Unveiling Cai Chien Island: Ha Long Bay’s Best-Kept Secret
Many visitors are still to find Cai Chien Island, a tropical paradise in Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam. Cai Chien provides a peaceful haven, immaculate beaches, and the opportunity to really experience Vietnamese culture unlike the more well-known locations like Ha Long Bay or Phu Quoc. Let MOTOGO Tours explore it.
Where is Cai Chien Island in Quang Ninh
Cai Chien Island, alongside Co To Island and Quan Lan Island, is one of the most well-known and cherished sites in Quang Ninh. About 330 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and more than 8 kilometers off the mainland, the island is found in Quang Dien Commune, Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province.
Covering about 2,600 hectares, the island boasts a range of fauna including birds and mammals as well as several little hills and immaculate forests. The seas of Cai Chien abound in rocky outcrops brimming with seafood and snails. Being the only populated island in Hai Ha District, covering around 270 km², Cai Chien is even more unique.
Long sandy beaches, wide green casuarina tree forests, and glistening clean seas define the island’s amazing natural beauty. For those looking to see nature, experience local culture, and live like the people of the island, Cai Chien’s unspoiled, lyrical appeal is perfect.
Weather in Cai Chien and the Best Time to Visit
Cai Chien presents Quang Ninh with a climate akin to those of northern Vietnam. Many visitors say that exploring Cai Chien is best done from April to October. There are very few storms during this period; the temperature is moderate—not excessively hot nor wet. For outdoor pursuits on the island, this makes the most comfortable time.
Nonetheless, Cai Chien could have minor storms and more strong sunlight in July, thus it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and get ready for a safe and pleasant travel. The island suffers high winds and cold from November to March; so, guests should make appropriate plans to prevent compromising their health.
How to Travel to Cai Chien Island?
Several ways of transportation allow you to access Cai Chien Island:
Travel to Ghenh Vo Port
- By Car: The trip from Hanoi to Ghenh Vo takes about three hours and forty-five minutes—about 274 kilometers. From Trau Quy, take CT04/QL5B across Ton Duc Thang, Xa Dan, Giai Phong, and the Vanh Dai 2 road until you reach QL18 at Duc Yen; then, proceed to Ghenh Vo Port.
- By Motorcycle: Though it takes a little more time than by automobile, the path taken by a motorcycle is identical.
- By Bus: From Hanoi to Mong Cai, you might grab a bus and get out at Hai Ha Station. From there, head to Ghenh Vo Port by a motorbike taxi or ordinary cab.
Travel to Cai Chien Island
To get to Cai Chien Island once you get at Ghenh Vo Port, board a speedboat or ferry. Ferries run at designated hours; you have choices to ride a speedboat either alone or in a group and bring a car along.
Ferry Timetables:
- Morning (Lam Ngoc Duong Ferry)
6:30 AM from Quang Dien to Cai Chien
7:30 AM from Cái Chiên to Quảng Điền - Midday (Long Vu Ferry)
10:00 AM from Cái Chiên to Quảng Điền
11:00 AM from Quảng Điền to Cái Chiên - Afternoon (Long Vu Ferry)
3:30 PM from Cái Chiên to Quảng Điền
4: 30 PM from Quang Dien to Cai Chien
Depending on the type of service and whether you are traveling with a vehicle, ferry tickets run from 30,000 VND to 760,000 VND per trip.
Transportation on the Island
Not fear if you intend to spend two days and one night exploring Cai Chien but forgot your own means of transportation. The island has a spectrum of rental options including bicycles, electric bikes, and motorcycles. Rent these from your lodging to quickly tour and take in the island.
Must-See Attractions on Cai Chien Island
Charming sites abound on Cai Chien Island that draw both domestic and foreign guests. The following are some of the best sites for discovery:
Dau Rong Beach
With white sands, green casuarina trees, and glistening clean waters all year long, Dau Rong Beach is well-known for its serene and lovely scene. Activities including camping in the casuarina forest, planning picnics, cooking seafood, island cycling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are available to guests. In Quang Ninh, it is among the most often frequented beaches.
Cai Chien Beach
The primary draw here is swimming in the glistening clean seas. There are also homestays and restaurants to help you to unwind and enjoy your stay free from thoughts regarding lodging. To improve the infrastructure and give guests the finest experience, Hai Ha district is also building multifarious resorts.
Khe Dau Lake
On Cai Chien Island, Khe Dau Lake is the biggest freshwater lake covering roughly 18 hectares. Enclosed by clean air and a vast sky, the lake presents a calm and beautiful environment. It’s a fantastic spot to unwind, take in fresh air, and rest.
Thoi Xanh Island
Don’t miss Thoi Xanh Island, a neighboring unspoiled beauty, for those organizing a three-day, two-night trip. From here, you will be able to view Vinh Thuc Island, Hon Trui, and Co To in amazing perspective. The island boasts a variety of habitats and species, which provide lots of activities such campfires, squid fishing, and enjoying fresh seafood including oysters, prawns and crabs.
