1. Overview of Quang Ninh Sea
1.1. Key Features of Quang Ninh Sea
With a coastline of over 250km and more than 2000 large and small islands, Quang Ninh Sea is considered one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in Northern Vietnam. Along this stretch of land is a harmonious blend of mountains, sea, and urban areas. From pristine islands like Co To, Quan Lan, Minh Chau to the modern Ha Long center.
The cool climate, clear blue sea, gentle sandy beaches, along with luxurious resorts and entertainment services, make Quang Ninh a "4-season" destination, with its own charm at each time of the year.
1.2. The Appeal of Quang Ninh Sea for the 2025 Tourist Season
Not only attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery, Quang Ninh is also a pioneer in developing marine tourism towards "green – safe – experiential". Ecological tour routes, coral conservation activities, and "plastic-free tourism" programs are widely implemented. In parallel, tourism infrastructure is heavily invested in, from international marinas, high-class hotels to modern entertainment complexes and amusement parks.
Quang Ninh has over 250 km of coastline, over 6,000 km2 of sea surface, and over 1,000 km2 of island area. (Source: Collected)
2. Top most beautiful islands in Quang Ninh
2.1. Ha Long Bay
As the "heart" of Quang Ninh tourism, Ha Long Bay conquers visitors with its majestic beauty, featuring thousands of limestone islands standing out amidst jade-green waters. Unmissable experiences here include taking a cruise to admire the scenery, kayaking to explore caves, or enjoying a panoramic view of the bay from the Sun Wheel in the Sun World Ha Long complex. Premium cruise tours in 2025 also offer new experiences such as dining on the bay, night kayaking, or learning to cook Vietnamese dishes with a professional chef.
Ha Long Bay - Quang Ninh's giant "watercolor painting". (Source: Collected)
2.2. Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay impresses with its pristine, tranquil beauty, azure waters, and overlapping limestone mountains. It retains its original natural character, suitable for tourists who love eco-tourism, kayaking, or exploring coastal fishing villages like Vung Vieng and Cai Rong. A trip to Bai Tu Long is a journey to touch the purest beauty of Quang Ninh's sea.
Bai Tu Long is famous as a bay with magnificent island systems, caves, beautiful and pristine beaches. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Co To Island
Co To is a 'must-go' destination for nature lovers and explorers. Hong Van Beach, Van Chay Beach, Co To Con Beach… all possess clear blue waters, gentle waves, and long stretches of white sand. In the morning, you can stroll along the love road shaded by casuarina trees; in the afternoon, watch the sunset from the island's highest lighthouse.
The local cuisine is rich with the flavors of the sea: squid cake, grilled sea worm, razor clam, sea urchin, steamed mantis shrimp… For the 2025 tourist season, Co To is expected to launch a 'green tourism' tour combining sightseeing, beach clean-ups, and sustainable fishing village exploration.
Co To Island captivates visitors with its pristine, gentle, and emotional beauty. (Source: Collected)
2.4. Quan Lan Island
If you are looking for a quiet space, visit Quan Lan - a "pristine paradise" amidst the Northeast sea region. Minh Chau, Son Hao, and Quan Lan beaches still retain their natural beauty with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. Besides swimming, you can take an electric car around the island and visit the Quan Lan communal house. In 2025, the island is promoting community-based tourism, encouraging visitors to experience homestays and eat fresh seafood caught by locals.
Quan Lan Island is an island belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay, famous for its pristine beauty, azure beaches, and fine white sand. (Source: Compilation)
2.5. Ngoc Vung Island
Few people know that, in the Ha Long Bay area, there is still a “raw gem” named Ngoc Vung. The island is famous for its fine white sand, blue waters, and stretching salt fields. Besides swimming, visitors can join tours to explore craft villages, go basket boating with fishermen, or experience watching the sunrise on the old pier. The trend of community-based tourism is helping Ngoc Vung transform; while still retaining its pristine appearance, it is organized neatly and is environmentally friendly.
Not only does Ngoc Vung Island captivate tourists to Quang Ninh with its simple, peaceful beauty, but it also marks a significant milestone in the nation's historical flow. (Source: Collected)
2.6. Ti Top Island
Located in the heart of Ha Long Bay, Ti Top Island is famous for its crescent-shaped beach and fine white sand. From the island's summit, after climbing nearly 400 stone steps, visitors can admire the entire heritage bay scenery in the sparkling sunlight. This is one of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints in Quang Ninh. Ti Top Island is a perfect combination of relaxation, swimming, and checking in amidst spectacular nature.
Ti Top Island is rated as the most beautiful island in Ha Long Bay. (Source: Collected)
3. Unmissable Experiences at Quang Ninh Sea
3.1. Seaside Entertainment Activities
Summer 2025, Quang Ninh continues to affirm its position as a leading destination for sea tourism with a series of attractive sports and entertainment activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, coral diving, or parasailing over the sea.
