Quan Lạn Island, with an area of 11km², is a stunning island nestled in Bai Tu Long Bay, located in the Van Don Island district of Quang Ninh province.
The island is inhabited by approximately 5,000 people, predominantly engaged in fishing and tourism. The primary mode of transportation here is the three-wheeled blue vehicle, with each allowed to carry only 8 people. The vehicle also displays specific prices for each designated route.

Currently, the island lacks a national power grid, leading residents to rely on diesel-powered generators. The cost of electricity from these generators can go up to 18,000 VND per unit. Therefore, hotels provide air conditioning services only from 6 pm to 6 am the next day.

Quan Lạn Island boasts two 3-star hotels and numerous guesthouses run by local residents. The island also features several naturally beautiful beaches such as Quan Lạn Beach, Sơn Hào Beach, and Minh Châu Beach.

The island is home to a rich heritage, including temples, pagodas, shrines, and communal houses that have existed for centuries. Notably, the ancient Quan Lạn Communal House, constructed during the Later Lê Dynasty, is the only temple in Vietnam worshiping King Lý Anh Tông – the founder of Vân Đồn Citadel in 1149 – and General Trần Khánh Dư, the guardian of Vân Đồn. The temple still preserves 18 royal edicts from the Nguyễn Dynasty, detailing the merits of these historical figures.

Moreover, tourists can explore the ancient Vân Đồn trading port, which is the first seaport in Vietnam.

The cuisine on the island is diverse, offering dishes such as sautéed sea cucumbers, steamed fresh squid, stir-fried razor clams with betel leaves, crispy fried catfish, steamed dual-fish, grilled sea cucumbers, and various types of fresh shellfish like razor clams and stone snails. The average cost per person per meal is around 100,000 VND. You can pre-order your menu at the hotel.

* Insider tip:
– Depart from Hanoi at Mỹ Đình Bus Station to Vân Đồn Island, covering a distance of 250km. The ticket price is 250,000 VND per person per trip. From Cái Rồng Port, Vân Đồn, take a high-speed boat to Quan Lạn Island. The travel time is approximately 60 minutes. The ticket price is 150,000 VND per person per trip.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – Courtesy of: The Cultural World.
MytourJune 8, 2015