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Where is the 'green pearl' in the middle of the East Sea located?
Minh Chau Island is located in Minh Chau commune, Quan Lan Island, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. The island lies to the east of Bai Tu Long Bay, 15km away from Quan Lan Island, likened to a pearl emerging from the sea. This destination attracts tourists for its pristine beauty, tranquility, long sandy beaches, clear and calm seawater, and vast virgin forests.
This newly emerged island has remained untouched by human intervention for several years, thus everything here is rustic, tranquil, and peaceful. The ideal time to visit Minh Chau Island is during the summer when tourists flock to enjoy the fresh air and gentle waves of the sea. However, summer is also the time when the Northern region may experience storms, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on your journey.
Photo: Phuong Linh, Tuan Dao
Where to stay on Minh Chau Island
Minh Chau Island still remains quite untouched, so there are relatively few hotels and guesthouses. If you intend to stay on the island, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to avoid room shortages. Room prices on the island are quite affordable, averaging only around 200,000 - 300,000 VND per person per night. Prices may slightly increase on weekends but not to an excessively high level. If traveling in a large group, consider renting a homestay for both cost-effectiveness and picturesque check-in spots.
Some homestays with beautiful spaces, affordable prices, and convenience include: Mina House, Homestay Dou Dou, Porcupine Homestay... If you prefer luxurious and well-equipped accommodations, you can opt for higher-priced hotels or resorts such as: Minh Chau Pearl Hotel, Lepont Hotel, La Paloma Minh Chau, Huy Hoang Minh Chau Hotel, Grand Pearl Resort...
Photo: Thu Thao
How to get to Minh Chau Island?
Traveling from Hanoi to Ao Tien Port (Van Don)
By car: If you're traveling with family or a group of friends, the most convenient way to travel is by personal car. The route from Hanoi to Van Don is very straightforward, mainly via highways with the following route: Hanoi - Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway - Ha Long - Van Don. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Motorcycle: For adventure enthusiasts who prefer motorcycling, you'll follow the route from Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Chi Linh - Uong Bi - Halong - Cam Pha - Van Don. Upon reaching Halong, continue along the coastal road, passing through Cam Pha city, to reach Ao Tien port. Although the route is currently easy and convenient, it's important to take breaks to avoid fatigue during the nearly 5-hour journey.
Recently operational, Ao Tien Port is the most modern pier in Quang Ninh, offering high-speed boats to islands like Co To, Minh Chau, and Quan Lan. Photo: Phan Nguyen Lam
Bus: From My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam, Yen Nghia bus stations, there are numerous daily bus routes from Hanoi to Van Don. For more flexibility, you can opt for a Limousine service from downtown Hanoi directly to Ao Tien port. On average, you'll spend around 150,000 - 200,000 VND for a bus ride and 250,000 - 300,000 VND for a Limousine.
Airplane: You can book a direct flight from domestic airports to Van Don airport. From there, take a taxi to Ao Tien port, which is approximately 4km away, for island-bound travel.
Route from Ao Tien Port (Van Don) to Minh Chau Island
Recently operational since February this year, Ao Tien Port is currently the largest passenger port in Van Don district, spanning an area of nearly 30 hectares. From Ao Tien port, travelers can easily catch high-speed boats to Minh Chau island, taking only 45 minutes.
Schedule: Boats depart from Ao Tien port to the island at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM (additional service at 11:00 AM on weekends). Returning from Minh Chau island at 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Ticket price: 180,000 VND for a one-way trip (applies to adults, children under 5 years old are 140,000 VND). For groups of 5 or more, it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Transportation options on Minh Chau Island
When traveling with family or a group of friends, prioritize experiencing tuk-tuks or renting electric bikes as drivers will take you to various attractions on the island. The price for a tuk-tuk ride ranges from 80,000 VND to 100,000 VND depending on the destination. Electric bikes typically cost 20,000 VND to 60,000 VND per person. Electric bikes are also one of the most popular means of transportation on Minh Chau Island due to their affordability and ability to carry 8 - 10 people per trip.
Photo: @ntrgaa
For solo or duo travelers, opt for a motorbike for easier mobility and flexibility. The rental price for a motorbike is usually 40,000 VND per hour, 200,000 VND for a full day, and around 300,000 VND for overnight rentals.
To save costs and enjoy the scenery, you can opt for bicycles. The rental price for bicycles is approximately 20,000 VND per hour, and 100,000 VND for a full day, only half the price of a motorbike.
Must-visit Instagrammable spots
Minh Chau Beach
Stretching about 1.5 km, Minh Chau Beach boasts fine white sand, clear blue waters, and cleanliness, making it a paradise for photo enthusiasts. The gentle waves here are suitable for both the elderly and children to swim. With its azure sea, white sand, golden sun, and rocky outcrops, this place offers a pristine and romantic landscape.
Photo: Thu Thao, Phuong Linh
Minh Chau Burning Grass Field
When it comes to burning grass fields, many people may think of the burning grass fields at Phuong Hoang Mountain (Quang Ninh), but few know that there is also such a beautiful place on Minh Chau Island. The burning grass fields grow along the road connecting Minh Chau Island with Quan Lan. If you want a beautiful photo, you should come here in the afternoon. The dark brown color of the burning grass combined with the white sand creates a dreamy space for visitors.
Photo: @i_chang
Crystal Sand Hill
The sand dunes sparkle white like crystals created by the flow of Cua Mai and Cua Doi. You can walk barefoot on the sand because it is soft, fluffy, and clean here.
Photo: Phuong Linh, Dragon Minh Chau Resort
Gót Beo Windy Pass
Gót Beo Windy Pass
From a mountain peak covered with green vegetation, Gót Beo Windy Pass stretches out to the vast blue sea, creating a majestic and moving space. Standing at Gót Beo Pass, you can see the rocky outcrops on the sea, facing far away is the vast ocean with brilliant golden sunlight. If you visit Minh Chau Island without checking in at Gót Beo Windy Pass, it would be a regret.
Photo: Lê Tú Anh, Nguyễn Tuyến
The Way to Gót Beo Windy Pass. Photo: Nguyễn Vũ Trang
Planted by the island's first settlers, the casuarina forest is a place of ancient significance and deep reverence for the local people. This forest covers 14 hectares along the stretch of white sand, serving as the habitat for numerous species of animals and plants up to 100 years old.
The precious casuarina forest on Minh Chau Island. Not only can you walk under the ancient trees, but you can also gaze out at the blue sea with its white sandy shores. Photo: Quang Ninh Electronic News.
Activities on Minh Chau Island
Fun at Minh Chau Beach
At Minh Chau Beach, you can rest, camp, and enjoy swimming. There are many affordable eateries around the beach to cater to the dining needs of tourists. Besides swimming, you can join exciting activities with family and friends such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and beach bonfires.
Photo: Phan Nguyen Lam
Experience the life of a fishing village
Away from the city hustle and bustle, try immersing yourself in the peaceful life of the people in the fishing village on Minh Chau Island. You will witness fishermen performing their daily tasks at sea, such as swimming, rowing boats, and fishing. This trip not only helps you and your family learn many new things but also recognizes the simple happiness that always exists around us.
Night Squid Fishing
Unlike the romantic charm of the open sea during the day, Minh Chau Island wears a mysterious black cloak at night. It is the perfect time to start night squid fishing activities. During this activity, tourists will experience the thrill of catching fresh squid and enjoy them right on the spot. The squid fishing tour lasts about 2 hours, with a cost of around 200,000 VND per person.
Photo: Phan Nguyen Lam
Indulge in a rare seafood delicacy
Delicious and Affordable Seafood
Seafood on Minh Chau Island is praised for being delicious, affordable, and reasonably priced, with no signs of overpricing. Just take a stroll around the island and stop by the small roadside eateries, where tourists can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes such as grilled mantis shrimp, grilled horseshoe crab, steamed scallops, and oysters.
Immersed in Fresh Seafood on Minh Chau Island. Photo: Homestay Đậu Đậu
Particularly noteworthy is a species that can only be witnessed firsthand in the waters of Minh Chau or Vân Đồn in general—the peanut worm, also known as the sea worm or marine worm. It is highly nutritious and was once considered a royal delicacy, with prices sometimes exceeding 4 million VND per kilogram. Here, you can try fresh dishes like sautéed peanut worms, peanut worm leaf-wrapped porridge, or purchase dried ones to make soup or herbal remedies.
Posted by: Hoà Trịnh
Keywords: Minh Chau Island - a place with crystal sand dunes that are easily accessible for families, a hidden gem not everyone knows about
