1. General Introduction to The Vang Island
1.1. Where is The Vang Island? Geographical location and how to get there from Cam Pha, Ha Long
Located in Van Don Special Economic Zone, Quang Ninh province, The Vang Island belongs to the island cluster in the poetic Bai Tu Long Bay. This location is favored by nature, only about 13 km from Cam Pha city by sea route, convenient for travel from Vung Duc port.
If departing from the center of Ha Long city, The Vang Island is about 30 km to the east. It is an ideal choice for those who want to explore a less-known coastal area. This distance not only saves travel time but also facilitates connections with many other tourist destinations during the journey.
On the map, The Vang Island is located in an area prominent for its biodiversity, it is the intersection between Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. This creates a unique natural landscape with majestic limestone mountains and long stretches of white sand beaches.
If departing from the center of Ha Long city, The Vang Island is about 30 km to the east. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Highlights of The Vang Island compared to other islands in Quang Ninh
One of the distinctive features of The Vang Island is its pristine natural landscape with a clean beach. The crystal-clear seawater and rare fine white sand create a uniquely tranquil atmosphere. Unlike many developed beach destinations, this place still retains its natural beauty, offering a sense of peace to every visitor.
Spanning 180 ha, The Vang Island boasts a rich ecosystem, typical of the Bai Tu Long Bay region. The island is being invested in to become a high-class ecological resort destination with a focus on sustainable, environmentally friendly development.
Besides its beautiful scenery, the island also features spiritual sites such as Toa Son Temple, Duyen Phuc Pagoda, and the Fairy Well, points of interest rich in local cultural and historical value. These sites add meaning to the trip and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the culture – history of the Quang Ninh region.
2. Detailed guide to traveling to The Vang Island
2.1. From Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Vung Duc Port, Cam Pha
From Hanoi, you can choose various means of transport to Vung Duc Port (Cam Pha). Limousine buses are preferred by many due to the travel time of only about 3 hours, departing from central stations like My Dinh or Giap Bat, with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND.
Trains are also a convenient option with SP1/SP2 routes from Hanoi Station to Cam Pha Station, taking about 4 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 85,000 to 320,000 VND depending on the seat type. Trains usually depart early in the morning or late in the evening, suitable for those who enjoy sightseeing along the way.
If departing from Ho Chi Minh City, you can book a flight to Van Don Airport, with the flight lasting only about 2 hours. From the airport, continue by taxi or bus to Vung Duc Port, a journey of about 45 minutes. Flight ticket prices usually range from 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND depending on the airline and booking time.
2.2. From Vung Duc Port to The Vang Island
From Vung Duc Port, visitors can choose high-speed boats or canoes with frequent schedules to reach The Vang Island . The sea journey takes only about 20 minutes, offering an exciting experience gliding over the turquoise waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.
The cost for a round-trip ticket is around 200,000 to 300,000 VND per person, varying depending on the type of transport and included services. Boat services typically operate from 7 AM to 5 PM, with a frequency of one trip every 1-2 hours, increased on weekends or holidays.
It is advisable to book tickets in advance through a travel agent or contact the port for a smooth journey. For groups of 10 or more, you can charter a private trip for a price ranging from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND, offering a more flexible and convenient itinerary.
3. Recommended experiences on The Vang Island
3.1. Swimming and picnicking on the pristine sandy beach
The beach on The Vang Island boasts natural beauty with fine white sand and crystal-clear seawater so transparent you can see the bottom. The atmosphere here is quiet and private, ideal for those seeking relaxation away from noisy tourist spots.
Picnicking on the sand becomes even more poetic when experienced under the shade of green coconut trees. Prepare some light snacks and enjoy a meal with friends or family amidst the sea, accompanied by the gentle sound of waves. Sunbathing in the early morning or resting under the trees all offer an unforgettable relaxing experience.
This activity is suitable for couples seeking privacy, groups of friends who enjoy freedom, or families with young children. The seawater is warm year-round, and the shallow area near the shore is perfect for all ages to play and swim safely.
The beach on The Vang Island boasts natural beauty with fine white sand and crystal-clear seawater so transparent you can see the bottom. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Exploring the island's natural ecosystem
The ecosystem of The Vang Island impresses with its year-round lush green forests and the characteristic limestone karst terrain of Bai Tu Long Bay. Small trails around the island will lead you to forest corners where you can encounter various bird species and diverse vegetation.
The uniquely shaped steep cliffs are beautiful natural check-in spots. From the high points on the island, you will admire the panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay with hundreds of large and small islands emerging from the water.
