Nestled within the stunning Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Island captivates with its picturesque landscape. Situated in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, the island encompasses both Quan Lan commune and Minh Chau commune. Spanning an area of 11 square kilometers, Quan Lan Island is a true gem awaiting exploration.
Stretching from the foothills of the majestic Van Don mountain range to the formidable Got mountain, this island boasts lofty peaks that act as a protective barrier against the crashing waves, safeguarding its inhabitants. The eastward-facing mountains stand tall, resembling a resilient fortress, creating a tranquil haven for those who call this island home.
1. How Quan Lan is unique?
If you are looking for a place to stop with the sea and few people but still retain beautiful wild features, Quan Lan is the most suitable choice.
In contrast to Co To, Quan Lan is truly a rare peaceful place for those who want to relax and enjoy the feeling of “alone”. The beaches on the island are stretched with fine white sand but not too many people, so it is very wide and airy. Perhaps because the services on the island have not been developed much. This is also the reason why not many people know it and the island still retains its inherent wilderness.
2. Top things to do in Quan Lan Island?
Quan Lan Island attracts tourists in Ha Long Bay with beautiful beaches and fresh space, cool blue sea and extremely quiet, not as noisy as other beaches. Quan Lan has 3 beaches including Quan Lan beach, Minh Chau beach and Son Hao beach.
2.1. Quan Lan Beach
About 2 km from the center of Quan Lan, many residential areas, very few tourists choose to bathe and have fun. This beach is generally not as beautiful as Son Hao and Minh Chau
2.2. Son Hao Beach
It is a service area, invested and most crowded on the island. The beach is very wide and beautiful, the sea is clear.
2.3. Minh Chau Beach
Minh Chau beach is the most popular tourist destination. Because of its beautiful flat sand, clear seawater, and beautiful scenery. The deep forest on the sandy beach is a good place to walk and watch the sea.
2.4. Quan Lan communal house
Located in the centre of Quan Lan commune, the house is extremely ancient with spiritual meaning. Unique Quan Lan communal architecture is made of wood bearing bold island culture. This is a place for cultural activities of the village community on the island. It is considered to be the place of worshipping Thanh Hoang Lang and those who openly set up hamlets to build villages. In the communal house, there are still 18-year-old vestiges of kings Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Duy Tan, and Bao Dai crowning the village Citadel.
2.5. Ba Mun National Park
Minh Chau commune, about 15km from the shore. The island has a multitude of rare species of flora and fauna such as nails, iron, mussels, fish and other rare and precious ancient trees. Ba Mun Island is a place that preserves many rare and precious animals such as antelope, deer, monkey, langur, seabirds, and birds that migrate to the island. In 1997, Ba Mun forest, Minh Chau commune was recognized as Bai Tu Long national forest.
2.6. Quan Lan Market
Located in the centre of Quan Lan, here most sell seafood caught by local people. Some agricultural products were transported from Cai Rong port to the island. You can buy the famous seafood in Quan Lan, fresh or dried saucepan (it is quite expensive from 2,000,000 VND / kg). It is advisable to ask the local people how to process S Sung because the processing is quite complicated.
3. When is the best time to visit Quan Lan Island?
You can choose to travel to Quan Lan beach in the summer or fall. Because this is a cool, favourable time for you to have fun and relax. The period from April to June and September to November is considered the best time to come to Quan Lan. Besides, you should not go in July and August because this is the time when storms or storms occur, which will affect the Bai Tu Long Bay cruise trip.
4. How to get there?
Starting from Hanoi to Cai Rong port town, Van Don district, Quang Ninh province. From Hanoi to Van Don is about 210 km. To save money you can take a passenger car from My Dinh bus station or Luong Yen bus station to Cua Ong bus station. There are many cars to Cua Ong bus station, Quang Ninh. It takes about 5 hours to reach Cua Ong, down Van Don junction. Then you can take a Van Don bus or a taxi, a motorbike taxi to Cai Rong port (if you take Van Don bus, you must report the driver to the junction to turn into Cai Rong port, then take a taxi or motorbike )
Way to the island:
To get to Quan Lan Island you can catch a wooden boat or a high-speed boat from 2 points of Van Don district or Hon Gai Ha Long.
High-speed trains go from Cai Rong – Quan Lan port
- Time: about 45 minutes: Ticket price is about 120,000 VND / person
- Day about 2 times in the morning
- Time to go: 7h, 8h, 14h, 15h.
High-speed train with the trip to Hon Gai – Quan Lan
- Time: about 60 minutes
- Ticket price is about 120,000 to 1500,000 VND / time / person
- About 2 trips a day
Wooden boat to Cai Rong – Quan Lan
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Ticket price is about 80,000 VND / person / person.
- Train times run at Van Don – Quan Lan; 7:00 and 13:00 every day
Note:
– Should arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour early because of crowded time, there are enough customers to run, not wait until the time to run.
– From Cai Rong Van Don station, the train will stop at one of the two points on the island to dock at Minh Chau commune or Quan Lai commune station. So you should contact the boat owner in advance to be close to the hotel you rented.
5. Recommended accommodation
Here is some list of hotels on Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh, which are beautiful, fully equipped with reasonable prices that you can refer to:
- Minh Chau Resort
- Minh Chau Pearl Hotel & Spa – Quan Lan Island
- Van Hai Green Hotel
- Tuan Thuy Hotel
6. What to eat at Quan Lan Island?
Food and drink services in Quan Lan are not really rich. If you stay in a motel or hotel, you can eat in the restaurant area of the hotel.
Since the service here is not yet developed, you can buy things at the market and have a BBQ with your friends on the beach. Some specialties in Quan Lan that you can not ignore such as clam, sa sung, tu hai, …
Experience the breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem nestled in the captivating Bai Tu Long Bay. Indulge in a Vietnam beach holiday like no other as you soak up the sun on pristine shores and dive into crystal-clear waters. Let Origin Travel be your guide, providing an unforgettable adventure filled with relaxation and exploration. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create cherished memories in this tropical haven. Book your Quan Lan Island tour today and let the magic of Vietnam’s beaches unfold before your eyes!
7. Frequently Asked Questions About Quan Lan Island?
What Are The Most Amazing Things To Do In Quan Lan Island?
The most amazing things to do in Quan Lan Island are:
Spend 3 days/2night on boat Dragon Pearl Junk
Take a private boat L’Amour_Junk
Prince Junk is the great for small group and family
Which Place Is Must See In Quan Lan Island?
These places must see in Quan Lan Island & around:
Minh Chau Beach
Son Hao Beach
Cap La Fishing Village