2025 Van Don District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Van Don, located in Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, is about 70 kilometers north of Ha Long City along the coastal road. This area is renowned for its stunning coastal islands and the magnificent temples perched on the hills, making it a perfect destination for a scenic drive from Ha Long City. I rented a motorbike and took my time exploring the area, which took me about two hours. However, the journey typically takes around an hour and a half. The road is relatively quiet, and the surrounding scenery is breathtaking, so I highly recommend visiting this place at least once.

Bai Dai Van Don is a stunning coastal area located in Van Don, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Once a popular destination for tourists, its appeal has waned somewhat as the popularity of Ha Long Bay has diminished, leading to fewer visitors and a slightly desolate atmosphere. However, the lack of tourists adds to the charm of this place. The beach boasts expansive white sands, picturesque islands, and its most captivating feature—a long wooden pier stretching out into the sea. If you’re traveling in the Van Don area, this beach is easy to find as you follow the coastline. It’s highly recommended to take some time to visit and enjoy its serene beauty.

Cap Tien Temple is a unique temple located on Cap Tien Island, a small island in Van Don, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. The temple is situated with its back to the mountains and facing the sea, offering a refreshing and stunning view. It is a great place to visit along with the nearby Cua Ong Temple. While the main temple building is beautiful, the site is particularly famous for its ancient tree, which holds a legendary significance. The inside of the tree is spacious enough to be used as a chapel, adding a mystical aura to the place. Many local Vietnamese people visit this temple to seek fortune-telling, giving it a lively and spiritual atmosphere.

Cáp Tiên Temple is a unique temple in the Vân Đồn area, reflecting the local folk beliefs. Situated on an island with stunning views of the sea and surrounding islands, this temple attracts many Vietnamese locals who come to have their fortunes told. In front of the temple, there is a lake with a beautiful cloud bridge crossing over it, adding to the charm of the place. The entrance of the temple exudes grandeur, perfectly capturing the majestic essence of the site. The sound of chanting from the temple creates a mystical atmosphere, especially when paired with a walk by the sea. It left me with a peculiar yet fascinating impression of this extraordinary temple.

Located in Quang Ninh Province, the Bamboo Temple, also known as Cai Bau Temple, is perched on a coastal hill, offering a stunning view with its majestic appearance atop a long flight of stairs. I visited this place by renting a motorbike in Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive. The journey to the temple, which is only about 70 kilometers away, is far from boring, as it is filled with the breathtaking views of Halong Bay's beaches and islands. The refreshing breeze makes the drive even more enjoyable, so I highly recommend visiting this spot. The temple's grandeur alone is reason enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Cai Bau Temple, also known as Bamboo Forest Temple, is a famous temple located in Van Don area, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Situated on a coastal hill, it offers stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The temple itself is quite large, providing a variety of attractions for visitors. Notably, the bell at the entrance resonates across the sea, enhancing the temple's beauty. Although it was built in 2007 and is relatively new, Cai Bau Temple is considered one of the most beautiful temples in the region. While it is located about 70 kilometers away from Halong City, making accessibility slightly less convenient, it is highly recommended to visit this remarkable site.

I rented a motorbike in the Halong area and rode along the stunning coastal road to reach the temple. The journey took about two hours as I stopped to explore various spots along the way. The temple is situated on a high location, offering breathtaking views, and its large scale provides plenty of areas to explore. The parking lot is very spacious, suggesting that it might attract many tourists during holidays. If you prefer a quieter visit, weekdays would be a better choice.

Cai Bau Pagoda is located in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, along the coast. It is approximately 70 kilometers away from Ha Long Bay, making it not the most accessible destination. However, the coastal road leading to the pagoda offers stunning scenery due to the area's unique terrain, ensuring a pleasant journey. You can rent a car for a leisurely drive or, if you prefer, ride a motorbike to enjoy the refreshing breeze. The roads are wide and have minimal traffic, making the trip safe and enjoyable. This is a great spot to experience the charm of Quang Ninh Province, and I highly recommend visiting it.

Long time no see home, more and more beautiful and clean.