Have you ever dreamed of a pristine island where sunrise and sunset paint the sky red, where you can immerse yourself in magnificent nature and savor fresh seafood? Bach Long Vi Island, the furthest island from Hai Phong city, is the ideal destination for souls who love to explore and seek tranquility. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” to discover a detailed Bach Long Vi Island travel guide, to prepare for your journey to this emerald gem in the Gulf of Tonkin!
Overview | Ideal Time to Visit | Getting to the Island | Accommodation | Must-Visit Attractions | Culinary Delights | Important Notes
See more: Hai Phong Tourism
Overview of Bach Long Vi Tourism
Bach Long Vi Island, also known as “Dragon’s Eye Island,” is a unique island located in the Gulf of Tonkin, about 110km from the center of Hai Phong city. Bach Long Vi’s uniqueness lies not only in its remote geographical location but also in its pristine, majestic beauty created by sedimentary rocks eroded by sea waves over millions of years. The unique underground trenches and reefs surrounding the island create an incredibly impressive natural landscape, attracting visitors at first sight.
The name “Bach Long Vi” also carries a fascinating legend. Legend has it that in ancient times, a dragon descended from the sky to the East Sea. While the mother dragon and her siblings stopped to create Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba archipelago, a part of the youngest dragon’s tail fell into the open sea, transforming into Bach Long Vi Island today. The island’s winding shape, seen from above, also somewhat resembles the image of a legendary dragon’s tail.
Traveling to Bach Long Vi Island, visitors will not only admire the wild natural beauty but also have the opportunity to explore unique architectural works such as the ancient lighthouse, the sacred Bach Long Pagoda, or the modern wind power station. This island promises unforgettable travel experiences, completely different from other familiar beach tourist destinations.
Ideal Time to Visit Bach Long Vi
The climate on Bach Long Vi Island is characterized by a tropical oceanic climate, divided into two distinct seasons: the rainy season (May to August) and the dry season (October to March of the following year). April and September are transitional periods. The average annual temperature on the island is quite pleasant, around 23.3 degrees Celsius, making it favorable for year-round tourism.
However, according to the travel experience of many visitors, the best time to explore Bach Long Vi Island is from April to September. During this period, the weather on the island is less rainy, sunny, and the sea is calm, very suitable for sightseeing, swimming, and island exploration. In particular, summer (June – August) is the ideal time to enjoy the cool sea breeze and experience water sports activities.
If you want to experience a more peaceful and tranquil Bach Long Vi, you can visit in the autumn (September – November). At this time, the weather is still quite pleasant, and the number of tourists also decreases, giving you more private space to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the island.
Getting to Bach Long Vi Island
To travel to Bach Long Vi Island, your journey will begin by traveling to Hai Phong city, then continuing your journey to the island.
To Hai Phong
From other provinces and cities, you can easily get to Hai Phong by various means of transport:
- Airplane: This is the fastest and most convenient means of transport, especially if you are far from Hai Phong. Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) has flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and some other provinces and cities. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways all operate flights to Hai Phong. You can easily book flights to Hai Phong online to save time and costs.
- Train: If you want to experience a slow journey and admire the scenery along the way, the train is an interesting option. Hai Phong Railway Station is located right in the city center, convenient for continuing your journey to the island.
- Bus: There are many high-quality bus operators running the Hanoi – Hai Phong route and neighboring provinces and cities. Buses are a popular and cost-effective means of transport.
From Hai Phong to Bach Long Vi Island
From Hai Phong, you have two main means of transport to get to Bach Long Vi Island:
- High-speed boat: This is a popular means of transport and chosen by many tourists. The Bach Long high-speed boat departs from Binh Wharf (Hai Phong) and takes about 6-7 hours to reach the island. However, the boat schedule may change depending on the weather, you should contact in advance to book tickets and update information. The reference ticket price for the high-speed boat is about VND 200,000/person/trip.
- Fishing boat, cargo ship: If you want to experience the feeling of drifting on the sea for longer and save costs, you can ask to hitch a ride on a fishing boat or cargo ship of fishermen from Mat Rong fishing port (Thuy Nguyen, Hai Phong). However, the travel time by fishing boat or cargo ship can be longer than 10 hours, and you need to actively contact and arrange with the boat owner. This option is suitable for adventurous tourists with plenty of time.
Accommodation on Bach Long Vi Island
Tourism on Bach Long Vi Island still retains its pristine beauty and has not developed strongly, so accommodation services on the island are still quite limited. Currently, there are no hotels or resorts on the island. The most popular form of accommodation and full of local experience is homestay, which means asking to stay at local people’s houses.
The people on Bach Long Vi Island are very gentle, hospitable, and always willing to help visitors. You can proactively contact local people on the island through the local authorities or tourist groups to ask for accommodation. In addition, you can also contact to stay at the guesthouse of the District People’s Committee or the youth volunteer area.
Staying at local people’s houses not only helps you save costs but is also a great opportunity to learn about the life and culture of the islanders, enjoy cozy family meals, and experience the sincerity and genuineness of the people here.
