Quan Lan is located in Quang Ninh province, about 200 kilometres from Hanoi. The island is not as busy 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.
It is a part of Van Dong 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 (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 fresh blue water, is spacious, close to the town centre and perfect for group or family activities. Son Hao beach is about 6 kilometers from Quan Lan centre. This beach has smooth sand, fresh 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.
Sunset in Quan Lan
The most delicious food here 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.
You can spend the night at a hotel or motel room with prices ranging from 300.000vnd – 700.000vnd. Resorts is located in Minh Chau. If you want to have more thrilling experience, you should be camping on Quan Lan beach.
The best time to visit Quan Lan is from April to September. From Hanoi, you can take a bus to Van Don or Hon Gai, and then take a boat to Quan Lan, with prices ranging from 120.000vnd – 200.000vnd depending on departure point and time.
