Tuan Chau Island - A Colorful Pearl of Halong Bay

Located within the popular new wonder of the world – Ha Long Bay (Halong Bay), Tuan Chau Island has all the natural advantages to turn itself into the brightest pearl in Northern Vietnam, offering various recreational activities and seashore resorts. Not only does it boast spectacular view and beautiful spots, Tuan Chau also contains rich archaeological and historical values.

Traces and relics have revealed that prehistoric people occupied this area around 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. In wartime, Tuan Chau was a key outpost for the army to defend Vietnam’s borders because of a strategic position on the sea. The name, which basically combined two words ‘Linh Tuan’ (the patrolman) and ‘Tri Chau’ (district chief), came from that.

I. Overview of Tuan Chau Island

Location: north-west of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam

Opening hours: daily 24/7

Entrance Fee: Entering the island and relaxing by the sea are totally free. There are only tickets for personal entertaining activities.

• Tuan Chau International Entertainment Center, which offers an endless range of outdoor rides and games. The entrance fee is approximately 350,000 VND per person.

Additional Information:

• Ha Long Bay Entrance Fee: If you plan to visit Ha Long Bay from Tuan Chau Island, the entrance fee is 290,000 VND per person, which includes a 250,000 VND ticket to visit the bay and a 40,000 VND port fee.
• Sun World Ha Long Complex: This’s one of the most attractive destinations in Halong. Sun World offers various ticket options ranging from 200,000 VND to 750,000 VND per person, depending on the chosen activities.

Please note that prices and schedules are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the official websites or contact the service providers directly for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

II. Best Time to Visit Tuan Chau Island

In fact, Tuan Chau Island has four separate seasons. Winter time is from November to February when it is slightly chilly and humid. This season is suitable for someone enjoying low pace style and quietness. The rest of the year is typical for a tropical country like Vietnam.

In general, the best time to visit Tuan Chau Island, Halong Bay is from early May to the end of September. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, suitable for activities like sightseeing and enjoying the beaches. This is also the budget traveling time to visit Tuan Chau. 

However, each season in Tuan Chau offers an unique feelings. Warm spring sounds so exciting and busy after Lunar New Year while blazing summer with splendid shades of blue sky and emerald water is impeccable for swimming and sailing. If you prefer less crowded, romantic autumn is extremely suitable for walking along the beach with your loved one or discovering the mystical beauty of Tuan Chau.

Editor’s Tip: Avoid going to Tuan Chau island at the weekend and on holidays like around 30th April (Reunification Day and Halong Carnaval) and summer holiday for students (June to August), since the prices are generally higher. 

III. What to Do in Tuan Chau Island?

From a poor, isolated area, Tuan Chau has developed dramatically over the years. Now, it became one of the most attractive destinations in Halong City with modern entertainment complex, resorts and hotel as well as fine restaurants. There are many things to do and ways to enjoy Tuan Chau Island. Here are some must-visit attractions and activities to make the most of your trip:

1. Enjoy the Beaches

Because of 2 stunning beaches here, Tuan Chau Island is an ideal destination for beach lovers. Each beach stands out with golden sands, crystal water and less crowded accommodations. You can enjoy the peaceful ambiance here and take part in many interesting activities:

• Swim in the calm waters.
• Sunbathe or relax under the shade of coconut trees.
• Take romantic walks along the shoreline.

For adventure enthusiasts, the beaches also offer thrilling water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and canoe parachuting.

2. Go Camping, Hiking or Mountain-climbing

If you are an adventure enthusiast, Tuan Chau’s lush and hilly terrain are perfect for you. The island’s gentle slopes and green forests provide a great conditions for the travelers and wanderers to do:

• Camping under the stars.
• Hiking through scenic trails.
• Mountain climbing to discover breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

3. Watch Amazing Animal Performances

Known for the diversity of ecosystem, Tuan Chau island is the home to a number of animals. Tuan Chau hosts many amazing shows with seals, dolphins, sea lions and crocodiles together with a high-tech water fountain music performance and laser lighting on water screen.

There is also a martial arts show and a circus of monkeys. The whole club is designed in a typical dome architecture, can contain up to 2500 people and a huge salt water pool where cute friendly dolphins and sea lions are raised and protected.

