Vinh Thuc Lighthouse is located on Vinh Thuc Island, Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province. It is the very first lighthouse counting from the North on Vietnam's beloved S-shaped strip of land!
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse – The First Beacon on the S-Shaped Land
Vinh Thuc Island holds a strategic position guarding maritime boundaries with neighboring countries and opening up rich fishing grounds in the Northeast region. Given this position, Vinh Thuc Lighthouse has also become the first beacon on Vietnam's maritime chart.
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse. Photo: Mong Cai City.
Lighthouses always play an extraordinarily vital role; moreover, the lighthouse's light through the dark night is also an auspicious omen for seafarers.
The road up to the lighthouse. Photo: mongcai.gov.
Commissioned in 1962, through over half a century of shining the way, Vinh Thuc Lighthouse has consistently fulfilled its crucial mission. The lighthouse illuminates to establish a maritime safety corridor, helping vessels navigate, orient, and position themselves while asserting maritime and island sovereignty duties.
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse seen from afar at dawn. Photo: mongcai.gov.
From Mui Ngoc, Tra Co in Mong Cai, visitors can set foot on Vinh Thuc Island in just a 10-minute speedboat ride. On the journey from Mui Ngoc to Vinh Thuc, you will be impressed by the salty sea breeze, the whistle of the wind cutting through the air, and the vast verdant scenery of sea and sky.
The tree-shaded road cutting across the island. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
Vinh Thuc Island comprises two communes, Vinh Thuc and Vinh Trung, with an area of 5,000 ha and a population of over 4,000 people. Island residents still preserve the traditional lifestyle of coastal people, living mainly off seafaring, farming, and aquaculture.
Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
The route leading up to the lighthouse is nearly 15km long, winding through forests, ponds, and typical coastal houses. Unfolding before visitors' eyes is the sea abyss on one side and sheer cliffs on the other; in the distance, atop Dau Tan Mountain, stands Vinh Thuc Lighthouse.
Photo: Northern Maritime Safety Assurance Company.
The lighthouse is managed by the Northeast Maritime Safety Assurance Enterprise. Featuring classic French architectural styling, it consists of two distinct yet harmoniously blended structures: the auxiliary building block below and the white cylindrical lantern tower above.
The sea around the lighthouse area. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
The auxiliary block features arched roofs connected to the base of the tower by a short corridor. The lighthouse stands 18m tall from the foundation base to the top of the tower, and the focal height of the tower measures 86m from sea level to the top.
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse has always been an attractive tourist destination. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
With a focal plane height of 84.5m, at night the lighthouse emits a single flashing white light with a 5-second cycle, covering a 360-degree illumination range and a luminous range of 21 nautical miles.
A corner of the island. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
Standing atop the lantern tower, visitors can admire the vast sea and sky, with Dau Dong Beach on one side and Cape Sa Vi on the other—the northernmost point marking the start of Vietnam's sacred homeland.
Enjoying the view from Vinh Thuc Lighthouse. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
Stairs leading to the lighthouse. Photo: La Nghia Hieu.
Visiting Vinh Thuc Lighthouse is not just coming to a scenic attraction, but also a journey toward the Motherland to witness how magnificent the border sea and islands are. The lighthouses dotting Vietnam's waters stand like steadfast landmarks affirming the national border sovereignty.
