Quan Lan: A quiet charm in the east sea

(#wanderlusttips #quanlanisland) This beautiful island is located in Quang Ninh Province, about 200 kilometres from Hanoi. The island is not as buys as Cat Ba or Ha Long, and has a distinct inner charm. The beautiful white sand beaches, blue sky and sea, and peaceful local lifestyle will make you want to return the moment you set foot on the island.

[rpi]

Quan Lan is a part of Van Don District, which has two island communes: Quan Lan and Minh Chau. Quan Lan has more amenities, but Minh Chau has a beautiful beach and is more peaceful and quiet. The main transportation on the islands are tuktuks, motor taxis (which is expensive), or bicycles. Quan Lan island has six beaches, the most beautiful and busy of which are Quan Lan, Son Hao and Minh Chau beach. Quan Lan beach has clear blue water, is spacious, close to the town centre and perfect for group or family activities. Son Hao beach is about 6 kilometres from Quan Lan centre. This beach has smooth sand, clear blue water, offers great services, but usually has the most people. The most beautiful is Minh Chau beach, which is about 15 kilometres from Quan Lan Beach, with white sand, blue water, a pristine environment and a quiet nearby forest.

Spend time visiting Quan Lan Communal House, with its unique architecture or visit the Tan Doai fish market to buy seafood early in the morning. Rent a bike and discover the island for yourself. If time allows, you can rent a boat to visit Ngoc Vung island, with its beautiful beach, the perfect location to host BBQ parties or play beach sports and games.

The island’s most delicious food is seafood, with delicacies including peanut worms, stone crabs, geoduck and mantis shrimp. However, the food supply in Quan Lan is limited and there are few restaurants. Make reservations to avoid missing out on a great dinner. You can spend the night at a hotel or motel room with prices ranging from VND300,000 – 700,000 in the Quan Lan area. Resorts are located in Minh Chau. A more thrilling experience is camping on Quan Lan beach. The best time to visit Quan Lan is from April to September. From Hanoi, tourists can take a bus to Van Don or Hon Gai, and then take a boat to Quan Lan, with prices ranging from VND120,000 – 200,000 depending on departure point and time.