Nestled quietly amidst the vast blue waters of Quang Ninh, Cai Chien Island emerges as a hidden gem, brimming with wonders. With its pristine and tranquil beauty, Cai Chien offers travelers an unforgettable escape into nature, far removed from the bustle and noise of city life.
See more: Discover unique tourist destinations in Quang Ninh
Where is Cai Chien Island?
Cai Chien Island is a small island commune located in Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, about 15km from the district center. Spanning over 2,550 hectares of land—largely composed of hills and beaches—the island is currently home to approximately 120 households and a population of 700 people, who primarily live off farming and fishing. In the past, life on Cai Chien was quite challenging; it was not until 2016 that the island was connected to the national power grid and received investments in transport infrastructure. Thanks to this increased attention in recent years, local tourism has flourished. However, due to its separation from the mainland and limited large-scale development, the landscape remains incredibly untouched. Yet, it is precisely this raw, natural charm that makes Cai Chien so appealing—a quality few other tourist destinations possess.
Coastline on Cai Chien Island
Ferry fares to Cai Chien Island
If you are departing from Hanoi, you can take a bus or use your private vehicle to reach Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province. From there, follow the road toward the Hai Ha Industrial Zone for nearly 10 km until you reach the Ghenh Vo ferry terminal in Quang Dien Commune. From this point, you can purchase tickets for a ferry or speedboat to continue your journey to Cai Chien Island. If traveling by bus, you can catch one from My Dinh, Giap Bat, or Nuoc Ngam bus stations for approximately 200,000 VND per person.
1. Ferry to Cai Chien Island
The ferry is the most popular and cost-effective means of transport for travelers. There are 3 scheduled ferry trips daily departing from Ghenh Vo Port (Dai Lai terminal) to Cai Chien Island and vice versa at: 6:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 4:30 PM. The journey takes 45 minutes per trip. The ferry fare for pedestrians is 20,000 VND per ticket. The ferry can also transport motorcycles, cars, and trucks for additional fees. It has a capacity of about 50 passengers and 10 motorcycles, and is equipped with a roof and seating for the comfort of passengers.
| Departure Times and Routes | |
|---|---|
| Departure Time | Route |
| 7:00 – 7:45 | Ghenh Vo Port – Cai Chien Island |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | |
| 17:30 – 18:15 | |
| 6:00 – 6:45 | Cai Chien Island – Ghenh Vo Port |
| 10:00 – 10:45 | |
| 16:30 – 17:15 | |
| Ferry Fare Schedule to Cai Chien Island | |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | Fare (Passenger ticket not included) |
| Pedestrian | 20,000 VND/ticket/trip |
| Bicycle | 30,000 VND/bike/trip |
| Motorbike | 50,000 VND/bike/trip |
| Car (4-16 seats) | 320,000 VND/car/trip |
| Truck (1-3 tons) | From 260,000 to 320,000 VND/vehicle/trip |
| Truck (5 tons) | From 360,000 to 520,000 VND/vehicle/trip |
2. Speedboat:
Speedboats offer a swift and convenient mode of transportation for travelers. Multiple trips operate daily between Ghenh Vo Port and Cai Chien Island to meet passenger demand. The crossing takes approximately 15-20 minutes per trip. The fare for individual passengers is 50,000 VND per ticket. Private charters are also available for groups, ranging from 600,000 VND to 2,500,000 VND per boat, depending on the group size. These speedboats have a capacity ranging from 6 to 49 passengers. Please note that these speedboats are open-air without roofing or formal seating; passengers are typically seated on foam boxes or provided cushions.
Speedboat to Cai Chien
| Passenger Type | Fare |
|---|---|
| Individual Passenger | 50,000 VND/ticket/trip |
| Small Group (6-10 people) | 600,000 VND/boat/trip |
| Medium Group (11-20 people) | 1,000,000 VND/boat/trip |
| Large Group (31-38 people) | 2,000,000 VND/boat/trip |
| Large Group (40-49 people) | 2,500,000 VND/boat/trip |
Important Notes:
- Children under 1 meter in height travel free of charge; those 1 meter and taller are subject to the adult fare.
