Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh is one of the most attractive tourist destinations for travelers to explore Vietnam. Its unique beauty with stunning beaches and countless picturesque spots, can give you so many spots to check-in and take great photos. Quan Lan Island is also a tourist island, so there are many beach activities to experience. The island is also the symbol of the natural beauty of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Quan Lan Island, there are so many tours and many foreigners often choose to visit Quan Lan if they are staying in Hanoi.
Where is Quan Lan Island located?
Quan Lan Island is located in Bai Tu Long Bay, in Quang Ninh province. It spanned the communes of Quan Lan and Minh Chau, about 40km from the center of Van Don District. Covering an area of over 10 square kilometers, the island stretches from the foot of Van Don Mountain to Got Mountain, featuring a range of majestic peaks reaching up toward the sky. Now, thanks to Vietnam’s modern highway system, traveling to Quang Ninh, especially from Hanoi, has become much more convenient. So that the journey from Hanoi to Quan Lan Island now takes significantly less time than it did in the past.
Route Options to Reach Quan Lan Island from Hanoi
If you stay in Hanoi, it is easy to reach Quan Lan Island because there are so many tours. There are the routes to reach Quan Lan Island from Hanoi. The journey typically consists of two main stages: traveling from Hanoi to Cai Rong Port, after that continuing by boat or ferry to the island.
To answer the question “How to get to Quan Lan Island,” please read the article carefully. Lily’s Travel will show you 2 ways to get Quan Lan Island.
Route 1: From Hanoi to Van Don (Cai Rong Port) to Quan Lan Island
First way: From Hanoi to Quan Lan Island, you can begin from Cai Rong Port. To get to Cai Rong Port, you can take a bus, get a limousine, or drive a private car.
- By Bus
Cai Rong Port is situated in the Van Don neighborhood, which is served by a number of buses that run daily from Hanoi. It typically takes you five hours to get there. You have to pay from 120,000 to 250,000 VND per ticket. For added convenience, some buses even drop off passengers at Cai Rong Port.
- By Limousine Bus
For a more comfortable and time-saving option, consider taking a limousine bus. These premium vehicles typically follow expressways so you can reach Cai Rong Port earlier than by bus. It just takes you about 3 to 3.5 hours. The fares are around 350,000 VND.
- By Private Car or Taxi
If you prefer traveling at your own pace, hiring a private car or taxi is a great choice. You can have more time to explore things on the road. This vehicle allows for flexibility and scenic detours, though you’ll need to handle navigation or arrange a driver in advance.
After reachingCai Rong Port to reach Quan Lan Island, there are 2 kinds of boats. Lily’s Travel advises you to try one.
- By Speedboat
Once you arrive at Cai Rong Port, you can catch a ferry or speedboat to Quan Lan Island. The high-speed boats usually take 45–60 minutes.
- By traditional boat
But you can take the traditional wooden boats (the time is up to 2 hours), even lower, but it is the great ideal if you want to enjoy a scenic journey.
Route 2: From Hanoi to Ha Long (Hon Gai Port) to Quan Lan
In addition to traveling to Cai Rong Port to reach Quan Lan Island, many visitors also choose to stop in Ha Long (via Van Don Port). This route is great and ideal to explore Ha Long and suitable for the long trip. Traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long is also quite straightforward. The most budget-friendly way to get there is by taking a local bus. As in many parts of the world, buses offer an affordable means of transportation and give travelers a chance to observe everyday life in Vietnam. However, like many forms of public transport in the country, buses come with certain drawbacks—such as less comfort and inconsistent schedules—which is why they are not always the preferred choice for international visitors.
Alternatively, if you enjoy adventure travel, riding a motorbike is also an option. Getting there is quite straightforward, with clear signage along the highways and easy navigation via Google Maps. Depending on your budget and travel style, you can go by limousine or regular bus or rent a private car. Lily’s Travel suggests reaching out to local travel agencies that can provide helpful guidance and convenient services at reasonable prices because you are foreigners.
