some recommended accommodations include: Phi Vung Homestay, Hong Ha Homestay, Bao Phong Guesthouse, and the seaside container homes. There is also a newly constructed resort called Dau Rong, which is already accommodating guests despite not having completed all its facilities. Additionally, visitors have the option to camp on the island.
Visiting Khe Dau Lake
Khe Dau Lake serves as a freshwater reservoir for the island’s residents. The lake is expansive, with clear waters, and is surrounded by shady trees. Khe Dau is also a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts, provided they are willing to brave the heat. It is best to visit during sunset to witness the breathtaking view of the sun dipping below the horizon.
Dining
You may bring your own food and cook it yourself, or hire the host to prepare meals for you (for a service fee). It is also possible to order meals from the homestay, but be sure to agree on the prices beforehand for lunch and dinner.
Dinner on the beach, featuring grilled seafood and chicken. Photo: Thanh Tuyen
“The seafood here is fresh because the fishermen catch it daily. It is best to contact the homestay hosts or the fishing boats directly to place your order,” shared Ms. Ha.
The seafood options typically include shrimp, squid, shrimp, and ha—a specialty of Quang Ninh, which can be prepared in various ways, such as canh ha, chao ha, and trung ha. These dishes are not only delicious but also beneficial for your health. Another recommended dish is the goi sa sung, where the sa sung (a type of marine worm) is marinated in lemon juice and wrapped in mui leaves, then dipped in a mustard sauce. “The sa sung has a crunchy texture and a sweet taste, which pairs perfectly with the fragrant mui leaves and the spicy mustard,” described Ms. Ha.
Additionally, there is also ga rau, a type of free-range chicken that feeds on rice and grains, resulting in tender, sweet, and flavorful meat.
Experience squid fishing
To go squid fishing, you must make arrangements in advance with the fishermen or a tour guide, who will take you out to sea in the evening. The freshly caught squid is best enjoyed steamed and savored right there on the boat.
Day 2
Savoring the Sunrise at a Leisurely Pace
As Cai Chien Island remains largely untouched, there are no amusement parks, only natural beauty. Visitors can rise early and sit by the beach, taking a leisurely stroll to welcome the sunrise, and even enjoying breakfast right on the sandy shore.
Cai Chien boasts expansive stretches of fine sand and approximately 500 hectares of pristine forest, home to a diverse array of birds and wildlife.
Exploring the Beaches
The island boasts two popular beaches: Van Ca and Dau Rong, as well as several smaller ones.
Dau Rong Beach is the most beautiful on the island, featuring a long stretch of sand and clear waters, although it is deeper than beaches in other regions. The beach is lined with casuarina trees, providing ample shade. There are changing rooms and shower facilities for swimmers, as well as dining options.
Van Ca Beach, on the other hand, is more primitive and lacks the amenities found at Dau Rong. Visitors must bring their own supplies if they wish to swim here. Nonetheless, it is an ideal spot for checking in during sunrise or sunset.
Note: The best time to visit Cai Chien Island is during the summer. As accommodation options are limited, it is advisable to book your room and services in advance to secure your stay. Some homestays are already fully booked for the summer weekends of 2025.
The Ultimate Guide to Discovering the Unique Delicacy of Quang Ninh: A Hidden Gem Now Famous Across the Globe
With its intriguing name and unique flavor profile, ruốc lỗ from Quảng Ninh has become a sought-after delicacy for travelers near and far during its seasonal appearance.
Explore the Ultimate Seafood Market in Quang Ninh, Brimming with Freshly Caught Fish and Squid, at Unbeatable Prices
Hòn Gai Fish Market, also known as Ha Long’s early morning fish market, is a must-visit destination when in Quang Ninh. Nestled at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, right next to the Hon Gai port, this bustling marketplace is not just a hub of commercial activity for local fishermen but also a treasure trove of rich cultural traditions unique to the coastal region.
The Ultimate Summer Treat: A Unique Flavour Sensation, Affordable and Here for a Limited Time Only.
Have you ever heard of a delicacy that’s only available for a single season each year, with such a unique flavor that city dwellers are willing to shell out 200,000 VND per kg to indulge in it?
The Underground Palace of Quang Ninh: A Sparkling, Fantastical Wonderland for a One-of-a-Kind Wedding
Vung Duc is one of the five famous tourist destinations in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh. It captivates tourists not only with its breathtaking natural scenery but also with its distinctive local cuisine, offering visitors a rich and memorable experience.
The Ultimate Male Vitality Boost: Vietnam’s Million-Dong ‘Wonder Drug’ Still in High Demand
Discover the rare Vietnamese delicacy that is touted as an “elixir” for men, boasting an extraordinary ability to enhance virility and vitality. Despite its hefty price tag, this delicacy remains in high demand and often sells out.