Van Ca Beach
Those who enjoy snapping pictures will find Van Ca Beach ideal. Perfect for great images, the beach boasts jagged rocks, vibrant pebbles, and unusual stone formations. Visitors can sit on the rocks, get the ideal wide-angle view, and strike a posture facing the breathtaking surroundings.
The Love Path
Tucked amongst the tall casuarina trees, you will find the “Love Path,” a little walk regarded as the road of love by residents. Enclosed by breathtaking surroundings, this peaceful path ideal for an evening or early walk. Riding a bicycle or walking hand-in-hand with a loved one can help you to experience the cool breeze from the shore.
The Container House Area
The energetic container house neighborhood is another well-liked place for picture-takers. Originally a resort, the containers are now employed as a vibrant backdrop for picture possibilities. Just put on a nice attire, get in a position, and record lovely events against the little container dwellings.
What To Do at Cai Chien Island?
Swim at Van Ca, Cai Chien, and Dau Rong Beaches
Renowned for its amazing beaches, Cai Chien Island features Van Ca, Cai Chien, and Dau Rong as highlights. Thousands of people visit these coasts annually, providing a revitalizing and unique encounter.
The primary swimming centre on the island is Cai Chien Beach. It offers visitors a whole beach experience with its several resorts, homestays, motels, and seafood restaurants. While soaking up the friendly welcome of the residents, you can swim in the glistening clean seas.
Of the beaches on the island, Dau Rong Beach is most well-known. Its immaculate white sand and rows of casuarina trees create a calm environment. After swimming, lounge under the trees, savor the mild sea wind, or stroll slowly down the one-kilometer shore.
Van Ca Beach is the perfect place for anyone looking for a more peaceful and subdued haven. Less crowded, more unspoiled surroundings abound just two kilometers from Cai Chien Beach. Van Ca Beach is the ideal haven for everyone trying to relax and escape the world, even if there are less amenities here.
Explore Thoi Xanh Island
Thoi Xanh Island is a quiet haven three kilometers from Cai Chien. Easily reachable by boat or canoe, this quieter, less developed island has a peaceful setting. Although some may find it boring, Thoi Xanh is a hidden jewel with its simplicity and peace.
Thoi Xanh provides comfort from the rush of metropolitan life. Here’s unspoiled beauty that will rejuvenate your soul and mind. From this island, guests may also appreciate neighbouring islands such Co To, Hon Trui, Sau Mountain in Van Don, and Vinh Thuc Islet in Mong Cai.
Night Squid Fishing
Many tourists to Vietnam’s coastal areas enjoy night squid fishing; Cai Chien Island is not an exception. Get aboard a nearby boat and travel across the sea; fishermen will instruct you on the finest methods for catching squid. Once you have caught your squid, you might even ask the residents to prepare it right here for a great and fresh taste.
Visit Khe Dau and Khe Dinh Lakes
Covering 18 hectares, the large freshwater lake known as Khe Dau Lake provides a quiet haven surrounded by rich vegetation and active fauna. Those who want to re-connect with nature will find ideal peace at this place. Likewise, albeit merely 5 hectares, Khe Dinh Lake has great appeal. It is an equally valuable stop because of its calm environment and picturesque surroundings.
What to Eat at Cai Chien Island?
Cai Chien Island’s cuisine surprises me rather nicely. Apart from its reasonable price, the cuisine offers great, fresh tastes that will linger. Unlike other travel destinations, seafood in Cai Chien is reasonably priced, and the native cuisine is as good as it is reasonably priced.
Buying fresh seafood straight from nearby fisherman could provide a distinctive gastronomic adventure. Ask them to prepare the catch right on their boats; although it might not be restaurant-level cuisine, this will provide lifelong memories.
Cai Chien lacks any distinctive cuisine, however the island’s cuisine provides a great spectrum of local tastes. From basic side dishes to street cuisine, there’s something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to taste anything you come across to fully appreciate the culinary offers of the island.
Tips for Visiting Cai Chien Island
- From May to June, during the beginning of summer, is the ideal time to visit Cai Chien Island; the sea is ideal for swimming and the weather is nice. In winter, the island can turn rather chilly; from June to October, storms could make travel perilous.
- Think about staying in one of the distinctive homestays with containers on the island. These hotels, with their vivid, bright walls, are particularly well-liked by younger guests and offer fantastic photo possibilities.
- Given Cai Chien’s summer heat, be sure to take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and light clothing to guard yourself from the sun.
- With less than 1,000 people, Cai Chien Island is still a tranquil sanctuary perfect for anyone looking for a calm haven. Although this island is not the scene for active nightlife, it is the ideal spot if you want a calm vacation.
- Be sure to pack your own life jacket or floating device since non-swimmers may find few locations on the island to rent them.
Often likened to a “untouched gem,” Cai Chien Island is a must-see for visitors looking for natural beauty and tranquilly. Cai Chien is the ideal place to slow down and re-connect with yourself if you’re seeking for a peaceful refuge to relax, recover your energy, and discover inner calm. On your vacation bucket list, Northern Vietnam’s secret treasure should be high on importance.
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