Bai Dai (Long Beach) Van Don derives its name from its shoreline, where white sand stretches out like a soft, silken ribbon across the island district. The name reflects the harmonious blend of azure seas, vast skies, and gently sloping sands. Furthermore, the name carries historical significance, as this area once served as one of Vietnam’s most vital seaports during the feudal era.
A close-up of the longest wooden bridge stretching into the sea in Quang Ninh
One of the hallmarks of Bai Dai Van Don is its iconic wooden bridge, widely considered one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. Spanning approximately 300 meters, this structure is crafted from interlinked wooden planks that curve gracefully over the beach, creating a poetic, serene, and romantic atmosphere. Many couples choose this spot to capture life’s most precious moments, making it a favored location for wedding photography.
From the bridge, visitors can take motorboats to explore Bai Tu Long Bay and its surrounding islands. Bai Tu Long Bay is among Vietnam’s most stunning bays, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. The bay features over 600 islands and islets, creating a magnificent and surreal landscape. Visitors can marvel at vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish of every shape and size, charming islets, and the awe-inspiring vistas of Bai Tu Long Bay.
How to get to Bai Dai Van Don
Bai Dai Beach in Van Don is a pristine, breathtaking coastal gem in Quang Ninh, drawing travelers seeking both relaxation and discovery. To reach Bai Dai Van Don, you have several convenient transportation options:
It is only 2.2km from Van Don Airport to Bai Dai Beach
- Public Bus: For travelers departing from Hanoi, you can board a bus from Luong Yen or My Dinh bus stations, with fares ranging from 120,000 to 150,000 VND per person/way. The journey takes approximately 4–5 hours. Reputable operators include Kumho Viet Thanh, Hoang Long, and Phuc Xuyen.
- Limousine Service: If you prefer door-to-door convenience and premium service, you can book a luxury limousine starting from 180,000 to 220,000 VND per person/way. The travel time is approximately 4 hours. Recommended providers include Cua Ong and Co To Ha Thanh.
- Motorbike: For those who prefer the flexibility of self-driving, you may consider the following route: Hanoi -> National Highway 5 -> Hai Duong City -> Nam Sach town -> National Highway 183 -> Sao Do town -> Dong Trieu -> Uong Bi -> Ha Long -> Cam Pha -> Cua Ong -> Van Don. The journey typically takes 5–6 hours.
- Flight: If you are arriving from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, you can fly directly to Van Don Airport, with round-trip tickets starting from 1,500,000 VND. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours, with service provided by airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways. From Van Don Airport, you can easily hire a taxi or catch a bus to reach Bai Dai.
Essential Tips and Experiences at Bai Dai
Bai Dai Van Don stands out as one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Quang Ninh, attracting many visitors for both leisure and sightseeing. Here, you can immerse yourself in the fresh air, stunning natural landscapes, and a variety of recreational activities. To ensure a perfect getaway, it is important to choose the right time to visit. According to travel experts, the ideal window for Bai Dai is from April to June. During this period, the weather is mild with minimal rainfall and beautiful sunshine—perfect for swimming, playing on the sand, and indulging in local seafood delicacies such as geoduck, mantis shrimp, swimming crab, and grouper. We recommend avoiding July and August, as these months are prone to storms and turbid seawater, which can disrupt your travel and sightseeing plans. Beyond swimming and capturing photos on the legendary wooden bridge, you can explore several nearby attractions:
Quan Lan Island
- Ngoc Vung Island: A picturesque island located approximately 34km from Bai Dai. Spanning 45km², Ngoc Vung is encircled by vibrant coral reefs. Here, you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, visiting local fishing villages, exploring the ancient Co Ngu Pagoda, visiting the Ngoc Vung Lighthouse, and savoring fresh, local seafood.
- Quan Lan Island: As one of the largest islands in Van Don, it is renowned for its beautiful Minh Chau and Son Hao beaches. It is the perfect spot for swimming, photography, and watching the sunrise and sunset. Additionally, you can visit local landmarks such as the Eo Gio cliff, Quan Lan Pagoda, Quan Lan Temple, or take a unique horse-cart ride.
- Bai Tu Long National Park: An expansive nature reserve covering approximately 15,783 hectares. The park boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, home to numerous rare flora and fauna. It is an excellent destination for exploring mangrove forests, casuarina groves, mysterious caves, and charming islets.
Bai Dai Van Don is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable holiday with your family. Offering pristine beaches, high-quality service, and a rich culinary scene, it promises a truly relaxing experience. Start planning your journey to Bai Dai Van Don today and treat yourself to the perfect escape.
