Ha Long Travel Review – Quan Lan and the Experience of Two Different Worlds

1 Getting to Ha Long 

Thanks to the remarkable development of Vietnam’s leading tourist destination, getting to Ha Long from other regions is now quite convenient and quick. If you are traveling from the southern provinces or from Noi Bai to Ha Long, the fastest option is to fly to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh, then continue to Ha Long. Once there, you can choose a motorbike, car, or coach to get around during your trip. Pick the option that best suits your itinerary and budget. 

See also: Ha Long travel – Admire autumn on Vietnam’s most beautiful bay

2 Experience two different worlds on a Ha Long–Quan Lan trip 

2.1 Take in the sights of Ha Long Bay.

Located on the western shore of the Gulf of Tonkin, in northeastern Vietnam’s waters, Ha Long Bay boasts magnificent natural scenery and has become a major tourist attraction in the land of the Descending Dragon. Its most distinctive feature is the sight of hills and islands of all sizes rising majestically from the clear blue water, like an ink-wash painting created by nature. 

Ha Long Bay wins the hearts of thousands of visitors with its picture-perfect natural beauty and its many beautiful caves, each with its own remarkable formations. At Sung Sot Cave, you’ll be awestruck by the magical scenery, illuminated by colorful lights that reveal enormous stalagmites in wonderfully unusual shapes. Kayak through Luon Cave to admire the magical stalactites, millions of years old and formed in a variety of shapes and sizes. In Thien Cung Cave, you’ll feel as if you’ve wandered into a dreamlike fairyland.

You can also admire the natural beauty of many islands, including Hon Con Coc, Hon Dinh Huong, Hon Ga Choi, Ti Top Island, and Tuan Chau Island.

2.2 Visit the city museum 

Suggested admission: 30.000 VNĐ/adult; 15.000 VNĐ/student; 10.000 VNĐ/child

Opening hours: 8h – 11h30, 13h30 – 17h00; open every day of the week except Monday

Quang Ninh Museum is a miniature portrait of Quang Ninh, showcasing the most distinctive features of this mining region and representing the unique culture of Ha Long’s people. Located on Tran Quoc Nghien Street in Hon Gai, it is about 7,1km from Ha Long city center. Quang Ninh Museum is often likened to a precious black pearl, gleaming in the sunshine of Ha Long’s coastal region.

The museum also preserves artifacts from nature and the sea, as well as elements of Quang Ninh’s distinctive culture. The first floor displays natural and marine specimens, including enormous whale and shark skeletons. The second floor preserves historically significant relics and artifacts, bringing to life Quang Ninh’s heroic resistance against the French and Americans. It also houses many historical artifacts connected with the Truc Lam Zen tradition, recreating the region’s rich and humane spiritual culture, including Dong Yen Tu Pagoda and Ha Long Bay. The third floor recreates the history of coal mining. You can experience what it was like to work underground in a life-size coal mine model and gain a better understanding of the hardships, toil, and diligence of the miners here.

2.3 Watch the sunrise at Bai Chay and visit Sun World amusement park 

Bai Chay Beach is the largest beach in Ha Long City, captivating visitors with the wonderful sight of a man-made beach in the heart of Ha Long. Here, you can also admire the unique architectural landmark of Bai Chay Bridge, often described as “Ha Long’s guitar.” From a distance, the single-plane cable-stayed bridge looks like a guitar resting on two high hills, its strings singing in the sea breeze during the day and its lights shining at night like a guitar at a celebration. Together, these vivid details bring color to Ha Long’s radiant landscape and enchant all who see it. 

One attraction you shouldn’t miss on a trip around Ha Long is letting loose on the rides at Sun World amusement park. Enjoy a world-class entertainment complex right in Ha Long, with exciting attractions such as Dragon Park, Typhoon Water Park, Ba Deo Hill, and a 360-degree aerial view of the entire bay from inside the Queen Cable Car cabins. Watching the sun sink behind the hills as the city lights up from the Sun Wheel at dusk is another memorable experience.  

2.4 Travel from Ha Long to Quan Lan 

Located in Bai Tu Long Bay, within the communes of Quan Lan and Minh Chau, Quan Lan Island draws visitors with its unspoiled, peaceful charm. Quan Lan Beach has a dreamy beauty, untouched by the bustle of the outside world. The fresh, pleasant air offers a relaxing escape for a weekend break. 

On Quan Lan Island in Quang Ninh, you can swim, join festivals, camp, take part in team-building activities, and sample unique seafood specialties at seaside restaurants, such as peanut worms, geoduck clams, clams, stone crabs, and mantis shrimp. You can also enjoy an enticing beach barbecue beneath the starry night sky, accompanied by the salty scent of the sea. 

3 Tips for your Ha Long–Quan Lan trip 

Your Ha Long–Quan Lan trip will be even better if you keep these tips in mind. 

- To make the most of your trip, prepare all your luggage and personal items in advance. Remember to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the hot summer sun in Ha Long.

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

- Keep the beach clean and don’t litter while sightseeing by boat.

- Remember to pack your swimwear so you can enjoy the cool, clear waters at the beautiful beaches and swimming spots.

- Wherever you go, bring your identification documents, as you will need them to rent a room or a vehicle.

- Remember to bring a camera and fully charge your phone so you can take beautiful photos and preserve memorable moments throughout your trip. 

A trip to Ha Long will be an exciting part of your travels. Take in the colors of nature, the salty sea air, and the joyful sounds of people having fun; they’ll wash away your worries and leave you with beautiful memories. Start planning a visit to Quang Ninh and Ha Long soon!