Exploring Ngoc Vung Island and Marveling at Halong Bay's Enchanting Scenery

Discover Ngoc Vung Island in Van Don – a truly pristine gem boasting the crystal-clear Truong Chinh Beach, an impressive 110m-tall lighthouse, and an ancient, moss-covered citadel. Ready to plan your adventure? Dive into our complete travel guide now!
Ngoc Vung Island, Quang Ninh – A 'Rough Gem' of Untouched Serenity Amidst Bustling Ha Long
When people think of Ha Long tourism, Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau Island, or Bai Chay often come to mind. However, this region also hides a destination of wild, poetic beauty, a charm that feels completely distinct from the rest of Ha Long: Ngoc Vung Island.
Ngoc Vung Island, also known as Ngoc Island, is a pristine island located within the Van Hai island chain of Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. Covering an area of 12 square kilometers, Ngoc Island lies between Hon Net and Phuong Hoang Island. It is considered a destination with immense potential for eco-tourism and cultural development.
Ngoc Vung Island boasts a unique and diverse natural landscape, ranging from primeval forests, white sandy beaches, and blue seas to aquaculture areas and cultivated land. Viewed from above, the island resembles a beautiful ink wash painting, with sparkling highlights shimmering on the water's surface.

Ngoc Vung Island, also known as Ngoc Island, is a pristine island located within the Van Hai island chain of Van Don district, Quang Ninh province.
The name 'Ngoc Vung' for this island originates from an ancient legend. It is said that, long ago, this island was home to numerous rare pearls that emitted a dazzling, brilliant light at night. Seafaring boats could clearly see these streams of light, much like glowing torches in the sky. The island's name, 'Ngoc Vung,' meaning 'shining pearl,' was born from this tale.
Ngoc Vung Island is also home to many historical and cultural relics, bearing witness to the cultural and commercial exchanges between local people and other regional countries since ancient times. Here lies Cong Yen Wharf, once part of the ancient Van Don Port – a hub for economic and trade interactions with nations like Japan, China, and India.
During the resistance war against America, Ngoc Vung Island served as a crucial strategic base, playing an important role in defending the eastern skies of the homeland. It was here that our soldiers were stationed and bravely fought against foreign invaders. In 1937, on the island's eastern beach, local people discovered the first stone tools belonging to the Ha Long culture period, initiating excavations and research within the archaeological community.

Ngoc Vung Island is also a destination rich in historical and cultural relics, testifying to the cultural and commercial exchanges between local people and other regional countries since ancient times.
The climate on Ngoc Vung Island is fresh and cool year-round, allowing visitors to come at any time. However, it's advisable to avoid visiting during the cold winter months or the peak rainy and stormy season, typically September or October.
Instead, summer is the most ideal time to visit this beautiful island. During these months, the weather is dry, and the sea is calm and waveless, making it perfect for travel and enjoying the natural scenery. Visitors can also more easily experience and participate in various recreational activities on the island.
There are many transportation options for travelers heading to Ngoc Vung Island. If you're an adventure enthusiast who loves road trips and exploring nature, a motorbike is the most suitable choice. However, the journey can be quite long, so travelers should consider carefully to ensure safety.

There are many transportation options for travelers heading to Ngoc Vung Island. If you're an adventure enthusiast who loves road trips and exploring nature, a motorbike is the most suitable choice.
Besides motorbikes, cars are also an excellent option for those departing from Hanoi. The route will take travelers through the Hanoi - Hai Phong and Hai Long - Van Don expressways, then on to Cam Pha. Simply follow National Highway 18 to Vung Duc, and from there, you'll quickly reach Ngoc Vung Island.
If you wish to save time, travelers can fly to the island. After landing at Van Don Airport, simply take a bus to Ha Long, then head to the port to purchase tickets for the island ferry.
Due to its relatively small size, the main modes of transport for visitors on the island are electric cars, 'xe lam' (a type of motorized tricycle), and bicycles. The path from the pier to the island's central area is incredibly picturesque. Travelers will have the chance to witness the pristine nature firsthand and observe the simple daily life of the local residents.
Ngoc Vung Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and endless stretches of white sand, which excite anyone who sees them, making them want to dive into the cool blue sea. Visitors can stroll along the soft sand, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse themselves in the beautiful natural setting of sunshine and sea breeze.
At the far end of the beach, there's also a natural rocky outcrop with numerous jagged formations, seemingly protecting the coastline from nature's changes. From here, visitors can fully admire the crescent-shaped beauty of the beach, or gaze out to the distant Hon Nut Dat and Van Canh Island. In this tranquil setting, the rustling wind and the sound of the sea bring the surrounding landscape to life, allowing visitors to let their spirits soar with the breeze and enjoy a sense of relaxation while watching the sunset over Ngoc Vung Island.

