Da Dung Island, a hidden gem in Quang Ninh

1 Experience a wild escape amid peaceful nature

I’ve just discovered the perfect place to escape the city in Quang Ninh, where nature has retained its pristine beauty since the dawn of time. It’s Da Dung Island, a small island nestled in the open sea off Dam Ha District. 

Leaving behind the noise and hustle of city life, Da Dung Island welcomes me with a tranquil atmosphere and complete relaxation. Here, everything from the forest to the shore has remained pristine all year round.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in exciting hands-on activities such as fishing, night squid fishing, wading in the water to catch spiny sea snails, and searching for crabs among the rocks. The wild nature here brings a genuine sense of peace, putting travelers at ease after long, busy days.

If you enjoy a touch of romance, a walk along the hillsides to admire the blooming purple rose myrtle and melastoma flowers will make for an unforgettable memory. 

2 Highlights of Da Dung Island

2.1 Forest trails and a magical crescent-shaped beach

One of the experiences that thrilled me most on Da Dung Island was trekking through its dense primeval forest. The shaded trail, canopied by lush green trees, offers a wonderfully cool setting, making it ideal for anyone who loves experiential travel and exploration. After emerging from the forest canopy, I was truly awestruck by the vast seascape unfolding before me.

Nature has blended its colors to perfection: the turquoise sea, the vivid green of the vegetation, and the pure white sand. The beach here stretches for about 800m, curving gracefully into the shape of a crescent moon glimmering in the sunlight. The water is so clear that I could see right down to the seabed, easily spotting marine life swimming by and vibrant coral reefs. 

2.2 A magnificent geological masterpiece and the story behind its fortress-like name

Covering approximately 63.3 ha, Da Dung Island is a rare blend of soil islands, rocky islets, and lush primeval forest. The island’s most distinctive feature is its ranges of limestone mountains, with sturdy sheer cliffs resembling a grand fortress wall. This unique terrain inspired the island’s distinctive name.

Standing at a distance and taking in the panoramic view, I couldn’t help but admire nature’s artistry in creating such a wonderfully varied landscape. The towering cliffs are at times imposing and majestic, and at others, they curve gently and gracefully with each wave washing ashore. Over time, weathering has sculpted the rocks into remarkably unusual shapes.

2.3 Local culture and the best of coastal cuisine

The simple lives of the fishing communities around Da Dung Island have given me many valuable, hands-on experiences. Try rowing a boat, casting a line, and catching seafood in the vast open sea for yourself. The friendliness and hospitality of the locals will give you a deeper understanding of the simple way of life in this island community. 

The island’s cuisine is the perfect reward after a long day of active exploration. As the sun sets, I get to enjoy a feast of fresh seafood, freshly caught from the fishing grounds. Delicious local specialties such as lobster, crab, oysters, and mantis shrimp are prepared in a flavorful local style. The seafood’s naturally sweet taste is sure to delight even the most discerning diners.

2.4 Explore the ancient forest ecosystem and discover unique photo spots

Alongside its magnificent rocky shores, Da Dung Island is home to an incredibly rich primeval forest ecosystem. It provides a safe haven for many bird and insect species, as well as rare animals. Trekking through the old-growth forest, listening to birds chirping, and feeling the cool sea breeze is wonderfully relaxing.

This area is also a paradise for photographers and anyone who loves capturing beautiful moments. The landscape is sharply divided: on one side, imposing sheer cliffs tower above you; on the other, the clear blue sea reflects the clouds and sky.

3 A milestone ceremony elevating the island’s heritage

In the summer of 2025, an important event took place, delighting local residents: the announcement ceremony recognizing the island as a provincial-level ecotourism destination. The festival attracted a large number of visitors with its lively program of cultural and sporting activities.

I was thoroughly impressed by the special artistic performances, daring water-skiing displays, and colorful parasailing show over the sea. This event was the first stepping stone, providing a strong launchpad for bringing Da Dung Island to more visitors from Vietnam and abroad.

4 How to get to the island: a detailed travel guide

Based on my own experience, getting to Da Dung Island is quite convenient and makes for an exhilarating journey. You can choose between two popular modes of transport, depending on your needs.

If you take a speedboat, the ride across the waves to the island takes just 45 minutes. If you’d rather enjoy a more leisurely trip, choose a wooden boat; the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Throughout the voyage, I breathed in the fresh, cool sea air and saw the local fishermen’s floating seafood farms bobbing on the water, offering a close-up glimpse of life in this coastal island community.

5 Frequently asked questions for visitors (FAQ)

5.1 How long does it take to get from the mainland to the island by speedboat?

If you choose to travel by speedboat, the trip from the mainland to the island takes only about 45 minutes.

5.2 What standout features of the island’s beach appeal to visitors who love exploring?

The beach is about 800m long and curves like a crescent moon. It features a stretch of fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water with a visible seabed, and beautiful rocky outcrops blanketed in lush green moss.

5.3 Besides swimming, what types of tourism could the island develop?

Thanks to its varied terrain, combining rocky islets, soil islands, and primeval forest, Da Dung Island has great potential for ecotourism development. Activities could include limestone climbing, walks along forest trails, fishing, night squid fishing, and catching a variety of wild seafood.

An adventure to a wild destination like Da Dung Island, with activities such as trekking through forests, wading in the sea, and climbing rocks, calls for luggage that can withstand the elements. To keep my camera, tech gear, and clothes dry in the sea spray and wind, I always trust a premium suitcase from MIA.vn.