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Minh Chau Beach

Minh Chau Beach: A peaceful coastal getaway near Ha Long

20/08/2025 207 views

Minh Chau Beach is not just another name on the list of beaches in Quang Ninh; it is a revelation. With blindingly white sand that gleams like powdered glass and aquamarine waters so clear you can see the seabed, this stretch of coast on Minh Chau Island is a raw, untouched beauty you did not know you needed.

1. Where is Minh Chau Beach? When to visit?

Minh Chau Beach lies quietly on the eastern edge of Quan Lan Island, part of the Van Don archipelago in Quang Ninh Province. It may only be 1.5 kilometers long, but this beach punches far above its weight. Tucked within Bai Tu Long Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning neighbor to the more famous Ha Long Bay, Minh Chau Beach is framed by smooth rocks and centuries-old dunes.

Minh Chau Beach on Quan Lan Island

Minh Chau Beach on Quan Lan Island offers some of the purest sand and clearest water (Source: Collected)

Minh Chau Beach is best visited from April to June. That is when northern Vietnam gets its summer groove on; warm temperatures, low tides, and calm seas make for perfect beach days. 

Read more: Ha Long Bay weather: A comprehensive guide for first-time visitors

2. How to get to Minh Chau Beach?

2.1. From Hanoi to Ao Tien Port

Getting from Hanoi to Ao Tien Port is quick and hassle-free. The fastest option is by car, just under 3 hours via the Hanoi–Hai Phong–Ha Long–Van Don expressway. Motorbike travelers can take a longer, scenic route through Bac Ninh, Uong Bi, Ha Long, and Cam Pha, which takes around 5 hours.

Daily buses also run from Hanoi’s major stations, or you can book a limousine for direct pickup. Fares range from 150,000 to 300,000 VND. 

If you are flying in, land at Van Don Airport and reach Ao Tien in just 10 minutes by car.

2.2. From Ao Tien Port to Minh Chau Island

From Ao Tien Port, the largest passenger port in Van Don Special Zone, reaching Minh Chau Beach is fast and easy. High-speed boats depart daily at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM, with an extra 11:00 AM trip added on weekends. The return boats from Minh Chau leave at 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The ride takes just 45 minutes, giving you sweeping views of Bai Tu Long Bay along the way.

Tickets cost 180,000 VND per adult and 140,000 VND for children under 5. If you are traveling in a group of five or more, it is smart to book in advance. While there are other ports like Cai Rong, Vung Duc, or Hon Gai, Ao Tien offers the most frequent and reliable service to Minh Chau.

Once you arrive on the island, getting to Minh Chau Beach is a breeze. You can hop on a tuk tuk or rent an electric buggy for 20,000–100,000 VND, or grab a motorbike or bicycle for around 100,000–200,000 VND per day.

From Ao Tien Port to Minh Chau Island

Ao Tien Port is your gateway to the hidden magic of Minh Chau Beach (Source: Collected)

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3. Things to do on your visit to Minh Chau Beach

3.1. Take part in water-based activities

The beach itself is the main attraction. Stretching 1.5 kilometers, Minh Chau Beach boasts powdery white sand and gentle waves, perfect for all ages. The shore slopes gradually into the sea, making it ideal for swimming, even for kids and beginners. On calm days, the water turns into a vast, translucent pool.

Feeling adventurous? Try jet skiing, ride a banana boat, or go tubing. Local operators along the beach offer rental services, so you can jump into water sports without any prep. The beach is also a great spot for group games like beach volleyball or frisbee.

Minh Chau Beach is perfect for swimming and water sports

Minh Chau Beach is perfect for swimming and water sports (Source: Collected)

3.2. Enjoy sightseeing and camping

Visitors are welcome to set up tents or picnic spots during the day to relax, nap in the shade, or enjoy a seaside barbecue with friends and family. As the sun dips low, gather around to enjoy fresh seafood and soak in the ocean breeze. It is the perfect way to unplug—no city noise, just waves, salt air, and the gentle glow of dusk. When you are ready for a bite or a cold drink, there are plenty of casual beachfront eateries nearby, serving everything from iced tea to freshly caught squid, ensuring you’re always close to something delicious.

3.3. Capture breathtaking moments

Minh Chau Beach is a photographer’s dream. From sunrise over the water to golden-hour portraits by the rocks, every angle is frame-worthy. Just a short walk inland, you will find the ancient Java Plum Forest, a lush grove of old trees known locally as the “sacred woods.” Their gnarled trunks and filtered light create a mystical vibe, perfect for nature shots or moody portraits.