When visiting Ngoc Vung Island, beyond the beautiful blue sea and fine white sandy beaches, there are also many other attractive sights that travelers shouldn't miss.
Nguyen Thuy Linh, a visitor from Hanoi, shared: 'This island offers an unusual sense of peace; it's not as bustling and noisy as Ha Long Bay or Bai Chay. I really love the natural scenery and the atmosphere here.'
When visiting Ngoc Vung Island, beyond the beautiful blue sea and fine white sandy beaches, there are also many other attractive sights that travelers shouldn't miss. The most prominent among these is Truong Chinh Beach. This beach is considered the most beautiful on Ngoc Vung Island, an ideal spot for visitors to relax, swim, or enjoy water sports like kayaking and surfing.
This beach is also home to the Ngoc Vung Lighthouse, standing at 110 meters tall and recognized as the highest lighthouse in Vietnam. From its vantage point, visitors can fully admire the entire natural landscape of Ngoc Vung Island and its surrounding islets. It's also an ideal spot for watching the sunset over the sea. Travelers can climb the lighthouse to explore the optical and electronic equipment used for maritime navigation in the area.
After enjoying Truong Chinh Beach, visitors can take a leisurely bike ride along the concrete road that stretches across the island. This road runs parallel to Truong Chinh Beach, connecting Cong Yen Port to the island's central area. Amidst the cool, sea-scented air, beautiful nature, and picturesque scenery, this experience is sure to provide travelers with the most wonderful moments of relaxation.

Ngoc Vung Island is truly a wonderful destination for those who wish to explore the beauty of pristine nature and experience the simple, yet vibrant, life of a fishing village.
Visitors can also explore the ancient Ngoc Vung Citadel. This old citadel was built in Binh Ngoc village, Ngoc Vung commune, Van Don district. It's an architectural work dating back to the Mac Dynasty, later renamed Tinh Hai Post during the Nguyen Dynasty. Over the years, due to natural forces, the ancient Ngoc Vung Citadel no longer retains its original form. Nevertheless, it remains a destination of high historical and cultural value that travelers should not miss when visiting the island.
Furthermore, according to many tourists who have visited Ngoc Vung Island, Cong Yen Wharf is also a remarkably impressive attraction. Located on the northern side of the island, Cong Yen Wharf possesses a beauty that is both poetic and a little nostalgic, making it an extremely attractive spot for 'virtual living' (Instagrammable photos). Therefore, visitors should remember to bring their cameras to capture beautiful memories.
Another very famous photo spot on Ngoc Island is the National Flagpole, standing over 100 meters tall. Not only does it provide a fantastic backdrop for 'virtual living' photos, but this area is also known as a military base, specifically referred to as '12-ly artillery hill.' Therefore, when visiting and exploring this site, travelers should remember to ask for permission from the border guards beforehand.

Ngoc Vung Island, with its wild and poetic beauty, has attracted a considerable number of visitors eager to explore and experience it.
In addition to the aforementioned sites, visitors can also explore other attractions here, such as Yen Tu Temple, Ngoc Thuy Lake, or Dau Go Cave.
Ms. Tran Thi Thuy, a visitor from Nghe An, shared: 'Previously, when my family traveled to Quang Ninh, we mostly visited and enjoyed the Bai Chay area. This is my first time on this island, but the experiences have left me very satisfied. Being able to swim, stroll, relax, and explore many other places, I feel incredibly comfortable – it's truly a stress-relieving trip in every sense.'
After enjoying the fun and pristine nature, visitors can head to the traditional fishing village to observe and learn about the daily life of the local people. Travelers can even try a day in the life of a fisherman on Ngoc Vung Island, raking for clams, catching fish, and scooping shrimp on the beach. Additionally, visitors can participate in traditional cultural and artistic performances by the local community.

With its attractive sights, exciting activities, and unique culinary scene, this island is sure to provide visitors with a wonderful vacation.
Ngoc Vung Island also offers a seafood paradise for visitors to indulge in. The seafood here is typically caught by locals and sold on the same day, ensuring its absolute freshness. Some of the island's famous seafood dishes include grilled tiger prawns, grouper hotpot, steamed blue crab, and Ngoc Vung clams.
Ngoc Vung Island is truly a wonderful destination for those who wish to explore the beauty of pristine nature and experience the simple, yet vibrant, life of a fishing village. With its attractive sights, exciting activities, and unique culinary scene, this island is sure to provide visitors with a wonderful vacation.
Quang Ninh 5032 view
Update day : 26/02/2024
Source : Công luận .VN Affiliate links
Monuments close by
See allNearby tourist attractions
See all

























