Van Don Bay Cruises

Van Don Bay is located about 50 km southeast of Halong City and belongs to the Bai Tu Long Bay National Park, including a large archipelago of more than 600 islands and islets.

Van Don Bay is not part of Halong Bay, although the two are neighboring coastal areas; a Van Don Bay cruise offers a totally different cruising area from the classic Ha Long Bay route.

Van Don Bay remains largely untouched and less developed for tourism than Halong Bay, with only one cruise operating and fewer visitors. 

Its unexplored landscapes offer an off-the-beaten-path cruising experience away from the crowds while also bringing a whole new side of exploration and adventure that ties closely to the local community.

To get to Van Don from Hanoi, you can book a limousine bus (around US $20/way) or a private car (US $100 - 150/trip) to Ao Tien International Port, the main gateway to Van Don. The total length is about 212km, taking ~2 hours and 50 minutes to travel.

Overall, October - November and March - April are the best times to visit Van Don Bay, with pleasant temperatures, less rain, and clearer skies. These conditions are ideal for outdoor activities such as kayaking, cave exploring, and sightseeing.

A Van Don Bay cruise offers a balanced mix of things to do, from nature and outdoor adventure to authentic local experiences such as:

• Kayak through the hidden lagoons of Cai De or swim in its crystal-clear waters.  
• Discover traditional fishing and aquaculture practices like Cu Ky or oyster harvesting at Lao Vong Fishing Village.
• Explore Phat Co Cave, a hidden geological gem shaped by millions of years of natural formations.

Yes. Oris Cruise is currently the only cruise ship operating overnight journeys in Van Don Bay, offering exclusive access to this newly explored route. Booking with Oris is your chance to discover a side of Quang Ninh that few travelers ever get to experience