The Complete 2024 Travel Guide to Vân Đồn (Quảng Ninh) from A to Z

Mytour.vn presents you with the ultimate travel guide to Vân Đồn. Packed with essential information on transportation, climate, top attractions, and local cuisine, this guide is your perfect companion for your upcoming adventures in Vân Đồn!

Overview of Vân Đồn Tourism

Vân Đồn is an island district in Quảng Ninh Province, located about 50km from the center of Hạ Long City. This area boasts pristine natural beauty, featuring mountains, seas, and stunning beaches on islands like Quan Lạn and Ngọc Vừng, along with mysterious caves. Vân Đồn is also rich in rare seafood and holds significant tourism potential.

Best Time to Visit Vân Đồn

Blessed by nature, Vân Đồn boasts unique beauty and charm in every season, resembling a captivating ink-wash painting. Depending on your schedule, you can plan your Vân Đồn trip accordingly. However, based on many travelers' experiences, the ideal time to visit is from May to August. During this period, Vân Đồn shines with beautiful sunshine, calm seas, minimal storms, and small waves, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach outings.

Transportation

Getting to Vân Đồn

Travelers from across the country can visit Vân Đồn using various means of transportation, including planes, buses, motorbikes, and more.

By Air

If you're coming from major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, you can take a direct flight to Vân Đồn International Airport. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate flights to Vân Đồn. Check flight schedules and ticket prices HERE.

By Bus

Buses are likely the most popular option due to their affordability and extensive routes from various provinces and cities. The distance from Hanoi to Vân Đồn is approximately 220km. Travelers can catch buses at Mỹ Đình, Lương Yên, or Giáp Bát stations heading to Vân Đồn, with an average travel time of 4-5 hours. Reputable bus companies include Kumho, Hoàng Long, and Đức Phúc, with fares around 120,000 VND per person one-way. Additionally, Limousine buses with premium reclining seats are an ideal choice for families with children or elderly members. Check out Limousine options from Hanoi to Vân Đồn below:

– Vân Đồn Xanh Limousine:

• Departure times (Door-to-door service – 1 trip per hour): Hanoi: 5:00 AM -> 9:00 PM – Vân Đồn: 2:00 AM -> 6:00 PM
• Reference fare: 200,000 VND – 240,000 VND
• Phone: 1900 2640

– Trung Thành Limousine:

• Departure times (Door-to-door service – 1 trip per hour): Hanoi: 2:30 AM -> 8:30 PM – Vân Đồn: 3:00 AM -> 7:00 PM
• Reference fare: 200,000 VND – 260,000 VND
• Phone: 0966.896.896 – 0888.664.896

– Hoàng Công Limousine:

• Departure times (Door-to-door service – 1 trip per hour): Hanoi: 4:30 AM -> 6:30 PM – Vân Đồn: 3:15 AM -> 5:15 PM
• Reference fare: 220,000 VND
• Phone: 19000 392

– Duy Khánh Limousine:

• Departure times (Door-to-door service – 1 trip per hour): Hanoi: 3:00 AM -> 5:00 PM – Vân Đồn: 3:15 AM -> 5:15 PM
• Reference fare: 220,000 VND – 270,000 VND
• Phone: 0707611611

By Motorbike

An ideal option for young adventurers planning a road trip from Hanoi. With a 220 km journey along scenic and relatively easy routes, it’s entirely feasible to organize a self-driven exploration of Vân Đồn (Quảng Ninh) with friends.

Private Car

If you plan to visit Vân Đồn during the sunny month of June, traveling by private car is an excellent choice for groups of friends or families. Additionally, having your own vehicle allows for greater flexibility and convenience throughout the trip.

By Train

While there is no direct train route to Vân Đồn, you can take the luxurious Halong Express train from Hanoi to Hạ Long City. Alternatively, you can travel by train from other provinces to Uông Bí City and then transfer to Vân Đồn by bus, coach, or taxi.

Note:

If you travel by plane, car, or bus, once you arrive in Vân Đồn, you’ll need to rent a motorbike, wooden boat, or speedboat to explore the area. Specifically, upon reaching Vân Đồn, take a vehicle to Cái Rồng Port, where you can board a speedboat or wooden boat to visit the surrounding islands.

Getting Around Vân Đồn

Bicycle: For young travelers who enjoy exploring Vân Đồn by bicycle, give it a try! You’re guaranteed to have a unique and exciting experience.

