Con Vit Islet: The Whimsical "Guardian" Of Lan Ha Bay (2026 Guide)

To visit Con Vit Islet is to enter the “Pristine Frontier” of the Ha Long – Cat Ba Heritage site. While the Fighting Cocks define the core of Ha Long, Con Vit (Duck Islet) has emerged as the true icon of the Lan Ha Bay extension. Since the 2023 UNESCO expansion, this islet has transitioned from a “hidden gem” to a must-see landmark for travelers seeking a quieter, more exclusive voyage. At Vietnamstory, we view Con Vit as a cultural marker – the exact point where the crowds of the main bay fade and the tranquility of the “Dragon’s Pearl” begins.

The duck islet looks exactly like a lovely duck which is located near Hoa Cuong fishing village.

Finding the “Duck”: Its 2026 Geography and Exclusive Access

Con Vit Islet sits in a very strategic and beautiful pocket of the bay, a place where the ancient geological history of the mainland meets the deep, emerald-green lagoons of the Cát Bà archipelago. Its location is what makes it a symbol of entering a more serene and exclusive part of the heritage site.

The islet is located approximately 14km from the main Bai Chay Wharf and just 2km from the Gia Luan Harbor, which is the northern gateway to Cat Ba Island. For modern luxury cruises, Con Vit Islet serves as a beautiful “welcome sign.” The moment your cruise ship glides past this iconic formation, it signals that you have officially entered the Lan Ha Bay Heritage Buffer Zone. This is a special moment, because you will immediately notice that the boat traffic drops by nearly 60% compared to the core, busier zone of Ha Long Bay.

This beautiful islet can only be reached by boat, and it is almost exclusively seen on overnight cruise itineraries (2-Day, 1-Night or 3-Day, 2-Night) that depart from either the Tuan Chau Port or the newer Got Pier. The standard, short day cruises rarely travel this far into the bay.

Why the “Duck” Appears to Float on Water?

At about 10 meters tall, Con Vit Islet is a perfect and beautiful masterclass in the science of what we call “Marine Notching.” Its unique and charming shape is the result of millions of years of natural artistry. Let’s look at its anatomy.

The islet is a single, beautiful limestone pillar with a perfectly rounded “head,” an elongated “beak,” and a plump “body” that seems to be gliding on the water. If you look very closely at the waterline, you will see a deep, horizontal groove that has been carved into the base by millennia of tidal action. It is this groove, or “notch,” that makes the body of the “duck” look as though it is magically hovering just above the surface of the sea.

Depending on the tide, as the water level drops, you can see the low-lying rocks at the base of the islet. These rocks have beautiful, jagged edges that perfectly mimic a duck’s wings tucked back as it glides through the water. A visit to Con Vit Islet is often beautifully paired with a sighting of the nearby Thumb Islet (Hon Ngon Cai), which is just about 20 minutes away. Together, they create a wonderful “karst gallery,” with the “Duck” gliding on the water and the “Thumb” giving you a giant “thumbs-up” from nature, signaling good luck for your voyage.

The 2026 Cruise Experience: The Best Routes & Rates to See the Duck

In 2026, the cruise route that takes you past Con Vit Islet is considered the gold standard for a “Quiet Luxury” experience in the bay. This is the route for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the bay in peace and style.

The Top 2026 Cruise Vessels

Luxury Leaders: The best luxury cruises that frequent this route include the magnificent Mon Chéri Cruise, Stellar of the Seas, and the brand new Majesty Prime (which was just launched in February 2026).
Eco-Pioneers: For the environmentally conscious traveler, the award-winning Grand Pioneers cruise is a fantastic choice.

Expected Costs for Your Cruise

Standard Luxury Cabin: You can expect to pay between $140 – $180 USD per person for a 2-Day, 1-Night all-inclusive cruise.
Premium Suites: For a more luxurious experience with a private balcony and a beautiful bathtub with an ocean view, the premium suites will range from $210 – $350 USD per person.

The Itinerary Flow

On a typical cruise, you will pass by the beautiful Con Vit Islet during your delicious “Welcome Lunch” on Day 1 (usually around 1:30 PM). This happens as your ship gracefully moves towards the serene Tra Bau or Ao Ech lagoons, where you will stop for your afternoon kayaking adventure.

READ MORE: Halong Bay Cruises: Your Gateway to Vietnam’s Natural Wonder

Rare and Exciting 2026 Highlights: Beyond the Basic Guide

These are the hidden layers and secret stories of the Con Vit area that many other guides often miss. Let’s share some of our favorite local insights with you.

Tourists can have a look at the islet through Ha Long Bay Cruise, which looks like a duck is swimming in Ha Long Bay

The Da Chong Sentinel (A Piece of French Heritage)

Just past Con Vit Islet, you will see another small island called Da Chong Islet. On top of it stands a beautiful, 100-year-old lighthouse that was built by the French. While most guides will pass it by without a mention, this sturdy stone beacon stands as a silent and powerful witness to the colonial maritime history of the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Magical “Sea of Stars” (Bioluminescent Plankton)

The waters around the Con Vit Islet area are remarkably clean and free from the light pollution of the main city. Between the months of May and October, on very dark, moonless nights, the lagoons near the islet come alive with magical bioluminescent plankton. When you take a night-kayaking tour, every single stroke of your paddle will create a glowing, blue-green trail in the water—it is a true, real-life “Avatar” experience that will leave you speechless.

The “Vietnam Story” Connection: Why Our Indian Guests Love This Spot?

At Vietnam Story, we specialize in bridging the cultural gap and creating special, comfortable experiences for our guests from India. Here is how we tailor the Con Vit Islet experience for you.

We know how important dietary needs are. That is why we prioritize working with cruises like the Mon Chéri and Catherine cruises, which feature permanent, Halal-certified kitchens (often with Indian chefs) and even dedicated prayer rooms (Mussala) that are equipped with Qibla direction and prayer mats.

We coordinate directly with the cruise chefs to ensure there is absolutely no cross-contamination for our Jain travelers. We can arrange for them to prepare delicious, fresh Paneer Tikka and Daal for you to enjoy while you drift past the beautiful Duck Islet.

For our families with children, spotting the “Animal Islets” is one of the top-rated and most engaging activities. We love to create a fun “Checklist Safari” for the kids to spot the Duck, the Thumb, the Toad, and the Fighting Cocks from the sundeck.

READ MORE: Is Ha Long Bay Worth Visiting in 2026?

A Masterclass in Photography & Conservation

Here are our final tips for getting that perfect photo and for being a responsible visitor.

Let’s make sure you capture the best memories in the most respectful way.

The “Golden Angle”: The absolute best photos of the islet are taken from the port side (the left side) of the boat during the first 60 minutes after you depart from the pier. We also recommend using a polarized filter on your camera to cut through the glare from the beautiful emerald water.
The Best Lighting: The “Golden Hour,” from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, is the best time for photos. The low sun casts beautiful, deep shadows on the “duck’s beak,” making its unique silhouette absolutely unmistakable.
The New 2026 “No-Anchor” Rule: To protect the fragile coral nurseries that are growing in this area, all cruises must now maintain a strict distance from the islet. Kayaks are also required to stay at least 5 meters away from the islet’s base to prevent any damage to the delicate marine notch.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the moment your cruise ship glides past Con Vit Islet is more than just a photo opportunity; it is a profound and tangible signal that you are leaving the world of crowds and commerce behind. It is the official welcome to the heart of Lan Ha Bay’s tranquility. This charming, floating guardian is the first sign that you have entered a more pristine, more peaceful, and more exclusive part of the heritage site. It sets a beautiful and serene tone for the rest of your journey, promising an experience of pure, unadulterated nature.

At Vietnam Story, our passion is to guide you to these moments of true peace and exclusivity. Let us help you find the perfect cruise that will take you past this whimsical welcome gate and into the serene soul of the bay. Contact us today, and let’s start planning your journey to a quieter paradise.