1. Where is Vinh Thuc Island? Why is it increasingly attracting tourists?
Vinh Thuc Island belongs to Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province, located about 20 km south of the city center. With an area of about 5,000 ha, this island possesses a special geographical location, bordering Mong Cai 1 and Mong Cai 2 to the north.
The pristine beauty of Vinh Thuc Island is expressed through long beaches with fine white sand, clear blue sea water, and diverse ecosystems. The fresh climate all year round, along with a sparse population, creates a quiet space, little affected by urban development. This makes it an ideal destination for ecotourism and resort tourism.
In terms of history and culture, Vinh Thuc Island holds an important strategic position in protecting the northeastern border security. This is a frontier point close to the East Sea, directly connecting to the Mong Cai international border gate. The unique island and sea culture, with ancient fishing villages, still preserves many traditional living aspects associated with the sea.
Tourist numbers are growing strongly, especially the segment of tourists who love exploration experiences. Summer tourism and weekend getaways account for a large proportion of the total number of tourists. Quang Ninh is orienting its development towards becoming a key ecotourism center in the Northeast region, attracting investment for infrastructure development.
The pristine beauty of Vinh Thuc Island is reflected in its long beaches with fine white sand, clear blue sea, and ecosystem. (Source: Collected)
2. Guide to traveling to Vinh Thuc Island in 2025
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi/Saigon and other provinces to Mong Cai
Bus routes from Hanoi to Mong Cai are a popular choice with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 - 450,000 VND per trip, taking about 5.5 - 7 hours depending on whether it's a regular bus or a high-class limousine. Visitors can take a high-speed boat from Van Gia port or Mui Ngoc pier to Vinh Thuc Island, with ticket prices ranging from approximately 100,000 to 120,000 VND per trip, taking about 25 to 30 minutes.
Visitors choosing to fly can fly to Van Don Airport, then travel by bus or taxi to Mong Cai. The distance is about 90 km, taking 1 hour with a cost of 900,000 - 1,200,000 VND per leg. For visitors from Central and Southern regions, it is recommended to fly to Van Don Airport or Cat Bi (Hai Phong) Airport then connect by car or train.
2.2. From Mong Cai city center to Vinh Thuc Island
After arriving in Mong Cai, you travel to Mui Ngoc pier. From here, visitors will continue by high-speed boat to Vinh Thuc Island. The current high-speed boat schedule has departure times: 07:00, 10:00, 13:00, and 16:00. The reference ticket price is 120,000 VND/person/trip.
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on the time, so you should contact the boat owner directly before your trip to get the most accurate information. At the same time, pay attention to the boat schedule to the island and the return schedule from the island to the mainland to ensure your itinerary is smooth.
2.3. Getting around Vinh Thuc Island
Vinh Thuc Island still retains its wild beauty, so the main mode of transport on the island is by motorbike. Visitors can bring their motorbikes from the mainland by ferry or rent motorbikes from locals at a reasonable price.
The road system on the island is mainly small concrete roads mixed with dirt paths, with some rough sections, but with little traffic, it is quite easy to navigate. The feeling of riding around the island, passing through winding coastal roads, through casuarina forests, or visiting small fishing villages offers a very interesting and close-to-nature experience. However, due to limited services on the island, visitors should prepare sufficient fuel, drinking water, and necessary items for a complete exploration.
Tourists wanting to go to Vinh Thuc Island will continue to travel by high-speed boat. (Source: Bao Thanh Nien)
3. Unmissable experiences when traveling to Vinh Thuc
3.1. Dau Dong Beach, the most beautiful pristine beach on Vinh Thuc Island
Dau Dong Beach is one of the most pristine and beautiful beaches on Vinh Thuc Island, stretching about 5.5 km in a gentle arc. The sea here is clear blue, refreshing, surrounded by endless green casuarina trees. Looking far into the distance, you will see a high mountain shaped like a dragon's head and small, pretty white pebbles likened to unique dragon teeth.
Coming to Dau Dong Beach, you can freely swim, sunbathe, or participate in exciting activities such as fishing and boating. Strolling on the smooth white sand also brings an unforgettable relaxing feeling. This is also a great place to watch the brilliant sunrise or the romantic sunset over the sea.
3.2. Vinh Thuc Lighthouse, a symbol of conquering the Northeast extremity
The Vinh Thuc Lighthouse stands proudly on the highest peak of the island, long having become a symbol of resilience and hope at the windward tip. This structure was built during the French colonial period, is 18 meters high, and features a unique architecture with strong historical imprints.
To reach the top of the lighthouse, visitors must climb 180 steps. Although the journey is a bit arduous, upon reaching the top, visitors will be rewarded with a vast and majestic panorama of sea and sky. In front of you is the entire lush green Vinh Thuc Island stretching out, and in the distance, Mong Cai city appears and disappears in the early mist, all blending together to create a poetic and enchanting natural landscape.
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse stands proudly on the island's highest peak. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Ben Hen Beach
Ben Hen Beach offers a peaceful beauty with its sheltered sandy beach, a private space ideal for picnics, camping, and private swimming. It is also an ideal spot for sunset hunting with stunning scenes as the sun dips below the horizon.
This place is also an ideal diving spot to admire coral and capture photos of natural rocky seascapes. When visiting Ben Hen Beach, you should bring your own snorkeling gear, picnic supplies, and light snacks as there are no permanent food stalls here. Its seclusion from crowded areas creates a sense of relaxation and closeness to nature.
3.4. Enjoy fresh, cheap, quality seafood on Vinh Thuc Island
Not only known for its stunning wild natural scenery, Vinh Thuc Island also boasts abundant and fresh seafood. According to many travel reviews, upon arriving here, you should definitely try seafood such as snails, shrimp, crab, or sea fish. Every morning, local fishermen often bring their freshly caught seafood to sell at quite cheap and reasonable prices.
Besides the specialty seafood dishes of Quang Ninh, there are not many food stalls or restaurants on the island yet. Therefore, you should prepare some light and easy-to-prepare food such as instant noodles, sausages, beef, or chicken. If traveling in a group, you can also organize an outdoor barbecue, enjoying food, singing, and soaking in the fresh air for a truly memorable experience.
Vinh Thuc Island also boasts abundant and fresh seafood resources. (Source: Compilation)
3.5. Experience the fishing community's cultural life on Vinh Thuc Island
Visiting the early morning fish market and watching boats dock offers an authentic experience of the fishing community's life on Vinh Thuc Island . Visitors can directly buy seafood or try pulling nets and fishing with the islanders, learning about net fishing customs, call-and-response singing, and traditional fish-praying rituals.
Many homestays organize fishing village tours, or you can contact local guide services to participate in intimate experience courses. Activities such as teaching seafood preparation, using cast nets, encircling fish, and campfire nights with the locals will provide deep insights into the unique island and sea culture of this land.
4. Where to stay on Vinh Thuc Island? Suggestions for reputable homestays and guesthouses
4.1. List of prominent homestays and guesthouses on the island
There are not many large-scale hotels on the island yet; most are guesthouses and homestays directly managed by locals. Rooms are usually simple, clean, equipped with basic amenities, with prices ranging from VND 250,000 to VND 400,000 per night. If you want to experience higher-end services, you can choose a homestay on Vinh Thuc Island to enjoy a cozy atmosphere, or stay in Mong Cai city and travel to the island for the day.
4.2. Ancillary services: Booking tours, renting vehicles, experience packages on the island
Homestays support booking fishing village experience tours, trekking tours, renting motorbikes and electric vehicles, and food and entertainment packages linked with the locality. This service helps visitors save time researching and ensures the quality of the experience.
Visitors can combine booking tours to visit Sun World Ha Long or famous check-in spots in Mong Cai when returning to the mainland. Renting a boat or speedboat package for the day for large groups is an interesting option, with prices negotiable directly with the boat owner.
Tourists can combine visiting Sun World Ha Long or famous check-in spots in Mong Cai. (Source: Collected)
5. Suggested itinerary for Vinh Thuc Island trip: 2 Days 1 Night, 3 Days 2 Nights
5.1. 2-day 1-night itinerary: Discover all the most beautiful spots on the island
On the first day, you take a boat to Vinh Thuc Island, check in, rest, then freely swim in the clear blue water and stroll on the fine sand at Dau Dong Beach. As the afternoon falls, climb the lighthouse to watch the brilliant sunset. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious fresh seafood feast and join local residents in daily activities to experience the close-knit local culture.
The second day opens with an interesting experience at the fishing village, where you can join fishermen in catching seafood and learn about daily life there. Next, explore the peaceful Ben Hen Beach, enjoy the tranquil space and wild scenery. Before leaving the island, don't forget to buy some dried specialties as gifts for your loved ones.
This journey offers a harmonious blend of relaxation, nature exploration, capturing beautiful moments, and experiencing the unique island culture of the residents.
Visitors can climb the lighthouse to admire the panoramic view of Vinh Thuc Island. (Source: Collected)
5.2. 3-day 2-night itinerary: Full experience, eat and play to your heart's content
The first day is for traveling to the island, checking in, checking in at the beach, relaxing with a swim, and spending the night at a sea-view homestay. The second day begins with chasing the beautiful sunrise, trekking to the lighthouse, joining a fisherman experience tour, and visiting fishing villages to immerse in local culture.
The last day explores Bai Ben Hen with private experiences, says goodbye to Vinh Thuc Island and returns to the mainland. You can continue your journey by enjoying Mong Cai, Sun World Ha Long, or other famous tourist spots in the region. This itinerary allows for a full experience of the island's beauty and culture.
6. Notes for traveling to Vinh Thuc Island
Prepare all necessary items including swimwear, sports shoes, a hat, sunscreen, personal medication, a light raincoat, a power bank, and personal identification. These items will help you have the safest and most comfortable trip.
Be cautious when swimming by following lifeguard instructions, do not swim too far from shore, and avoid days with rough seas.
Tourists should note that during summer, the weather on Vinh Thuc Island is usually hotter and more humid than on the mainland. Therefore, before planning, you should monitor the weather forecast for a smoother and more complete trip.
For the best photos, you should take photos at Bai Dau Dong and the Lighthouse at sunrise, and Ben Hen at sunset.
Be community-minded by not littering, not damaging the natural landscape, respecting customs, and the lives of the local people, especially during local festivals.
Vinh Thuc Island offers visitors pristine experiences with fresh nature, approachable local culture, and the authenticity of its people. This is an ideal destination for those who love exploration, seek simple relaxation, and want to immerse themselves in the rustic island life of Quang Ninh. Pack your bags to experience this unique beauty for yourself!
