Discovering Ngoc Vung Island: Both Peaceful and Wonderfully Charming

1 Overview of Ngoc Vung Island

1.1 An Introduction to Ngoc Vung Island

Located in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, with an area of about 45km, Ngoc Vung Island boasts a pristine beauty akin to a precious gem in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay. The island's population is relatively sparse, with only around 1,000 residents. The name of Ngoc Vung Island also originates from the rare pearl oysters found here. When night falls, they are said to glow, illuminating the whole area with a shimmering brilliance.

Beyond its scenic and naturally pristine landscapes, Ngoc Vung Island also invites travelers to explore numerous historical relics. Leaving behind the bustling destinations of city centers, Ngoc Vung Island is the ideal getaway if you are looking for a refreshing change of pace and eager to discover a new horizon that remains largely off the beaten path.

Raking clams for grilling, catching tiny shrimp to make fresh salad, and enjoying holiday days away from the city's noise will undoubtedly make for wonderful times that are hard to come by. Therefore, do not hesitate to pack your backpack and set off to explore right away!

See more: Soi Sim Island - Exploring the Wild Beauty in the Heart of Ha Long Bay Heritage

1.2 When Is the Best Time to Visit Ngoc Vung Island?

Blessed by nature with cool weather year-round, Ngoc Vung Island is a great destination for visitors to explore at virtually any time. At the beginning of summer, the sea is relatively calm, the waves are gentle, and rainfall is minimal, making it extremely favorable for outdoor recreation and exploring the marvelous nature. Travelers can comfortably consider visiting during the summer from May to August.

Seafood catches during this season are also more bountiful than in other months of the year. This presents an excellent opportunity to savor coastal cuisine featuring a diverse variety of seafood freshly caught and prepared on the spot. Depending on the specific timing, you and your family can partake in suitable activities, especially nighttime entertainment.

September, October, and winter are the times when locals advise against traveling here. During these periods, heavy rains and frequent storms can affect most of your plans and mood throughout the trip.

2 How to Get to Ngoc Vung Island

Traveling to Ngoc Vung Island is quite straightforward as it is only about 50km from Van Don pier. Travelers can take various routes to reach the island. The most convenient route is from Hanoi via Cam Pha to Cai Rong Port to take a boat to Ngoc Vung Island. Although travelers will need to make more bus transfers, it saves travel time because of the direct boat service to the island.

Travelers can catch a coach to Cam Pha at My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam bus stations... for around 120,000 VNĐ/trip. After getting off, you can take a motorbike taxi to the ferry terminal, about 1km away. Travel time from Hanoi to Cam Pha takes about 5 hours. Once there, you can continue your journey to Ngoc Vung Island by boat.

To reach Ngoc Vung Island, visitors will take a wooden boat. The boats operate from 8:00 AM until 1:30 PM. The boat journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. Ticket prices range around 50,000 VNĐ/person.

3 What Makes Ngoc Vung Island Special?

3.1 Ngoc Vung Island - An Ideal Sightseeing and Check-in Destination

With its majestic and poetic beauty, Ngoc Vung Island is an exceptional check-in destination. Many travelers choose to visit this island to capture stunning photos amidst the expansive sea and sky. On sunny days, Ngoc Vung Island takes on an even more enchanting and captivating charm, adding a sparkling touch to your photos.

Visiting Ngoc Vung Island, travelers also have the opportunity to visit the memorial house, tour the Uncle Ho Memorial Site on the island where Uncle Ho visited and spoke with the islanders, or admire the island from the 12.7 mm artillery hill. In addition, conquering the National Flagpole and admiring the panoramic view of the island from an altitude of around 100m above sea level is an extraordinary experience that you should definitely try.

Tuk-tuks and tandem bicycles are also available for rent, allowing visitors to leisurely roam, explore, and admire the pristine, majestic natural scenery of Ngoc Vung Island, while immersing themselves slowly, genuinely, and vividly into the daily rhythm of the local people.

3.2 Immerse Yourself in the Life of the Fishing Village

One of the most captivating experiences not to be missed here is joining the fishing villagers to rake clams on the sandbank or scoop tiny shrimp in the sea. Clams on Ngoc Vung Island are white, notably large, and possess a distinctive sweetness that makes them ideal for hotpot or grilling. Tiny shrimp can be prepared into a fresh salad served with wasabi in the islanders' style, or dried under the sun.

Local homestays and stilt houses are also available for guests wishing to stay overnight. Room rates here range from only 60,000 VNĐ - 100,000 VNĐ/Person/Night. Because these homestays are quite close to the beach, they are widely loved and chosen by many. A little secret: these homestays also serve as wonderful "seafood restaurants" for anyone who loves relishing coastal cuisine.

3.3 Savor Exceptionally Delectable Fresh Seafood

Indulging in unique dishes carrying the distinctive flavors of the ocean is something every visitor looks forward to when visiting the coast. When coming to Ngoc Vung Island, a seafood paradise unfolds before your eyes, bound to leave you captivated and immersed in the flavors of every dish here.

Usually in late autumn and early winter, grouper hotpot becomes a standout specialty of Ngoc Vung Island's waters. According to local residents, grouper meat is fattest and most delicious during that time of the year thanks to nutrient-rich seawater and abundant food that favors their growth. In addition, visitors can savor clams on Ngoc Vung Island that are 5-6 times larger, guaranteed to be naturally clean and non-farmed, meaning quantities are limited. The clams are very sweet and can be cooked into various dishes such as soup, porridge, or hotpot...

While familiar across coastal regions, the banana shrimp and grilled squid on the island are remarkably distinctive due to the unique seasoning marinade that only the islanders know how to prepare. In addition, blue swimming crabs boast high nutritional value, with fragrant, sweet meat that promises diners an irresistible culinary sensation once prepared.

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, Ngoc Vung Island is a fantastic choice that should not be overlooked. In addition to strolling along the beach and playing among the cool blue waves, visitors can also organize campfires, host barbecue parties, and sing together right on the island for a delightful time. Wishing you a wonderful trip filled with memorable moments.