Inner strength from a "rough gem" and heritage values.
Located about 20km from the mainland, Cai Chien island commune has long been considered a captivating "rough gem." With an area of 2,500 hectares, this locality possesses all the elements of an ecotourism paradise: long stretches of white sand beaches, clear blue sea reflecting ancient casuarina trees, and lush green rice fields in the heart of the island.
Beyond its natural beauty, the allure of Cai Chien lies in the profound cultural heritage of its coastal inhabitants. This legacy is embodied in the Cai Chien communal house and temple complex, dedicated to the tutelary deities who contributed to land reclamation and border protection. 2026 marks a significant milestone as the Cai Chien communal house and temple festival is revived after 77 years, becoming a "cultural landmark" affirming the sovereignty and spirit of the people of this coastal and island region.
Mr. Hoang Van Hai, Secretary of the Party Committee of Cai Chien commune, affirmed that the commune identifies local culture as the foundation for sustainable tourism development. Cai Chien will not pursue concrete development or noisy entertainment services. The commune's orientation is to bring tourists to authentic experiences, to "touch nature" through unique products such as recreating festivals, preserving the rare bearded chicken gene, or organizing a music and art space in the seaside square. The goal is to create a destination that is deeply original and romantic. Mr. Hai also affirmed that as tourist demand increases and the number of visitors rises, the locality will have plans to ensure that services are provided.
The combination of ecotourism and spiritual tourism has created a strong appeal. In 2025, the island commune welcomed approximately 150,000 visitors, with impressive growth in service revenue. Looking ahead to 2026, the locality aims to welcome over 200,000 visitors. To achieve this highest number ever, Cai Chien commune has proactively developed a roadmap to promote cultural values in conjunction with tourism. In particular, the project to restore and renovate the Cai Chien communal house and temple, included in the medium-term public investment plan for 2026-2030, will be a crucial catalyst, with the expectation of building Cai Chien into an attractive destination where tourists not only come to admire the scenery but also to understand the history and spirit of the island's people.
Mr. Nguyen Quan (born in 1964), a tourist from Hanoi, shared that Cai Chien has a peaceful beauty, the travel time from the mainland to the island takes more than 10 minutes, and the natural environment and people are friendly. However, to keep tourists staying longer, Mr. Quan hopes that the local authorities will continue to diversify experiential products and especially upgrade the infrastructure of the docks and transportation to make accessing the island more convenient and professional.
Infrastructure and professionalization strategy for breakthrough
Despite its immense potential, Cai Chien's tourism sector still faces numerous challenges regarding infrastructure connectivity, electricity and water supply, and the professionalism of its workforce. To seize these new opportunities, the local government is launching a comprehensive campaign to transform the island commune's appearance.
Regarding this matter, Mr. Dong Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cai Chien commune, said that 2026 is a pivotal year for the commune to implement strategic infrastructure projects. Cai Chien is accelerating the progress of the road project connecting to the gateways, while also surveying investment in a new port in the Hon Mieu area to ensure safety for boats and ships. At the same time, they are resolutely improving the service style, from attire to attitude, of electric vehicle and boat drivers, aiming for the highest level of civility and professionalism to provide the best experience for tourists. The goal is to develop year-round tourism products instead of focusing only on peak seasons.
Currently, the commune's accommodation capacity has significantly improved with 23 establishments, a capacity of 237 rooms, and the presence of high-end resorts. However, the community-based tourism model (homestay) remains a unique feature, creating sustainable livelihoods for local people.
Mr. Pham Van Tai, owner of Huan Khai guesthouse (Cai Chien village), shared that his family runs a homestay service combined with experiences like catching snails and squid at night. Tourists really appreciate the simple lifestyle and fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. His family's establishment always strives to make guests feel warm and comfortable, like returning home. With the investment and upgrading of the commune's infrastructure by the end of 2025, his family will have even more motivation to improve their services.
To create a legal foundation for long-term development, Cai Chien commune is finalizing two important projects: the Marine Economic Development Project and the Tourism Development Project until 2030, with a vision to 2040. These will serve as a basis for attracting strategic investors and expanding regional linkages with the Mong Cai - Van Don - Co To tourism chain.
Beyond just physical infrastructure, Cai Chien also focuses on "digital infrastructure" and communication. The coordinated implementation of the "Green Music Bus 2026" program on VTV3 and the "Cai Chien Welcomes Summer 2026" event with modern Visual LED technology is expected to create a strong media wave, propelling the brand "Cai Chien Tourism - Untouched and Authentic" further.
With the combined efforts of sound leadership, the unity of the people, and resource support from the province, Cai Chien is now possessing all the necessary and sufficient conditions. This "rough gem" is no longer silently nestled amidst the waves of the Northeast, but is confidently shining, promising a brilliant future and becoming a symbol of sustainable island and coastal tourism.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/danh-thuc-tiem-nang-du-lich-xa-dao-cai-chien-quang-ninh-20260408155135468.htm
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