Bach Long Vi Island District was established under Government Decree No. 15/CP on December 9, 1992. Known as a floating landmark in the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin, the Bach Long Vi island district plays a vital role in our nation’s defense and security. In this article, halong-lanhabaycruisetours.com will introduce readers to the captivating Bach Long Vi Island.
An Introduction to Bach Long Vi
Bach Long Vi, under the sovereignty of Vietnam, is the furthest offshore island in the Gulf of Tonkin. As one of the nation’s critical outpost islands, Bach Long Vi is situated within one of the eight major fishing grounds of the Gulf, holding strategic importance for economic development and a pivotal role in ensuring Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty and national security.
Bach Long Vi Island
The name Bach Long Vi translates to “White Dragon Tail.” Located 130km from the mainland and belonging to Hai Phong city, the island is also known by various names such as “Vo Thuy” (waterless island), “Phu Chau Thuy” (pearl floating on the water), or “Hai Bao Chau” (land of the abalone). Bach Long Vi lies 110km from Dau Island (Hai Phong), 70km from Ha Mai Island (Quang Ninh), and 130km from Dai Giac Cape (China). The island has a natural area of 2.33 km², of which 1.78 km² remains above the high-tide mark, while over half a square kilometer consists of tidal flats. Given its unique geographical location, Bach Long Vi is not only significant for maritime defense and security but also boasts immense economic potential due to its advantages for domestic and international exchange, alongside a wealth of local and surrounding marine resources.
Furthermore, Bach Long Vi is tied to the legend of the dragons descending to earth. The story goes that, long ago, a great flock of dragons descended from the heavens to assist the Vietnamese people in fighting off invaders. The parent dragons and their offspring exhaled precious pearls, which formed the islands and reefs in the sea. After defeating the enemy, the parent dragons returned to the heavens, leaving the young dragons behind to live with the Vietnamese people. Some young dragons in Hai Phong formed the Cat Ba Archipelago, while others in Quang Ninh created Ha Long Bay. As they ascended back to the skies, a portion of the parent dragons’ tail accidentally fell into the sea, becoming a dragon-shaped island—Bach Long Vi.
Following the government’s policy to civilize Bach Long Vi Island, on February 18, 1993, the Standing Committee of the Hai Phong Party Committee issued Decision No. 428/QD regarding the establishment of the Bach Long Vi District Party Committee. On February 26, 1993, the Hai Phong People’s Committee issued Decision 537/QD to establish the Bach Long Vi District People’s Committee. Simultaneously, the Hai Phong People’s Committee, the Standing Committee of the Hai Phong Youth Union, and the Hai Phong Youth Volunteer Corps established the Bach Long Vi Youth Volunteer Team with the mission of settling on the island to build, develop socio-economic conditions, and protect national maritime sovereignty in the Gulf of Tonkin. In March 1993, district officials and youth volunteers set out, braving the rough seas to reach Bach Long Vi—the most remote island in the Gulf, which was then nothing more than white sand, cactus, and harsh nature, devoid of residents and infrastructure. Yet, these challenges could not dampen the spirits of these passionate hearts, determined to hold onto the island and build a home.
Fisherman’s life on Bach Long Vi Island
Thirty years after the first inhabitants stepped foot on the island, Bach Long Vi today wears a vibrant new cloak. Once a place with nothing but forest and sea, it has now been invested with infrastructure including electricity, roads, schools, and stations to improve the quality of life for residents, officers, and soldiers. Notably, the island features a harbor and boat shelter system capable of accommodating 20,000 fishing vessel visits annually in the Gulf of Tonkin, providing refuge from storms and offering services for seafood trading, refueling, and supplies of fresh water and food. The Fishery Logistics and Search and Rescue Center has been a key investment focus, promoting the exploitation and aquaculture of marine products while paving the way for tourism. The economic structure has shifted in the right direction, adapted to each stage of the district’s development. Today, the lives of the residents have significantly improved, and more people are coming to the island to live and start businesses. Bach Long Vi has become a bright spot in the ongoing mission of building and protecting the Fatherland.
