If you want to understand why the sea is so essential to the people of Quang Ninh, a luxury cruise is not necessarily the only way. Van Don is developing a more immersive range of products: "A Day as a Fisherman." In the summer of 2026, experiential programs are being introduced featuring activities such as:
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Raking clams.
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Fishing.
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Collecting sea snails.
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Harvesting rock oysters.
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Transplanting rice seedlings.
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Planting sweet potatoes.
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Sharing in the daily life of the island community.
Another direction: learning about marine aquaculture
Van Don is also building an ecotourism model linked with 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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Cooking and dining on floating rafts.
The beauty of the experience does not lie in "how many fish you catch." It lies in understanding: Just how much hard work goes into a seafood meal before it arrives on your table.
Do not hire fishing boats on your own at the port
You should not approach a fisherman asking: "Uncle, please let me join your boat out to sea, I will pay you." Fishing vessels are not automatically licensed to carry tourists. Offshore activities also involve:
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Safety.
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Registration and technical inspection.
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Life jackets.
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Permits.
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Weather conditions.
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Insurance.
Always participate through officially organized programs.
Do not treat manual labor as a game
If you are guided to rake clams, harvest, or work on a raft:
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Follow the instructor's directions.
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Do not pick up tools without permission.
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Do not release or touch farmed animals arbitrarily.
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Do not enter restricted production areas.
This is still the real livelihood of a family or an enterprise.
Can you eat whatever seafood is freshly harvested?
No. Guests must follow the preparation methods and the permitted portion of products. Do not take an oyster or a fish just because: "I caught it myself."
Environment
Experiential marine tourism is only meaningful if it leaves no waste behind. Bring:
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A reusable water bottle.
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A small bag.
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Minimize single-use plastic.
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, licensed operators.
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Inspect life jackets.
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Listen to instructions.
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Do not rent fishing boats privately on your own.
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Do not take seafood beyond the permitted allowance.
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Do not litter.
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Bring clothing that can get dirty and is easy to wash.
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Inquire about the weather beforehand.
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Respect local residents as hardworking professionals, not actors.