Capture stunning scenes at the nearby Tram Forest

Capture stunning scenes at the nearby Tram Forest (Source: Collected)

3.4. Experience local life

To truly experience the island, you have to live it. Minh Chau offers a range of homestays that let you stay with local families and get a taste of everyday life. Wake up before dawn and follow locals to Con Trui, a vast tidal flat opposite the main beach, where you can dig for “sa sung” or sea worms, collect clams, or pull in fishing nets.

For a different kind of sea adventure, you can head to Vung Dau Cao, a serene bay where locals fish for sand-smelts, a small, flavorful fish that has become a regional delicacy. You can hop on a small wooden boat powered by a motor, drift offshore, and cast your line. If you time your visit during peak season, you could catch up to 4–6 kilograms of fish in just one morning.

3.5. Savor local foods

Minh Chau Beach is a seafood heaven. The island’s remoteness means the catch is always fresh and full of flavor. You will find everything from steamed crab and grilled scallops to local specialties like sea worm porridge and raw fish salad with herbs and rice paper.

The crown jewel, though, is sea worm—a rare delicacy harvested right from Minh Chau’s tidal flats. Grilled with salt and lemon or stewed into rich broths, this dish is not just tasty; it is a source of pride for locals. Pair it with a sip of java plum wine, a fragrant herbal liquor made from the native java plum fruit, and you will taste the soul of the island in every bite.

Things to do on your visit to Minh Chau Beach

Minh Chau seafood (Source: Collected)

Read more: Things to do in Ha Long: 25+ spectacular experiences

4. Where to drop by near Minh Chau Beach?

The area around Minh Chau Beach is dotted with hidden treasures, each offering a new angle on the raw beauty of the region.

  • Tam Tien Beach (200 meters away): Just a short walk from Minh Chau Beach, this peaceful, uncrowded shoreline is perfect for watching the sunrise and enjoying the tranquil side of Bai Tu Long Bay without the crowds.
  • Robinson Beach (1.5 kilometers away): Tucked in a remote corner of the island, this wild and untouched stretch of sand feels like your own private piece of paradise.
  • Son Hao Beach (1.6 kilometers away): Slightly farther north, this beach charms with its rugged beauty, forested dunes, and gentle waves, ideal for those seeking Bai Tu Long Bay’s wilder side.

If you are up for more, hop on an electric car and discover the scenic double-sided river lined with white sand, windswept grass fields, and historical relics around Minh Chau – Quan Lan. Don’t miss Eo Gio (Wind Strait) for sweeping sea views, or the island’s ancient temples, shrines, and communal houses that capture the cultural depth of this lesser-known part of the bay.

Tam Tien Beach

Beyond Minh Chau Beach, other hidden shores like Tam Tien Beach are just a short ride away (Source: Collected)

Read more: Ha Long Bay: A mesmerizing tapestry of limestone wonders

5. Extra tips to explore Minh Chau Beach

A visit to Minh Chau Beach is more rewarding when you know what to expect. With the right timing and preparation, your trip can go from great to unforgettable.

  • Pack light but smart: Sunscreen, hats, sandals, and a waterproof phone pouch are musts.
  • Avoid weekends if you can: The beach is less crowded on weekdays.
  • Bring cash: Not all local vendors accept cards.
  • Wake up early: Sunrise on the beach is unreal and perfect for photos.
  • Stay flexible: Boat schedules may shift with weather conditions. Check updates before traveling.
  • Respect nature: Don’t litter or take shells. Minh Chau’s magic lies in its purity.

Check out: Ha Long attractions: Must-see spots for every traveler

Minh Chau Beach is not just another coastal stop; it is a rare find. With crystal-clear waters, silky white sand, and a serene atmosphere untouched by mass tourism, it offers a different kind of Ha Long Bay experience—one that feels intimate, wild, and refreshingly real.

And when your beach days are done, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Located on Reu Island just off the city coast, it is a marvelous resort with ocean-view pools, indulgent spa treatments, and world-class dining. It is the perfect place to recharge before or after your island adventure.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long—luxury meets nature in the heart of the bay

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

 

Still exploring Vietnam? Don’t stop here. Head to Hanoi for street food and history, Hoi An for old-town charm, Nha Trang for bustling beaches, or Phu Quoc for tropical vibes. At each of these top destinations, you will find VinWonders—Vietnam’s premier entertainment brand. From water parks and thrilling rides to immersive cultural zones, it is the ultimate family-friendly experience. Pair the fun with a stay at any Vinpearl hotel or resort for the full package: comfort, service, and unforgettable views.

VinWonders Phu Quoc offers unforgettable fun for all ages

VinWonders Phu Quoc offers unforgettable fun for all ages

 

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Thrills await at the heart of VinWonders Nha Trang

Thrills await at the heart of VinWonders Nha Trang

 

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Unforgettable family moments at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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