If you want to understand why the sea matters so much to the people of Quang Ninh, a luxury cruise is not necessarily the only way. Van Don is developing a more immersive group of offerings: “A Day as a Fisherman”. In summer 2026, experiential programs are being introduced with activities such as:
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Clam raking.
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Fishing.
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Snail gathering.
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Harvesting rock oysters.
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Planting rice.
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Planting sweet potatoes.
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Sharing the daily life of island communities.
Another direction: exploring marine aquaculture
Van Don is also building 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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Pompano.
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HDPE aquaculture cages.
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Harvesting seafood.
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Processing and cooking on raft houses.
The beauty of the experience is not about “how many fish you catch.” It lies in understanding: How much work goes into a seafood meal before it reaches the table.
Do not go to the port to charter fishing boats on your own
You should not approach a fisherman and ask: “Sir, please let me come aboard out to sea, I will pay you.” Fishing boats are not automatically authorized to carry tourists. Sea operations also involve:
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Safety.
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Technical inspection.
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Life jackets.
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Permits.
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Weather conditions.
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Insurance.
Please participate in officially organized tours.
Do not treat physical labor as a game
If instructed on clam raking, harvesting, or working on rafts:
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Follow the guide's instructions.
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Do not take tools on your own.
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Do not release or touch farmed stock indiscriminately.
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Do not enter restricted production areas.
This is still the real livelihood of a family or a business.
Can you eat whatever seafood was just harvested?
No. Guests must follow preparation guidelines and consume only the permitted share of products. Do not take an oyster or fish on your own simply because: “I just caught it.”
Environment
Marine experiential tourism is only meaningful if it generates no additional waste. Bring:
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Water bottles.
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Small bags.
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Limit single-use plastics.
Ha Long Bay and Quang Ninh are actively promoting green tourism, reducing plastics, and protecting the marine environment.
Quick checklist
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Book tours through reputable, verified operators.
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Check life jackets.
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Listen to instructions.
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Do not charter fishing boats on your own.
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Do not take seafood outside permitted allocations.
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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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Check the weather in advance.
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Respect local residents as working professionals, not performers.
