Quang Ninh's Golden Card Island: A Gem in Bai Tu Long Bay

1 Golden Card Island – A raw gem off the coast of Quang Ninh

Golden Card Island, also known as Golden Island, lies in Bai Tu Long Bay, in Thang Loi Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. The island is about 30 km east of central Ha Long and is considered one of the region’s lesser-known yet highly captivating destinations.

Golden Card Island welcomes visitors with an unspoiled landscape, crystal-clear blue waters, and long stretches of fine white sand. More than just a place to unwind, the island is also regarded as a biological treasure trove, home to many rare plants with significant economic and medicinal value, such as cannonball trees, sea trumpet trees, and sandalwood.

One distinctive feature of Golden Card Island is its rare woody mangrove vegetation, quite different from common species such as mangroves and seashore mangroves. The island also has fruit orchards laden with produce throughout the year, most notably Thai hog plums, adding variety and a unique character to the local scenery.

2 Location and how to get there

There are two main routes to Golden Card Island:

From Cai Rong Port (Van Don): The journey is relatively long and takes more time, making it a good option for those who want to visit other destinations in Van Don as well.

From Vung Duc Port (Cam Pha): This is the most convenient and quickest option. The island is just about 13 km away by sea. This short trip also allows visitors to explore several interesting attractions in Cam Pha City before heading to the island.

3 Unmissable activities on Golden Card Island

3.1 Experience unspoiled nature

Golden Card Island retains its unspoiled charm, with lush green forests, long stretches of fine white sand, and crystal-clear seawater. The natural landscape here remains almost untouched by human activity, creating a rare sense of purity and peace. As soon as you set foot on the island, you can feel the stillness and pristine beauty of Quang Ninh’s sea and sky.

3.2 Exploration and sports activities

The clear-water beach is an ideal place for visitors to relax and cool off with a swim. Golden Card Island also offers exciting activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding around the island. Adventure lovers can follow the small trails on foot to explore the area’s rich natural ecosystem.

3.3 Cuisine and accommodation

On Golden Card Island, you can enjoy delicious fresh seafood, from fish and squid to scallops. Dining here feels intimate and welcoming, yet is romantic enough for a small gathering by the beach.

For accommodation, the island has resorts and guesthouses that offer both modern comforts and settings immersed in nature. Wake up to views of the blue sea and you’ll feel completely refreshed.

3.4 Special significance and events

More than just a tourist destination, Golden Card Island is often chosen as a venue for nature conservation and environmental education activities. These events not only raise awareness of protecting the sea and islands, but also give visitors meaningful experiences to complement their explorations.

3.5 Rare plants on the island

Golden Card Island is also a “green treasure trove,” home to many valuable plants such as cannonball trees, sea trumpet trees, and sandalwood. The island also has a unique mangrove forest, with woody species rarely found elsewhere. As you walk around, you may see Thai hog plum trees laden with fruit throughout the year, creating scenery that feels both familiar and unusual.

3.6 Combine relaxation and recreation

After exploring the island, you can continue your trip at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, a luxury resort on Reu Island. It features a private beach, an outdoor swimming pool, lush green spaces, and international-standard services. It promises to be an ideal place to stay and make your Golden Card Island trip even more complete.

4 Top attractions

4.1 Lo Thuy Well

Lo Thuy Well, also known as the Fairy Well or Dragon’s Eye, is located on the summit of Golden Card Island. Its cool, clear water flows year-round and is a precious source associated with many legends. From here, visitors can climb higher and take in panoramic views of the island amid a spacious and peaceful setting.

4.2 Duyen Phuc Pagoda

Duyen Phuc Pagoda on Golden Card Island was built during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong, when Van Don trading port began to take shape in 1149. This ancient pagoda is steeped in history and is a sacred destination. Many visitors come not only to admire the scenery and learn about the local culture, but also to pray for peace and good fortune. In particular, couples struggling to conceive often visit the pagoda to pray for a child, guided by deep faith.

4.3 Toa Son Temple

Toa Son Temple is a religious structure associated with the prosperous era of Van Don trading port. Although it has stood for centuries and undergone several renovations, the temple on Golden Card Island has retained its dignified atmosphere and ancient architecture. Merchants often came here to pray for success in their business, safe voyages, and prosperous trade.

With its pristine beauty, blue sea, white sand, and rare tranquility, Golden Card Island deserves to be called Quang Ninh’s “raw gem.” It is an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the bustle of the city and reconnect with the unspoiled ocean. A trip to Golden Card Island is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of a peaceful and radiant seascape.

On Golden Card Island, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another world: no noise, no smog, just blue seas and the wind whispering through the forest. We hope MIA.vn’s helpful tips will help you enjoy a memorable trip, with your suitcase packed and ready to go.