1. Overview of Quang Ninh Sea: Northern Island Paradise
Located in the northeasternmost part of Vietnam, Quang Ninh is blessed by nature with an impressive archipelago, over 250 km long with 2,077 large and small islands. This land not only stands out as a resort destination but also holds an important position in international trade, offering many opportunities for international-standard sea tourism experiences for visitors.
1.1. Geographical Location, Climate, and Development Potential of Quang Ninh Sea
Quang Ninh Sea borders the Gulf of Tonkin, possessing rich marine flora and fauna along with transitional landscapes from hills and mountains to coastal plains and archipelagos with fine white sandy beaches and limestone mountains creating a unique highlight. Quang Ninh has a distinct four-season climate: hot and humid summers with heavy rain; cold winters with little rain; along with two transitional seasons, spring and autumn. The average annual temperature is around 21°C. Rainfall in this area is quite high, concentrated mainly from May to October.
What makes Quang Ninh Sea unique compared to other northern coastal areas is its distinct marine and island ecosystem, characterized by sheltered bays such as Ha Long and Bai Tu Long. As a result, the sea waves are always gentle, conducive to relaxation and recreational activities. The deep channel system also supports the development of deep-water ports, creating favorable conditions for trade and international cruise tourism development.
Quang Ninh Sea borders the Tonkin Gulf, possessing rich marine flora and fauna along with a landscape transitioning from hills and mountains. (Source: Collected)
1.2. Why Quang Ninh Sea is increasingly attracting tourists
Ha Long Bay is a world natural heritage site, an important factor that elevates Quang Ninh to a tourism icon on the international map. The unique limestone scenery, clear blue sea surface, and thousands of large and small islands create a magnificent natural landscape, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors.
Besides Ha Long, Quang Ninh Sea also gathers many beautiful beaches such as Tra Co, Bai Chay, Van Don, Bai Tu Long, Co To, serving diverse types of tourism and resort. Modern infrastructure with resorts like Vinpearl, Sun World Ha Long… combined with international cruise ports and Van Don airport are creating favorable conditions for domestic and international guests.
Following the trend, tourism in Quang Ninh Sea is moving towards a model combining resort, ecological experience, and sea sports. At the same time, it promotes local cultural elements, contributing to sustainable development and improving service quality.
2. Top most beautiful beaches in Quang Ninh not to be missed
Boasting a coastline stretching over 250 km, Quang Ninh offers many beautiful beach options, each place with its own character suitable for diverse tourist preferences.
2.1. Tra Co Beach
With a length of 15 km of fine white sand, green casuarina rows stretching by the sea. Tra Co Beach captivates visitors with its lyrical beauty and peaceful, tranquil atmosphere. It is also an ideal starting point to explore Sa Vi Cape, the northeasternmost point of the country, where visitors can capture the brilliant sunrise moments.
At Tra Co, visitors can join tours to Sa Vi Cape, stroll along the long sandy beach, or immerse themselves in the fishing village festival. The best time to admire the sea is in the early morning, when the sea surface is calm and the sunlight is gentle and golden.
Cuisine in Tra Co is attractive with dishes like horseshoe crab, razor clam, fermented pork roll... sold at seaside eateries. To enjoy fresh seafood, visitors should visit the fish market early in the morning and choose freshly caught ingredients.
At Tra Co, visitors can join tours to Sa Vi cape. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Bai Chay
Located within the Sun World Ha Long area, Bai Chay is synchronously planned with a modern entertainment complex, the Queen Cable Car, and an artificial beach with clear blue water. This place is ideal for tourists who want to combine beach swimming with high-class entertainment activities.
Bai Chay boasts a complete service system, from the coastal walking path to a chain of 5-star hotels like Novotel Ha Long Bay and a bustling pedestrian street. The all-inclusive service model here meets all needs from accommodation, dining to entertainment, suitable for families, couples, or dynamic groups of young people.
2.3. Van Don
Van Don beach offers a close-to-nature experience. Through activities such as camping, surfing, and barbecues on the pristine beaches of Minh Chau, Quan Lan. Visitors can organize their own barbecues, set up camps, and participate in gentle water sports.
Notable landmarks such as Ngoc Vung island, Ba Mun island, Son Hao are ideal places to explore the unique marine flora and fauna. Visitors can rent kayaks to float on the blue waves or join a coral diving tour in the clear waters.
Van Don Beach offers an immersive nature experience. (Source: Collected)
2.4. Ben Hen (Mong Cai)
Lying like an arc embracing Vinh Trung island commune, Ben Hen beach is about 3km long, boasting a wide and gently sloping sandy shore. The sand here is a mix of white and yellow, smooth, with clear blue seawater, creating a poetic and peaceful scene. The special feature of Ben Hen is that it still retains the wild, pure beauty of a beach amidst the vast ocean, surrounded by rustling casuarina forests. Patches of wild pineapple, cactus, and sea morning glory bloom and bear fruit seasonally, making Ben Hen look like a soft silk ribbon winding around Vinh Trung island commune when viewed from above.
During low tide, the scenery of Ben Hen becomes even more special. Beyond the towering casuarina rows, visitors will see the distant sea with white-capped waves crashing ashore. At this time, the beach appears as a vast natural square, stretching endlessly with a layer of shimmering golden, smooth sand. Adorned by the green of the wild pineapple forest and the gentle purple of sea morning glory flowers.
Thanks to its advantages in landscape and terrain, Ben Hen has been planned as a bathing area approximately 200m wide. Simultaneously, dining, entertainment, and resort services are developed in conjunction with visiting the port and aquaculture areas. Here, visitors can not only enjoy the pristine natural beauty but also have the opportunity to experience the life of local fishermen and go out to sea with them. Participate in catching seafood and enjoy fresh local specialties such as snails, clams, tiger prawns, sea worms, or crabs… prepared by the islanders themselves.
2.5. Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is known as one of the famous bays with a system of majestic islands and caves along with many pristine and beautiful beaches. Located within the Bai Tu Long Bay complex, Bai Tu Long National Park was recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity in 2017.
With its majestic and diverse natural beauty, Bai Tu Long has the potential for year-round tourism development, suitable for many attractive types of tourism such as sightseeing, swimming, boating, paragliding, recreational fishing, and ecotourism.
The difference of Bai Tu Long compared to Ha Long Bay is that it has many land islands inhabited by residents, creating opportunities for tourists to experience the cultural life and daily activities of the islanders. Besides, some islands possess beautiful beaches and rich coral reef ecosystems. The bay is very suitable for building nature reserves and eco-parks to serve sustainable tourism and resort development.
Bai Tu Long Bay is known as one of the famous bays with an island system. (Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper)
3. Don't miss Quang Ninh's seafood cuisine
Quang Ninh's coast not only captivates tourists with its scenery but also conquers the palate with its unique seafood cuisine, gathering many rare delicacies.
3.1. Quang Ninh's must-try seafood specialties
Sá sùng (sea worm) is considered the "sea ginseng" in Quang Ninh, can be processed into many dishes such as grilling, cooking porridge, or eating raw, bringing a characteristic nutritious flavor.
Ngán biển (sea clam) is a precious seafood, found only in the waters of Quang Ninh. It is often steamed, grilled, or soaked in wine, offering a unique flavor.
Tu hài (razor clam) is a type of mollusk that only exists in Quang Ninh , its sweet and clear flesh is suitable for steaming with lemongrass, grilling with scallion oil.
Green crab with firm and healthy meat, it can be steamed, stir-fried with tamarind, or sautéed with garlic to retain its natural sweetness.
Seafood such as blood cockles, tiger prawns, mantis shrimp, and swimming crabs are always fresh and served at famous restaurants. Tourists can enjoy them at Cua Vang, Thang Trang, Phuong Nam restaurants in Ha Long or at coastal eateries in Tra Co.
