QUAN LAN – A PARADISE ISLAND IN QUANG NINH

Located 45 km northwest of Ha Long Bay, in Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan is a hidden gem that remains less frequented by both Vietnamese and foreign tourists, compared to other tourist destinations in the Gulf of Bac Bo.

About

Spanning over 10 square kilometers, Quan Lan stretches from the foot of Van Don Mountain to Nui Got, with large hill ranges. Free from urban life, the climate on Quan Lan Island is much milder than that of metropolitan areas. The island experiences two distinct seasons: summer and winter. It is hot in the summer, while extremely cold in the winter. Visitors can enjoy an ideal trip to Quan Lan Island at any time of the year. However, it is recommended to visit from May to November to enjoy a more harmonious climate.

Activities to do on Quan Lan Island

A convergence of mountains, forests, and seas, Quan Lan Island will always be a peaceful haven for visitors. In addition to its natural landscapes, Quan Lan has attractive sites to explore.

Swimming at the beaches of Quan Lan

Quan Lan is famous for its emerald seas with stretches of white sandy beaches, extending for several kilometers, including the three beaches: Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and Son Hao. All three beaches have clear blue water, with an immaculate and unique beauty compared to other beaches like Do Son or Sam Son. Notably, these are some of the rare beaches that host various species of valuable plants and animals.

Visit the Quan Lan Pagoda

The Quan Lan Pagoda is one of the many historical landmarks in the region and is a must-visit for devotees once they arrive at Quan Lan. Here, you can learn about the historical values dating back to the island's beginnings. If you're planning to spend your vacation in Quang Ninh, make sure to visit and admire the Quan Lan Pagoda, where you can find a peaceful spot to relieve all the fatigue of daily life.

Discover Bai Got and Eo Gio

Bai Got - Eo Gio, located in the south, is considered an ideal spot to witness both the sunrise and sunset on Quan Lan Island. From Bai Got, you can travel a little further to reach Eo Gio Quan Lan, also known as Eo Gio. It's a magnificent mountain peak facing the sea, well worth visiting when you're in Quan Lan. To get there, you'll need to pass through a forest trail and climb to the summit.

Explore Ba Mun Island

Ba Mun is one of the most attractive destinations along the Quan Lan - Minh Chau travel route, especially for adventurous travelers. Ba Mun, also known as Cao Lo Island, covers an area of about 1,800 hectares and is located parallel to the sea of Quan Lan. This place still preserves a rich flora and fauna, home to many rare species. As soon as you step onto the island, you'll be impressed by the majestic landscape and the pristine forests.

Specialties to Try in Quan Lan

Quan Lan is well-known for its seafood specialties, which are particularly enticing to visitors. It would be a shame to visit the island without tasting these dishes.

Sea Worm – A Nutritious Seafood

Few people know about sea worms, a dish that is considered both expensive and nutritious in this coastal region. They are often dried or cooked in soup. Known as an essential ingredient in Pho (a traditional Vietnamese soup), the meat of this creature is very sweet and tender. Since it's a delicious and highly nutritious dish, it comes at a high price and is difficult to find in other areas.

Stone Crab

Like sea worms, stone crabs are also a special seafood found in the waters of Quan Lan. Thanks to a more affordable price than regular crabs, Cu Ky dishes are popular among tourists. Those with experience traveling in Quan Lan share that these seafoods are prepared in many delicious dishes such as noodles and soups. If you have the chance to visit Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh, you absolutely must try this dish!

How to Get to Quan Lan Island

As Quan Lan is a small island, there are no direct buses to reach it. Below are the two most popular routes to travel from Hanoi to Quan Lan Island:

Option 1 : Hanoi – Ha Long – Quan Lan

From Hanoi, take a bus from My Dinh bus station to Ha Long (Hon Gai port). The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by public bus, with a bus ticket costing around 250,000 VND. Once you arrive at Hon Gai, you’ll need to purchase a boat ticket to Quan Lan. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours.

Option 2 : Hanoi – Van Don – Quan Lan

From Hanoi, take a bus to Van Don (Cai Rong port), which takes about 5 hours. Then, take a motorboat to Quan Lan.

If you plan to go on the weekend, make sure to arrive an hour in advance, as it is likely to be crowded.