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In the Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam lies the popular Tuan Chau Island, renowned for its charming natural beauty and laidback experiences. It is home to the largest artificial beach in Vietnam, stretching across an area of 220 hectares. The island is more specifically located in Ha Long Bay, providing tourists access to a blend of natural beauty with all the modern amenities. As you whip up a travel plan for exploring offbeat locations in Vietnam, including Tuan Chau Island to the list is a must.
Island’s Location
Photo: Nyx Ning / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tuan Chau Island is situated in Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has risen to popularity for its stunning limestone formations standing amidst emerald waters. It is positioned approximately 2 kilometres from the mainland, making it easily accessible by various means of transport. Additionally, Tuan Chau Island tourism itself is an extension of the Ha Long Bay tourism area, making it easier for you to explore the surrounding spots.
How To Reach Tuan Chau Island
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Initially, Tuan Chau used to be a secluded island, which made accessibility a little difficult for tourists. However, with consistent development around, there are now multiple different modes of transportation to reach the island. You can travel to Tuan Chau Island via two routes – From Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. There are different transportation modes for each.
From Hanoi: If you are travelling to Tuan Chau Island from Hanoi, the most accessible pit stop is from Giap Bat Bus Station or My Dinh Bus Station. From there, you will find frequent bus operators that will take you to Ha Long Bay. Another option is to take a motorbike ride from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. It is great for solo travellers who want a convenient, affordable and quick option.
From Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay is the nearest mainland option from Tuan Chau Island. While the first half of the journey from Hanoi is via road, the remainder of the journey from Ha Long Bay to the island needs to be done via waterway. There are boats and ferries available.
Things To Do
There is a diverse range of activities that are accessible on Tuan Chau Island. Having a proper travel plan ensures that you don’t miss out on any of these experiences:
1. Sightseeing Cruise Across Ha Long Bay
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There’s a reason why Ha Long Bay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beauty of this place is unmatched and the best way to experience that is by opting for a cruise experience. The traditional Vietnamese boat is the perfect medium for exploration. Getting to witness the beauty of the limestone pillars and the offbeat and beautiful located islets is truly an experience for the books. If lucky, you might get to witness the rowboats of the local fishermen too. There are kayaking and swimming activities you can indulge in as well.
2. Relax On Tuan Chau Beach
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On the island, one of the main attractions there is the Tuan Chau beach, which is quite secluded but equally beautiful. Despite being a man-made artificial beach, the beauty of the white sandy beaches paired with the crystal-clear waters makes for an experience that you can’t find elsewhere. Around the beach, you can indulge in a variety of water sports and activities like jet skiing and canoeing experience. Also, as the night sets in, visit the beachfront bars too.
3. Explore The Ha Long Market
Photo: Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons
Located around the island is the Ha Long Market, which is a commercial centre. Not just for cultural experiences, you can also indulge in shopping experiences too. There are a variety of small and big stalls available where you can enjoy local fabrics and even pearl jewellery. You can also interact with the locals and vendors for a fun experience. The lively atmosphere of the area is also great for you to enjoy some local street food options available around.
4. Visit The Island Theme Park
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Another one of the must-visit experiences around Tuan Chau Island is visiting the theme park. It is one of the best spots for children and families. The rides and secluded game zones allow you to have the time of your life. There are several water sports options available inside the theme park too and a separate mini golf area. If you get hungry, there is a cafeteria and restaurants are available too.
Places To Visit Around Tuan Chau Island
Once you are done exploring the island properly, ensure that you don’t miss out on exploring some of these popular tourist attractions around the island:
1. Ha Long Bay
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Without a doubt, the star attraction of Tuan Chau Island is Ha Long Bay. The bay is renowned for its seascapes and geological formations. There are a variety of islands, caves and grottoes around the area. Some of the must-visit spots to explore are Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave. The main attraction there is witnessing the bay’s iconic limestone karsts and floating villages.
Distance From Tuan Chau Island: 29.5 km
Timings: 24 hours
2. Bai Tu Long Bay
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Another bay that you must consider visiting from Tuan Chau Island is Bai Tu Long Bay. It is located northeast of Ha Long Bay. The bay is less crowded than Ha Long Bay, offering a more peaceful and serene environment. You can relax and unwind on the islands and secluded beaches for a relaxing escape from the chaos of the mainland.
Distance From Tuan Chau Island: 27.9 km
Timings: 24 hours
3. Cat Ba Island
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The largest island in the entirety of Ha Long, Cat Ba and offers a range of attractions, including Cat Ba National Park, sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. While there, you can immerse yourself in a variety of activities and experiences, including exploring the diverse ecosystems, from mangroves to limestone mountains. You can also indulge in ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and beachcombing.
Distance From Tuan Chau Island: 14.2 km
Timings: 24 hours
Where To Stay
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Tuan Chau Island map provides a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some of the most popular hotels and guest houses that you can book for your stay are Paradise Suites Hotel, Tuan Chau Resort, The Postcard Hotel, Viethouse Lodge and Moon Bay Ha Long Hotel.
Where To Eat
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The island has a variety of restaurants and eateries around. From authentic Vietnamese cuisine to international cuisine, you can indulge in a lot of different yet delectable food to try. Some of the must-visit spots while you are on the island are Whisky Gallery Restaurant, Tiki Bar at Tuan Chau Island, Su Chanh Coffee, Panorama Restaurant, and Blue Restaurant.
Best Time To Visit
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Like many other islands in Vietnam, the best time to visit Tuan Chau Island is between October and April. During this time, the Tuan Chau Island weather is comfortable and pleasant to explore all the outdoor activities. With minimal rainfall and less humidity around, exploring the island becomes a lot easier and more pleasant. The tourist season starts from December to February when the weather is at its best, but it can also be crowded.
Planning your vacation to Tuan Chau Island truly allows you to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s less-explored gems. The cultural experiences, shopping sites and the variety of water activities around the island enable you to find a perfect getaway for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. For a holistic travel experience, ensure that you book your vacation with TripXL for an enjoyable trip to Tuan Chau Island.
Cover Photo: Tuan Chau / Wikimedia Commons
