Quan Lan island travel tips : Advices from local experts
Quan Lan island – A cool place for travelling off the beaten path : Travel tips
Quan Lan island belong to Van Don Dist, Quang Ninh province in the Northern Eastern Vietnam. Just only 1 hours on a speed boat ride to reach the island. This is a rising destination for beach gateway with an array of activities from swimming, cycling, kayaking to fishing with locals. There are tons of desserted beaches and unexplored parts which is good for adventure travelers.
On the other hand, it’s also part of the well-known Bai Tu Long bay area. Check out this insider Quan Lan island travel tips written by a local guide with 10 years working experience and has been to Quan Lan island many times.
Table of Contents
Best Quan Lan island travel tips from local insider
1. Fill up your rental scooter with petro and checking it carefully before hiring
The high tourist season in Quan Lan island is from May to August when tons of local tourists going on their beach vacation. When it comes to off-season, lots of the scooters haven’t been used for long.
So I advise checking the scooter carefully to ensure everything works well. from the break to tire. On the other hand, there is no official fuel station.
If you are staying in the village called Dong Nam, there are street vendors offering petro, fill up your scooters before getting around. If you got flat tires, the only way you can do is to walk with your motorbike to the nearest mechanic stores. Hiring a motorbike is $10 USD per day, excluding fuel. It is pretty safe to get around by motorbike because there is amost a few vehicles on the island.
2. Take enough VND to the island
There is no ATM machine on the island. so you had better bring cash (Vietnam Dong) – the local currency to the island enough. The estimated budget for your travel expense per day is $35 USD or 800.000VND (if you stay in a guest house or a homestay). Remember that cash in king on this land.
Suggested budget for traveling the island
Motorbike rental : $10 USD per day without fuel
Motel/guest house/homestay: $20 USD to $25 USD per room per day off-season (September to April), the high season rate is 1.5 times to double the price (weekend rate). . For hotel, the rate is from $30 USD to $45 USD per room per night. For mini resorts or bungalows is from $45 to $80 USD per room per night
Set menu lunch/dinner: $10 USD per person, min 4 guests; eating light like fried noodles, fried rice with some salads or French fries costs around $3 to $5 USD per meal.
Bicycle for rent: $5 USD per day
Kayaking on Minh Chau Island: $10 USD per double kayak per hour
Entrance fee to Son Hao Beach: $1 USD per person
3. Cruising on a wooden boat from Cai Rong port to the Quan lan island
You’ll see magnificent sceneries of limestone islands in the Bai Tu Long bay are, some of the fishing villages as cruising on a wooden boat among locals rather than going on a speed boat. Take this advice if you haven’t got sea sick because during typhoon season from June to late August, the seawave is strong.
Practical information about traveling on a wooden boat to Quan lan island
Duration : 2 hours
Departs at Cai Rong port
Ticke fare : 80.000VND per person
Schedule : 7.00am and 13.00pm from Van Don
Arrival at the main port of Quan Lan near Dong nam village. If you are staying in Minh Chau beach area, please double check if it arrive there or not.
4. Avoid traveling during the high season and national holidays of Vietnam
You’d better not to go their during the national holidays of Vietnam (peak season) 30th of April, 1st of May, during Vietnamese independence day 2nd of Sept. There are tons of Vietnamese tourists which makes you may not enjoy your holiday just for people watch
From May to late August is the high season for Vietnamese visitors, please not to go their during the weekends from Friday to Sunday to avoid the big crowds.
Please note that summer is the best time to swim on Quan Lan island to avoid the weekend trip.
5. Enjoy the fresh seafood bought from the local morning fish market
If you are a real foodie and love eating seafood, known as local specialty on the island. Wake up at 5.00am, walk to the only morning fish market, buy some fresh seafood, bring it back to your accommodation, and ask them to cook it for you for an extra fee. I would say it is a unique dining experience that makes your day. Don’t forget to order some beers to enjoy with. My advice is to make a BBQ seafood lunch.
Please check in advance with the staff at your accommodation if they are willing to cook for you.
6. Don’t walk around Dong Nam village if not necessary
Walking along Dong Nam village at night, I encountered my dogs barking and trying to scare me. It is dark at night because there is no light on the street. Also, the village is really quiet at night off-season. So you may enjoy a cup of coffee in the nearby cafe rather than walking along the village. There’s actually nothing to do at night except karaoke singing which is available in Paloma hotel and costs around $10 USD per hour.
7. Bring snacks, bottled water, and other swimming equipment when going to the beach
During the high season, getting things on a beachfront store on the beach is more expensive than usual. When it comes to off-season, most of them are closed. For your convenience, you’d better bring them all from your hotel. Please bear in mind taking a shower with fresh water should be in the hotel during the off-season; wash your feet before entering the hotel after coming back from the beach in order not to bring sand to your hotel room.
You can get some snacks and drinks at the local convenience stores in Dong Nam village. Check the rate before buying to avoid being overcharged.
8. Having enough time at least 3 days trip
It takes 3.5 hours for Hanoi to Cai Rong port and another hour for a speed boat ride or 2 hours for a wooden boat ride to get to the island. You will spend 1 day for traveling. 2 days 1-night trip is a rush, I have to go say. 3 days 2 nights is perfect timing to enjoy the island at its best. Having a relaxing trip with sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, cycling, and more.
9. Book a speed boat ticket with your hotel’s staff
What I like the most is offering free pick-up from the hotel to the main pier for a speed boat ride back to Van Don. All hassle-free. And you don’t have to wait for a long queue during the peak season. The rate is pretty much the same or a bit higher than booking on your own.
We hope these Quan Lan Island travel tips above help you plan a trip to Quan Lan Island cheaper, longer and better.
Questions and answers about traveling Quan Lan island
When is the best time to visit Coto island?
If you don’t like mass tourism, October and April are two best months for traveling the island because you can see sunshines and go swimming. Nov to Feb is cold during the winter time in the island
May to August is the best time to see the island for those who like outdoor activities. Avoid traveling at the weekend only.
Is there any way to get from Quan Lan island to Coto island?
No, you can’t. Travel is no direct boat in between Quan Lan and Coto island. You must return to Cai Rong port and take another speed boat to other islands.
What is the difference between Coto and Quan Lan island?
It is pretty much the same in terms of scenery. But Coto Island is more developed than Quan Lan Island. There is better quality of accommodation in Coto island. There are more unexplored areas in Quan Lan Island.
Which is the closest airport?
Van Don airport is the closest one, only 10 kilometers from Cai Rong port. There are flights to Central and Southern Vietnam.
How to travel from Halong Bay to Quan Lan island?
There are speed boats from a dock which is near Long Tien Pagoda in Halong City. It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the island.
How many beaches in the island and which is the best one?
There are 7 beaches in the island includes Quan Lan beach (near Dong Nam village), Son Hao beach, Robinson beach, Minh Chau beach, Turle beach, Con Trui beach and Con Khoi beach.
In my opinion, Robinson is the most beautiful beach because it is less visited by visitors.
In there any place for currency exchange in Quan Lan Island?
Officially not. You can exchange your money in your hotel or resort at lower rate.
Which are should I stay, the beach or the main town area?
In my opinion, the main town area is the best for more things to do : visit pagodas, temples, meet people, visit local market and more
We hope the article helps you with some ways to plan a trip to Quan Lan island better, longer and more affordable . If you find this Quan Lan island travel tips helpfu;. please LIKE, SHARE AND GIVE US COMMENT in the box below, we very much appreciate that.
P/s : If you are looking for a hassle-free holiday in Quan Lan island, Hanoi Eco Tours also offers tours on Quan Lan island from Hanoi
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