Quan Lan Island: The Ultimate Guide
Quan Lan Island lies on the outskirts of Halong Bay, in Bai Tu Long Bay. It’s sparsely inhabited, with seaports on the northern and southern tips of the island.
Overview
Despite being inhabited by locals, the natural beauty of Quan Lan Island remains largely unspoiled, boasting three long stretches of white sandy beaches and lush forested areas. The island is an excellent spot to enjoy local seafood, thanks to the rich waters teeming with squid, butterfish, mackerel, and shrimp.
In the 11th century, Quan Lan Island served as a crucial stop on a prominent trade route connecting Vietnam with Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, and China. While today it has transformed into a tranquil retreat rather than a bustling port, Quan Lan still houses culturally significant historic sites. Notably, the Quan Lan Communal House complex, which includes a pagoda and temple that originated in the 17th century, has been diligently preserved. This site has been officially recognized as a National Historic Relic in Vietnam since 1990.
Quan Lan Island is situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, close to well-known attractions such as Ngoc Vung and Van Canh Islands. You can find it on Google Maps.
For visitors looking to stay longer in Quan Lan Island, there are numerous small, family-run hotels and homestays offering affordable lodging options. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to rent a boat to explore the scenic coastline of the island. For those preferring to stay on land, motorbike rentals are available, allowing you to navigate the island, visit bustling local markets, and explore historic temples. When planning your visit to Quan Lan, it’s advisable to carry bottled water, as fresh water availability can be limited on the island.
Weather & climate
Though Quan Lan experiences four distinct seasons: February to April as spring; May to July as summer; August to October as autumn; and November to January as winter, it’s important to consider the rainy and dry seasons when planning your visit.
Quan Lan’s rainy season spans from May to September, while the dry period occurs from November to March. Each season offers a unique set of advantages and challenges, but it is widely agreed that the optimal months for travel are March, April, September, and October.
If you relish warm summer days, then June to August would be your ideal time to visit. Just keep in mind that this period can bring unpredictable weather, with intense rain and thunderstorms being common. For those who prefer milder temperatures, October to March would be more suitable.
Quan Lan weather averages:
| Months | High / Low (°C) | Rainfalls |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20°/12° |
30 mm |
| February | 20°/13° |
15 mm |
| March | 25°/17° |
70 mm |
| April | 27°/21° |
95 mm |
| May | 31°/25° |
150 mm |
| June | 33°/27° |
240 mm |
| July | 34°/28° |
250 mm |
| August | 35°/28° |
235 mm |
| September | 32°/26° |
145 mm |
| October | 28°/21° |
90 mm |
| November | 25°/20° |
50 mm |
| December | 20°/14° |
35 mm |
Note: Quan Lan weather averages for 2025. Sources: Nchmf.gov.vn
Travelers on a budget or those wishing to bypass large crowds should consider the off-peak season from June to August.
It is advisable to refrain from visiting Quan Lan during July and August due to frequent thunderstorms. Tours could be impacted or canceled because of unfavorable weather conditions in these months.
How to get there
If you’re traveling to Quan Lan from Hanoi, you can catch a bus from the My Dinh bus station. The bus will take you to Cai Rong (Van Don) port. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, and a ticket costs about 200,000 VND (around $8.50 USD).
Once you arrive, you can take a boat to the island, which takes about an hour from Van Don port. Small wooden boats are also available, which take roughly two hours. The ticket price for these is around 80,000 VND (approximately $3.50 USD). Boats leave daily 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 | 120,000 VND (Book: 0888 123 456 - 0913 987 654) |
| Quang Minh | Van Don - Quan Lan (45 minutes) | 07:30-08:15 13:30-14:15 | 120,000 VND (Book: 0987 654 321 – 0912 345 678) |
| Thanh Hung | Van Don - Quan Lan (45 minutes) | 10:00-10:45 | 120,000 VND (Book: 0914 567 890 - 01695 999 999) |
- There are also boats departing from Hon Gai Port to Quan Lan, with departure times of 6:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 14:30 p.m. daily. To book, call 0203 123456 – 0946 789 012.
