Cai Chien Island is part of Hai Ha District, Quang Ninh Province, and can be reached in under four hours by car from Hanoi, plus a 15-minute canoe ride or 45-minute ferry from Ghenh Vo Port.

Though not as well-known as Quan Lan or Co To, Cai Chien is an ideal destination for those seeking a serene island experience, fresh and affordable seafood, and a slice of rustic coastal life.

Cai Chien features long stretches of fine white sand bordered by vibrant green casuarina trees. The island also has extensive primary forests, home to various bird species and wild animals.

Its coastal areas are dotted with rocky outcrops that provide a natural habitat for marine life such as stone snails, green and yellow conches, turret shells, and woven basket snails.

Islanders mainly live off near-shore fishing and are known for their friendliness and hospitality.

Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, a 21-year-old local from Quang Ninh working in island tourism, said the island has grown in popularity over recent years. During summer weekends, many of the island’s guesthouses and homestays are fully booked.

The ideal time to visit Cai Chien is between April and July when the weather is clear and typhoons are rare.

According to Tuyen, the island features several beaches ideal for recreation, including Cai Chien 1 and 2, and Dau Rong.

Dau Rong Beach, located on the island’s eastern shore, stretches over 2 kilometers with gentle slopes and crystal-clear water. Tall casuarina trees line the beach. “Dau Rong is the main beach and offers the most services for visitors,” Tuyen noted.

Cai Chien 1 is a community beach located in Cai Chien Hamlet, the island’s center. When the tide recedes, black rock formations emerge, creating a scenic backdrop for photos.

Cai Chien 2, just over a kilometer from Cai Chien 1, features clean golden sand and deeper water, suitable for near-shore swimming. The area is surrounded by charming seaside cafes, homestays, and guesthouses.

Beyond fresh seafood dishes like razor clams stir-fried with bamboo shoots, clam porridge, and grilled oysters, Cai Chien is renowned for its "bearded chicken." This unique breed is named for a tuft of long feathers hanging beneath its beak, resembling a beard.

Bearded chickens are low-legged, yellow-skinned, small-boned, slow-growing, and prized for their firm, flavorful meat.

Boiled bearded chicken is particularly delicious, with golden skin that looks like it was dipped in fat but tastes light, crispy, and naturally sweet.

Travelers can reach Cai Chien via self-propelled ferries from Ghenh Vo Port in Quang Dien Commune. These ferries accommodate both passengers and vehicles (from 4-seat cars up to 32-seat buses).

“Ferries don’t have a fixed schedule and operate based on tidal conditions. The trip from the mainland takes about 45 to 50 minutes,” Tuyen shared.

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

The island now has a resort along with various guesthouses and homestays.

To support tourism, local authorities have encouraged residents to keep the environment clean, enhance landscape aesthetics, attend community-based tourism training, designate waste collection points, and set up incinerators and waste collection teams for residential areas and beaches.

Linh Trang