Cai Rong Port is a prominent and picturesque seaport in Quang Ninh province, located in the Van Don district. It serves as a vital transit hub for waterways connecting to the various island communes and districts. The port also serves as a bustling anchorage for numerous local fishing vessels. Cai Rong Port holds not only significant economic importance but also stands as an enticing tourist destination, celebrated for the scenic beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay and its surrounding pristine islands. This article provides all the essential information you need to know about Cai Rong Port—let’s explore together.
See more: Discover Van Don Tourism
A Glimpse into Cai Rong
Upon arriving at Cai Rong in Van Don district, many are instantly captivated by the region’s charm. Nature has generously gifted Cai Rong with breathtaking landscapes: a bustling harbor teeming with boats, a coastal town nestled amidst a sea of mountains with row upon row of houses, and spectacular natural landmarks such as Dong Trong Cave, Hon Dua, and Hon Ty Nam. Furthermore, this land is steeped in intriguing legends and profound historical significance.
Cai Rong Area, Van Don District
Legend has it that in ancient times, the East Sea of the Lac Viet people was incredibly rich, with deep bays teeming with pearls, fish, and shrimp. Observing this abundance, pirates from the high seas frequently raided the area. The local villagers suffered greatly as their rivers, creeks, and deep bays were plundered, and their boats were sunk, leading to cries of misery. The Dragon Mother, moved by the suffering of the people, summoned her divine forces to assist. The entire army of dragons descended to encamp before Cua Luc (later known as Ha Long Bay). The Mother Dragon transformed herself into the towering Cai Rong Mountain in front of Cua Suot, commanding her legion of dragons and celestial warriors. Under her leadership, the dragons joined forces with the Qilin, Turtle, and Phoenix, causing the heavens to shake and the sea to roar. Terrified by the divine power and the thunderous might of the Dragon family, the pirates retreated, restoring peace to the East Sea. Since then, the mountain where the Mother Dragon stood to block the invaders has been known as Cai Rong Mountain.
Cai Rong held a strategic position of immense economic, military, and defense importance during the resistance wars against the Mongol invaders. Due to its strategic location, it became a stronghold where King Tran’s forces could preserve their strength. It was here that General Tran Khanh Du orchestrated ambushes to defeat the enemy and seize their food and weaponry. Economically, while Cai Rong was not the primary port of the Van Don trading hub, it remained a vibrant and developed center for commerce. During the resistance wars against the French and Americans, the people and authorities of Cai Rong stood alongside the rest of the nation, making significant contributions in both human and material resources to secure victory.
Cai Rong Port from above
Notably, in the early 1980s, the Provincial People’s Committee planned the development of Cai Rong town, building piers and main roads to the harbor, which laid the crucial foundation for the Cai Rong we see today.
“According to Mr. Vu Xuan Kinh, in 1981, Cai Rong Port was merely a fishing pier for the local fishermen of Thanh Ha commune. However, after 40 years of construction and development, modern-day Cai Rong Port now features two distinct terminals: one dedicated to tourism and another serving the economic development of local fishermen.”
The land where the Mother Dragon once transformed to block the enemy has evolved into a thriving urban center. Today, the economy of Cai Rong is diverse and balanced, spanning tourism, aquaculture, services, and agriculture, with the port acting as a vital hub for trade and tourism. From Cai Rong Port, travelers can easily board boats to reach Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, or Co To islands. On the national tourism map, Cai Rong is recognized as a beautiful and alluring destination. Beyond its scenery, Cai Rong captivates visitors with the warmth and hospitality of its people and the exquisite seafood that carries the distinct flavors of the Northeastern sea. Currently, the town of Cai Rong is making rapid strides, establishing itself as the socio-economic center of Van Don district.
Introduction to Cai Rong Port
Cai Rong Port is a major maritime gateway located in Zone 9, Cai Rong Town, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. Boasting a strategic position, the port serves as the primary connection point to renowned tourist islands such as Co To, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and Ngoc Vung, all of which are nestled within the exquisite Bai Tu Long Bay archipelago. The port officially commenced operations in April 2017 under the management and development of Ka Long Transport Co., Ltd. The company has invested comprehensively in port infrastructure and passenger facilities, featuring a 300m² waiting lounge, a 500m² canopy, and 450 seats, with a total capacity to accommodate 1,000 passengers simultaneously. To enhance the passenger experience, the port is equipped with a modern electronic information display system, public announcement speakers, real-time schedule updates, and an electronic turnstile system integrated with a central server.
