Tung Sau Pearl Culture Farm
An Introduction to Tung Sau Pearl Culture Farm
Tung Sau Pearl Farm is an exquisite and singular pearl cultivation center in Halong Bay, established in 1995 through a Vietnam-Japan joint venture. Nestled within a secluded cove embraced by breathtaking limestone karsts, the farm spans 30 hectares and houses over 3,000 saltwater pearl-farming cages. Following a decade of operation, the Japanese partners transferred full ownership to Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen Thuy Huong (Directors of Ha Long Pearl JSC). Since then, pearls originating from the pristine waters of Quang Ninh are no longer exported as raw materials to Japan or marketed internationally under a Japanese moniker. Instead, Halong pearls have proudly established their own prestigious brand. In 2015, the exquisite pearl creations of Ha Long Pearl JSC were officially recognized as official OCOP products of Ha Long City.
Exquisite collections on display at Ha Long Pearl JSC
Beyond the development of its haute jewelry brand, the farm responded to the vision of the Halong Bay Management Board, becoming one of the most favored destinations in the Halong Bay Route 2 sightseeing itinerary in 2010. Here, discerning travelers can immerse themselves in the intricate art of pearl production and cultivation while admiring and acquiring magnificent finished jewelry pieces on display.
The Pearl Farm Visiting Experience
To reach this secluded sanctuary, visitors must book a Route 2 bay excursion boat; however, shared tour options stopping at this specific location are relatively limited. For a seamless and private journey, luxury travelers are advised to charter a private vessel or embark on an elite Halong Bay overnight cruise. As the pearl farm is situated quite far from the mainland, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours recommends departing from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port rather than Ha Long International Cruise Port, as Tuan Chau offers a closer proximity.
The voyage takes approximately three hours each way by water. Yet, this extended journey rewards guests with breathtaking vistas as they glide past countless legendary islands and magnificent caves scattered across Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pearl farm, visitors are instantly captivated by the dramatic landscape of majestic limestone peaks standing in layered serenity, framed by the uniquely arranged floating pearl-cultivation grids.
The pearl cultivation sanctuary amidst the bay
Here, expert guides will walk guests through the meticulous and delicate steps of pearl seeding and cultivation at Tung Sau. The journey begins with breeding, where sperm and eggs are carefully collected from wild or cross-bred oysters. The second stage involves nurturing the juveniles by feeding them specialized micro-organisms and placing them into protected bay cages. The third stage is nucleus implantation, where artisans gently open the oyster shell using specialized miniature tools to insert a tiny artificial bead and a mantle piece. The final stage is harvesting and processing, where mature oysters are opened after roughly two years to reveal the lustrous pearl, which is then meticulously washed, dried, graded, and polished. Guests are even invited to try their hand at opening an oyster to harvest their own pearl—an exceptionally unique and memorable experience. Expert guides will instruct visitors on how to use a specialized micro-blade to gently part the shell and reveal the hidden treasure within, which guests may keep as a cherished keepsake of their journey.
Visitors exploring the pearl museum
Guests are also invited to explore the farm’s dedicated showroom and pearl museum. Inside, knowledgeable hosts showcase curated collections available for viewing or acquisition as timeless mementos, while sharing fascinating insights into the arduous and demanding craftsmanship behind fine pearl production.
Discerning travelers admiring exquisite pearl creations in the showroom
Among the signature pearl masterpieces here is the esteemed Akoya pearl. Cultivated primarily using Pinctada martensii (Martensii oysters), these pearls boast a mesmerizing spectrum of colors and diameters ranging from 3 to 9 millimeters. Following rigorous selection and nurturing, a delicate nucleus is implanted into the oyster’s shell. The oyster naturally secretes nacre (calcium carbonate) to coat the irritant, gradually forming a luminous pearl over a 24-month lifecycle before the harvest. Remarkably, beyond the priceless pearl itself, every component of the oyster holds sustainable value in artisanal utilization.
