Quan Lan Island, a hidden gem in Vietnam, offers untouched natural beauty and a glimpse into its rich history. With its three long white sandy beaches and beautiful forest areas, the island remains mostly untouched by development. In this ultimate travel guide to Quan Lan Island, we will explore its scenic beauty, unique seafood, and the best time to visit.
Overview
Quan Lan Island, nestled in Bai Tu Long Bay, is a tranquil retreat away from the bustling city life. Despite its sleepy atmosphere, the island holds cultural significance as it was once a vital trade route between Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and China. Today, it is home to historic buildings like the Quan Lan Communal house complex, which dates back to the 17th century. This complex, recognized as a National Historic Relic, showcases a pagoda and temple, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich past.
Quan Lan Island lies on Bai Tu Long bay, and close to popular attractions such as Ngoc Vung and Van Canh Island (Google maps)
Weather & Climate
Quan Lan Island experiences four distinct seasons, with spring from February to April, summer from May to July, autumn from August to October, and winter from November to January. However, it also has rainy and dry seasons, which should be considered when planning your visit.
The rainy season on Quan Lan Island lasts from May to September, while the dry season runs from November to March. The ideal months to visit are March, April, September, and October when the weather is pleasant. During the summer months of June to August, the island experiences hot temperatures, although thunderstorms are common. If you prefer milder weather, October to March offers a more comfortable climate.
- Quan Lan weather average:
| Months | High / Low (°C) | Rainfalls |
| ——– | ————— | ———- |
| January | 19°/11° | 20 mm |
| February | 19°/12° | 12 mm |
| March | 24°/16° | 60 mm |
| April | 26°/20° | 89 mm |
| May | 30°/24° | 139 mm |
| June | 32°/26° | 232 mm |
| July | 33°/27° | 239 mm |
| August | 34°/27° | 229 mm |
| September| 31°/25° | 138 mm |
| October | 27°/20° | 85 mm |
| November | 24°/19° | 42 mm |
| December | 19°/12° | 27 mm |
Note: Quan Lan weather average in 2018. Sources: Nchmf.gov.vn
For budget travelers or those wanting to avoid crowds, the off-peak season from June to August is the best time to visit. However, it’s essential to note that July and August are prone to thunderstorms, which may affect tours and activities.
Quan Lan in early March when the weather is nice and comfortable!
How to Get There
To reach Quan Lan Island from Hanoi, you can take a bus from the My Dinh bus station to Cai Rong (Van Don) port. The bus journey takes approximately 4 hours, and tickets cost around 150,000 VND ($7 USD). From Cai Rong port, you can catch a boat to the island. The boat ride lasts about an hour, and tickets for a small wooden boat cost around 60,000 VND ($3 USD). There are daily departures at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Cai Rong – Quan Lan speedboat schedules:
| Speedboat Operators | Schedule | Price |
| ——————- | ——————————- | ———————————— |
| Hoang Vy | Van Don – Quan Lan (45 minutes) | 07:30-08:15
15:00-15:45 |
| Quang Minh | Van Don – Quan Lan (45 minutes) | 07:30-08:15
13:30-14:15 |
| Thanh Hung | Van Don – Quan Lan (45 minutes) | 10:00-10:45 |
Note: For bookings, refer to the provided contact numbers.
Furthermore, there are also boats departing from Hon Gai Port to Quan Lan every day. To book, contact 0203 6565758 or 0946 193 193.
It is advisable to arrive at least an hour early if you plan to visit Quan Lan Island on the weekend due to high visitor numbers.
Speedboat to Quan Lan from Cai Rong port which is 210km from Hanoi.
Quan Lan Beach
Quan Lan Island boasts several beaches, each offering its unique charm. Let’s explore two of the most popular beaches:
Quan Lan Beach
Located 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Halong City in Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Beach is a picturesque destination. Its long stretch of fine white sand is complemented by the deep blue ocean and a backdrop of green pine forests. The contrasting colors create a mesmerizing view, perfect for relaxation. Besides the beautiful coastline, the island is known for its glass-making industry, utilizing the abundant supply of sand found on the island.
Camping on Quan Lan Beach!
Minh Chau Beach
Minh Chau Beach, located approximately 9 miles (15 kilometers) from Quan Lan Beach, is considered one of the most splendid beaches in Northern Vietnam. It attracts thousands of locals every year, who come to shoot wedding pictures or enjoy their honeymoon. The beach’s smooth sand offers a delightful sensation underfoot and is often compared to Snow White. Activities such as camping and snorkeling can be enjoyed here, or you can simply relax and unwind under the moonlight.
Beautiful view of Minh Chau Beach from above!
Where to Stay
Quan Lan Island offers a range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and budgets. From resorts to hostels, there is something for everyone. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as the island can get busy.
Here are three recommended places to stay on Quan Lan Island:
-
Ann Hotel: Located close to the seafront, Ann Hotel offers 21 rooms with some rooms providing ocean views. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and WiFi. Prices start from around 550,000 VND ($25 USD) per night.
Address: Quan Lạn, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh
Phone: 0203 3877 889
Website: Ann Hotel -
Paloma Hotel: Ideally situated near Son Hao and Quan Lan Beach, Paloma Hotel offers a comfortable and well-serviced stay. The hotel provides a range of amenities and an attentive staff. Prices for a room start from around 720,000 VND ($33 USD) per night.
Address: Quan Lạn, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh
Phone: 091 326 62 52
Website: Paloma Hotel -
Minh Chau Pearl Hotel: Experience luxury at Minh Chau Pearl Hotel, located near Minh Chau Beach. With its excellent staff, delectable food, and comfortable rooms, this hotel promises a memorable stay. Prices range from 550,000 VND ($24 USD) to 1,500,000 VND ($65 USD) per night.
Address: Minh Chau Island, Van Don, Quang Ninh
Phone: +(84) 987 018 566
Website: Minh Chau Pearl Hotel
Note: The above-mentioned hotels are just a selection of the many accommodations available on the island.
Stay in style at Minh Chau Pearl Hotel – Quan Lan.
What to Eat
Quan Lan Island offers a delightful culinary experience, from fresh seafood to unique delicacies. Alongside the usual seafood options, the island boasts some interesting and special dishes.
One such delicacy is the Peanut Worm, a thick worm found in the sand. Known for its rich and tasty meat, the Peanut Worm can be enjoyed fresh or dried. Fresh Peanut Worms can be fried until crispy, providing a unique culinary adventure. A kilogram (2 pounds) of Peanut Worms costs between 400,000 VND to 450,000 VND ($18 to $20 USD).
Another noteworthy specialty is the “Cruel” crab. Though not as sweet as regular crab, it is said to have a more distinctive taste. The body of this crab is spongy and contains less meat. Expect to pay around 300,000 VND ($13 USD) for a kilogram (2 pounds) of Cruel crab.
Indulge in the flavors of razor clams and calamari in Quan Lan!
Quan Lan Island offers a unique travel experience, combining pristine beaches, rich history, and delicious seafood. Explore the island’s natural beauty, relax on its picturesque beaches, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Plan your trip to Quan Lan Island and create lasting memories in this hidden gem.