1 An overview of Dragon Eye Island
Location: Southern Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
When it comes to Ha Long Bay, travel enthusiasts can hardly pass up its unforgettable scenic attractions, such as Tuan Chau Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Me Cung Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. However, there is a completely new destination that has retained its pristine charm, holds many fascinating secrets, and remains largely unexplored: Dragon Eye Island.
See also: Ti Top Island – Admire a peaceful island in the heart of Ha Long Bay
Dragon Eye Island has retained its pristine beauty
The island covers about 30ha and is crescent-shaped, nestled between two protective limestone mountain ranges and a stretch of fine white sand
Dragon Eye Island lies in the southern part of Ha Long Bay, near the waters bordering Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba, Hai Phong). It is also known by the nickname Bai Dong and is surrounded by majestic limestone formations, white-sand beaches, and forests with a natural ecosystem that is among the most unique in the Gulf of Tonkin!
Seen from above, the island resembles a dragon’s head, with a clear, round lake that looks like an eye. That is precisely why many locals call it Dragon Eye Island.
You can watch this clip to admire the beautiful scenery of this pristine island:
A panoramic aerial view of Dragon Eye Island. Source: YouTube/DahinhMedia
2 How to get to Dragon Eye Island
Getting to Dragon Eye Island is now quite easy and convenient, as it is located in a tourist city. To reach the island, visitors need to travel in two stages: first, get to Ha Long, then travel from Ha Long to this beautiful island.
2.1 Travel by bus to Ha Long Bay
Hanoi is about 160km from Ha Long, and the journey takes around 3 hours by road via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway. There are many bus companies to choose from, including Kumho, Duc Phuc, Anh Huy, and Ninh Quynh. Simply buy a ticket and head to Luong Yen or My Dinh Bus Station. Buses run at various times, every 5 to 15 minutes, and take passengers to Bai Chay Bus Station in Ha Long. Fares range from 120.000 VND per passenger for a seat to 250.000 VND per passenger for a sleeper berth.
2.2 Travel by motorbike/car to Ha Long Bay
If you are traveling with friends or family by motorbike or car on your way to Dragon Eye Island, make sure you have enough fuel and are prepared for the fairly long journey. Here are two routes to Ha Long for you to consider:
Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long route: 155 km. This is the shortest road route from Hanoi to Ha Long, taking about 3 hours by car. The route is as follows:
- From Hanoi, take Route 5 to Sai Dong intersection: 10 km.
- From Sai Dong, take Route 1 to Bac Ninh: 23 km.
- From Bac Ninh, take Route 18 via Pha Lai, Chi Linh, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, and Ha Long: 122 km.
Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long route: 160 km.
- From Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), take the Noi Bai–Bac Ninh road (32km) to Bac Ninh.
- Join National Highway 18A and continue through Pha Lai, Sao Do, Dong Trieu, and Uong Bi to Ha Long.
2.3 Travel by train
For a unique experience on your way to Dragon Eye Island, you can take the HALONG EXPRESS tourist train departing from Gia Lam Station. The train leaves at 7h05 minutes every morning and takes about 5 hours to reach Ha Long. Tickets cost 5USD per person per one-way trip (Vietnamese passengers) and 15 USD per person per one-way trip (foreign passengers).
2.4 Rent a boat to Dragon Eye Island
Once in Ha Long Bay, visitors can take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Bai Chay Bridge. Then contact Le Hoang Truong Sa Co., Ltd. in advance to rent a boat for the onward trip to Dragon Eye Island. The journey from the mainland to the island usually takes about 2 and a half hours, but if you board a speedboat at Jumbo Dai Duong pier on Cot 5 Road, it takes only around 30 - 45 minutes.
Visitors travel by boat to Dragon Eye Island
3 The ideal time to visit Dragon Eye Island
Visitors can explore Dragon Eye Island at any time of year. However, according to seasoned travelers who have visited several times, the best time to check out the island is in summer, from April to June. The weather is relatively mild then, and the vegetation is lush, making for a wonderful island visit that can easily be combined with trips to nearby attractions.
Visitors love enjoying the feeling of being like Robinson Crusoe on Dragon Eye Island
Avoid visiting from July to August, as heavy rain and strong storms are frequent, and boats may even be banned from going out to sea
This is a real disappointment for sea lovers, who will miss out on the fun activities available here
4 Fun activities and experiences on Dragon Eye Island
Known as the “dragon gem” in the heart of Ha Long Bay, Dragon Eye Island—with its unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere, free from the dust and traffic noise of the city—has captivated countless travelers. So what makes this island so special and worth visiting?
- Camping and team building: Dragon Eye Island has a 400m stretch of fine white sand. You can sunbathe on the beach, pitch a tent, or organize team-building activities for an unforgettable experience.
Spending the night camping on Dragon Eye Island is an unforgettable experience
- Kayaking and riding a flying boat: Visitors can kayak with friends and immerse themselves in the enchanting mountain and water scenery of the island
The lake here is only about 1m deep, but don’t let that make you careless—wear a life jacket!
- Swimming: If you want a dose of “vitamin sea,” Dragon Eye Island is the place for you! Enjoy splashing around in the cool water, diving, or catching crabs and fish in the lake. The refreshing sea air is sure to leave you delighted.
Strike a pose and you’ll have a whole album of stunning photos
- A sizzling BBQ feast: In the late afternoon or evening, visitors can get together with their closest friends for a mouthwatering barbecue featuring fresh seafood on Dragon Eye Island.
Enjoy a lively BBQ
5 Things to keep in mind when visiting Dragon Eye Island
To make your trip to Dragon Eye Island enjoyable and convenient, keep these tips in mind:
- Bring some essentials for emergencies, such as cold medicine, digestive medicine, a flashlight, and insect repellent. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen so you don’t come home with a “sun-kissed” tan!
- If you plan to spend the night on Dragon Eye Island, bring all the necessary gear, such as a tent and sleeping bag. The island is still pristine, and there are virtually no shops or restaurants nearby. So be sure to bring drinking water, some food, and personal items.
- If you love taking photos for social media, don’t forget to bring a stylish outfit so you can capture your best shots. Also, there are mosquitoes around at night, so wear long clothing if you’re staying overnight.
- Since this destination is attractive for its untouched scenery, everyone should be considerate and clean up before leaving.
- Check the weather forecast at least a week before your trip to Dragon Eye Island so you can plan accordingly and avoid disruptions to your itinerary.
If you love exploring new and unspoiled places, don’t miss Dragon Eye Island in Ha Long Bay! It is sure to be an exciting destination for you. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful island!