When exploring, it is advisable to bring non-slip sports shoes and sufficient drinking water. Especially, contribute to preserving the landscape by not littering, not picking wild flowers or fruits to protect the island's precious ecosystem for the future.
3.3. Ecological tourism and resort experience
The ecological tourist area on The Vang Island is gradually being completed with beachfront bungalows, designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural scenery. These small houses use environmentally friendly materials, offering a relaxing experience close to the sea and forest.
New ecological activities such as kayaking to explore small caves and diving to admire coral in clear waters. Or trekking around the island with local guides are becoming increasingly diverse. These tours help you understand more about the local geology and unique ecosystem.
Yoga and outdoor activities on the beach in the early morning or late afternoon are increasingly popular. The fresh environment and gentle sound of the waves create an ideal condition for mental relaxation and health improvement amidst the beautiful natural scenery.
4. Potential to become a new "hot" destination in Bai Tu Long Bay
With its convenient location within the Van Don tourist ecosystem, The Vang Island has many opportunities to connect with destinations such as Van Don International Airport, high-class resorts, and unique exploration experiences in the region. This linkage helps diversify resort packages for tourists.
Bai Tu Long Bay retains its pristine beauty, less affected by mass tourism. This further increases the appeal of The Vang Island for those who want to explore new destinations.
It is expected that the development of water transport routes connecting The Vang Island with famous tourist spots will create attractive package tour products. Tourists can easily combine an ecological holiday on the island with various shopping and entertainment activities at major tourist areas in the region.
Bai Tu Long Bay is known as the "second Ha Long Bay" of Quang Ninh. (Source: Collection)
5. Suggested itinerary for exploring The Vang Island
A 2-day, 1-night trip to The Vang Island is a suitable choice to fully experience the beautiful scenery here. On the first day, after traveling from Vung Duc port and checking in. Then you can enjoy lunch with fresh seafood, continue swimming and picnicking on the white sandy beach.
The afternoon is suitable for exploring the island's ecosystem, trekking along natural trails. Watching the sunset from high points will bring an impressive moment as the sun gradually sets over Bai Tu Long Bay.
On the second morning, you can participate in yoga or exercise on the beach, then try activities such as kayaking, snorkeling to see coral. If you have more time, you can combine visiting Sun World Ha Long or exploring other destinations in the Van Don area.
Especially, spending a night on The Vang Island is a rare opportunity to feel the cool atmosphere, the gentle sound of waves, and the starry sky, helping you truly relax and immerse yourself in nature.
If you have more time, you can combine it with a visit to Sun World Ha Long or explore other destinations in the Van Don area.
6. Self-guided travel experience on The Vang Island
You should bring swimwear, high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and enough drinking water. For convenience when exploring the island's limestone terrain, non-slip sports shoes are a suitable choice.
The best time to travel to The Vang Island is from April to October because the weather is stable, suitable for outdoor activities. It is advisable to consider avoiding travel from July to September as this is the storm season, which affects sea travel.
It is recommended to book high-speed train tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends. You can check the sea weather conditions through apps or contact the local tourism authority to ensure safety during your journey.
Don't forget to be environmentally conscious when visiting The Vang Island: respect the ecological area's privacy, do not litter, do not pick wild fruits, and join hands in preserving the island's precious natural resources.
7. Enjoy local cuisine when visiting The Vang Island
The cuisine on The Vang Island is highlighted by fresh seafood caught directly from the waters around the island. Dishes like grilled clams with scallion oil, grilled blood cockles with chili salt, and charcoal-grilled lobster are flavors not to be missed when you set foot here.
Steamed sea crab with ginger, silver foil grilled grouper capture the natural sweetness of the Van Don sea. Especially, stir-fried sea snails with satay or grilled snakehead fish cake wrapped in banana leaves are prepared according to the traditional recipes of local fishermen, creating a uniquely unforgettable aftertaste.
At the ecological area on The Vang Island, you will be served meals with selected ingredients, ensuring the highest freshness. The team of local chefs is not only skilled in preparing seafood but also knows how to combine it with regional vegetables, creating a menu that is both delicious and nutritious.
Around the Vung Duc port area, there are also many reputable seafood restaurants, serving a diverse clientele with reasonable prices and guaranteed quality. These restaurants are usually open from early morning to late evening, suitable for all tourist travel schedules.
Cuisine on Golden Card Island (Dao The Vang) features fresh seafood caught directly from the waters around the island. (Source: Collected)
Exploring Golden Card Island (Dao The Vang) will bring visitors a peaceful journey amidst pristine nature and the rare beauty of the Van Don (Van Don) sea area. With a detailed experience guide, visitors can fully plan a complete trip and enjoy memorable moments on this beautiful island.