Must-Visit Attractions in Bach Long Vi
Traveling to Bach Long Vi Island is not only a journey to explore pristine nature but also an opportunity for you to experience unique destinations, bearing the historical and cultural imprints of this frontline island.
Bach Long Tu Pagoda
Bach Long Tu Pagoda, also known as Island Pagoda, is the largest and most sacred pagoda on Bach Long Vi Island. The pagoda covers an area of over 1000m2, located on a high hill, surrounded by green ancient trees. Bach Long Tu Pagoda is not only a religious architectural work but also a spiritual support for the people on the island. Coming here, you will feel the peaceful and tranquil space, and can pray for good things for yourself and your family.
Bach Long Vi Lighthouse
Bach Long Vi Lighthouse is a symbol of the island, not to be missed when setting foot here. The lighthouse stands majestically on the highest hilltop of the island, with a height of up to 80m, is the “eye of the sea” guiding ships passing by. From the top of the lighthouse, you can take in the panoramic view of Bach Long Vi Island and the vast ocean, especially the beautiful moments of sunrise and sunset. This is also an ideal check-in spot for you to capture memorable moments in your Bach Long Vi Island travel journey.
Wind Turbines
Bach Long Vi wind power station is the first wind power project on the island and also one of the first large-scale wind power stations in Vietnam. The giant wind turbines reaching into the blue sky are not only a source of clean energy for the island but also create a unique and impressive landscape. The wind farm has become a “virtual living” check-in spot loved by many young people when traveling to Bach Long Vi Island.
Bach Long Vi Harbor
Bach Long Vi Harbor is the busiest port area on the island, where fishing boats and commercial activities are concentrated. Coming to the harbor, you will immerse yourself in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere of fishermen’s lives, watching colorful boats coming in and out. You can stroll along the pier, chat with local people, learn about traditional fishing, and capture authentic everyday moments.
Busy Bach Long Vi pier with docked boats, the trading and living center of the island
Pristine Beaches
Traveling to Bach Long Vi Island is incomplete without the experience of swimming and relaxing on the pristine and beautiful beaches. The sea water in Bach Long Vi is clear blue, the sand is white and smooth, an ideal place for you to immerse yourself in the cool water, enjoy the fresh air, and forget about the worries of life. Sunrise on Bach Long Vi beach is one of the most beautiful moments, don’t miss the opportunity to wake up early to watch the sunrise and feel the magical beauty of nature. In the evening, you can organize a BBQ party on the beach, set up a campfire, and stargaze, creating memorable memories with friends and family.
Bach Long Vi Specialties
Bach Long Vi cuisine is an indispensable part of the journey to explore this island. With abundant fresh seafood, Bach Long Vi is known as a “seafood paradise” with unique dishes that you cannot miss.
Bach Long Vi Abalone
Bach Long Vi is famous as the “capital” of abalone. Abalone here has two main types: rock abalone and hole abalone, with thick, sweet, and very nutritious meat. Abalone can be processed into many attractive dishes such as grilled abalone with scallion oil, steamed abalone with ginger, abalone porridge, sautéed abalone with mushrooms… The prices of abalone dishes on the island are also quite affordable, you can comfortably enjoy this specialty.
Illustration of abalone porridge, a nutritious and delicious dish made from fresh abalone
Squid and Sea Snails
In addition to abalone, squid and sea snails are also famous specialties of Bach Long Vi. Squid here is fresh, with thick, crispy, and sweet meat, which can be processed into many dishes such as steamed squid, grilled squid, and stir-fried squid… Types of rock snails, areola snails, razor clams… are also very diverse and fresh, you can catch snails yourself on the rocky beaches and ask locals to help process them.
Fresh and diverse seafood, one of the factors attracting tourists to Bach Long Vi cuisine
Important Notes for Bach Long Vi Travel
To make your Bach Long Vi Island trip complete and smooth, please note the following:
- Freshwater: The source of fresh water on the island is still limited, you should prepare enough drinking water and use domestic water sparingly.
- Mobile Network: Viettel network is mainly available on the island, you should use a Viettel SIM to ensure communication and internet access.
- Weather: You should bring hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable, cool clothes to suit the hot weather on the island.
- Book Boat Tickets: You should book high-speed boat tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and proactive schedule.
- Prepare Cash: Services on the island are limited in card payment, you should bring enough cash for spending.
- Environmental Awareness: Please maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately, and protect the pristine natural landscape of the island.
Instructions to book Sun World Cat Ba cable car tickets in Hai Phong (refer to if you plan to combine Cat Ba tourism):
– Call 1900 1870 for advice and ticket booking.
– See details and book tickets online HERE.
According to iVIVU.com
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Call now 1900 1870 (South), 1900 2045 (North) or 1900 2087 (West) for the best Hai Phong hotel advice only at iVIVU.com!
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Reference: iVIVU.com Travel Handbook
iVIVU.com May 29, 2024