Buzz
For those who seek modern amenities, Minh Chau Beach is the perfect choice for accommodation; for those who prefer a more rustic, serene experience, Quan Lan or Robinson Beach is the ideal destination.
Exploring Quan Lan Island: A Hanoi Family's Adventure
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thanh, from Hanoi, a mother of a timid 4-year-old boy who is afraid of sand and sea, embarked on a family trip to Quan Lan Island in Van Don district, Quang Ninh. Here are her insights from the recent holiday.
Transportation
Due to the holiday rush, high-quality limousine services (9-seater vehicles) were fully booked. I arranged a 45-seater bus, with only 3 plastic seats available, for pick-up at the Khuat Duy Tien intersection, Thanh Xuan district on the morning of April 28. Upon boarding, we discovered the plastic seats. At this point, my husband suggested turning back or finding an alternative. Considering the unlikelihood of securing another vehicle during the holiday, I persisted. Eventually, some passengers disembarked, and both my son and I secured cushioned seats at 120,000 VND per ticket.
It's advisable to catch a ride from either Mỹ Đình or Yên Nghĩa bus station to secure front-row seats.
Upon reaching Cái Rồng port, I purchased tickets for a ferry trip to Quan Lạn Island, priced at 150,000 VND per person (children over 2 years are considered adults). Planning ahead, I also bought return tickets. The boat journey to the island took just over an hour, followed by a guesthouse pickup.
On the way back, the whole family took a tuk-tuk to the port, only two kilometers away, but they charged per trip, 100,000 VND, and the ride felt like a mini rollercoaster. Arriving at Cái Rồng port, we boarded a sleeper bus to Mỹ Đình, right there at the port, costing 150,000 VND per bed, inclusive of beverages and light snacks (on regular days, it's 120,000 VND).
Accommodation
I booked a container-style guesthouse by the beach in Quan Lạn. The online booking price was 575,000 VND per night, but they charged 600,000 VND in reality. The enclosed container room, surrounded by gypsum to separate walls and ceiling, had a thatched roof. While it offered a view of the sea and air conditioning, my room only fit a snug 1.6m bed, leaving no space for those with extra luggage. They did have double rooms, but they were fully booked. The larger rooms were available, but lacked privacy.
The bathroom featured a squat toilet, a counter for face washing, a mirror, and a shower, though without hot water, making it inconvenient. The island's tap water was sufficient, ensuring no water shortage for bathing.
Culinary Experience
For our first meal at the guesthouse, the entire family spent 720,000 VND on a feast, including fried razor clams, mantis shrimp, 10 grilled oysters, rice, stir-fried morning glory, soup, and sautéed meat. However, we didn't feel satisfied as the soup and meat didn't suit our taste buds.
On the second meal, my family ventured into the village (Quan Lạn) for a more delightful and diverse dining experience at a significantly lower cost. The three of us spent only 600,000 VND and left fully satisfied.
In the morning, we had seafood noodles at the guesthouse, priced at 40,000 VND per bowl. Unfortunately, the broth lacked flavor, and the bowl wasn't filled to the brim.
For dinner, we decided to indulge in a dessert, opting for a variety of sweet soup. The selection wasn't extensive, mainly black beans, green beans, pearls, and jelly, but it was enjoyable. A cup, generously filled without ice, cost just 10,000 VND. It's advisable to bring some light snacks, just in case hunger strikes.
Entertainment
Day 1: We arrived at our destination a little after 3 PM, checked in, and headed straight to the beach for a refreshing swim. Quan Lạn Beach, while quieter than Minh Châu Beach, boasts white sand, though not as pristine as other beaches. The sea is crystal clear with gentle waves.
Day 2: The entire family rented motorbikes to explore the island, costing 200,000 VND per day. If traveling in a group, electric bikes or tuk-tuks are more economical. There are several notable spots on the island:
Minh Châu Beach: About 10 km from Quan Lạn, it's lively and bustling with more visitors and services compared to other places.
Robinson Beach: Situated between Quan Lạn and Minh Châu, closer to Minh Châu. This beach has only one guesthouse right by the sea, offering a deserted island experience. The road is narrow, winding, with no directional signs; it took me a while to find it. However, this beach is the most beautiful, with a charming guesthouse nestled in a pine forest.
Beyond Minh Châu, there's an unnamed beach - quiet, no services, but with pristine white sand, perfect for stunning photos.
Wind Strait and Quan Lạn Pagoda: I didn't explore these areas, but both are quite famous around here.
After strolling around the island, in the evening, I took my son back to the beach for a swim, helping him get accustomed to the sand and sea. The gentle waves allowed him to float with a buoy. Later, the entire family walked into the village for dinner and bought dried squid and shrimp for souvenirs.
Day 3: In the morning, we packed up and headed to the rocky beach for photos, but unfortunately, it started raining. After breakfast, I called a taxi to take us to the port for our return journey.
After this trip, I realized those who prefer convenience and better services should consider staying at Minh Châu Beach. For those who enjoy a more rustic, secluded experience without the crowds, Bai Quan Lạn or Robinson Beach is the ideal choice.
According to Phương Thanh/Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourJune 1, 2018
