Van Don: Ready for a vibrant summer travel season
Famed for its endless stretches of powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters, poetic landscapes, and refreshing sea breezes, Van Don is a summer paradise for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. 
Coupled with its rich and nutritious seafood offerings, this coastal gem continues to enchant tourists season after season. As the upcoming April 30 and May 1 holiday draws near, Van Don is once again gearing up to welcome a wave of visitors with well-prepared services and upgraded infrastructure.
So as to meet the growing influx of tourists during the 2025 summer season, local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transport operators, have made significant investments in enhancing their facilities. Service teams have been retrained, accommodations renovated, and infrastructure upgraded to ensure that every guest feels truly welcomed. There are now over 200 lodging establishments with nearly 3,000 rooms, along with around 100 dining venues. These establishments have improved room quality and service standards, while also ensuring compliance with safety regulations such as fire prevention, food hygiene, and transparent price listings for meals and seafood.
According to Mr. Dao Van Vu, Vice Chairman of the Van Don District People's Committee, the district has mapped out a detailed tourism development strategy for 2025. In partnership with Viet Thuan Transport Co., Ltd., the local government has conducted surveys of potential attractions on Ngoc Vung Island, paving the way for new and exciting visitor experiences. Since the beginning of the year, Van Don has welcomed approximately 473,500 visitors, representing a 33% increase compared to the same period in 2024, bringing in an estimated tourism revenue of VND 463 billion, up 17.4%.
Quang Ninh officially launched a new series of sea tours from Ao Tien International Port to scenic destinations across Bai Tu Long Bay in March. In contrast to the bustling Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long offers a serene, untouched beauty that makes it ideal for ecotourism, wellness retreats, and nature-based experiences. These new cruise routes not only diversify tourism offerings in Quang Ninh but also open up fresh opportunities for Van Don to flourish as a key hub of coastal travel.
Adding a cultural dimension to the visitor experience, the San Diu Ethnic Cultural and Tourism Village in Binh Dan Commune is emerging as a unique highlight in the district's tourism mosaic. This vibrant village is more than a heritage site, it’s a living, breathing celebration of ethnic identity, where visitors can engage with traditional customs, sample local crafts, and take part in community events. As part of efforts to expand experiential and cultural tourism, Binh Dan is actively encouraging the development of traditional handicrafts, small-scale industry, and OCOP (One Commune One Product) offerings, all linked to its mission of building a model new rural community.
The San Diu people, who make up the core of Binh Dan’s population, continue to practice traditional agriculture, including rice cultivation, vegetable farming, and animal husbandry. Some households also maintain age-old bamboo weaving techniques, creating products that are showcased in local traditional markets. The commune is also working to preserve intangible cultural heritage by recognizing folk artisans; to date, three have been officially honored: Truong Thi Choong, Truong Thi Chuc, and To Thi Ta.
As summer 2025 unfolds, Van Don is set to shine as a captivating destination, offering not only natural splendor but also rich cultural experiences that leave a lasting impression on every traveler.