Sample Travel Timeline: Hanoi to Quan Lan in One Day
There are so many kind sample traveling timelines from Hanoi to Quan Lan Island. The timeline focuses on the routes, and the kind of traveling of each traveler is a journey that combines both land and sea. Typically, the trip begins with a drive to Van Don (or Cai Rong Port), followed by a boat ride to the island.
Day 1: Move from Hanoi to Cai Rong Port
- Morning: Begin your journey from Hanoi, Lily’s Travel suggests a limousine or private car that can save time for you. The distance to Van Don or Cai Rong Port is around 210 kilometers and takes roughly 3-4 hours if you go on the highways.
- Afternoon: Take a break and have lunch before spending 1-2 hours on the ferry or high-speed boat. There are approximately 40 kilometers from Cai Rong Port to Quan Lan Island.
- Evening: Reach Quan Lan Island, check into your accommodation, and enjoy a relaxing dinner by the sea.
Day 2: Time to discovering Quan Lan Island
- Morning: Lily’s Travel suggests you wake up early in the morning to see the sunrise. It is an incredible spot. After that, you can spend your day exploring the island’s natural beauty. Don’t miss Quan Lan Beach, Minh Chau Beach, and other local attractions.
- Afternoon: Try out fun water-based activities like swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling. You might also enjoy wandering through the local villages and discovering the island’s lifestyle.
- Evening: Unwind with a delicious dinner and, if you’re up for it, experience the island’s peaceful nightlife.
Day 3: Farewell & Return
- Morning: Enjoy a slow morning—whether it’s a walk on the beach, shopping for local products, or visiting more scenic spots.
- Afternoon: Take the boat back to Cai Rong Port
- Evening: Return to Hanoi by bus or private vehicle.
Some tips you should remember
- Travel time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
- Booking your ferry and accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast—boat services may be suspended during rough seas.
- Choose your transportation method based on your comfort and budget—buses are economical, while private cars offer more flexibility.
Read more: Lao Cai train station: The welcoming gateway to Sapa
Things to Know Before You Go
Before traveling to Quan Lan Island, there are some notices that Lily’s Travel wants you to know
- Choose the right departure port
There are two main ports offering ferries to Quan Lan: Cai Rong Port (in Van Don) and Hon Gai Port (in Ha Long City). Cai Rong Port is the more common option because it has the frequent departures. Hon Gai Port is just suitable for the travelers wana explore Ha Long Bay along the way.
- Plan according to ferry schedules
Ferries to Quan Lan Island usually run only a few times per day, and schedules can change due to weather. Make sure that you choose the suitable time for your trip.
- Book in advance during peak season
In summer and on public holidays, the island is so crowded. It’s a good idea to book your ferry tickets and accommodation ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Bring cash
Quan Lan is an island, so the ATMs are limited. Maybe many local shops and guesthouses don’t accept cards. Even nowadays, Quan Lan is a tourist island, so you can charge at the hotel, but bringing cash is more convenient for meals, transport, and other expenses at the local shop.
- Bring essential items
Since convenience stores are scarce on the island, don’t forget to bring personal necessities like sunscreen, swimwear, basic medication, and toiletries.
- Choose your mode of transport
From Hanoi, you can travel to the port by bus, limousine, or private car. But you can ride a motorbike in case your bike is in good condition and you’re comfortable with long-distance travel.
- Weather Can Affect Your Plans
Ferries may be canceled in case of storms or rough seas. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and have a backup plan just in case.
Nowadays, to promote tours and improve service quality in Quan Lan Island, Quang Ninh government has made efforts to upgrade transportation services connecting the mainland to the island. As a result, many high-speed boat routes have been introduced, offering time-saving journeys along with added conveniences for travelers. So that those tours from Hanoi to Quan Lan Island become popular and favorite.
However, many visitors still choose to experience traditional wooden boats—a common mode of transport for locals. Although the travel time by traditional wooden boats is double that of high-speed boats, traveling by wooden boat offers a memorable experience. It allows tourists to take more time to watch the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay and engage with local fishermen, gaining deeper insight into the region’s culture.