Precious Ngan seafood is a type of seafood, found only in the waters of Quang Ninh. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
3.2. Experience fishing and enjoying cuisine with fishermen
Quang Ninh Sea offers a unique experience where tourists can join night squid fishing tours in Van Don and Co To. Or go clam raking and catching sea worms with fishermen in the early morning. These activities bring a novel feeling and help visitors understand more about the maritime culture.
Grilling seafood right on the beach has become a popular choice. Many establishments now organize camping events for tourists to enjoy specialties while watching the night sea in a romantic atmosphere. When participating in these experiences, tourists should pay attention to wearing life jackets, sun hats, and following the guidance of locals to ensure their safety.
4. Tourism infrastructure, services, and ports of Quang Ninh Sea
Modern tourism infrastructure and a synchronized port system are factors that help Quang Ninh Sea maintain its position as a leading destination in the Northern region.
4.1. Overview of the port system: Ha Long International Passenger Port, Cai Lan, Van Ninh…
Quang Ninh possesses a large-scale deep-water port system, notably Ao Tien, Cai Lan, and Van Ninh ports… which regularly welcome international cruise ships and yachts. These ports not only play an important role in trade but also facilitate the organization of diverse sea tourism tours.
The development potential of the port system is immense, with plans to upgrade and expand Ao Tien and Cai Lan ports to serve large-scale passenger ships and container ships. Investment projects for the construction and expansion of international tourist wharves in Ha Long, along with expressways and new marinas in Van Don and Co To, are gradually expanding connectivity between regions.
4.2. High-quality tourism: Hotels, resorts, updated amenities
Quang Ninh Sea currently boasts a chain of 4-5 star hotels and resorts along the coast, such as Novotel Ha Long Bay, Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Long Centre Hotel, Wyndham Legend Halong… along with many secluded island resorts. This accommodation system fully meets the needs of tourists seeking high-end services to experiencing immersion in nature.
The Sun World Ha Long complex makes a mark with its model combining leisure, entertainment, and island exploration, offering many modern facilities suitable for families or large groups. Spa services, water sports, and international cuisine are all integrated, providing tourists with a complete experience at a single destination.
Quang Ninh Sea currently possesses a chain of 4-5 star hotels and resorts along the coast.
5. Must-try tourist activities in Quang Ninh Sea
Thanks to its diverse landscape and rich ecosystem, Quang Ninh Sea offers many interesting experiences for visitors to explore.
5.1. Beach swimming, picnicking and relaxing, checking in at the beach
Choosing the right beach will determine the experience of the trip. Tra Co is suitable for tourists who love spacious and quiet spaces. Bai Chay is an ideal choice for those who want to combine many exciting activities. Minh Chau is for those who love wild natural beauty.
The period from April to June is the best season for swimming in Quang Ninh , especially in the early morning hours from 5 to 8 AM or the cool afternoon from 4 to 6 PM. This is also a favorable time for taking check-in photos by the sea.
5.2. Sea sports: Surfing, kayaking, SUP boarding, cycling along the coast
Quang Ninh Sea is increasingly developing sea sports activities thanks to its favorable terrain and small waves. Visitors can easily participate in surfing, kayaking, SUP boarding, and cycling along the beaches of Ha Long, Van Don, with equipment rental services available on the beach or at resorts.
All sea sports activities have instructors, and life jackets are provided to ensure safety for beginners. Visitors should pay attention to updating weather conditions before participating for a complete experience.
5.3. Visiting deserted islands, exploring caves, sea and island ecological tours
Sea and island ecological tours are a special highlight in Quang Ninh , usually starting with a boat trip to Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore deserted islands and caves in the morning, enjoy a picnic on the island at noon, and participate in kayaking or snorkeling in the afternoon. This trip helps visitors clearly feel the unique sea and island ecosystem.
For a meaningful experience, visitors should book tours through reputable companies, prioritizing programs with local guides to learn more deeply about local culture and history. In addition, these tours also integrate environmental education content for marine protection.
Quang Ninh's coast offers many interesting experiences for tourists to explore. (Source: Compilation)
6. Trends in the development and preservation of Quang Ninh's coast
Sustainable coastal tourism development is the priority orientation of Quang Ninh in the near future.
