With its maritime and island advantages and extensive aquaculture areas, Van Don has developed a pilot plan for an island and marine ecotourism model linked with aquaculture in 2026. The initiative aims to create distinctive tourism experiences rooted in local characteristics, helping diversify tourism products and promote Van Don tourism towards green, sustainable and high-quality development.
Rich potential for marine tourism
Located in Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don Special Zone has the largest combined island and sea area in Vietnam, with more than 600 large and small islands and a marine area of around 1,620 sq.km. It is also home to Bai Tu Long National Park, which covers a natural area of 15,783 hectares and encompasses all three basic ecosystems: island forests, wetlands and marine ecosystems, with high biodiversity value.
Van Don boasts picturesque natural scenery, with many beautiful islands and unspoilt beaches such as Quan Lan, Minh Chau and Ngoc Vung, as well as 44 cultural and historical relics and scenic sites. Prominent among them is the Van Don Ancient Trading Port Complex, a special national relic. These assets provide a strong foundation for developing attractive island and marine ecotourism products, particularly international tourists.
In recent years, Van Don has also received coordinated investment in upgrading tourism infrastructure across road, air and sea transport, including Van Don International Airport, the expressway network connecting with Hanoi, Hai Phong and Mong Cai, and the high-class Ao Tien Port. Thanks to this, Van Don tourism has continued to develop, gradually affirming its role as a spearhead economic sector and achieving important results, making a positive contribution to economic growth in Van Don in particular and Quang Ninh in general.
Capitalising on marine aquaculture advantages
Building on its marine aquaculture advantages, Van Don has developed a pilot plan for an island and marine ecotourism model linked to aquaculture in the special zone. Once implemented, the model will play an important role in diversifying tourism products and enhancing the appeal of Van Don tourism, particularly for visitors travelling on Bai Tu Long Bay and itineraries linking Bai Tu Long Bay with Ha Long Bay.
The product is designed for a wide range of visitors, especially young people, families and those interested in nature-based experiences combined with local community activities. It is intended to extend visitors’ stays, increase visitor spending and improve the quality of their experiences. For local residents engaged in marine aquaculture, the model will help increase economic returns by combining aquaculture with tourism services, while attracting investment and developing distinctive tourism products.
In 2026, Van Don plans to pilot eight to 10 “model aquaculture rafts combined with tourism services” for visitor experiences. Ecotourism models linked with marine aquaculture will focus on three main groups of activities. The “A Day as a Fisherman” experience will allow visitors to tour oyster and fish farming areas. They can directly take part in harvesting oysters and clams, fishing at aquaculture rafts, and carrying out preliminary processing of the products on the rafts under the guidance of local fishermen. Water-based entertainment services around concentrated aquaculture areas will include swimming, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors will also be able to experience distinctive local cuisine and Van Don OCOP products on floating aquaculture rafts.
By Phan Hang
