Pearl Harvesting in Halong Bay, Hanoi

 
Me - part adventurer, part National Geographic perasan-er, part konon historian dan segala bagai. When I learnt that IslamiCruise excursion includes visiting a pearl farm in Halong Bay, I told myself “kena pergi nih!”

Floating Pearl Farm

After a hearty Vietnamese+Western breakfast on board, we were grouped and boarded the tender boat to the pearl farm. Built on wooden platforms, nets bobbing in the water, and segmented areas showcasing and educating us about how pearl is harvested.

Pearl farming is the local’s livelihood for many families around Halong Bay. The province started their pearl aquaculture in the early 90s with help from Japanese experts. Then on, it has grown into an export industry, I learnt that they are now supplying high-quality pearls to both local and international markets. You can see the Vietnam’s pearls in boutiques from Hanoi to Tokyo, to even Europe.

The Process and Types of Oysters & Pearls

It starts by the technicians implanting a tiny shell bead or nucleus into the oyster (yes, I know – it is hard to see, but you have to trust the process kay). The oyster then reacts by secreting layers of nacre around it – layer by layer, eventually forming a pearl. Like what they say ‘if life gives you lemon, make a lemonade’ but in this case ‘if life gives you an irritant, make jewelry’. God is great!

Depending on the oyster species and desired pearl size, this process takes 18 months to 5 years. Akoya pearls are usually harvested around 24 months, while South Sea pearls need more beauty sleep in order to make a premium pearl. During this ‘hibernation’ time, farmers will carefully monitor water quality, clean the shells, also do a health checks on the oysters (Mutiara di belai yea). So be patience, young pearl padawan (tetiba Star Wars pulak).

I was told that the farm here mainly uses Akoya oysters, the small species known for producing perfectly round and glossy pearls. Having said that, they also raise South Sea and Tahitian oysters of which create a larger, more exotic gems.

Nothing Goes to Waste

Pearls are then polished, graded and set into jewelry on-site. Meanwhile oyster shells are used to make mother-of-pearl inlays for ornaments such as trays to picture frames, event the face of watches (I have one myself). And the oyster meat? Well, sometimes they eat it despite not all species are tasty – so they say. Amazingly, the by-products ie. broken shells are repurposed into lime for agriculture. Haiwan cangkeran seribu guna!

Are Vietnamese Pearls Famous?

I bet many would want to know, and I was told (might need verification here), they are sold not only in Vietnam but also being exported to Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe. And that some pearls from Halong Bay even carry OCOP certification (Vietnam’s “One Commune One Product” initiative - quality and locality).

The guess the best part about visiting the farm is that I can see the whole process of the pearl journey, from oyster to jewellery. I felt a deep appreciation of the people here, the pearl harvester/technician, the team that monitors the oyster, the jewellery craftsman, the sales personnel – everyone plays a role. It is slow work and delicate, just to create something so beautiful.

So, if you’re sailing through Halong Bay next time around, please don’t skip the pearl farm. There’s 2 things that can happen, either you walk away with a necklace (or an ornament) or just a nucleus of new knowledge, it will definitely be a gem of an experience you’ll carry with you long after the cruise ends. Thank you IslamiCruise!

#TravelTips:
Ask staff for certification of its origin and pearl type.
If cost is an issue, get a mother-of-pearl trinket instead – cheaper, lighter and easy to pack.

IslamiCruise Halong Bay 2025 Media Fam Trip is organized by IslamiCruise Internation Sd Bhd.