If you are planning to visit on the weekend, be sure to arrive an hour early, as it tends to be quite busy.
Quan Lan beach
Quan Lan Island is home to a variety of stunning beaches. The following is a detailed overview of the two most popular and well-known beaches on the island.
Quan Lan Beach
Situated approximately 34 miles (55 kilometers) from Ha Long City in Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Beach offers visitors the chance to experience its pristine beauty. This beach boasts a lengthy stretch of fine, white sand, and the crystal-clear, deep blue waters are complemented by an enchanting green pine forest in the background. This striking contrast enhances the allure of Quan Lan Beach, which is known for its tranquility and soothing ambiance.
Quan Lan Island is largely peaceful, featuring eight small towns, which are sparsely populated. The abundant sand on the island has inspired local crafts, particularly in glassmaking.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, the island also has a rich history that dates back centuries, offering cultural insights and historical sites for visitors to explore.
Camping at Minh Chau Beach!
Minh Chau Beach
Regarded by many as one of the most spectacular beaches in Northern Vietnam, Minh Chau Beach is located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) from Quan Lan Beach.
Stunning aerial view of Minh Chau Beach!
Every year, numerous locals flock to this beach for wedding photos or romantic getaways. One of the beach's most appealing attributes is its soft, smooth sand, which feels delightful underfoot. Locals frequently compare the beach's beauty to that of Snow White, underscoring its enchanting reputation.
Visitors to Minh Chau Beach can participate in various activities, including camping, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the moonlight, letting the cares of the day drift away.
Where to stay
There are numerous accommodation options on Quan Lan Island in 2025, catering to a variety of preferences and budgets. From luxurious resorts to cozy hostels, you can find a place that suits your needs. It is advisable to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons when the island becomes quite busy.
Here are three highly recommended places to stay on Quan Lan:
1. Ann Hotel
Just a short walk from the seafront, Ann Hotel boasts 21 rooms, some with stunning ocean views. Each room is equipped with air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Room rates start at approximately 600,000 VND (about $25 USD).
Address: Quan Lạn, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh. Phone: 0203 3877 889. Website: annhotel.com.vn
2. Paloma Hotel
Situated conveniently near Son Hao and Quan Lan Beach, Paloma Hotel offers a serene and well-serviced environment for guests to unwind. Room rates begin at around 800,000 VND (approximately $34 USD) per night.
Address: Quan Lạn, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh. Phone: 091 326 62 52. Website: palomahotel.vn
3. Minh Chau Pearl Hotel
Experience a delightful stay at Minh Chau Pearl Hotel! With exceptional service, delectable dining options, and comfortable accommodations near Minh Chau Beach, this hotel is an excellent choice for your holiday. Room prices range from 600,000 VND (around $26 USD) to 1,800,000 VND (approximately $77 USD).
Address: Minh Chau Island, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh. Phone: +(84) 987 018 566. Website: minhchaupearl.vn
The hotels listed above represent just a fraction of the excellent accommodation options available on Quan Lan Island.
What to eat
Visitors to Quan Lan Island can indulge in fresh seafood, but for those looking for unique culinary experiences, the island presents intriguing local delicacies.
One of the most notable is the peanut worm. These thick, sand-dwelling worms are celebrated for their rich and flavorful flesh. They can be savored either fresh or dried. When fresh, they can be sautéed in oil until they achieve a delightful crispiness. As of 2025, expect to pay approximately 450,000 VND to 500,000 VND (around $19 to $21 USD) for 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of peanut worms.
Another specialty is a type of crab locally known as 'Cruel.' While Cruel crabs may not have the same sweetness as regular crabs, many believe they offer a superior flavor. The body of the Cruel crab is spongy and contains less meat than its more common counterparts. The current price for 1 kilogram (about 2.2 pounds) of Cruel crab is approximately 350,000 VND ($15 USD).