4. Visit the Tuan Chau International Entertainment Center

This entertainment complex offers a wide range of attractions for all ages. The outdoor parks are large and colorfully decorated, so each and every corner can give you a perfect photo. For free travelers, nothing more remarkable than at the end of the day, you set up a BBQ party, board games, dance or magic laser effects in a stunning background overlooking the picturesque sea view and raise your voice with wind’s breath.

5. Cruise Through Ha Long Bay

Tuan Chau Island is an ideal starting point for a cruise in Ha Long Bay. Skip the traditional tours and enjoy a luxury cruise experience that offers:

• Panoramic views of the bay’s limestone islets.
• Comfortable accommodations on board.
• Scrumptious seafood meals.
• Breathtaking sunrises over the water.

In addition, Halong Cruise 2 days or 3 days are highly recommend because each cruise offer a flexible and convenient itinerary for you to explore the whole beauty of Tuan Chau Island as well as Ha Long Bay.

>> Check out: Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days | Halong Bay Cruise 3 Days | Luxury Halong Bay Cruise

IV. How to Get to Tuan Chau Island

Tuan Chau Island covers an area of 2.2 square kilometers in the north-west of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province. It is easily accessible from land (through National Route 1) or waterway (from Ha Long Bay).

1. By coach

From Hanoi to Tuan Chau island, you can choose to go by coach (My Dinh- Quang Ninh route which costs just 200,000VND) to get to Bai Chay, then from Bai Chay, you follow the road linking to Tuan Chau. You have two options to get to Tuan Chau island, either catching a taxi or motorbike taxi, or renting a car/ motorbike for a few days and go by yourself, both take up to 2 hours only.

2. By Plane

From Ho Chi Minh City, it’s the most convenient to land in Cat Bi airport by air first, then travel by car/bus on Hai Phong – Tuan Chau Highway in just a 30-minute drive. The other choice is going to Van Don airport and then take a boat from Mong Cai to Tuan Chau, which takes about 2 hours.

3. By Motorbike

If you want something adventurous, then using a motorbike to travel to Tuan Chau island is an interesting idea. If you depart from Hanoi, it takes about 160km to travel through Hai Duong and Bac Ninh provinces through the Highways.

4. By Train

The safest means to get to Halong Bay and Tuan Chau island is probably the train. You can buy the daily ticket at Yen Vien Station (Gia Lam). Ticket prices is about 70,000 VND – 120,000 VND (about $3 to $5 USD), depending on the seat type.

Note: Yen Vien Station is located about 13km from Hanoi city’s center so you should plan your transfer carefully to avoid missing the train.

V. Where to Stay at Tuan Chau Island?

With increasing demand for accommodations, Tuan Chau offers a wide variety of options, including charming homestays, affordable hostels, 4-star hotels, and luxurious resorts. Here are some recommendations:

• Halong Paradise Suite Hotel: A top choice for high-end visitors, featuring a beautiful bayside pool, luxury spa, and plush suites with stunning beach views. It is within walking distance of 1958 Restaurant, famous for its delicious authentic Vietnamese food.
• Homestays and Hostels: Ideal for travelers who are seeking for cozy and affordable accommodations.
• Resorts: Perfect for those seeking an opulent experience, with international-standard facilities and stunning views of the bay.

VI. Tips on Visiting Tuan Chau Island

Once deciding to go there on the high-season, remember to book hotels, coaches or cruises in advance, they will be sold out very quickly. Don’t forget to note the schedule of performances to have best option and experience here:

Crocodiles and Monkeys performances: Each performance lasts 20 minutes and is scheduled at:

• 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
• 11:00 AM – 11:20 AM
• 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
• 4:40 PM – 5:00 PM
• 7:30 PM – 7:50 PM

Note: These shows are typically available only during holidays and festivals.

Lions and Seals performances: Each lasts for 30 minutes in various periods

• 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• 8:15 PM – 8:45 PM
• 9:15 PM – 9:45 PM

Additionally, Tuan Chau Island also offers Water Music Show that lasts about 40 minutes. The entrance fee for the Water Music Show is approximately 100,000 VND per person.

Those are all highlights and recommendations for a trip in Tuan Chau Island. It’s time to plan and indulge yourself by an unforgettable and amazing experience in one of the best islands in Vietnam. Please comment below if you want to share yours or any concern about this beautiful spot.