An Introduction to Banh Sua Island
Banh Sua Island (located in Ban Sen Commune) is a small isle nestled within the The Vang archipelago, situated in Bai Tu Long Bay. The origin of its charming name—”Banh Sua” (Milk Cake)—remains a mystery, with local lore suggesting it dates back to the French colonial period. In 2004, Mr. Do Huu To, a native of Lien Vi Commune in Quang Yen, Quang Ninh—affectionately known by locals as “Doc To”—surveyed the island and decided to lease it. He began cultivating various seafood, starting with hard clams and red clams, before focusing on geoduck as the primary product. Consequently, Banh Sua is also frequently referred to as “To Island” (named after its owner) or “Geoduck Island.”
Seen from above, the island resembles a turtle with its head pointed northward, swimming amidst the vast ocean. It is a relatively compact island, spanning a mere 1 square kilometer at its widest point of approximately 420 meters. The island is sheltered by larger neighbors, including The Vang Island (to the west), Dong Chen Island (to the east), Phi Ma Islet (to the south), and Bua Thuoc Islet (to the north).
Banh Sua Island does not boast expansive sandy beaches, luxury resorts, or the bustling tourism scene found on popular islands like Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan, or Co To. However, it compensates with crystalline waters, a refreshing breeze throughout all four seasons, and, most importantly, a pristine, untouched landscape largely undisturbed by human development. This is precisely what makes the island so alluring. Visitors here can immerse themselves in a quiet, airy space in perfect harmony with nature. You can lounge while gazing at the sky, listen to the gentle rhythm of the waves, join local fishermen in harvesting sea cucumbers, or witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
How to Get to Banh Sua Island
Banh Sua Island ferry terminal area
As Banh Sua is a small, quiet island that receives few visitors throughout the year, there are no direct ferry services to the island itself. Therefore, to reach Banh Sua, you must board a ferry bound for Ngoc Vung Island and disembark at the Banh Sua stop. Currently, the two main ports servicing this route are Cai Rong Port and Ao Tien Port.
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Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Port (Van Don) traveling to Quan Lan |
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| Departure Times | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip Fare | |
| Quan Lan Port | From Ao Tien Or Cai Rong Port | ||
| 7:00 (Daily) | 7:30 (Daily) | 200,000 VND | 400,000 VND |
| 8:30 | 9:30 | ||
| 10:30 | 11:00 | ||
| 12:30 (Daily) | 13:30 (Daily) | ||
| 13:00 (Daily) | 15:00 (Daily) | ||
Experiential Activities on Banh Sua Island
1. Sea Cucumber Hunting
Hunting for sea cucumbers is a unique and thrilling activity on Banh Sua Island. You can join the locals at 5:00 AM, when the tide is at its lowest, to search for these sea creatures. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness the pristine, tranquil beauty of the ocean, as well as the natural rock formations, caves, and crevices where sea cucumbers dwell. You will also learn traditional harvesting techniques from the locals and enjoy the fresh, delicious catch afterward. This promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your visit to Banh Sua Island.
Sea Cucumber Hunting Experience
2. Visiting Quan Cave
After your sea cucumber hunting excursion, continue your journey by boat to Quan Cave, located approximately 30 minutes from Banh Sua Island. This site once served as a military base for Vietnam during the resistance war against the U.S. You will be captivated by the magical stalactites in an array of mesmerizing shapes and colors. Along the way, the boat will stop at local floating houses on the bay. You can hand-select fresh, high-quality seafood, which can then be brought back to Banh Sua Island for the locals to prepare into a delectable lunch for you.
3. Mountain Hiking
Traverse the mountain trails, winding through lush greenery and massive boulders. Visitors will need to navigate rocky terrain, carefully gripping the sharp, “cat-ear” limestone cliffs in several sections. As the path is steep and rugged, please proceed with caution to avoid slipping. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the summit of Banh Sua Island. From the peak, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay, where countless islands rise from the emerald waters. The golden rays of the sunset dancing on the surface create a scene as ethereal as a fairy-tale painting, offering a truly serene and poetic atmosphere.
4. Kayaking
Kayaking is a captivating water sport that perfectly blends physical activity with the serenity of breathtaking scenery. You are free to paddle at your own pace, or join a guided tour led by knowledgeable locals. Navigate around the islands to capture distant views of Bánh Sữa Island, explore vibrant coral reefs beneath the surface, or glide toward the traditional floating fishing villages scattered across the bay. For an truly ethereal experience, consider kayaking during sunrise or sunset, when the sky and sea harmonize in a mesmerizing display of color and light.