Kayaking: This is an experience loved by many tourists when visiting Ha Long or Co To. For only about 150,000 – 200,000 VND/hour, you can navigate among the limestone islands, feel the crystal-clear water, and enjoy the majestic natural scenery around the bay.
Sea diving: Those who love exploring the ocean can visit areas such as Van Gio Island, Quan Lan, or Co To, which have rich coral ecosystems and clear blue waters. The best time to dive is from May to September, when underwater visibility is ideal and the weather is stable.
Parasailing over the sea: At Bai Chay or Hong Van beach (Co To), you can experience flying in the air, taking in the majestic beauty of the heritage bay from a completely new perspective.
All service points are strictly managed, guides are well-trained, and equipment meets safety standards. Therefore, whether you are an adventurous tourist or just want to enjoy a relaxing feeling, you can rest assured to fully experience the Quang Ninh sea season.
Kayaking to explore caves on Ha Long Bay. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Enjoying Quang Ninh's Seafood Cuisine
It's impossible to talk about Quang Ninh without mentioning its cuisine – the "soul" of a coastal exploration journey. Quang Ninh's seafood cuisine is a harmonious blend of the natural sweetness of seafood and the rich, distinctive Northern Vietnamese preparation methods.
Hand-pounded Squid Cake: Considered the culinary icon of Ha Long, this golden, chewy, and fragrant squid cake can be easily found at Hon Gai Market or famous shops like Ong Ba and Ba Phuc.
Peanut Worm: A "premium" specialty of the Quang Ninh coast, often prepared by stir-frying with garlic or grilling until crispy. The delicate sweetness and chewy texture of the peanut worm leave many diners with lasting memories.
Steamed Ngán with lemongrass, grilled oysters with scallion oil, crispy fried horseshoe crab eggs: These rustic dishes capture the essence of the sea, loved by many for their rich aroma and distinctive creamy taste.
At Ha Long 1 Market, Hon Gai Market, or the Bai Chay night food street, visitors can easily find dozens of fresh seafood stalls, choose their items on the spot, and have them cooked to their preference. This is also an ideal place to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the local people and savor the flavors of the Northeastern sea in the most authentic Quang Ninh way.
Quang Ninh is a paradise for seafood lovers. (Source: Collected)
3.3. Sea cultural festivals and events
Not only does it have beautiful nature, Quang Ninh also stands out for its vibrant cultural life throughout the four seasons. Each year, a series of sea festivals and events are organized, offering visitors colorful experiences.
Notably, there is the Ha Long Carnaval, a colorful annual festival held in April or May, gathering hundreds of artists and dancers in magnificent parades, music, and light performances along the Hon Gai – Bai Chay route. Additionally, there is the Co To sea swimming race, the bay-side light festival, along with many water sports competitions attracting a large number of tourists and locals.
If you want to enjoy a full day with the sea and entertainment, Sun World Ha Long is the ideal choice. Here, visitors can swim, play at the Water Park, take the Queen Cable Car to admire the panoramic view of the bay, or take photos at the Sun Wheel atop Ba Deo mountain.
The Ha Long Carnaval Beach Festival is vibrant with colors, attracting thousands of tourists every year. (Source: Collected)
4. Experience when traveling to Quang Ninh beaches
Packing essentials: Depending on the destination, tourists should prepare suitable clothing: swimwear, flip-flops, a light jacket, and sunscreen. If going to a remote island like Co To, you should bring a power bank, insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a waterproof bag for your phone.
Civilized behavior, environmental protection: Preserving the landscape is a way to show love for the sea. Say no to plastic bags, do not litter into the sea, do not step on coral when diving, and respect local culture when visiting fishing villages.
Tips for taking stunning photos: The morning from about 5:30 AM to 7 AM is the ideal time for beach photography, when the light is soft and clear. In the afternoon, from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, is when the golden sun shines on the sea surface of Bai Chay or along the Tran Quoc Nghien coastal road, making it the perfect time to catch the sunset and capture the most brilliant photos. You should choose pastel or white outfits to flatter your skin tone and blend in with the clear blue sea during the Quang Ninh summer.
Taking beautiful beach photos requires choosing the right time. (Source: Compilation)
From the golden sandy beaches of Bai Chay, the gentle waves at Co To, to the tranquil beauty of Ngoc Vung, the Quang Ninh sea always possesses a special charm, both modern and pristine. In 2025, as the trend of green tourism and sustainable experiences rises, Quang Ninh promises to continue being a top destination in the North, where visitors can not only find beautiful scenery but also feel the spirit of living in harmony with the sea and sky.