Motorbike: Motorbike rental services in Vân Đồn are thriving. This mode of transport is ideal for travelers looking to explore and conquer scenic routes while enjoying freedom and flexibility during their trip.

Taxi: With several reputable taxi companies operating at reasonable rates, this is a popular choice among visitors. Check out some Vân Đồn airport taxi services below:

Tourist Attractions in Vân Đồn

Quan Lạn Beach

Quan Lạn is a small island located in Bái Tử Long Bay, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province. Despite its modest size of about 11 km², the island boasts long stretches of pristine beaches with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Its untouched natural beauty captivates visitors, making it a must-visit destination for those traveling to Vân Đồn.

Quan Lạn Communal House

Quan Lạn Communal House is situated at Đình Wharf, the central boat pier of Quan Lạn Island. Located in Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province, it is approximately 35km from Cẩm Phả. Built during the Later Lê Dynasty (17th century) at Cái Làng Wharf, the house honors Trần Khánh Dư, a Trần Dynasty general who played a pivotal role in resisting the Mongol invasion. Additionally, it venerates Dương Không Lộ and the Four Holy Mothers, deities deeply revered by the local community.

Quan Lạn Pagoda

Adjacent to Quan Lạn Communal House is Quan Lạn Pagoda. The pagoda features a simple architectural design with three main sections and a rear sanctuary. The structure includes a gate, a worship hall, and the sanctuary. It is dedicated to Buddha, Lady Liễu Hạnh, and a local benefactor known as Cụ Hậu, who contributed significantly to the pagoda's construction.

Quan Lạn Shrine

Adjacent to Quan Lạn Pagoda is the Quan Lạn Shrine. This shrine honors three brothers from the Phạm family: Phạm Công Chính, Phạm Quý Công, and Phạm Thuần Dụng. These three generals, natives of Quan Lạn, made significant contributions in the battles against the Mongol invaders. The shrine was built to commemorate their immense contributions and bravery as skilled military leaders who fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives to defend the northeastern maritime frontier of the nation.

Additionally, about 1.5km from the Quan Lạn Pagoda complex lies the Trần Khánh Dư Temple. This temple honors the renowned Trần Dynasty general who played a crucial role in resisting the Mongol invasion. It is a historical site included in the national heritage cluster of Quan Lạn Commune.

Cái Bầu Pagoda

Cái Bầu Pagoda, also known as 'Trúc Lâm Giác Tâm Zen Monastery,' is located in Hamlet 1 of Hạ Long Village, Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province. Built on the foundation of Phúc Linh Temple, an ancient Trần Dynasty pagoda, in 2007, it has become a beloved spiritual and cultural destination for visitors. The pagoda features traditional architecture, nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, offering a sacred yet picturesque and romantic atmosphere.

Sơn Hào Beach

Sơn Hào is a renowned beach on Quan Lạn Island, beloved by many visitors. Stretching approximately 3km, it features pristine blue waters and a picturesque landscape. The beach is distinguished by its unique scenery, including lush vegetation and casuarina forests along the coast. Visiting Sơn Hào in the summer, travelers can stroll along the shore, marvel at the majestic natural beauty, or gaze at the untouched mountains in the distance.

Việt Mỹ Beach

Việt Mỹ is an artificial beach located in Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province. Spanning about 2km in length and 100m in width, it includes both sandy shores and water areas. With its fine white sand, clear blue waters, and gentle waves, the beach offers a serene and romantic setting. It is part of the upscale Việt Mỹ tourist area along the Hạ Long – Cẩm Phả – Vân Đồn coastal road. The resort also provides amenities and services such as restaurants, hotels, entertainment zones, sports facilities, and resorts.

Bãi Dài Vân Đồn

Located entirely within Bái Tử Long Bay, Bãi Dài belongs to Vân Đồn District, Quảng Ninh Province. The beach impresses with its crystal-clear blue waters, untouched scenery, and a 2km stretch of white sand. It is a must-visit spot for stunning check-in photos in Vân Đồn. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of exciting water activities here.

Minh Châu Beach

Minh Châu Beach is part of Quan Lạn Island but is uniquely situated on a separate islet, standing over 3 meters above sea level. Its secluded location, away from other beaches, offers a tranquil atmosphere. The beach features a gentle slope, firm ground, and the clearest waters among the island's beaches, making it a favorite among many visitors.