Cai Rong Port Area
The port also serves as a vital berthing harbor for local fishermen returning from their maritime expeditions. According to Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Director of Ka Long Transport Co., Ltd., Cai Rong Port handles between 5,000 and 6,000 passengers daily, with approximately 2,000 travelers bound for Co To Island. Currently, there are 93 registered passenger transport vessels operating from the port, including 69 high-speed boats, 2 seagoing vessels, 3 plastic-hulled boats, 5 steel-hulled vessels, 12 wooden-hulled boats, and 2 composite vessels. This fleet capacity is sufficient to serve over 15,000 passengers per day. During peak periods, the port welcomes between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors on an average weekend, and upwards of 10,000 guests during major holidays such as April 30th and May 1st. Vessels operate on fixed schedules from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the destination island.
However, since April 5, 2023, Cai Rong Port has restricted its operations, limiting services primarily to watercraft registered for combined freight and passenger transport, as well as vessels transporting workers within the inland waterways of Van Don District. This measure was implemented to facilitate a thorough review of the port’s safety infrastructure in compliance with both provincial and national regulations. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh explained that, after six years of operation and serving millions of tourists, the port began to show signs of degradation in critical areas such as piers, terminals, waiting lounges, utility systems, and emergency equipment. Consequently, the temporary restriction was enacted to allow for comprehensive inspections, necessary repairs, facility upgrades, and the retraining of personnel and crew members.
Passenger transportation at Cai Rong Port
The restriction of activities at Cai Rong Port has caused concern among tour boat operators, who are now required to relocate their vessels to Ao Tien Port to continue operations. Unfortunately, the design of Ao Tien Port is not well-suited for smaller high-speed boats, making boarding and disembarking both difficult and hazardous for passengers. Due to the high pier design at Ao Tien, passengers on smaller vessels face significant inconvenience and safety risks. Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, a local high-speed boat owner, noted that Ao Tien Port is designed for larger vessels—typically carrying 300 to 500 passengers—making it unsuitable for smaller crafts with a capacity of 40 to 100 passengers. Additionally, he pointed out that the 10km distance between the two ports increases operational time and costs. Boat owners are advocating for a gradual, structured transition plan to ensure safety and convenience for travelers and hope for the swift completion of upgrades at Cai Rong Port so that normal operations may resume.
Ticket Prices and Schedules for Routes Departing from Cai Rong Port
From the port, you can select from a variety of speedboats and vessels to reach the islands, with ticket prices and travel times tailored to your preferences. Below is the essential information regarding ticket fares and schedules for routes departing from Cai Rong Port:
- Cai Rong – Co To Route: This is the most popular route, as Co To is the most renowned island destination in Quang Ninh. You may opt for a premium speedboat priced at 300,000 VND/person/way, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, a standard speedboat is available for 250,000 VND/person/way, taking about 90 minutes. For a more leisurely pace, wooden boats are available for 150,000 VND/person/way, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours. Fares for children aged 3 to 5 are 250,000 VND/way for premium speedboats, 150,000 VND/way for standard speedboats, and 100,000 VND/way for wooden boats. Children under 3 years old travel free of charge when accompanied by their parents.
- Cai Rong – Quan Lan Route: This is a favored route for many travelers, as Quan Lan is celebrated for its pristine beaches and exquisite seafood. You can choose a speedboat for 200,000 VND/person/way, which takes about 45 minutes, or a wooden boat for 100,000 VND/person/way, which takes approximately 2 hours. Fares for children aged 3 to 5 are 150,000 VND/way for speedboats and 50,000 VND/way for wooden boats. Children under 3 years old travel free of charge when accompanied by their parents.
- Cai Rong – Minh Chau Route: While less frequented, Minh Chau offers beautiful and tranquil beaches. You may select a speedboat for 200,000 VND/person/way, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes, or a wooden boat for 100,000 VND/person/way, with a travel time of about 2 hours. Fares for children aged 3 to 5 are 150,000 VND/way for speedboats and 50,000 VND/way for wooden boats. Children under 3 years old travel free of charge when accompanied by their parents.
- Cai Rong – Ngoc Vung Route: A hidden gem, Ngoc Vung is known for its rare pearl oysters and untouched natural landscapes. You can take a speedboat for 150,000 VND/person/way, which takes about 45 minutes, or a wooden boat for 90,000 VND/person/way, which takes approximately 4 hours. Fares for children aged 3 to 5 are 150,000 VND/way for speedboats and 50,000 VND/way for wooden boats. Children under 3 years old travel free of charge when accompanied by their parents.