- Scheduled departure times are 6:00, 8:30, 11:00, 15:00, and 17:30 (departures may be expedited if a group of 20 or more passengers is present).
Top Tourist Check-in Points on Cai Chien Island
Dau Rong Beach: Stretching over 1km, this beach boasts fine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves. Named for its unique shape resembling a dragon’s head, Dau Rong Beach is an idyllic destination for swimming, witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, photography, and camping. Located on the eastern side of the island, it is approximately 1km from the container house area. With various local homestays offering rooms and tents for rent, it is a highly convenient spot for an overnight stay.
Cai Chien Beach
Cai Chien 1 & 2 Beaches: Situated in close proximity on the southern side of the island, these beaches lie about 2km from Dau Rong Beach. They feature the same signature fine white sand, pristine blue water, and mild waves. There are many local accommodation options, including rooms and tents available for rent, making them a practical choice for travelers. These beaches are perfect for a refreshing swim, capturing beautiful photos, and unwinding.
Van Ca Beach: Located on the northern end of the island, roughly 4km from Dau Rong Beach, Van Ca Beach is known for its fine white sand, clear waters, and moderate waves. The beach is distinguished by its undulating sand dunes, which create a uniquely captivating landscape. It is an excellent spot for swimming, photography, and fishing. The area also features an eco-tourism site with seaside wooden bungalows where you can rent a room or a tent for the night.
Vung Bau Beach: Tucked away on the western side of the island, about 5km from Dau Rong Beach, Vung Bau features fine white sand, clear blue water, and more vigorous waves. Known for its distinct shape, Vung Bau is an ideal destination for those who enjoy water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, and fishing. The beach hosts an eco-tourism zone with wooden bungalows by the sea, offering overnight lodging options in rooms or tents.
Khe Dau Lake
Khe Dau Lake: Spanning approximately 18 hectares, this is the largest freshwater lake on the island. Surrounded by lush, shady trees, the lake is a serene and expansive retreat. It serves as a perfect venue for sightseeing, picnics, BBQ gatherings, and outdoor camping. Located in the west, about 6km from Dau Rong Beach, the lake features an eco-tourism area with lakeside wooden cabins available for overnight stays.
Khe Dinh Lake: Smaller than Khe Dau with a surface area of about 5 hectares, Khe Dinh Lake is located on the eastern side of the island, roughly 3km from Dau Rong Beach. Its waters are clear, tranquil, and cool, making it a wonderful spot for relaxation, scenic viewing, and fishing. An eco-tourism site here provides wooden cabins and tents for those wishing to stay overnight.
Thoi Xanh Island: Located about 3km from Cai Chien Island, this small islet is named for its shuttle-like shape. It features a stunning stretch of fine white sand nearly 1km in length. Thoi Xanh is an idyllic sanctuary for swimming, photography, and exploring the pristine forest. The island includes an eco-tourism retreat with seaside wooden bungalows offering rooms and tents for guests.
Cai Chien Container House Area
Container House Area: A newly established tourist destination on Cai Chien Island, this area consists of several vibrantly painted, uniquely designed container homes. With a prime location overlooking the sea and the casuarina forest, it is an ideal base for accommodation, dining, and photography. Located 1km from Dau Rong Beach, these units are available for rent, with prices ranging from 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night.
Cai Chien Island is a captivating travel destination in Quang Ninh for those seeking a tranquil, pristine, and nature-immersed coastal experience. Beyond its stunning beaches, the island offers freshwater lakes, primeval forests, and a host of engaging activities. A visit to Cai Chien promises unforgettable moments with family and friends. Start planning your journey and visit Cai Chien today to explore this azure paradise in Quang Ninh!
