If you're planning a summer getaway to Vân Đồn, make sure to jot down these exclusive tips for the 'Ecological Paradise of the Islands,' curated by mytour!
Blessed by nature with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, stretches of white sand, a national park boasting diverse flora and fauna, and numerous valuable historical and cultural relics, Vân Đồn, Quảng Ninh, stands as one of the top destinations in the north favored by many travelers for a summer retreat with family and friends. In Vân Đồn, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, explore the lives of fishermen, and indulge in fresh and delicious seafood that will leave everyone longing for a return visit.

Travel to Vân Đồn (Photo: st)
Explore the Wonders of Vân Đồn, Quảng Ninh
1. Introduction to Vân Đồn
Situated as an island district in Quảng Ninh province, approximately 50km from Hạ Long city, Vân Đồn is renowned for its pristine landscapes featuring a harmonious blend of sea and mountains. It boasts beautiful beaches across islands such as Quan Lạn and Ngọc Vừng, along with abundant precious seafood and significant tourism potential.
2. Transportation to Vân Đồn
The distance from Hanoi to Vân Đồn is approximately 220km. You can catch a bus from My Dinh, Luong Yen, or Giap Bat bus stations to Vân Đồn, with a travel time of about 4-5 hours. Some reputable bus companies you can choose from include Khumbo, Hoàng Long, and Đức Phúc, with ticket prices around 120,000 VND.
Upon reaching Vân Đồn, you can then take another vehicle to Cai Rong port. From here, you can explore the islands by high-speed boat or wooden boat.

Travelers can choose between high-speed boats or wooden boats when exploring Vân Đồn.
3. Tourist Attractions in Vân Đồn
According to travel experiences in Vân Đồn, Quảng Ninh, from Cai Rong port, you can choose to visit Quan Lạn or Cô Tô, or both if you have enough time. Here are some suggested destinations by mytour for your Vân Đồn trip:
a. Quan Lạn Beach
Situated in Bai Tu Long Bay, between the two island communes of Minh Chau and Quan Lạn in Vân Đồn district, Quan Lạn Beach, with its pristine beauty and fresh ecological environment, is one of the hottest tourist spots in recent years.
You can take the high-speed boat route from Cai Rong to Quan Lạn to reach here. The boat journey takes about 40-50 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 120,000 VND on weekdays to 160,000 VND on weekends.
Boat Schedule:
- Cai Rong – Quan Lạn: 2 trips/day, departing at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- Quan Lạn – Cai Rong: 2 trips/day, departing at 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM

Quan Lạn Island is one of the hottest tourist destinations in Vân Đồn in recent years (Photo: st)
b. Quan Lạn Pagoda
Quan Lạn Shrine, dedicated to General Tran Khanh Du, a prominent military leader during the Tran dynasty's resistance against the Mongol invaders, revered by the people as the village guardian. Additionally, the shrine also worships Dương Không Lộ and the 'Four Holy Mothers,' revered deities in local folklore. The shrine floor is made of wood, a rare ancient architectural style remaining in our country.
c. Quan Lạn Pagoda
Adjacent to Quan Lạn Shrine, the pagoda features simple architecture and is a place of worship for the Buddha, Princess Lieu Hanh, and Mr. Hau – an individual credited with the construction of the pagoda.
d. Quan Lạn Temple
Comprising three shrines dedicated to the three Pham brothers, generals of Tran Khanh Du who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives in the naval battle in Vân Đồn. Additionally, there is the Cao Son Shrine, dedicated to the mountain deity who provides protection and sustenance for the islanders, ensuring their comfortable lives.
e. Minh Châu Beach
Due to its more remote location, Minh Châu Beach is quite tranquil. It boasts a serene beach with firm sand and the clearest water among all the beaches on the island.

The tranquil beauty of Minh Châu Beach always attracts many tourists (Photo: st)
g. Sơn Hào Beach
Located between Quan Lạn Beach and Minh Châu Beach, the sea water is quite clear here, and the beach is somewhat steep. However, when the tide is at its highest, the beach becomes quite small.
h. Viet - My Beach
This area features a beautiful artificial beach. After swimming, you can dine right here, where the food is delicious and the prices are very affordable.
i. Cái Bầu Pagoda
also known as Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery, built on the foundation of Phuc Linh Tu Pagoda, dating back over 700 years to the Tran dynasty.

Cái Bầu Pagoda, a famous spiritual tourism destination in Vân Đồn
k. Ngọc Vừng Island
Surrounding Ngọc Vừng Island are many beautiful beaches with pristine landscapes, long stretches of white sand, and serene surroundings yet to be fully explored.
l. Ba Mùn Island
Not only boasting stunning beaches, but Ba Mùn Island also harbors many valuable plant species such as agarwood, aloeswood, seagrass, Senna siamea, and sandalwood, along with numerous ancient trees so large that they require three or four people to embrace.
4. What to Eat When Traveling to Vân Đồn?
When traveling to Vân Đồn, you definitely cannot miss out on the delicious seafood here such as razor clams, squid, sea cucumbers, and grilled oysters.
The cost of dining varies depending on the tourism destination. If eating at a restaurant, the average price is around 100,000 – 200,000 VND per person, but if you ask locals to cook for you, it will be cheaper, around 50,000 VND per person.
Here are some affordable and delicious eateries in Vân Đồn that you can consider: Wind Sea Restaurant 2, Tuyen Tuyet Restaurant, Phan Tuyet Restaurant, Dia Duong Restaurant…

There are plenty of fresh seafood and excellent restaurants ready to serve tourists when they come to Vân Đồn (Photo: st)
We hope the travel experiences in Van Don shared by mytour here will help you have a fantastic vacation!
