Quan Lan is a clear example of how a destination can become "one-dimensionalized" by tourism photos.
Search online, and you often see: white sand – sea – resorts – electric carts. Yet for many centuries, this island area was part of the Van Don Commercial Port system, a major maritime trading hub of Dai Viet.
Official records of Van Don note that the commercial port was established in 1149 under King Ly Anh Tong, comprising numerous wharves distributed across the islands of Bai Tu Long; Cai Lang wharf on Quan Lan was one of the prominent nodes of the system. In 2023, the Van Don Commercial Port Complex was classified as a Special National Monument.
Quan Lan was once part of a trading network
Van Don Commercial Port was not just a single wharf. It was a network of wharves distributed over a wide sea area, with vestiges at:
-
Quan Lan.
-
Minh Chau.
-
Ngoc Vung.
-
Other islands in Van Don.
Therefore, when traveling on the island, you are standing in a space that once connected Dai Viet to broader maritime trade routes.
Quan Lan Communal House
The Quan Lan complex of communal house – pagoda – temple – shrine was designated a national monument in 1990. Quan Lan Communal House was previously tied to the Cai Lang wharf area—the center of a section of the ancient trading port. This is a spot worth visiting if you want your island journey to have more depth than an ordinary beach holiday.
The boat racing festival
The Van Don Traditional Festival—commonly known as the Quan Lan boat racing festival—takes place in the middle of the sixth lunar month. The festival commemorates the victory of the Tran dynasty's army and people in 1288 and is associated with Nhan Hue Vuong Tran Khanh Du. In 2026, the traditional boat race continues to be organized between the two giap, Dong Nam Van and Doai Bac Vo, drawing a large crowd of locals and visitors.
Don't view the race as just an ordinary sporting show
Behind the boats are:
-
Historical memory.
-
Community structure.
-
Rituals.
-
The honor of the giap.
-
Island identity.
If you attend:
-
Stand in the designated areas.
-
Do not enter the water racecourse.
-
Do not obstruct the procession.
-
Do not board ceremonial boats without permission.
-
Do not push into the formations just to take photos.
"Beach + culture" itinerary
Morning: beach.
Midday: rest.
Afternoon: Quan Lan Communal House and village life.
If it coincides with the festival season: dedicate a half-day solely to the festival. Don't try to squeeze everything into a two-hour electric cart rental.
Quick checklist
-
Read the story of Van Don Commercial Port before you go.
-
Visit the Quan Lan monument complex.
-
The festival follows the lunar calendar.
-
Do not board ceremonial boats without permission.
-
Respect festival traffic routing.
-
Spend time in the villages, not just at the beach.
-
Do not take artifacts/ceramics if you encounter archaeological remains.