How to Travel and Tips for Visiting Bach Long Vi
If you are planning a visit to Bach Long Vi, the most remote island in the Gulf of Tonkin, careful preparation is essential. Here are some expert tips for your journey:
- To reach Bach Long Vi, you must take the Bach Long high-speed ferry departing from Ben Binh Pier, Hai Phong. There is only one departure per day at 7:00 AM, with a travel time of approximately seven hours. We recommend booking your tickets in advance and arriving at the pier early for check-in. The vessel is equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, air conditioning, and televisions to ensure a relaxing voyage. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the crystal-clear ocean and breathe in the fresh sea air.
- Always consult the weather forecast before your departure to avoid storms or heavy seas. Should a storm occur unexpectedly, you must either return to the mainland immediately or remain on the island until it passes and transport resumes. This is a travel risk inherent to visiting Bach Long Vi that you must be prepared to accept. We also advise packing motion sickness medication if you are not accustomed to long sea voyages.
- Once you arrive at Bach Long Vi, you can rent a motorbike or bicycle to navigate the island. Motorbike rentals are approximately 200,000 – 300,000 VND per day, while bicycles range from 50,000 – 100,000 VND per day. Alternatively, you can explore the island on foot, visiting nearby landmarks such as the lighthouse, pristine beaches, and historical sites. The island is compact, so you can easily navigate between attractions without excessive travel time.
- Please ensure you carry valid identification, such as your National ID card or passport, as Bach Long Vi is a designated area of strategic national defense importance. It is crucial to adhere to all regulations set by the local authorities and military personnel while on the island. Refrain from taking photographs or recording videos in restricted or sensitive areas, and always show respect for the local culture and customs of the island residents.
Experiences at Bach Long Vi
As you embark on your journey toward Bach Long Vi, you will feel the invigorating breath of the sea filling your lungs. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic maritime landmarks—the Hoang Van Thu and Bach Dinh Bridges, the Dinh Vu Port, and the Cat Ba cable car system. Witnessing the spectacular transformation of Hai Phong City and our nation over time is sure to evoke a deep sense of pride and love for your homeland.
Upon setting foot on this remote island, any seasickness will fade, replaced by the warmth of the islanders. Their friendly smiles and heartfelt stories, shared wherever you go, will make you feel as though you are among family. Everything here is wonderfully simple and sincere.
First-time visitors often describe a profound, natural sense of belonging, as if they have long been connected to this island and its people. This invisible bond likely stems from an intense, shared love for the sea, our islands, and the motherland.
Bach Long Vi reveals a world painted in endless shades of blue: the vast, expansive sky meeting the deep, cerulean sea. Here, you can feel the seamless harmony between nature, where the ocean cradles the horizon and the sky gently rests in the arms of the waves. Your soul will find true serenity, as the clamor and hustle of daily life fade away, carried off by the breeze.
Iconic scenes on Bach Long Vi include rugged rocky shores, rhythmic crashing waves, and crystal-clear waters—a beautiful masterpiece etched into your memory. You can stroll barefoot on white sands, discover a treasure trove of coral, or climb the lighthouse to take in a panoramic view of this tiny, isolated island surrounded by the deep blue sky and infinite sea, capturing pristine natural moments and experiencing the humble, authentic life of a remote land.
Watching the sunrise from the lighthouse is an unforgettable experience on Bach Long Vi
In the morning, you have the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the lighthouse, where the sweeping, poetic landscape unfolds like a magnificent work of art.
At twilight, join your companions to savor fresh seafood, harvested directly from the day’s fishing boats. Located in the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin, near eight major fishing grounds and far from the mainland, Bach Long Vi boasts an abundant bounty of marine life. This allows fishermen to catch seafood with a sweetness and freshness unmatched elsewhere, without the need for day-long excursions. There is nothing quite like sitting under a canopy of twinkling stars, the murmur of the waves accompanied by the melody of a guitar and the soft glow of a campfire!
Bach Long Vi Lighthouse – Ensuring Maritime Safety
You may also have the chance to head out to sea to fish or snorkel with the locals, immersing yourself in their daily routines, getting close to nature, or even catching fresh squid at night—all memories that will stay with you forever.
That is the essence of Bach Long Vi. It is a place defined by nothing but the stunning nature of the deep blue sky, the vast sea, and the warmth of human connection, where laughter, song, the wind, and the waves compose a sweet, eternal melody. Once they have visited, people yearn to return for many reasons: to relive these unforgettable moments, to contribute to the well-being of the local community, to foster the island’s socio-economic growth, or simply to satisfy a soul’s longing for the beauty of the sea and the islands.
