Cai Chien Island is located in Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, and can be reached in less than four hours by car from Hanoi, followed by a 15-minute canoe trip or a 45-minute ferry ride from Ghenh Vo Port.

Although it may not be as famous as Quan Lan or Co To, Cai Chien is a perfect spot for those looking for a tranquil island getaway, delicious and reasonably priced seafood, and a taste of traditional coastal living.

With its long stretches of pristine white sand, Cai Chien is lined with lush green casuarina trees, and the island is also home to vast primary forests that host a diverse range of birds and wildlife.

The rocky coastal regions create natural habitats for various marine species, including stone snails, green and yellow conches, turret shells, and woven basket snails.

The local population relies heavily on nearby fishing and is recognized for their welcoming nature and hospitality.

Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, a 21-year-old from Quang Ninh involved in tourism on the island, mentioned that Cai Chien has gained popularity in recent years, with many guesthouses and homestays fully booked during summer weekends.

The best time to visit the island is between April and July when the weather is pleasant and typhoon risks are minimal.

As Tuyen noted, Cai Chien has several excellent beaches for relaxation, including Cai Chien 1, Cai Chien 2, and Dau Rong.

Dau Rong Beach, situated on the eastern side of the island, spans over 2 kilometers and features gentle slopes with clear waters. It is lined with tall casuarina trees and is noted as the main beach with the most amenities for visitors.

Cai Chien 1 serves as a community beach within Cai Chien Hamlet, the hub of the island. When the tide is low, striking black rock formations surface, providing a scenic backdrop for photos.

Just over a kilometer from Cai Chien 1, Cai Chien 2 boasts clean golden sands and deeper waters, making it ideal for swimming. The area is surrounded by delightful seaside cafes, guesthouses, and homestays.

In addition to fresh seafood such as stir-fried razor clams with bamboo shoots, clam porridge, and grilled oysters, Cai Chien is famous for its unique “bearded chicken.” This distinctive breed has a tuft of long feathers under its beak that gives it a bearded appearance.

Bearded chickens are characterized by their short legs, yellow skin, small bones, and slow growth, and they are sought after for their tender and tasty meat.

Boiled bearded chicken is especially delightful, featuring a golden skin that appears rich but is actually light, crispy, and naturally sweet.

Travelers can access Cai Chien through self-propelled ferries departing from Ghenh Vo Port in Quang Dien Commune, accommodating both passengers and vehicles ranging from 4-seat cars to 32-seat buses.

Tuyen explained that the ferries operate based on tidal conditions and do not follow a fixed schedule, with the journey from the mainland lasting about 45 to 50 minutes.

For groups, chartering a round-trip canoe costs approximately 3 million VND (around 118 USD) for up to 20 people. Smaller groups or individuals can partake in shared canoe rides costing 100,000 to 200,000 VND (about 4–8 USD) per person. The canoe ride to the island is roughly 15 minutes long.

The island is equipped with a resort alongside various guesthouses and homestays to accommodate visitors.

To enhance tourism, local authorities have urged residents to maintain cleanliness, improve the landscape, participate in community tourism training, establish waste collection points, and set up incinerators and collection teams for residential areas and beaches.