Cai Chien Island, a hidden green gem in the heart of Quang Ninh

Cai Chien Island is a small island located in the former Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, approximately 330km from downtown Hanoi and about 150km from downtown Ha Long. The island features diverse terrain, with rolling hills and the sea interweaving across an area of over 2500ha. 

Perhaps the greatest charm of tourism on Cai Chien Island lies in its crystal-clear blue sea waters, stretches of smooth white sand, and a peaceful ambiance filled with the murmur of breaking waves and rustling casuarina groves. Although nestled quietly within Quang Ninh, this island exerts an irresistible pull on visitors with its rare, untouched simplicity.

To visit Cai Chien Island, you must first head to Ghenh Vo Port to catch a ferry over. Every day, the port operates 3 ferry trips at the following scheduled times: 6:00, 10:00, and 16:30. The ferry fare to Cai Chien Island is around 20,000 VND/person per trip, and 50,000 VND/person (if accompanied by a motorbike). 

Before that, if departing from Hanoi, you can take a coach to Mong Cai for about 200,000 VND – 230,000 VND/one way, then take a bus or taxi from Mong Cai to Ghenh Cat Vo. If traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, you can book a flight to Quang Ninh with fares ranging from 650,000 VND to 1,100,000 VND, then rent a vehicle to Ghenh Vo to board the boat. 

A breathtaking beach featuring stretches of white sand and long rows of casuarina trees. As a highlight beach on Cai Chien Island, it has consistently attracted numerous visitors. Stretching along above the beach is a coastal road over 1km long flanked by cool, green casuarina woods, creating an ideal setting to cool down on hot summer days. 

The beach lies about 3km from Cai Chien 2 Beach. It is considered quite pristine and lesser known, hence amenities and services here are limited. If you wish to visit this spot, self-arranged transport is required. 

Cai Chien Beach is the main swimming beach on the island, favored by many travelers. Its biggest plus is likely the full range of amenities, including guesthouses, homestays, dining spots, and beach bathing services. 

This is the largest freshwater reservoir on Cai Chien Island, covering roughly 18ha. Visiting here, you can take in the picturesque scenery of clear blue skies mirrored on crystal-clear waters, embraced by pristine mountains and forests in an exceptionally peaceful, relaxing setting. 

Located about 3km by sea from Cai Chien Island, this is another island belonging to Cai Chien Commune. Its greatest appeal is undoubtedly the endless stretches of powdery white sand. To this day, the island preserves an untouched wilderness, with almost no recreational tourism services available. To visit, you need to hire a boat from locals on Cai Chien Island to ferry you there. 

From Thoi Xanh Island, you can gaze across at many other charming islands such as Co To, Nui Sau in Van Don, Vinh Thuc in Mong Cai... Beyond its landscape value, the island also holds an important role in national security. 

In the past, this container complex was a resort lodging area, but it has ceased operation. It is currently abandoned and has not been relocated, making it a distinctive backdrop for snapping artistic check-in photos. 

Visiting Cai Chien Island in Quang Ninh, you will also have the chance to go squid fishing alongside local fishermen, or even charter a private boat out to the open sea for squid angling followed by a BBQ cookout. In the evening, travelers often gather around campfires, grilling meats, singing, and dancing under the firelight. 

Cai Chien Island does not have an extensive variety of food supplies ready on hand, so you should pre-order meals through your guesthouse or homestay so they can prepare in advance. The island also features celebrated local specialties such as Cai Chien bearded chicken, rock oyster congee, and razor clams stir-fried with bamboo shoots... 

Currently, accommodation services on Cai Chien Island remain relatively modest and underdeveloped. According to experiences shared by many travelers, choosing beach camping, homestays, or staying with local families for an overnight visit is recommended. The most popular lodging type is homestays, with rates ranging from 80,000 VND to 100,000 VND/person/day. 

Le Xuan Nguyen Homestay – Contact: 0977 399 499

Chu Van Sanh Homestay – Contact: 0379 380 605

Tran Van To Homestay – Contact: 0984 019 624

Phi Vung Homestay – Contact: 0988 387 268

Getting to Cai Chien Island requires traveling by boat, making weather an essential deciding factor. Based on travel insights gathered by MIA.vn, the period from April to July each year is the most favorable time to explore, bringing sunny, warm weather, few storms, and easy exploration. If you intend to visit between July and November, monitor weather forecasts carefully to avoid rainstorms. 

Bring along swimwear, floaties, sunscreen... for beach bathing on Cai Chien Island. 

Necessary personal identification documents and cash. 

Insect repellent creams or sprays, along with cold medicine. 

Light snacks to refuel after beach activities. 

Day 1: 

Morning: Take a boat to Cai Chien Island, then rent an electric buggy to reach your lodging. 

Noon: Enjoy local specialties at a local restaurant. 

Afternoon: Swim at Dau Rong Beach, rest, and unwind by the sandy shore. 

Evening: Have dinner at seaside eateries. 

Day 2: 

Morning: Head to Van Ca Beach, visit the refreshingly clear waters of Cua Dai Beach on summer days, and notably explore the colorful, unique container housing complex. 

Noon: Dine at the homestay and take a rest. 

Afternoon: Go for a swim at Cai Chien and Cai Chien 2 beaches, or take an excursion tour to explore Thoi Xanh Island (2 - 3 hours). 

Evening: Go night squid fishing and enjoy a BBQ cookout party with local residents. 

Day 3: 

Morning: Stroll along the coast, swim, or rent transport to discover coastal myrtle shrub rows and casuarina trees... 

Noon: Check out and head to the harbor to purchase tickets back to the mainland. 

Exploring Cai Chien Island lets you admire pristine landscapes alongside gentle sandy slopes and casuarina forests lining both shores. Visiting the Dau Rong area, floating rafts bobbing on the open sea create a singular beauty found nowhere else.