Buzz
No hustle and bustle, no tempting calls of food stalls, Cai Chien Island, a new paradise, is the perfect hideout for this summer.
Join your friend Nguyen Minh Hang for an exciting 2-day, 2-night getaway on the purest island in Vietnam for just under #800k!
1. Homestay
Firstly, confirm the number of travelers and book accommodations. Here are the contact numbers for homestays on the island for your reference:
- Container Homestay: 0965228051 (considered the most upscale, 350k/room, additional person + 50k. Each room can accommodate about 6 people, so you can squeeze in comfortably).
- Do Thi Mai: 0969524628 (2 double rooms available)
- Tran Thi Hien: 0973897004 (1 double room available)
- Tran Van Nhuc: 01666128628 (05 double rooms - food service)
- Le Thi Hoa: 012685988948 (02 double rooms)
- Le Thi Thanh: 01697036607 (02 double rooms - food service)
- Chu Quang Khat: 01644425193 (02 double rooms)
- Tran Van To: 0984019624 (04 double rooms)
- Tran Van Toan: 01667444022 (02 double rooms - Seafood supply)
- Tran Van Khuyen: 01645901726 (02 double rooms)
- Le Van Chuyen: 0976784317 (02 double rooms)
- Le Thi Den: 01678943280 (02 double rooms)
- Nguyen Duc Chuong: 0976869349 (02 double rooms)
- Le Van Vinh (Lan): 01645879.228 (02 double rooms)
Colorful container homestay, super cool check-in spot
2. Get Information about Ferry and Boat to Cai Chien Island
It must be said that taking the ferry or boat from the mainland to Cai Chien Island is quite relaxed, not as arduous as going to Co To Island with its rough waves... Recently, the ferry service to Cai Chien has resumed, which is very convenient and affordable and can transport cars and motorcycles. There are two means of transportation:
#FERRY: The self-propelled ferry carries passengers and vehicles, from 4 to 32 seats and trucks from 3 to 10 tons. There are 3 ferry trips per day at fixed hours from the mainland to the island commune and vice versa at 6:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 4:30 PM; on holidays and Sundays, if demand increases, the company will increase service for the people.
Ticket Prices
Pedestrian fare: 20,000 dong per trip;
Motorcycle fare: 50,000 dong per trip;
Car fare ranges from 260,000 dong to 750,000 dong per trip.
Cai Chien Island viewed from above
#BOAT: (Price around 400k - 450k per trip)
- Luong Van Thuong: 0969024628 (01 boat 10 seats + 01 boat 22 seats with canopy)
- Pham Van Tai: 01689608147 (01 boat 08 seats)
- Ha Huu Manh: 01655093188 (01 boat 10 seats)
Embark on an exhilarating island-bound adventure with a boat ride like no other.
Set off on the journey to Cai Chien Island
Commute from Hanoi to Mong Cai by bus
Ticket prices range from 150k for regular seats to 200k for sleeper berths. Ensure boarding the Mong Cai-bound bus as alternatives hardly reach the destination. When boarding, mention heading to Hai Ha and disembark at the Hacoi bank intersection, asserting your destination to the driver to secure a smooth ride. En route to Hai Ha, revel in the sights of Halong Bay, including the Bai Chay Bridge, Sunwheel, and the world-record-breaking cable car.
Marvelous scenery captivating the soul
- Upon arrival at the intersection near Ha Coi bank, take a taxi or motorcycle taxi to the ferry terminal, heading towards Cai Chien Island (approximately 8-9 km). Here's the number of a taxi driver in Hai Ha; give him a call in advance for prompt service: 01272883883 (mention that you're well-acquainted with his service due to frequent visits).
Exploring the islands to your heart's content
- Upon reaching the ferry terminal, board the boat or ferry as per the instructions in part 2. It's approximately a 20-minute ride to Cai Chien Island. Once near the shore, contact your booked accommodation or arrange for pickup.
Here, vast fields stretch as far as the eye can see
4. Explore Cai Chien Island
-Regarding dining: Each individual has different needs and preferences, so I won't review specific places for good or cheap eats. Generally, local eateries offer budget-friendly meals, not as expensive as other islands. If you opt for seafood, it's advisable to inquire about prices beforehand. While there's no overcharging, seafood does come with its value. You can visit local fishing boats where seafood is relatively cheap; you can either have it cooked on the spot or take it home.
The water here is crystal clear and refreshingly cool
-In Cai Chien, everything remains pristine. With only about 1000 inhabitants, the island offers nothing but sea and fields. Yet, it exudes tranquility, unlike other touristy islands. Based on personal experience and preference, I suggest renting a motorbike (150k/day) and exploring, discovering on your own... Since the island isn't too large, feel free to navigate through the concrete roads, exploring every corner to witness its beauty.
A place that inspires artistic photography
-Note for non-swimmers: There are very few floating devices outside the island, or they might not be available at homestays; if you have a life jacket, bring it along. Evening swims are delightful, offering a chance to swim while stargazing.
Cai Chien Island is like an unpolished gem waiting to be discovered
Our exact expenses:
Dividing expenses per person isn't much
160k for round-trip car fare from Ha Long.
100k for round-trip boat fare (now with ferry, only 40k).
House rental: 350k/day for 5 people with air conditioning (2 days, 140k per person).
Motorbike rental: 150k/day (2 bikes for 5 people = 300k, 60k per person).
Budget meals cost 50k per person per meal. We had all 3 main meals for 150k + 2 breakfasts at 20k each, totaling 190k. Since we indulged in seafood for the first meal, with over 1kg of clams + 2 bowls of fish soup, miscellaneous rice dishes... the cost was higher, totaling up to 800k. However, if sticking to budget meals, the expense would only be around 600k.
There are 1-2 convenience stores on the island selling snacks at mainland-like prices, including snacks, ice cream, soft drinks, biscuits... It's that simple, just enjoy your trip in your own way!
Source: Nguyen Minh Hang
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