Moon Rock Beach

Moon Rock Beach, also known as Heaven's Rock Beach or Round Rock Beach, is a natural landscape in Sơn Hào Village (Quan Lạn Commune). Stretching nearly 1km and hundreds of meters wide from the water's edge to the foot of the hills, its formation is tied to local legends of celestial footprints. Stories tell of fairies descending to admire the scenery and a love story between a fairy and a local fisherman. The beach still preserves a large rock shaped like a fairy's footprint and a celestial chessboard, earning it the name Heaven's Rock Beach.

Ngọc Vừng Island

Due to its remote location, Ngọc Vừng Island remains largely untouched by human activity. The scenery is remarkably pristine and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful beaches with clear waters, long stretches of white sand, and a serene atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for relaxation and retreat, far from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Ba Mùn Island

Ba Mùn Island, also known as Cao Lô Island, is located in Vân Đồn District and runs parallel to Quan Lạn Island. It is considered one of the must-visit destinations in Quảng Ninh. The island is uniquely surrounded by lush forests and is home to many rare animals. During the summer, visitors can explore and learn about the island's diverse flora and fauna.

What to Eat in Vân Đồn?

Seafood Delicacies

When visiting Vân Đồn, don’t miss out on the exquisite seafood dishes such as clams, sandworms, horseshoe crabs, mantis shrimp, sea urchins, squid, geoducks, and oysters. Dining costs vary depending on the location. Eating at restaurants typically costs around 100,000 – 200,000 VND per person, while having locals cook for you can be cheaper, at about 50,000 VND per person. Some recommended eateries in Vân Đồn include Gió Biển 2 Restaurant, Tuyên Tuyết Restaurant, Phấn Tuyết Restaurant, and Đại Dương Restaurant.

Squid Sausage

Squid sausage has long been a signature dish of Quảng Ninh. When in Vân Đồn, trying this delicacy is a must, as its unique flavor is unforgettable. The secret to its distinct taste lies in the fresh cuttlefish used, caught directly by local fishermen in Hạ Long Bay. Squid sausage is often served with sticky rice, steamed rice, or rice rolls.

Mantis Shrimp Noodle Soup

When visiting Vân Đồn, you must try the mantis shrimp noodle soup. Mantis shrimp, locally known as 'bề bề,' is a popular seafood in the region, often referred to as 'tôm tích,' 'tôm tít,' or 'tôm búa' elsewhere. The sweet, fragrant, and rich meat of mantis shrimp is used to create various nutritious dishes such as garlic-fried mantis shrimp, steamed mantis shrimp, salt-and-pepper grilled mantis shrimp, and sweet-and-sour tamarind mantis shrimp. However, the most popular dish remains the mantis shrimp noodle soup.

Gật Gù Rice Cake

This dish is made from rice flour, rolled into cylindrical shapes, and served with a dipping sauce of chicken fat-infused fish sauce and fried shallots. Despite its simplicity, it has become a specialty of Quảng Ninh.

Some Hotels in Quảng Ninh

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hạ Long

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hạ Long, a luxurious resort resembling a fairy-tale castle, is uniquely situated on Rều Island in the heart of Hạ Long Bay. The rooms are elegantly designed with large balconies offering panoramic views of the bay. Accommodation options range from rooms for 2 to 8 guests, all equipped with luxurious amenities. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of high-class facilities and services to ensure a comfortable stay.

Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh Resort

Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh is Vietnam's first hot spring resort, designed and operated under strict Japanese onsen standards. It offers exceptional experiences with a range of premium services. Guests can enjoy various types of baths, including air bubble baths, massage jets, and whirlpools, all of which promote health and relaxation. These advanced technologies, introduced by Japanese experts, utilize ultrasonic waves and nano air bubbles to detoxify the body, relieve fatigue, and rejuvenate the skin.

At Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, you can experience baths featuring air bubble systems, massage jets, and whirlpools, which are highly beneficial for health. These cutting-edge technologies, developed by Japanese experts, are integrated into the premium onsen services. The ultrasonic waves and nano air bubbles effectively massage the body, detoxify, relieve fatigue, and rejuvenate the skin.

Legacy Yên Tử – MGallery Hotel Collection

Legacy Yên Tử – MGallery Hotel Collection offers a serene escape, making you feel as though you’ve entered a heavenly paradise. Nestled at the foot of Yên Tử Mountain, the resort features unique architecture that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, providing a peaceful retreat for the soul. The property showcases handcrafted interior decorations and traditional materials, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Guests can also relax in the outdoor swimming pool, filled with natural spring water that promotes health and well-being.

According to Mytour.vn

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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide