Not as noisy as Ha Long or as bustling as Mong Cai, Ngoc Vung - an island commune in Van Don District (Quang Ninh) is gradually becoming an ideal destination for those who want to explore the pristine beauty of the northern islands and experience the working life of local fishermen.

Original wild

As one of the islands with great tourism potential in Van Don district, Ngoc Vung attracts tourists with its peaceful scenery, clear blue beaches and rows of casuarina trees rustling in the wind. Especially in May, which is also the time when there are no storms, the sky is calm and the sea is calm, this place becomes a paradise for those who love swimming, fishing, catching snails and enjoying the open space of the sea and sky.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

The highlight not to be missed is Truong Chinh beach, nearly 3 km long in the south of the island - one of the few beaches in Quang Ninh that still retains its natural beauty. The beach is surrounded by green casuarina forests, smooth white sand and clear sea water, with a moderate slope, very suitable for swimming and relaxing.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

The name Truong Chinh beach originated from the event in 1962, when the late General Secretary Truong Chinh visited the island. In memory, the people named the beach and the trail leading to the beach Truong Chinh - a historical mark imprinted in the middle of peaceful nature.

Speaking to Thanh Nien , a leader of the People's Committee of Van Don District (Quang Ninh) said: "During the recent April 30 - May 1 holiday, Ngoc Vung island commune welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors. Tourists who came here all stayed to enjoy the beautiful space and learn about the peaceful life."

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

It only takes about 15 minutes to walk from the center of the island, visitors can immerse themselves in the fresh ocean air, sit at small restaurants on the sandy shore, enjoy fresh seafood and listen to the gentle sound of the waves.

Unforgettable experience after a day as a fisherman

Not only stopping at the scenery, Ngoc Vung Island also offers visitors a unique experience: becoming a fisherman for a day. From early morning, when the sky is still foggy, visitors follow the locals on small boats, go out to sea to cast nets, catch snails, rake clams... like a real fisherman.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

The journey usually starts at 4am, when the tide is low, the weather is cool, favorable for wading and searching for seafood. With boots, gloves and tools prepared by the fishermen themselves, visitors will be instructed on how to flip rocks to catch snails, stone crabs, octopus - typical products of the sea here.

Ms. Pham Quynh Lien (42 years old, a tourist from Hanoi) shared: "The feeling of touching a live snail sucking tightly on a rock, or the thrilling moments of catching crabs are unforgettable experiences. I am impressed with this experience with my family, especially the children have gained a lot of useful knowledge about life and beautiful nature."

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

After a hard day’s work, the result that many tourists reap is fresh seafood batches, weighing up to more than 10 kg. Tourists can ask coastal restaurants to prepare it on the spot and enjoy it right on the island - both fresh and delicious, with a rich taste of the ocean.

Traveling to Ngoc Vung Island is now very easy with many boat routes operating from Hon Gai wharf (Ha Long city), Cai Rong port (Van Don district) and Vung Duc port (Cam Pha city). Tourists can choose high-speed boat (150,000 - 180,000 VND/trip, 30 - 40 minutes) or traditional wooden boat (70,000 - 90,000 VND/trip, about 90 minutes).

With its wild beauty, fresh air and intimate experiences, Ngoc Vung is gradually asserting itself as a green, slow and memorable destination on the island tourism map of Quang Ninh. And certainly, with a day of transforming into a fisherman, you will bring back more than snails and fish - that is a deep memory of nature, people and rustic life on a remote island.