Buzz
For those who avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquility and freshness of Quan Lan Island (Quang Ninh) provide an ideal weekend experience.
Three Days of Island Exploration on Quan Lan with a 10 Million VND Budget for the Young Family
Mr. Hung and Mrs. Trang, living in Hanoi, embarked on a trip to Quan Lan Island (Quang Ninh) with their two children, aged 4 and 6, in April. To avoid the crowded April 30th holiday, the couple decided to go a week earlier.
On the first day, the small family set off from Hanoi at 7 am, taking a 9-seater Limousine from Hanoi to Van Don, with door-to-door service, priced at 260,000 VND per seat. The bus offers free wifi, drinks, and cold towels. With the advantage of no stops along the way, the journey from Hanoi to Van Don takes just over 3 hours.
The family had an early lunch at an affordable restaurant in Van Don, spending 150,000 VND, then took a high-speed boat from Cai Rong port to Quan Lan Island. To ensure a timely departure and avoid long waits, the couple booked tickets in advance through an online travel company.
Arriving at noon, the family took the hotel's pre-arranged electric vehicle to check in and relax, then joined a historical and cultural tour of Quan Lan from 3 pm. They were grouped with other tourists, led by a guide who detailed the island's history and legends related to the famous general of the Tran dynasty – Nhan Hue Vuong Tran Khanh Du. However, Trang mentioned that this tour is more suitable for adults, as the two kids found it less engaging.
The children were more excited when participating in the rowing activity on the Mang River. The entire family wore life jackets and rowed far from the shore. The water in Quan Lan is clear, allowing them to see fish swimming beneath.
According to Trang, Quan Lan Island remains very pristine and pure, with few tourists exploring its beauty. The prices of items on the island are not higher than on the mainland. Most hotels here are part of an association, ensuring room prices are equivalent, without competition for guests.
Dinner at the hotel saw Trang's family ordering various seafood dishes such as shrimp, crab, fish, and squid. Everyone enjoyed the meal as the food was incredibly fresh. Later, they rented an electric car to explore the island and enjoy the breeze before heading back to their room.
On the second day, after breakfast, they participated in a 'Day as Fishermen' tour, experiencing net casting and fishing at sea. The guides were seasoned fishermen. However, only Hung joined the group going offshore for fishing. Trang took the two young ones for a beach stroll, playing with sand, collecting seashells, and clams.
For lunch, the family relished a fish hotpot made from the morning's catch. Everyone was fascinated and thrilled with this unique culinary experience.
In the refreshing afternoon, the whole family enjoyed a beach dip and strolled along the untouched trails of the island. According to them, for those who dislike the hustle and bustle of the city, the tranquility and purity of Quan Lan Island offer an ideal experience.
On the morning of the third day, the small family woke up early to visit the market near the hotel. It's where local fishermen sell their nightly catch. After buying fresh seafood, they carefully packed it in foam boxes with ice to take back to Hanoi as gifts for family and friends.
Afterwards, the family took a leisurely stroll around the island, played on the beach, had lunch, and checked out of the hotel. At 2:30 pm, the four members boarded a high-speed boat to Van Don, then took a bus back to Hanoi, arriving at 7 pm, concluding their weekend getaway. Trang shared that the kids enjoyed the boat experience the most. The trip left the whole family satisfied with the convenient travel from Hanoi to Quan Lan, delicious and affordable food, and the friendly locals.
Source: Anh Minh/Vnexpress
***
Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourMay 22, 2019
