Are you looking for an island not yet overly commercialized, where you can immerse yourself in a peaceful atmosphere, gaze at endlessly long beaches, and feel the pure freshness of nature? Welcome to Quan Lan – a beautiful island in Van Don district, Quang Ninh province, nestled within the majestic Bai Tu Long Bay. With its pristine beauty, secluded beaches, and fresh air, Quan Lan is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat from the urban clamor.
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Quan Lan: An Ancient Island with Simple Beauty
Quan Lan is not only famous for its stunning island landscapes but also carries long-standing historical and cultural values. This place once served as a bustling commercial port during feudal times, part of the Van Don trading route – one of Vietnam’s first international seaports. This history has left Quan Lan with ancient relics like communal houses, pagodas, and temples, creating a unique charm that is both wild and contemplative.
Unlike the vibrant energy of Ha Long, Quan Lan possesses a softer, simpler beauty. Its pristine white sand beaches stretch far and wide, the water is a clear turquoise, and lush casuarina forests create a magnificent natural painting. Visiting Quan Lan, tourists not only get to relax but also have the opportunity to learn about the lives of local fishermen, savor fresh seafood, and enjoy peaceful moments that are rare to find elsewhere. It is this tranquility and pristine beauty that make Quan Lan an attractive destination, especially for those who want to “get away from it all.”
Must-Visit Spots When Traveling to Quan Lan
When you set foot on Quan Lan, you’ll have many options to explore the island’s diverse beauty:
- Son Hao Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in Quan Lan, with fine white sand and clear blue water. The waves here are not too big, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing. Around Son Hao Beach, there are many guesthouses and hotels, convenient for accommodation.
- Minh Chau Beach: Famous for its long, flat, and extremely fine white sand, likened to a “crystal clear beach” due to the transparency of its water. Minh Chau Beach is also an ideal spot for swimming, organizing group games, and watching the sunrise. This area also has well-developed tourist services.
- Quan Lan Beach: This is the beach closest to the town center, making it convenient for getting around. Quan Lan Beach also boasts white sand and clear water, suitable for swimming and recreation.
- Eo Gio (Windy Strait) Quan Lan: Unlike Eo Gio in Quy Nhon, Quan Lan‘s Eo Gio is a stunning spot to watch the sunrise over the sea. Located on a high cliff, from here you can gaze out at the vast ocean, admire majestic cliffs, and feel the cool sea breeze.
- Quan Lan Communal House (Dinh Quan Lan): A unique historical and architectural relic, built in the 18th century. The communal house worships the village’s tutelary god and generals who contributed to fighting the Nguyen-Mong invaders. Its architecture bears strong traditional Vietnamese characteristics, offering insights into local history and culture.
- Robinson Beach (Wild Beach): To reach this beach, you need to hire a tuk-tuk or motorbike and travel a considerable distance through a casuarina forest. Robinson Beach, true to its name, is very wild, secluded, and peaceful, suitable for those who want a completely private space to enjoy nature.
Quan Lan Cuisine: Fresh and Unique Sea Flavors
When you visit Quan Lan, you absolutely cannot miss its fresh, rich seafood cuisine. Seafood here is always fresh, caught and prepared on the same day by local residents:
- Peanut Worm (Sa Sung): The most precious and famous specialty of Quan Lan. Sa Sung can be prepared in many ways, such as grilled, stir-fried with garlic, cooked in soup, or dried for infusing wine. Fresh grilled Sa Sung is the most delicious, with a chewy-sweet texture and distinct aroma.
- Cu Ky Crab: A characteristic type of sea crab from Quang Ninh waters, with a hard shell, abundant roe, and firm, sweet meat. Cu Ky is often steamed, grilled, or cooked into bún cù kỳ (noodle soup).
- Mantis Shrimp (Be Be / Tom Tich): Quan Lan‘s mantis shrimp are large, firm-fleshed, and intensely sweet, often steamed, grilled, or stir-fried with salt.
- Sun-dried Squid (Muc Mot Nang): Fresh squid dried for just one day, retaining its natural sweetness and chewiness. This dish is delicious whether grilled or fried, served with chili sauce.
- Milk Oysters (Hau Sua): Fresh, plump oysters, often grilled with spring onion oil, grilled with cheese, or eaten raw with mustard.
- Various Clams, Scallops, Snails: A diverse array of fresh shellfish, simply prepared by steaming, grilling, or stir-frying with tamarind to preserve their full flavor.
- Grouper, Cobia (Ca Song, Ca Gio): Delicious fresh sea fish, often prepared as hotpot, steamed with soy sauce, or grilled, perfect for family meals.
Unique Experiences When Traveling to Quan Lan
Quan Lan offers not only beautiful scenery and delicious food but also countless exciting experiences to enrich your trip:
- Watch the Sunrise at Eo Gio: Don’t miss the moment the sun emerges from the sea, painting the sky pink – a majestic and captivating sight.
- Rent a Tuk-tuk (xe lam) to Explore the Island: This is a distinctive and very fun mode of transport in Quan Lan. You can hire a tuk-tuk to ride around the island, visiting beaches and attractions.
- Swim at Pristine Beaches: Enjoy the clear blue water, fine sand, and absolute tranquility at secluded beaches.
- Overnight Beach Camping: Experience a night amidst nature, sleeping in a tent under a starry sky, listening to the waves, and having a fresh seafood BBQ party.
- Night Squid Fishing: Join local fishermen on their boat, catch fresh squid yourself, and enjoy it right there.
- Discover Fisherman’s Life: Wander around small fishing villages, learning about the daily life, activities, and traditional livelihoods of the local people.
- “Check-in” Photography: With its wild beauty and ancient architecture, Quan Lan has countless beautiful photo spots, giving you ample opportunities to pose and capture memorable moments.
Useful Tips for Traveling to Quan Lan
- Ideal Time: Summer (from May to August) is the best time to visit Quan Lan, with beautiful sunshine, calm seas, little rain, and perfect for beach activities. However, this is also peak season, so it’s advisable to book services early. Avoid visiting during typhoon season (September – November).
- Transportation:
- From Hanoi: Take a bus to Cai Rong Port (Van Don, Quang Ninh), then take a high-speed boat to Quan Lan island (about 45 minutes – 1 hour). There are multiple boat trips daily.
- On the island: Tuk-tuks (xe lam) are the most popular means of transport. You can also rent a motorbike for independent exploration.
- Accommodation: Quan Lan offers a variety of accommodation, from charming homestays and budget guesthouses to small hotels and resorts. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Attire: Pack swimwear, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin at the beach. Bring comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes.
- Environmental Protection: Be a responsible traveler; do not litter, especially avoid touching coral when snorkeling, to protect the marine ecosystem. Always respect the culture and customs of local people.
Quan Lan is more than just a tourist island; it’s an experience of peace, of the raw beauty bestowed by nature, and of the sincerity and simplicity of its islanders. From endless white sand beaches and sapphire-blue waters to fresh cuisine and unique experiences, Quan Lan has everything to satisfy every traveler.
If you are looking for an “untapped gem,” a place where you can truly escape the daily grind and find a connection with pristine nature, then Quan Lan is the perfect choice. Plan your trip today and experience for yourself the powerful allure of Quan Lan – the beautiful island waiting for you to explore!