Quang Ninh Island Tourism: Ensuring Green Growth

With a long coastline, thousands of islands, and diverse landscapes and ecosystems, Quang Ninh province has great potential for developing sea and island tourism. These advantages open up opportunities to attract tourists, promote economic growth, but also pose the problem of harmonious development for coastal and island localities, towards sustainable tourism.

Cai Chien island commune seen from above.

Located 7km from the mainland, with an area of over 2,500 hectares, Cai Chien possesses fine sand beaches, clear blue water, primeval forests and a clean environment, suitable for developing eco -tourism , resorts combined with fishing logistics services. In recent years, thanks to the investment of the Central and the province in key infrastructure projects such as national grid electricity, cross-island roads, telecommunications, etc., Cai Chien has made a breakthrough in developing tourism and improving people's lives. The commune government coordinates to deploy and effectively manage the projects, creating favorable conditions for people and businesses to develop tourism services.

Mr. Pham Thai Viet, Owner of Phi Vung Homestay, Cai Chien Commune, shared: “Cai Chien Island is still wild and very attractive to tourists. In 2017, I decided to invest in a homestay. In addition to accommodation, we also organize experiences such as squid fishing, snail catching, fishing, etc. From a few initial rooms, the homestay has now expanded to 17 rooms; income from tourism is much higher than from farming or fishing.”

Dragon Head Resort on Cai Chien Island.

Along with community tourism, the locality also attracts many large projects. A typical example is Dau Rong Resort - a high-end resort on an area of over 20 hectares, invested by Lam Ngoc Duong Trading Company Limited, including hotels, bungalows and resort apartments. The project takes advantage of the long beach, while ensuring green elements in harmony with the landscape; phase 1 has been completed, creating more jobs for local workers. Mr. Pham Cong Trinh, Deputy CEO of Dau Rong Resort, said: "We are preparing to implement phase 2 to build a high-end hotel and resort villa area, and at the same time, coordinate with the local government and people to organize activities and experiential tourism products on the island for visitors".

Thanks to synchronous investment in infrastructure and strong development of services and tourism, the lives of Cai Chien people have significantly improved. By the end of 2024, the average income per capita will reach 92 million VND/year; the commune will have no more poor or near-poor households. Mr. Nguyen Van Manh, Chairman of Cai Chien Commune People's Committee, said: "The development plan until 2040 divides Cai Chien island into 5 functional areas: high-class resort tourism, service center, forest-sea ecological conservation, forest experience tourism and mangrove conservation associated with small islands. This orientation not only ensures harmony between economic development and conservation of resources and environment, but also focuses on protecting water resources and natural ecosystems on the island".

Scuba diving service on Thanh Lan Island (Co To Special Zone) attracts tourists

Meanwhile, in Co To Special Zone - a highly attractive destination for Quang Ninh island tourism, with an area of about 53.6km² and a population of nearly 7,000 people, this place is oriented to become a "high-quality eco-tourism destination" and a "model island special zone" of the province. In the period of 2020-2025, Co To welcomed about 1.2 million visitors, tourism revenue reached 3,000 billion VND; average economic growth of 16%/year, budget revenue increased by 10%/year. In 2025, the summer tourist season will be marked with 6 new sightseeing routes, expanding experiences and attractive services, ensuring safety and environmental friendliness. Mr. Bui Van Binh, owner of Thanh Binh homestay in Hai Tien village, said: "Previously, it took more than 3 hours to go by boat from Van Don to Co To island, now it only takes more than 1 hour, convenient infrastructure helps tourism develop. My family switched from agriculture to running a 13-room homestay, income is many times higher than before. With the advantage of many beautiful beaches, everyone can participate in tourism, and I believe Co To will make a breakthrough when it becomes a special island zone".

From the development practice of coastal and island areas, it can be clearly seen that Quang Ninh's orientation is to focus on investing in key infrastructure, synchronous planning, encouraging community participation and creating an open and transparent investment environment. Many strategic transportation projects have been completed such as coastal roads, Ha Long - Van Don - Mong Cai expressway, Van Don International Airport, and high-class cruise ship ports. The power grid, clean water and telecommunications systems on the islands have also been invested synchronously, creating conditions for the strong development of sea and island tourism routes.

In recent years, Quang Ninh tourism has developed strongly, affirming its position as one of the leading tourist centers in the country. In 2024 alone, the province welcomed about 19 million visitors, with a total revenue of more than 46,460 billion VND; in which, sea and island tourism plays a key role. Key localities such as Van Don, Co To, Cai Chien and the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay will be the core of the green, smart destination system, strongly applying digital technology in management, promotion and service for tourists.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/du-lich-bien-dao-quang-ninh-dam-bao-tang-truong-xanh-20250820095811315.htm