Van Don Ha Long – Potential to become a Special Economic Zone

This destination has the advantage of sea transportation, adjacent to the famous Ha Long Bay and on the main road Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, along National Highway 18A. Van Don district possesses rich natural resources with more than 600 large and small islands and a continental shelf. Of these, only 20 are inhabited, leaving hundreds of uninhabited and alluring islands reserved for adventurous adventures. Other highlights include extraordinary limestone caves, beautiful long beaches, rich flora, and fauna, with some rare species found in the Vietnam Red Book.

Van Don’s natural forest is mainly in Bai Tu Long National Park. In addition, this place also preserves historical, cultural, and architectural relics, such as the national heritage of the pagoda family on Quan Lan Island, ancient Van Don port, the Uncle Ho memorial area on Ngoc Vung Island, etc. Moreover, this district has traditional craft villages specializing in fish sauce production, raising sea cucumbers and other seafood, growing specialty plants, etc. With such great potential, Van Don is aiming to become a Special Economic Zone shortly. And such efforts are carried out by actual projects and works.

Take action to make Van Don attractive and known by more people

Completing the building’s electronic system at 5 Islands

The five islands of Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Ban Sen, Quan Lan, and Thang Loi have been upgraded with electronic systems, creating a reasonable basis for constructing other infrastructure works for socio-economic development and tourism. With electricity, tourism development here becomes more accessible and faster. While the service price has decreased, the quality of service has increased much, attracting more and more tourists to this land. In particular, Van Don welcomed more than 220,000 tourists in early 2018. Thanks to this implementation, the district confidently organizes cultural and spiritual activities in addition to the advantage of ecotourism. Remarkable, Cai Bau Pagoda, Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery, Level Tien Pagoda, Ti Anh Tongetc create beautiful cultural scenes worth exploring.

Quang Ninh International Airport Project in Van Don

A large project of 5.1 trillion VND (242 million USD) will be carried out to construct Quang Ninh International Airport in the Van Don Islands District. The airport is expected to cover an area of ​​285 hectares in Doan Ket commune, of a size suitable for Boeing 777s. Construction is expected to occur in two phases, with phase 1 between 2012 and 2020. By 2030, the airport will have a capacity of 5 million passengers and 30,000 tons annually. Note that this is a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) project approved by the Prime Minister. With the hope that this airport will be completed, locals hope it will promote the province’s socio-economic development, making Van Don an economic center in the North of Vietnam.

Planned highway Hanoi – Van Don

It takes about 4 hours or so to drive from Hanoi to the Van Don district, but if the expected Hanoi – Van Don Expressway is launched, the direct ride will take only 3 hours or less. Connected to the Ha Long – Hai Phong – Hanoi Expressway, the new Expressway will make it easier than ever to reach Van Don from the Vietnamese capital, which attracts more visitors than ever before. Currently, Sungroup and local authorities are speeding up this project’s progress to completion as soon as possible.

Sun Group’s Casino Project

There will be a high-class tourist complex in Van Don, including a Casino for visitors to entertain. With a vision to 2030, it is believed that this island district will develop in a modern and sustainable direction, becoming a “sweet – precious – new” destination.

Community tourism at Banh Sua Island

Among the top charming and pristine places to see, instead of the famous Ha Long Bay, Banh Sua Island fascinates visitors with its ultimate peace, breathtaking scenery, and nature-friendly activities. Additionally, the island is now dedicated to community-based tourism, which means you’ll mingle with local villages to learn about their culture and way of life. There are floating houses and farms to visit.

After a boat trip from Cai Rong port of Van Don district, you Banh Sua Islandtourism and set foot on the lovely hideout. While the clear blue sea water inspires you to swim, snorkel, and kayak, the beautiful scenes are for sightseeing, gazing at the distant Bai Tu Long Bay, etc. Community tourism in Banh Sua island offers interactive activities with local fishermen; they will teach you how to use dip nets to catch fish, raise clams and “Tu Hai” (wild ducks), see sea cucumbers and snails, etc. Practice the methods and return with baskets full of fish, sea cucumbers, or snails.

It will also include visiting floating villages where fishing traditions are kept. Regarding meals, expect to dine alongside hospitable villagers who treat you like family. Dining in floating houses amid stunning sea views offers fun and unforgettable stories.

With many notable efforts to enhance Van Don Ha Long’s position on the Vietnam tourist map, get there early to see if the destination appeals to you. While Ha Long Bay will surely win excellent comments, other improvements and specials of Banh Sua Island are commendable.