If you want to understand why the sea is so important to the people of Quảng Ninh, a luxury cruise may not be the only way. Vân Đồn is developing a more immersive range of experiences: “A Day as a Fisher.” In summer 2026, the experiences being introduced include activities such as:
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Raking for clams.
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Fishing.
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Gathering shellfish.
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Harvesting barnacles.
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Planting rice.
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Growing potatoes.
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Sharing in the everyday life of island communities.
Another option: learning about marine farming
Vân Đồn is also developing an ecotourism model linked to aquaculture, where visitors can learn about:
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Oyster-farming areas.
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Grouper.
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Pomfret.
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HDPE farming cages.
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Harvesting seafood.
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Processing it at a floating raft house.
The value of the experience is not about “how many fish you catch.” It is about understanding: How much work goes into a seafood meal before it reaches the table.
Don’t go to the harbor and rent a fishing boat yourself
You should not approach a fisher and ask: “Uncle, can I go out to sea on your boat? I’ll pay you.” Fishing boats are not automatically authorized to carry tourists. Activities at sea also involve:
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Safety.
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Vessel inspection.
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Life jackets.
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Permits.
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Weather conditions.
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Insurance.
Join an officially organized tour instead.
Don’t treat people’s work like a game
If you are taught how to rake for clams, harvest seafood, or work on a raft:
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Follow the guide’s instructions.
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Do not take equipment on your own.
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Do not release or touch farmed animals without permission.
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Do not enter restricted production areas.
This remains the real livelihood of a family or business.
Can you eat whatever you want from freshly harvested seafood?
No. Visitors need to follow the preparation instructions and use only the portions of the products that are permitted. Do not take an oyster or fish yourself just because: “I was the one who caught it.”
The environment
A sea-based experiential tour is meaningful only if it does not create more waste. Bring:
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A water bottle.
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A small bag.
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Minimize single-use plastic.
Hạ Long Bay and Quảng Ninh are strongly promoting green tourism, reducing plastic use, and protecting the marine environment.
Quick checklist
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Book through a clearly identified operator.
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Check the life jackets.
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Listen to the instructions.
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Do not rent a fishing boat yourself.
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Do not take seafood beyond the permitted portion.
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Do not litter.
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Wear clothes that can get dirty and are easy to wash.
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Ask about the weather in advance.
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Respect local people as working professionals, not actors.
