Van Don

Original uploader was Viethavvh at vi.wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Dai Viet's first international trading port, founded in 1149, now the gateway to Bai Tu Long.

In 1149 King Ly Anh Tong established the Van Don trading post to receive foreign merchant ships — the first international port in the history of Dai Viet, and for centuries afterwards ceramics, spices and silk passed through here on the way to China, Japan and the countries to the south. Excavations in the area still turn up ceramics from many periods. Today Van Don is an island district with its own airport, beaches, and ferry landings for Quan Lan, Co To and Bai Tu Long bay. It is both a destination in itself and the gateway for going further out.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Van Don?

April to September to swim, October to December for the bay

How long do you need at Van Don?

Full day

What are the opening hours of Van Don?

All day

Did you know

The Van Don trading post was established in 1149 under King Ly Anh Tong.
It was the first international trading port in the history of Dai Viet.
Excavations in the area still turn up ceramics from many periods.
Van Don today has its own airport and is the departure point for Quan Lan, Co To and Bai Tu Long bay.

Travel tips

Use Van Don as a springboard to the outer islands rather than stopping only here.
Van Don airport is the fastest way to reach Bai Tu Long if you are flying from the south.

Source: https://vi.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A2n_%C4%90%E1%BB%93n

Updated: 2026-08-16