If you are seeking a peaceful, modest sanctuary to reconnect with nature, rest, and explore, look no further than Vinh Thuc Island—a small yet captivating gem in Quang Ninh. A visit to Vinh Thuc Island offers the perfect opportunity to swim in crystalline waters, tour the iconic lighthouse, immerse yourself in local fishing life, or enjoy an unforgettable night of camping under the stars. It promises to be a truly memorable travel experience.
See more: Mong Cai Travel – A Journey to Explore the Frontier of the Fatherland
Vinh Thuc Island, Mong Cai
General Introduction to Vinh Thuc Island
In the northeastern coastal frontier, a local folk verse has long been recited: “Who brought me to this island, on the other side is Vinh Thuc, on this side is Vinh Trung.” This ancient rhyme refers to the two main locales on the island—inhabited by Vietnamese communities—which today form the island communes of Vinh Thuc and Vinh Trung in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province. The island is home to over 800 households, totaling nearly 5,000 residents who primarily sustain themselves through traditional fishing.
Vinh Thuc Island is situated approximately 10 km off the northeastern coast and covers an area of 5 square kilometers. The terrain is hilly, with forests accounting for 65% of the island’s surface. With an average elevation of 55 meters, the highest point is Dau Tan Mountain, reaching 150 meters. Flatlands make up only 25% of the island. Due to its offshore location and monsoon tropical climate, the island enjoys an average annual temperature of 22ºC and an average rainfall of 2,200 mm. Its relative isolation from the mainland has allowed Vinh Thuc to preserve the pristine, untouched beauty of a remote island region.
Canoe to Vinh Thuc Island
Upon arriving in Mong Cai City, you can take a motorbike taxi, standard taxi, or bus to Mui Ngoc Pier in Binh Ngoc Ward. From there, you will take a speedboat—affectionately referred to by locals as a “flying boat”—to reach Vinh Thuc Island. The fare is 50,000 VND per person for a one-way trip, with four departures daily at 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, and 15:00. The journey from Mui Ngoc Pier to Vinh Thuc takes approximately 20-30 minutes. If you are traveling in a large group of over ten people, you can charter a private speedboat at your preferred time. Once on the island, visitors can rent motorbikes or cars to explore. Rental rates are as follows:
- Motorbike: 250,000 VND per day (from morning to evening).
- Car: 200,000 VND for a one-way trip to the beach and 500,000 VND for a one-way trip to the Lighthouse.
The road leading to the lighthouse is a paved concrete path that stretches across the island. Along the way, you will pass rice paddies and local residential areas; the scenery is generally quite rustic and wild. On the route to the lighthouse, visitors will pass by a beach known as Dong Beach.
Experiencing Life on Vinh Thuc
On the island, you will not find large luxury hotels, resorts, or fancy restaurants, but rather simple local homes, sprawling beaches, and verdant mountains. Consequently, camping on Vinh Thuc is a fantastic way to experience the destination. There are currently two popular camping beaches:
- Beach No. 1 is Dau Dong Beach, located near the lighthouse. It is an ideal stop after visiting the lighthouse. Its advantages are its pristine nature, lack of commercial services, and cleanliness. The downside is that the access path requires walking through sand dunes, which involves a fair amount of trekking.
- Beach No. 2 is Ben Hen Beach, which is my top choice for camping. It is a long beach, stretching over 2 km, with clear water, gentle waves, and a local restaurant that provides meals and showers. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The road leading to the beach passes through a beautifully painted mural village. The downside is that the beach can accumulate some litter due to lack of maintenance, but it remains incredibly secluded. Because very few tourists venture here and the local population is small, it feels incredibly relaxed—as if you have the entire island to yourself.
Camping on the island is an exciting experience
Must-Visit Check-in Spots on the Island
1. Vinh Thuc Lighthouse
The lighthouse is one of the standout check-in spots on Vinh Thuc Island
The lighthouse on Vinh Thuc Island is a unique architectural landmark steeped in history. Constructed in 1962, the structure rises to a height of 28 meters and sits 86 meters above sea level, boasting a distinctive shape reminiscent of a large goblet. Painted in shades of white and blue, it serves as a striking focal point against the surrounding natural landscape. You can climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the island.
2. Mural Village
Murals adorning the walls of the Mural Village
After visiting the lighthouse, travelers can continue to the Mural Village in Vinh Trung commune. This area is truly unique, as local residents have decorated their exterior walls with vibrant paintings. Strolling through the village, you can admire the homes, lush gardens, verdant meadows, and swaying casuarina trees. Once you’ve explored the village, you can enjoy a short walk to the nearby beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean.
3. Dau Dong Beach
Crystal-clear waters where you can see the seabed
If time permits, we highly recommend visiting Dau Dong Beach, located just a short distance from the lighthouse. This pristine, natural stretch of coastline spans 3 kilometers and is framed by vast, emerald-green casuarina forests. The beach features an array of rock formations with curious shapes, crafting a majestic natural masterpiece that captivates all who visit. It is an ideal spot to capture stunning photos of your island exploration journey.
Accommodation on the Island
In the past, visitors to Vinh Thuc would find no traditional hotel infrastructure, often relying on the hospitality of local families or sleeping at the local kindergarten. Today, however, homestays are readily available at both Vinh Thuc pier and Hem beach.
Important Notes for Your Visit to Vinh Thuc Island
Electricity on Vinh Thuc Island is limited to the hours between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM; outside these hours, residents rely on battery power or generators. Tap water is also only available in the mornings and afternoons, necessitating the use of rainwater or well water at other times. Internet connectivity is quite limited, with coverage primarily provided by Viettel or Vinaphone SIM cards. While these are daily realities for the islanders, they also contribute to the simple, serene way of life found here.
To adapt to island life, travelers should come prepared with essential items such as power banks, flashlights, water bottles, and basic medical supplies. We encourage you to be respectful and friendly toward the local community, ensuring your visit does not disrupt their daily lives or the local environment. Feel free to ask the locals for sightseeing recommendations or culinary tips; they are consistently warm, welcoming, and happy to share their island with you.
Here are a few essential items you should pack for your trip to Vinh Thuc Island:
- Power bank: Bring a high-capacity, reliable power bank to keep your phone, camera, and other electronics charged when electricity is unavailable.
- Flashlight: A compact, lightweight, and bright flashlight is essential for navigating at night or for camping excursions.
- Water bottle: Carry a large, durable, and safe water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your journey, especially when clean water sources are not immediately accessible.
- Medical kit: It is wise to bring a basic kit including pain relievers, digestive aids, motion sickness tablets, and antibiotics. We also recommend packing minor wound care items such as bandages, cotton, and antiseptic.
