Ha Long – Quan Lan Travel Review: Experiencing Two Halves of Life

1 Transportation guide for your Ha Long trip 

With the remarkable development of one of Vietnam's premier tourist destinations, the transportation system connecting various regions to Ha Long is quite convenient and fast. If departing from southern provinces or traveling from Noi Bai to Ha Long, the fastest way is to fly to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh and proceed quickly to Ha Long. Once in Ha Long, you can choose vehicles such as motorbikes, cars, or buses to get around throughout your trip. Select the most suitable means of transport depending on your itinerary and budget. 

See more: Ha Long Travel - Admiring autumn on Vietnam's most beautiful bay

2 Experiencing two halves of life with the Ha Long – Quan Lan trip 

2.1 Sightseeing Ha Long Bay.

Located on the western shore of the Gulf of Tonkin in northeastern Vietnam, with stunning natural landscapes, Ha Long Bay has become the focal tourism point of the Descending Dragon land. The prominent feature here is the scenery of hills and large and small islands rising majestically from the emerald waters like a nature-crafted ink wash painting. 

Ha Long Bay captures the hearts of thousands of travelers from all over with its picturesque natural beauty and numerous spectacular caves boasting diverse geological formations. Visiting Sung Sot Cave, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking natural scenery shimmering under vibrant lights, revealing massive stalactites in various peculiar shapes. Experience kayaking through Luon Cave to admire magical millions-of-years-old stalactites of different shapes and sizes. You will feel as though you have stepped into a dreamy wonderland at Thien Cung Cave.

In addition, visiting here allows you to admire the naturally endowed beauty of numerous large and small islets and islands such as: Hon Con Coc (Toad Islet), Hon Dinh Huong (Incense Burner Islet), Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cocks Islet), Ti Top Island, Tuan Chau Island, etc.

2.2 Visiting the City Museum 

Reference ticket price: 30,000 VND/adult; 15,000 VND/student; 10,000 VND/child

Opening hours: 8:00 – 11:30, 13:30 – 17:00, open every day of the week except Monday

Quang Ninh Museum is a miniature model of Quang Ninh sketching the most distinctive features of the mining region and serving as an iconic cultural symbol of the Ha Long people. Located on Tran Quoc Nghien Street, Hon Gai, about 7.1 km from Ha Long city center, Quang Ninh Museum is likened to a precious black pearl gleaming under the sunlight of the coastal land of Ha Long.

Furthermore, this is also a place preserving relics of nature, the ocean, and the distinctive cultural identity of the people of Quang Ninh. The 1st floor of the museum exhibits maritime and natural artifacts with giant whale and shark skeletons. The 2nd floor preserves valuable historical relics and artifacts that recreate the heroic image of Quang Ninh during the resistance wars against France and the US. It is also home to historical artifacts carrying the breath of the Truc Lam Zen sect, reflecting valuable and humanistic spiritual culture such as Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain, Ha Long Bay... The 3rd floor is dedicated to the history of coal mining. You will experience labor in a mine through a full-scale coal mine replica to better understand the hardships, toil, and diligence of local workers.

2.3 Watching the sunrise at Bai Chay and visiting Sun World entertainment complex 

Bai Chay Beach is the widest beach in Ha Long City, capturing every tourist's gaze with the magnificent beauty of an artificial beach in the heart of Ha Long. In addition, when coming here, you will admire the unique architectural work of Bai Chay Bridge, often compared to the "harp of Ha Long". From a distance, this single-plane cable-stayed bridge looks very much like a harp resting across two high hills, whispering in the sea breeze day and night, and shining under LED lights in the evening, resembling a musical instrument at a night gala even more. All of these paint a vibrant, colorful portrait of Ha Long that enchants the heart. 

An unmissable destination on your Ha Long journey is having a blast with the thrilling rides at Sun World entertainment complex. You will have the chance to fully immerse yourself in a world-class entertainment world right in Ha Long with many fascinating attractions such as Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, Ba Deo Peak, or taking in panoramic 360-degree views of Ha Long Bay from above inside the Queen Cable Car cabin. Quietly watching the sun slowly descend behind the mountains as the city lights turn on from the Sun Wheel at dusk is also a truly memorable experience.  

2.4 Traveling to Ha Long – Quan Lan 

As an island located in Bai Tu Long Bay belonging to Quan Lan and Minh Chau communes, Quan Lan Beach attracts everyone with its pristine, peaceful charm. Quan Lan Beach possesses a dreamy, untouched beauty free from worldly dust. The fresh and pleasant atmosphere brings you relaxing moments for weekend getaways. 

When coming to Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh, you can enjoy swimming in the sea, participating in festive activities, camping, teambuilding, and savoring distinctive seafood specialties at seaside restaurants: peanut worms, geoduck, clams, stone crab, mantis shrimp, etc. In addition, you can also enjoy appealing beachfront BBQ parties under the starry night sky and the salty aroma of Mother Ocean. 

3 A few notes for your Ha Long – Quan Lan trip 

A review of your Ha Long - Quan Lan trip will be even better if you keep the following tips in mind. 

- For a complete trip, you should thoroughly prepare all luggage and personal items. Do not forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats to avoid sunburn under the hot summer sun of Ha Long.

- If you plan to stay overnight here, MIA.vn recommends booking rooms 3 weeks to 1 month in advance to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. 

- Keep the beach clean and do not litter while cruising on boats.

- Don't forget your swimwear to freely splash around in the cool, clear water of the beautiful beaches.

- Wherever you go, identification documents are indispensable as you will need them when renting rooms or vehicles.

- Remember to bring a camera and fully charge your phone battery to capture beautiful photos and preserve memorable moments throughout the journey. 

Traveling to Ha Long will be an exciting trip on your journey of discovery. Feeling the colors of nature, the salty scent of the sea, and the cheerful cheers of everyone will wash away all worries and leave only beautiful memories. Quickly arrange a date with the land of Quang Ninh and Ha Long!