Son Hao Beach, Quan Lan: A Pristine Seaside Paradise with Unique Rounded Rocks

1 Where Son Hao Beach is and how to get to Quan Lan Island

If you’re looking for a beach that retains its pristine, natural beauty without being as crowded as some of Quang Ninh’s tourist destinations, Son Hao Beach is the perfect spot. Located in Son Hao village on Quan Lan Island (Van Don Special Zone), the beach lies between two other well-known beaches: Quan Lan and Minh Chau.

My recent trip started in Hanoi, and the journey was very convenient:

• Leg 1 (Hanoi – Ao Tien Port, Van Don): I drove along the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long – Van Don expressway, which took about 3.5 to 4 hours to reach Ao Tien International Port.
• Leg 2 (Ao Tien Port – Quan Lan Island): At the port, I bought a one-way high-speed boat ticket to the island for 200.000 VNĐ. The boat cut through the waves and reached Quan Lan in about 45 - 50 minutes. Remember to check the boat schedule in advance so you don’t miss your departure.
• Leg 3 (Quan Lan Port – Son Hao Beach): The beach is about 7,5km from the island center. We chose to hire an electric vehicle through our hotel for door-to-door transport, enjoying a leisurely ride in the refreshing sea breeze.

2 What makes Son Hao Beach so appealing?

With more than 3km of coastline embracing clear blue waters, Son Hao Beach won me over the moment I stepped onto its sands.

2.1 Take a dip in the cool blue water and watch the sunset

The water at Son Hao Beach is exceptionally clean and crystal clear. A distinctive feature of the beach is the lush green casuarina trees lining the shore. One interesting thing is that when the tide comes in, the beach gets narrower and the shore slopes gently, so the waves lap right at your feet—a wonderfully refreshing feeling.

After spending a few blissful hours splashing around in the cool water and escaping the summer heat, my favorite thing was walking along the sand and watching the sunset. The sky turned a romantic shade of golden orange, while fishing boats returning in the distance created an indescribably peaceful scene.

2.2 Step into the fascinating world of Round Rock Beach

Located close to Son Hao Beach, Round Rock Beach is a unique highlight you won’t want to miss. Thousands of stones of various sizes line the shore, ranging from round to oval, their surfaces smoothed by the waves over hundreds of years.

This is an exceptionally photogenic spot. Local fishermen also enthusiastically shared folk legends associated with the rocks, such as traces left by the statue of Thien Loi or the footprint of a celestial being who stepped down to earth, making our visit even more fascinating.

2.3 Camp overnight and explore nearby attractions

With its wide, flat stretch of sand, Son Hao Beach is an ideal spot for groups to organize team-building activities, pitch tents, and sing around a campfire beneath a starry sky. If you have more time, you can also rent a motorbike to explore other places on the island, such as Eo Gio Quan Lan for panoramic sea views, Minh Chau Beach with its fine white sand, or the historic Quan Lan communal house.

3 Savor fresh, delicious seafood

A trip to Son Hao Beach would be incomplete without sampling the seafood. We were treated to a feast of incredibly fresh seafood caught that very day by the island’s residents.

Must-try dishes include fragrant, nutty roasted peanut worms, sweet and meaty stone crabs, crisp jellyfish salad, grilled sea urchin with scallion oil, and nutritious sea cucumber. The food at the seaside restaurants is deliciously prepared, preserving the sea’s natural sweetness, and the prices are very reasonable. If you’d like to cook for yourself, get up early to shop for fresh seafood at the local market, then ask your homestay to prepare a barbecue.

4 Handy tips for a perfect trip to Son Hao Beach

• Best time to visit: Plan your trip for summer (from April to June) or autumn (from September to November). The weather is sunny, the sea is calm, and the water is clear. Try to avoid July - 8, as this is storm season in northern Vietnam.
• Where to stay: Near the beach, you’ll find stilt-house lodgings, homestays, bungalows, and forest-side villas at budget-friendly rates starting from 350.000 VNĐ/night. Call ahead to reserve a good room.
• What to bring: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear, a waterproof phone pouch, and enough cash, as there aren’t many ATMs on the island.
• Keep the area clean: To help Son Hao Beach retain its natural beauty, remember to clean up all your trash after eating or camping.

My visit to Son Hao Beach gave me some wonderful moments of relaxation and renewal. The refreshing water, unique Round Rock Beach, and warm hospitality of the people of Quan Lan are sure to make you fall in love with this place from your very first visit. If you’re looking for a place to cool off on your next vacation, pack your bags and discover Son Hao Beach!