Long Châu Lighthouse

The French named Long Châu Island as Archipel des Griffes du Dragon (Dragon's Claw Archipelago). In 1894, they built the lighthouse on the island to guide maritime traffic. Local fishermen often refer to the lighthouse as the "Pearl Eye of Long Châu." It is one of Vietnam’s three oldest lighthouses, alongside Hòn Dầu and Kê Gà, both over 114 years old.

Architecture and Features

The Long Châu Lighthouse is constructed entirely of stone, standing 109.5 meters tall, with its light visible from up to 50 km away. Currently powered by solar energy, the lighthouse retains its original French-built base. The eastern stone wall still bears the marks of American military bullets from the Vietnam War.

Hours

Visitors are typically allowed during daylight hours, but exact visiting hours should be confirmed with local authorities due to the need for border police approval.

Price

Boat rental from Cát Bà: Approximately 5 million VND (196 USD)

Address The Long Châu Archipelago consists of approximately 30 islands, rocks, and coral reefs, situated 15 km southeast of Cát Bà town. Long Châu Island, the largest in the chain, covers an area of over 1.2 km². The island is characterized by its grey rocky landscape, similar to the UNESCO Global Geopark in Đồng Văn Plateau, Hà Giang Province.

Hours and Fees

Tourist Experience

In late April, visitors like Nguyễn Trọng Cung from Thái Bình Province journey to the island to admire Vietnam’s third oldest lighthouse. Tourists need approval from the Long Châu Border Police to visit the island. Currently, the island is uninhabited except for staff and soldiers at the Long Châu Lighthouse Station and the Long Châu Border Guard Observation Post. Overnight stays are not permitted.

Journey and Accessibility

Visitors can rent a fishing boat for the journey from Cát Bà town, which takes about two hours and costs approximately 5 million VND (196 USD). Despite the rough waters and potential for seasickness, the hike to the lighthouse itself is relatively easy thanks to established trails. However, caution is advised due to the island's sharp rocks and the presence of various insects and reptiles, including snakes and centipedes.

Scenery and Activities

On clear days, visitors from the top of the lighthouse can see Lan Hạ Bay (Hải Phòng city) and Hạ Long Bay (Quảng Ninh Province). In addition to touring the lighthouse, tourists can rent boats to explore around the island, enjoy the sea breeze, and admire the rugged sea mountains. The sunsets here are particularly stunning, with the sun casting a golden glow over the sea, creating an awe-inspiring view as described by visitors like Cung.

Tips for Travelers

• Approval Needed: Obtain permission from the Long Châu Border Police before planning your visit.

• No Overnight Stays: Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the island.

• Prepare for the Boat Ride: The journey can be challenging due to rough waters. Be prepared for seasickness if you are prone to it.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking and navigating sharp rocks. Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather conditions.

• Safety First: Be cautious of the island’s wildlife, including potentially dangerous insects and reptiles.

Best Time to Visit

The lighthouse can be visited year-round, but the best time is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most favorable. Mornings offer magical views with the mist adding an ethereal quality to the scenery.

Long Châu Lighthouse stands as a testament to resilience and historical significance, having withstood harsh weather and numerous attacks during the Vietnam War. It continues to guide countless ships, embodying both natural beauty and a storied past.