Quan Lan Island – Jewel of Halong Bay
Written by Jimmy Vu (info@vietnamimpressive.com)
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
A visit to the well-known Halong bay can be added with better values by a retreat to an island in the extension part of the bay, so called Bai Tu Long bay – Quan Lan island, now getting ever hot as a new and authentic eco-marine destination.
Having an area of 11 sq km and a long thin shape, Quan Lan island neighbors Ban Sen island to the west, Ba Mun island as a national park to the east and some smaller islands around. Transfer to the island can be made by boat either from Halong city (4.5 hrs) or Van Don town (2.5 hrs)
The main transportation on the island is by tuk-tuks. You will need it to transfer from the pier to the small town (~2km).
About accommodation, there are not many options to choose from. Located right by the Quan Lan beach is the ATI resort with more than ten small bungalows and one big long house for collective accommodation. Continue further to town you will find some smaller guesthouses, of which Vinh Ly and Ngan Ha are the two that have been in tourist services for many years, Vinh Ly has been renovated and looks more outstanding. Another option is Van Hai resort which is located by Son Hao beach (7 km from town and 9 km from pier). This resort is big with villas and bungalows but still not 100% finished.
The highlights of the island are the clear beaches with long stretches of white sand namely Quan Lan beach, Son Hao beach and Minh Chau beach.
Minh chau beach in Quan Lan island
Minh chau beach in Quan Lan island
The popular issue for local inhabitants and visitors is electricity. Because the island is isolated from the main land, power supply is from a local generator, running from 6 PM to 11 PM only. However, the guesthouses and hotels have the own generators to provide power for the guests during the night. This makes a big difference between a room with fan and another with air-conditioning because the cost for electricity here is around 5 times more expensive than elsewhere.
Come and enjoy your vacation in this secluded paradise of Halong Bay.