Ngoc Vung is a pristine and rustic island amidst magnificent natural landscapes. Despite its beauty, it remains relatively unknown to many tourists. Let’s explore this hidden gem with BestPrice through the article below!

General Introduction to Ngoc Vung Island

Ngoc Vung Island is part of the famous Van Hai archipelago in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. Covering an area of 12 km², it lies between Phuong Hoang and Hon Net islands. Though not as popular as other islands, its pure beauty has a special charm for those who visit, prompting them to return.

Legend has it that many valuable and rare pearls were found in this area. At night, sailors often saw a dazzling, radiant light emanating from the island, hence the name Ngoc Vung, meaning “Shining Pearl.”

During the Vietnam War, Ngoc Vung Island served as a frontline defense, protecting the eastern skies of the country and was honored as a hero island. It was a military base where Vietnamese soldiers bravely fought against foreign invaders.

In 1937, ancient stone tools from the Ha Long cultural period, dating back to the late Neolithic era, were discovered on the island’s eastern white sandy beach. This marked the beginning of archaeological excavations and research into ancient Ha Long. The island also houses the ancient Cong Yen wharf of the old Van Don trading port.

Attractions on Ngoc Vung Island

When visiting Ngoc Vung Island, you should not miss the following attractions:

Ngoc Vung Beach

Ngoc Vung Beach is located in the southern part of Ngoc Vung Island. It is less known compared to Quan Lan and Minh Chau beaches, though they are on the same island chain in Van Don District. The sea water here is clear, the beach is vast and unpolluted, making it a great choice for tourists visiting Ha Long Bay.

The golden sandy beach stretches about 3 km under the sun, where visitors can sit, chat, play, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ngoc Vung Island. During the day, you can immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water and relax. In the evening, you can camp, sing, participate in team-building activities, and enjoy fresh seafood provided by local fishermen.

Cong Yen Wharf

Cong Yen Wharf was one of two bustling wharfs, playing an important role in the Van Don trading port system during the feudal era from the Ly to Nguyen dynasties. The wharf was most prosperous during the Ly and Tran dynasties.

Ships had to pass through Cong Yen Wharf to trade goods at the port, making it a crucial transit station that significantly boosted trade activities at the time. Today, visitors to Cong Yen Wharf are still deeply impressed.

Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site

Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site is located in Binh Ngoc Village, Ngoc Vung Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. This memorial site commemorates President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to encourage locals and soldiers stationed on the island on November 12, 1962.

Today, the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site on Ngoc Vung Island consists of two main areas. The area where the airplane landed is now surrounded by casuarina trees. The Command Post, where Ho Chi Minh visited and spoke to the island’s military and civilians, consists of three dining halls, two kitchens, three food distribution rooms, and twelve workrooms. In front of the yard are two banyan trees; one where Ho Chi Minh once spoke, and the other planted by him.

During your exploration of this untouched island, besides the mentioned sites, you can discover other places like the ancient citadel of Ngoc Vung, the flagpole, Truong Chinh Beach, and Fortress Rock. Additionally, you can engage in activities such as being a fisherman for a day, collecting clams and shrimp with local fishermen, or cycling around the island to enjoy the scenery.

How to Get to Ngoc Vung Island

Located about 34 km from the tourist port, the only way to reach Ngoc Vung Island is by boat. You can purchase tickets and depart for the island from three ports: Cai Rong Port (Van Don), Hon Gai Port (Ha Long), and the fastest route from Vung Duc Port (Cam Pha).

• If departing from Cai Rong, Van Don, there is a boat every hour with a ticket price of 150,000 VND per trip.
• If departing from Hon Gai Port, you can choose a speedboat with a ticket price of 160,000 VND per trip, with only one round trip per day.
• If departing from Vung Duc Port, you can choose a wooden boat with a ticket price of 50,000 VND per trip, with only one round trip per day.

You can also consider some Ha Long tours that include Ngoc Vung Island in their itinerary or Halong Bay cruises that stop at Ngoc Vung Island.

Travel Tips for Ngoc Vung Island

According to the Ha Long travel guide, here are some useful tips:

• Best travel time: April to June. During this time, Ha Long is in summer, with warm and dry weather, perfect for beach and island trips.
• Clothing: Light, comfortable clothing paired with sports shoes. Also, bring swimsuits for enjoying the beach and respectful attire for visiting historical sites on the island.
• As Ngoc Vung Island is still undeveloped and services are limited and quite expensive, it’s best to buy ingredients beforehand and ask locals to cook for you.
• If you plan to camp and enjoy seafood in the evening, buy ingredients early as seafood shops tend to close early.
• Bring seasickness medication, flu medicine, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

Exploring the pristine island and beach of Ngoc Vung will provide you with unforgettable memories.