Blogs

Travel Reviewer

Unveiling Cai Chien Island: Ha Long Bay’s Best-Kept Secret

08:00 - 26/01/2025

Vote post

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.

The island is around 2,600 hectares big and has a lot of different animals, such as birds and mammals, as well as a few small hills and beautiful forests. The oceans of Cai Chien abound in rocky outcrops loaded with seafood and snails. Cai Chien is even more special because it is the sole inhabited island in Hai Ha District and covers about 270 km².

The island’s magnificent natural splendor includes long sandy beaches, broad green casuarina tree forests, and clear, clean oceans. For visitors wishing to explore nature, experience local culture, and live like the people of the island, Cai Chien’s pristine, lyrical appeal is excellent.

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

Once you get to Ghenh Vo Port, take a speedboat or ferry to Cai Chien Island. Ferries run at certain times. You can ride a speedboat by yourself or with a group, and you can also bring your automobile.

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 panic if you intend to spend two days and one night exploring Cai Chien but neglected your own means of transportation. There are a lot of different types of rentals on the island, such as bicycles, electric bikes, and motorcycles. You can rent these from your hotel to swiftly see and enjoy 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 shimmering pure waters all year long, Dau Rong Beach is well-known for its calm and picturesque environment. Activities including camping in the casuarina forest, preparing picnics, cooking seafood, island cycling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are provided to tourists. It is one of the most popular beaches in Quang Ninh.

Cai Chien Beach

The biggest lure here is swimming in the crystal clear oceans. There are also homestays and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy your vacation without having to worry about where to stay. To strengthen the infrastructure and give guests the ideal experience, Hai Ha area is also establishing varied resorts.

Khe Dau Lake

On Cai Chien Island, Khe Dau Lake is the biggest freshwater lake measuring around 18 hectares. Enclosed by pure air and a large sky, the lake presents a tranquil and attractive atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax, get some fresh air, and sleep.

Thoi Xanh Island

Don’t miss Thoi Xanh Island, a neighboring pristine gem, for those organizing a three-day, two-night trip. From here, you will have a great view of Vinh Thuc Island, Hon Trui, and Co To. There are many different habitats and species on the island, which means there are lots of things to do, like having campfires, fishing for squid, and eating fresh seafood like oysters, prawns, and crabs.

Van Ca Beach

Van Ca Beach is a great place for anyone who like to take pictures. The beach has jagged rocks, colorful pebbles, and strange stone formations that make for fantastic pictures. Visitors can sit on the rocks, obtain the best wide-angle perspective, and pose for a picture in front of the beautiful scenery.

The Love Path

Tucked amongst the tall casuarina trees, you will find the “Love Path,” a tiny stroll known as the road of love by residents. This tranquil trail is perfect for a walk in the morning or evening, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Riding a bicycle or walking hand-in-hand with a loved one can assist you to appreciate the refreshing breeze from the shore.

The Container House Area

The bustling container house neighborhood is another well-liked destination for picture-takers. Originally a resort, the containers are now exploited as a vivid backdrop for picture possibilities. Put on some great clothes, get in position, and record beautiful occurrences happening in front of the little container homes.

What To Do at Cai Chien Island?

So, you’ve made the voyage, and the ferry has transported you to this calm refuge. What can you actually do on an island that offers no major attractions or theme parks? The answer, ironically, is everything, as long as you think of “everything” as including deep tranquility and modest pleasures.

Swim at Van Ca, Cai Chien, and Dau Rong Beaches

Cai Chien Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. Some of the best ones include Van Ca, Cai Chien, and Dau Rong. Every year, thousands of tourists come to these shores for a refreshing and one-of-a-kind experience.

Cai Chien Beach is the main place to swim on the island. It gives visitors a comprehensive beach experience with its many resorts, homestays, motels, and seafood restaurants. You can swim in the sparkling clear oceans while enjoying the warm welcome of the locals.

Dau Rong Beach is the most famous beach on the island. The clean white beach and rows of casuarina trees make it a peaceful place. After swimming, relax under the trees, enjoy the gentle sea breeze, or take a slow walk 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 peaceful place to be three kilometers from Cai Chien. This smaller, less developed island is easy to get to by boat or canoe and provides a serene atmosphere. Some people might find it uninteresting, yet Thoi Xanh is a hidden gem since it is simple and quiet.

Thoi Xanh provides comfort from the hustle of metropolitan life. This is a beautiful place that will refresh your mind and soul. Guests can also enjoy the nearby islands of Co To, Hon Trui, Sau Mountain in Van Don, and Vinh Thuc Islet in Mong Cai from this island.

Night Squid Fishing

Many tourists who go to Vietnam’s coastal areas like to fish for squid at night, and Cai Chien Island is no exception. Get on a boat nearby and cross the water. Fishermen will show you the best ways to catch squid. You might even ask the locals to cook your squid right here for a delicious and fresh taste.

Visit Khe Dau and Khe Dinh Lakes

Covering 18 hectares, the big freshwater lake known as Khe Dau Lake provides a calm retreat surrounded by rich foliage and lively species. This is the perfect destination for anyone who want to get back in touch with nature. Khe Dinh Lake is also very appealing, even if it is only 5 hectares. It is an equally excellent halt because of its tranquil environment and gorgeous surroundings.

What to Eat at Cai Chien Island?

The food on Cai Chien Island is quite surprising. The food is also really good and fresh, and the prices are fair. Seafood in Cai Chien is not too expensive, and the local food is just as good as it is cheap.

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

Best time to visit: May–June, early summer with calm seas and pleasant weather; winter can be cold, and storms may occur from June to October.
Accommodation tip: Try container-style homestays—colorful, unique, and popular with younger travelers for photos.
Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lightweight clothing due to summer heat.
Travel style: Ideal for a quiet getaway; no bustling nightlife, very peaceful with a small local population.
Safety note: Bring your own life jacket or float, as rentals for non-swimmers are limited.

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.

Related Posts: