The Timeless Serenity of Cai Bau Island Van Don

Cai Bau Island is the largest island in the Van Don district of Quang Ninh province. As a densely populated hub and the primary administrative center within the Van Don Economic Zone, Cai Bau Island boasts significant tourism, cultural, and economic potential. Travelers can visit to uncover the island’s natural beauty, rich culture, and history, all while indulging in a refreshing, serene, and relaxing atmosphere.

See more: Discover Van Don Tourism

Introduction to Cai Bau Island

Cai Bau Island is situated in the southeast of the Cai Bau archipelago, separated from the mainland by the Cua Ong sea channel and the Voi Lon River. The district capital, Cai Rong Town, is located on Cai Bau Island, approximately 50 km from Ha Long City and 7 km from Cua Ong via Provincial Road 334 and the Van Don Bridge. From Cai Rong Town, visitors can easily charter boats or canoes to explore the other islands within the Van Hai archipelago.

Cai Bau Island covers a natural land area of 17,212 hectares, accounting for 29.6% of the total natural area of Van Don district. It is one of the largest islands in the Gulf of Tonkin, second only to Cat Ba Island and Bach Long Vi Island. The island offers a stunning and diverse natural landscape with numerous pristine beaches, and it is home to the magnificent and historically significant Cai Bau Pagoda.

Cai Bau Pagoda is one of the most famous tourist attractions on Cai Bau Island

Located in Village 1 of Ha Long Commune, Cai Bau Pagoda was constructed in 2007 upon the foundation of the ancient Phuc Linh Tu (a pagoda dating back to the Tran Dynasty). As a premier spiritual tourism destination in Van Don, Cai Bau Pagoda reflects the Truc Lam Yen Tu architectural style, featuring structures such as the Three-Entrance Gate (Tam Quan), the Main Hall (Tam Bao), the Library, and the Guest Hall. The pagoda is nestled amidst lush greenery and vibrant flowers, offering a serene and peaceful sanctuary for every visitor.

Urban Planning and Current Status of Cai Bau Island

Cai Bau Island is the largest island in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. It serves as the primary residential hub and the central administrative heart of the Van Don Economic Zone.

Cai Bau Island Development Plan

In accordance with the General Construction Plan for the Van Don Economic Zone, Quang Ninh, approved by the Prime Minister on February 17, 2020, Van Don is being oriented to become a multi-sector marine economic zone and a premier entertainment hub featuring world-class casinos. Cai Bau Island is designated as a primary development zone within this Special Economic Zone.

Cai Bau Island Development Plan

Cai Bau Island is divided into distinct functional zones: the East (Cai Rong area), the West (Van Don Airport area), and the North (Mui Chua – Van Hoa Port). The island is segmented into six major development regions: North Cai Bau, Northeast Cai Bau, the Airport Urban Area, the Cai Rong Area, and the Cong Chao Peninsula.

North Cai Bau Region: An integrated complex featuring seaport services, a high-end tourism center, a high-tech biotechnology and pharmaceutical industrial park, and a new urban development area. Spanning approximately 1,500 hectares, this zone includes major projects such as the Mui Chua – Van Hoa Port, the Mui Chua – Van Hoa eco-tourism zone, and the high-tech biotechnology industrial park. This area is crucial for connecting maritime and land transportation, supporting import-export activities, and hosting premium tourism facilities such as luxury hotels, resorts, spas, and golf courses, alongside high-quality medical and educational services.
Northeast Cai Bau Region: A high-end entertainment complex featuring a casino, luxury resorts, forest eco-parks, and facilities for national defense and security. Covering roughly 1,000 hectares, key projects include the casino entertainment complex on The Vang Island, the Cai Bau eco-tourism zone, and luxury resorts. This area plays a vital role in promoting high-end tourism and entertainment to attract both domestic and international visitors while maintaining regional security.
Airport Urban Area: A modern, ecological urban district incorporating airport services, tourism facilities, high-tech industrial parks, and advanced medical and educational centers. Spanning about 2,000 hectares, this area encompasses Van Don International Airport, the Cai Bau Airport Urban Area, and the Airport High-Tech Industrial Park. It is essential for developing aviation infrastructure and connecting to various tourism destinations, while also fostering high-tech industries and advanced services.
Cai Rong Area: The administrative, commercial, and service center of Van Don District, housing government offices, commercial districts, tourism services, cultural hubs, and educational institutions. Covering approximately 1,000 hectares, this area includes the Van Don District Administrative Center, Cai Rong Commercial Center, Cai Rong Tourist Port, and Van Don International University. It is the central nervous system for managing the operations of the Van Don Economic Zone and serves as the primary commercial hub for residents and visitors.
Cong Chao Peninsula Area: A premium tourism and entertainment complex featuring seaside resorts, a casino, theme parks, and marine sports facilities. Spanning about 1,500 hectares, this area includes the Cong Chao eco-tourism zone, casino entertainment district, theme parks, and water sports venues. It plays a significant role in high-end tourism development and serves as an iconic gateway for travelers arriving in Van Don.

Current Status of Cai Bau Island, Van Don

Currently, Cai Bau Island is in the active implementation phase of its approved investment projects. Several key projects have already been completed and are operational, including Van Don International Airport, Mui Chua – Van Hoa Port, and the Van Don – Mong Cai Expressway. Other projects are currently under construction or in the planning phase, such as the casino entertainment complex on The Vang Island, the Cai Bau eco-tourism zone, and the Airport Urban Area.

Cai Bau Island is experiencing robust growth in tourism, culture, and economic activity. Notable attractions that have garnered interest from domestic and international tourists include the Cai Bau Pagoda, Cai Bau Beach, and the Cai Bau eco-tourism area. The island also offers unique local delicacies such as stir-fried clams with garlic, braised grouper with black pepper, and “banh gai” (thorny rice cake).

However, the development of Cai Bau Island still faces certain challenges. Areas requiring urgent attention include the synchronization and modernization of transportation infrastructure, the enhancement of tourism service quality and diversity, the development of a professional workforce, and a greater emphasis on environmental protection and national security.