Long Chau Island: The hidden “Dragon Eye” near Cat Ba

Discover Long Chau Island, the mysterious “Dragon Eye” near Cat Ba. Explore its ancient lighthouse, rugged cliffs, and untouched natural beauty in northern Vietnam.

1. Introduction to Long Chau Island

Just 15 kilometers off the coast of Cat Ba, Long Chau Island is one of the most mysterious and untouched islands in northern Vietnam. Often called the “Dragon Eye Island”, it got this name from its rocky shape and the sparkling blue lagoon that looks like a dragon’s eye when seen from above. This island is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its historic lighthouse, which has been guiding sailors for more than a century.

Explore Long Chau Island

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Long Chau Island — from its fascinating history and breathtaking views to how you can reach this remote but beautiful destination.

2. Overview of Long Chau Island

Located southeast of Cat Ba Island, Long Chau Island belongs to the Hai Phong archipelago. It’s a cluster of limestone mountains rising sharply from the sea, making it one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Gulf of Tonkin.

Sunset on Long Chau Island

What makes Long Chau truly unique:

No permanent residents – the island is home only to lighthouse keepers and a few military staff.
Raw limestone terrain – steep cliffs, sharp rocks, and almost no vegetation.
Crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, perfect for scenic photos.

Because of its isolation and wild beauty, Long Chau Island feels almost like another world — a perfect offbeat escape for travelers who love nature and authenticity.

3. History and the legendary Long Chau lighthouse

The highlight of Long Chau Island is undoubtedly the Long Chau Lighthouse, one of the oldest in Vietnam. It was first built by the French in 1894 to help ships navigate through the dangerous waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Lighthouse's Long Chau Island

Architecture: The lighthouse stands on the island’s highest peak, about 109 meters above sea level, and its light can reach over 40 kilometers.
Symbolic meaning: Known as “the eye of the dragon”, it represents guidance and resilience, especially for the lighthouse keepers who live in complete isolation for months at a time.
Historical role: During wars and storms, the light of Long Chau never went out — a true symbol of endurance on Vietnam’s maritime frontier.

4. Natural beauty and ecosystem of Long Chau Island

Long Chau Island may not have lush greenery, but its raw natural beauty is captivating in its own way.

Fishing boats at Long Chau Island

The island’s gray limestone cliffs shimmer silver under the sun, resembling a giant dragon resting in the sea.
Sea caves and sharp rock formations create a dramatic contrast with the calm turquoise water.
The surrounding area is home to coral reefs, seabirds, and rare marine life, thriving in the untouched ecosystem.

Because human activity is strictly limited, Long Chau remains one of the few places in Vietnam where nature has been left completely wild. It’s a paradise for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking silence away from crowded tourist zones.

5. Things to see on Long Chau Island

Although small, Long Chau offers a few unforgettable experiences:

Starry sky

Visit Long Chau lighthouse: Climb up the historic tower for panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands.
Photography & drone shots: Capture the unique textures of limestone, waves, and the island’s eye-like shape from above.
Sunset watching: The view of the sun melting into the Gulf of Tonkin is nothing short of magical.
Spot seabirds: The cliffs are home to hundreds of birds nesting in the rock crevices.

Check-in at Long Chau Island

Every corner of Long Chau feels untouched and surreal — making it a dream spot for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path destinations.

6. How to get to Long Chau Island

Since Long Chau Island is located about 45–60 minutes by boat from Cat Ba, the easiest way to get there is by private speedboat or chartered tour.

From Cat Ba Island:

Depart from Ben Beo Pier or Gia Luan Pier.
Choose a licensed tour operator offering permission-based trips to Long Chau.

The beauty of Long Chau Island

Important notes:

The island belongs to a military zone, so independent travel is not allowed. Visitors must go through approved tours or request special permission.
There are no hotels or restaurants on the island — bring your own essentials.

The journey across the open sea is scenic and peaceful, offering incredible views of Lan Ha Bay along the way.

7. Travel tips for visitors

To make your visit to Long Chau Island safe and enjoyable:

Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat – there’s no shop or shade.
Best time to visit: March to October, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm.
Wear sturdy shoes – the limestone rocks can be sharp and slippery.
Don’t forget a drone or camera, as this island is a paradise for photography.

Peaceful scenery on the island

8. Conclusion

Long Chau Island is more than just a remote island — it’s a symbol of Vietnam’s maritime history and raw natural charm. With its ancient lighthouse, dramatic cliffs, and untouched wilderness, this hidden gem offers a completely different experience from the tourist-packed beaches of Cat Ba.

For those who love exploration, photography, or simply standing in awe of nature’s quiet power, Long Chau Island is a place worth discovering.

If you’d like to explore Cat Ba Island, feel free to contact Cat Ba Du Ky Travel at +84 989 745 338 for travel advice. You can also check out our full-package Cat Ba tours below: