Quan Lan: A Hidden Gem in Bai Tu Long Bay
Quan Lan is a small island located in the stunning Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. The island is small, covering about 11 km². However, it features long, pristine beaches, white sand, and clear waters. Quan Lan is ideal for families with young children, the elderly, or those prone to seasickness. The waters are calm, sheltered by the bay, and the travel time is short.
When is the Best Time to Visit Quan Lan?
Quan Lan, like Co To, is most beautiful in the summer, particularly from April to June. During this time, the weather is pleasant, not too hot, and there are no storms. Autumn in Quan Lan is also lovely, but it’s cooler and there’s more rainfall. If you plan to visit between July and September, be sure to check weather forecasts to avoid storms and tropical depressions.
Traveling to Quan Lan consists two stages
Stage 1: Getting to Quang Ninh
Travelers from the South or Central regions of Vietnam will need to fly to Hanoi or Hai Phong, then take a road trip to either the Hon Gai Pier in Ha Long City or the Cai Rong Port in Van Don District.
If you’re not driving, you can take a limousine or bus from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations to Ha Long or Cua Ong, Cam Pha. Ticket prices range from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per person, with a journey time of about 4 hours.
From Hai Phong, the travel time is about 1.5 hours. Limousine tickets cost around 150,000 VND per person, and bus tickets are approximately 120,000 VND.
Stage 2: Traveling by Boat to the Island
The high-speed boat ride to the island takes about 45 minutes. Most tourists prefer to depart from Cai Rong Port to minimize the travel time on the sea. When booking accommodation, you can ask the hotel to help you arrange high-speed boat tickets and transportation to and from the port for added convenience.
Getting Around on the Island
On the island, the average cost to rent a motorbike is about 150,000 VND per day (without fuel), and 200,000 VND with fuel. Be sure to clarify the terms to avoid misunderstandings, as some visitors have faced disputes over this.
You can also rent a tuk-tuk for about 700,000 VND per day or an electric car for around 1,200,000 VND per day. These vehicles are ideal for larger groups or families.
Where to visit in Quan Lạn
Beaches
Although Quan Lan Island is narrow, it stretches quite far, offering a variety of beautiful beaches.
Quan Lan Beach this beach is closest to the port and the market. It is quieter than Minh Châu Beach, with white sand, although not as white as the others. The water is clear, and the waves are gentle.
Minh Châu Beach is known for having the finest white sand, Minh Châu is always bustling with visitors. However, if you prefer a more secluded spot, take a short 1 km walk towards Trui Minh Châu Pier. There, you will find a pristine, nearly deserted beach. The sand is firm and the water is the clearest of all the beaches here.
Robinson Beach is located between Son Hao and Minh Châu, closer to Minh Châu. This beach has only one small guesthouse right by the sea, with no other services, providing a true deserted island experience. The access road is narrow, bumpy, and without signs, so I had to wander around to find it. However, it’s the most beautiful, with the guesthouse nestled in a pine forest.
Quan Lan Central Market
The central market of Quan Lan is an early morning market located in the heart of the island. It operates from 3 to 5 AM, right after the night fishing boats return, and lasts for about two hours.
Quan Lan Market usually sells seafood brought in by the night fishing boats returning to shore
(Photo: collected).
Although it runs very early and for a short time, Quan Lan Central Market is always bustling with activity. Here, you’ll find a variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, crab, fish, and squid — all local specialties of the Minh Châu and Quan Lan coastal areas. If you get the chance, wake up early and visit this market to experience the tranquil, simple life of the local fishermen.
Ba Mun National Park
Ba Mun National Park is located in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay and is known by other names such as Cao Lo Island or Thu Island. It is the only island in Ha Long Bay made of schist. When visiting Ba Mun National Park, tourists will experience a pristine rainforest ecosystem rich in diverse and rare flora and fauna.
While exploring Ba Mun National Park, visitors will be amazed by the fresh, cool air. For those who love exploring and immersing themselves in nature, this is the perfect destination. The park is home to valuable timber species like ironwood, limwood, and agarwood, along with many towering ancient trees that stand proudly in the vast landscape.
Sơn Hào Beach
In contrast to the serene beauty of Quan Lan or Minh Châu beaches, Sơn Hào Beach is lively and full of activities. Developed for tourism, it has become a popular spot for tourists seeking a short summer getaway on Quan Lan Island.
At Sơn Hào Beach, don’t miss out on swimming in the crystal-clear waters, exploring the long stretches of white sand, and taking photos with the pine trees swaying in the breeze. Each morning, you can enjoy the stunning sunrise, almost like a watercolor painting. Additionally, the exciting experience of fishing with the local fishermen and night squid fishing will make your trip even more memorable!
Ngọc Vừng Island
Ngọc Vừng Island is located in Van Don District, Quảng Ninh, about 40 km from Van Don port. The island boasts nearly 15 km of coastline, with pristine white sand beaches and rows of casuarina trees reaching out to the sea, making it a perfect summer destination for families.
On the east side of Ngọc Vừng Island, there’s the Dragon’s Eye Rock, a stunning and vibrant spot favored by young tourists for photos. From the rock, you can enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque Cô Tô Islands in Quảng Ninh. The beach also offers various activities like bonfire gatherings, overnight camping, outdoor barbecues, seafood feasts, and team-building events with singing.
Quan Lan Communal House
The Quan Lan Communal House is the only ancient communal house in Vietnam located on an island far from the mainland. It is dedicated to King Lê Anh Tông and General Trần Khánh Dư. The house is known for its meticulous, refined architectural style passed down from previous generations. This historic and artistic architectural site was recognized as a national heritage in 1990. When visiting Quan Lan Island, make sure to stop by this communal house to remember the great contributions of our ancestors in protecting and establishing the nation.
Trần Khánh Dư Temple
The Trần Khánh Dư Temple is one of the long-standing historical and cultural sites on the beautiful Quan Lan Island in Quảng Ninh. The temple was once a grand and magnificent structure, built entirely from limwood. The columns were intricately carved with images of dragons and phoenixes, while the roofs were decorated with dragon and carp motifs. Don’t forget to visit this historical site to learn more about the heroic feats in defending our nation’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.
What to Eat
Local Specialties You Must Try on Quan Lan Island
Currently, there aren’t many beachfront restaurants or eateries on Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh. To avoid any difficulties finding food options, it’s advisable to notify your accommodation provider in advance when making a booking.
Tu Hải (elephant trunk clam): A type of seafood similar to snails, Tu Hải is known for its health benefits and is abundant on Quan Lan Island. Its ellipsoid shell and thin skin are easily peeled off, and its large “trunk” extends beyond the shell. This delicacy can be prepared in various delicious ways, making it a must-try dish when visiting the island.
Sá Sùng (also known as earthworm, sea worm, or marine worm): A famous delicacy on Quan Lan Island, Sá sùng can be prepared in various ways, such as in soups, stir-fried with sweet and sour sauce, or dried to make tea. It is quite expensive, ranging from 3,500,000 to 4,500,000 VND per kilogram.
Cù Kỳ (a type of sea crab): Known for its large claws and meaty texture, Cù Kỳ is a specialty on the island. It can be cooked in various ways, including steaming, with tamarind, in noodles, or grilled over charcoal.
Cầu Gai (sea urchin): A highly nutritious seafood that is a must-try when visiting Quan Lan Island. The meat of the sea urchin is firm, and its appearance resembles a rambutan fruit with black spines. It can be eaten raw, grilled with green onions, or used in soups and porridges.
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