6.1. Policies for sustainable development and management of Quang Ninh's coast
Quang Ninh's coast actively implements projects to protect the marine environment, restore mangrove forests, and promote green tourism. Commitment to conserving biodiversity, coastal zone management, and preserving landscapes. These policies are implemented synchronously to ensure harmonious development between tourism and conservation.
The investment promotion strategy focuses on attracting businesses providing high-class services. At the same time, it builds coastal tourism products suitable for each customer group. The highlight is integrating environmental protection education into all practical tourism activities.
6.2. Enhancing safety and quality of coastal tourism services
Regulations on coastal tourism safety in Quang Ninh are being strictly enforced. From upgrading rescue standards, regular vessel inspections, to daily updates of marine weather forecasts. As a result, tourists are always provided with accurate information about weather conditions and safety when participating in sea activities.
Tourists are encouraged to comply with safety instructions, not to litter plastic into the sea, and respect regulations when participating in outdoor activities. Each person's environmental awareness will contribute to preserving the long-term beauty of Quang Ninh's coast .
7. Suggested itinerary for exploring Quang Ninh's coast
Day 1: Departure and exploration of Sun World Ha Long, afternoon swimming at Bai Chay Beach
Morning: Travel to Ha Long, check into the hotel and rest briefly. Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy characteristic seafood dishes of Quang Ninh. Afternoon: Visit Sun World Ha Long amusement park, experience the Queen Cable Car, the Sun Wheel, and the water park. Evening: Stroll, swim at Bai Chay Beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy the fresh sea air. Overnight in Ha Long.
Day 2: Cruise Ha Long Bay, explore caves, and have lunch on a cruise
Morning: Board a boat to visit Ha Long Bay, admire famous islets such as Hon Trong Mai, Hon Dinh Huong, Hon Ga Choi. Noon: Enjoy lunch on the cruise amidst the majestic natural scenery. Afternoon: Visit Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave, kayak, swim, or take souvenir photos amidst the sea and sky. Evening: Return to the mainland, tourists can join a night squid fishing tour or stroll along the beach, enjoy local cuisine.
Day 3: Swimming, explore Van Don or Minh Chau, opportunity to enjoy local seafood
Morning: Depart for Van Don or Minh Chau, swim and check-in on the fine white sand beach. Noon: Have lunch with fresh seafood dishes prepared by local fishermen. Afternoon: Visit the seafood market, buy specialties as gifts. If it's the right season, tourists can participate in the fishing village festival, learn about the unique culture of the island region. Evening: End the 3-day, 2-night journey and return to the starting point.
Visiting Sun World Ha Long amusement park to make your journey more complete.
8. Experience and golden tips for traveling to Quang Ninh Sea
Thorough preparation and practical experience will help your trip to Quang Ninh Sea become safer and more complete.
8.1. Suggestions for outfits and photography accessories
The most suitable attire for beach tourism is light-colored, lightweight clothing that offers sun protection.
Essential accessories include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses to protect your eyes, and waterproof sandals, which make it easy to move on sand and rocks.
An important note is to use sunscreen from 8 AM, even on days with light clouds.
Phones, cameras, or electronic devices need to be protected with a specialized waterproof bag, especially when participating in outdoor activities.
8.2. Notes on local culture and customs when going to the beach
Tourists should pay attention to maintaining beach cleanliness and respect the lifestyle and culture of the local people.
Before taking pictures of local people, you should ask for permission to show politeness and create goodwill with the community.
Do not make noise at night in residential areas, and be mindful not to leave plastic waste on the beach.
The environmental awareness of each tourist will contribute to preserving the pristine beauty of Quang Ninh Sea for future generations.
With its wild natural beauty, rich system of islands and beaches, and many attractive tourist activities, Quang Ninh Sea is an ideal destination for those who love exploration and relaxation. The 3-day, 2-night journey not only offers tourists the opportunity to admire natural wonders but also to experience unique island and sea culture and delicious fresh seafood. A trip like this will surely leave every tourist with memorable moments and unforgettable emotions.
