1. Why choose Quan Lan for Tet holiday travel?
1.1. Location and characteristics of Quan Lan Island
Quan Lan belongs to Van Don Special Administrative-Economic Zone, Quang Ninh province, about 250 km from Hanoi capital, suitable for a trip planned for a weekend getaway. The island is nổi bật (outstanding/famous) for its beaches with rustic beauty, fine white sand, and a fresh, clean atmosphere. The space here still retains its peacefulness, very suitable for a holiday trip during Tet. The two main beaches are Quan Lan and Minh Chau, each with its own unique charm, along with long stretches of white sand creating a picturesque and poetic scene.
1.2. The allure of pristine island scenery in early spring
Winter in Quan Lan is characterized by a cool chill and little sun, very suitable for those seeking a peaceful space and a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Traveling to Quan Lan during Tet is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for many Northern families, offering a different change of scenery compared to traditional getaways. The island and sea during the early days of spring also help you recharge your energy after a year of hard work.
Traveling to Quan Lạn during Tet is gradually becoming a preferred choice for many Northern families, offering a different sense of change compared to traditional resort trips. (Source: Collected)
1.3. Tet Characteristics on Quan Lạn Island
When traveling to Quan Lạn during Tet, you will have the opportunity to participate in spring travel activities, early year festivals at the communal houses and temples of Quan Lạn, and buy seafood as Tet gifts. The islanders fully preserve traditional customs, from decorating the communal houses and temples to the early year prayer ceremonies for peace. The Tet atmosphere here is also deeply imprinted in every story of the coastal people, in the fresh sweetness of seafood, and the sound of gentle waves lapping the shore, bringing a sense of peace and familiarity.
2. Guide to Traveling to Quan Lạn During Tet
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi to Quan Lạn During Tet
The option chosen by many when traveling to Quan Lạn during Tet is a shared tour bus from 16 to 29 seats or driving a personal vehicle on the Hanoi – Van Don expressway. This expressway has a wide road surface, making travel convenient, smooth, and easy. During Tet, travel companies often increase trips, with travel time around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic volume. If you choose a shared tour bus, you will be picked up at fixed points in Hanoi city early in the morning.
2.2. High-Speed Ferry to Quan Lạn Island
Ao Tien Port is currently the main departure point for high-speed ferries to Quan Lạn, especially during Tet when the number of trips is increased to serve tourists. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure a seat, as travel demand increases during holidays. The travel time by high-speed ferry is about 45 minutes, during which you can admire the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay and the small islands along the way.
Ao Tien Port is currently the main departure point for high-speed boats to Quan Lan Island, especially during Tet when the number of trips is increased to serve tourists. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Moving around Quan Lan Island
Upon arriving on the island, you can choose to rent an electric car, a motorbike, or other suitable means of transport to visit the attractions around the island. Electric cars are very suitable for family groups with young children or the elderly, while motorbikes are suitable for those who like to be proactive with their time and explore freely. The rental price for a motorbike is about 200,000 to 250,000 VND/day, while electric cars are more expensive but ensure safety and convenience. If traveling in a large group, it is advisable to book transportation in advance to be proactive with your itinerary.
3. Standard 3N2D Quan Lan Island Tour Itinerary for Tet
3.1. Day 1: Hanoi – Van Don – Quan Lan
The bus departs from Hanoi around 7 AM, taking the group to Ao Tien Port to catch the 1 PM high-speed ferry. The group will stop for lunch at restaurants along the way with a rich menu. The journey on the high-speed ferry is an ideal opportunity to admire Bai Tu Long Bay with its captivating scenery and rocky islands amidst the deep blue water. Arriving on the island around 2:15 PM, an electric car will take you to your hotel to check in. On your first afternoon on the island, you can take a stroll, enjoy the Quan Lan sea breeze, and admire the sunset. Afterwards, it's time to enjoy dinner with fresh seafood right on the island.
3.2. Day 2: Fully explore Quan Lan Island
On the second morning, wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise over the sea – an indispensable experience when traveling to Quan Lan Island during Tet . After breakfast, the group will continue to explore Eo Gio with its fresh air and natural scenery, the Infinite Hill with its impressive photo opportunities, and then the rare river with white sandy banks on both sides. In the afternoon, you can swim at Minh Chau beach with its fine white sand and crystal-clear water, and try catching clams and sea worms with the local fishermen. In the evening, feel free to wander, take photos at favorite spots, and enjoy the island's signature seafood dishes.
3.3. Day 3: Quan Lan – Hanoi
On your last morning on the island, you can visit the Quan Lan Communal House and Tran Khanh Du Temple, two prominent historical structures, which are also places where people come to pray for luck every New Year. This is also a suitable time to buy dried seafood such as sea worms, sun-dried squid, and pipefish as souvenirs for relatives. The journey back to the mainland will begin with an afternoon high-speed ferry, possibly combined with souvenir shopping at large supermarkets in Ha Long before returning to Hanoi in the evening. The 3-day, 2-night itinerary allows you enough time to experience the island while maintaining a sense of relaxation.
4. Must-visit attractions in Quan Lan during Tet
4.1. Quan Lan and Minh Chau Beaches
Quan Lan and Minh Chau beaches are two special highlights of Quan Lan Island tourism during Tet , nổi bật with fine white sand and clear blue sea water that you can see to the bottom. Quan Lan Beach boasts a spacious, gentle atmosphere, suitable for outdoor activities such as playing volleyball, organizing team games, or simply relaxing under the spring sun. Minh Chau Beach, although smaller, has its own unique beauty with scattered bushes amidst the white sand, creating a poetic feel. In winter, the seawater here is quite warm, so you can still swim if you choose a sunny day.
Quan Lan and Minh Chau beaches are two special highlights of Quan Lan tourism during Tet. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Eo Gio (Windy Strait), Doi Vo Cuc (Infinite Hill), and the River with White Sandy Banks
Eo Gio (Windy Strait), Doi Vo Cuc (Infinite Hill), and the River with White Sandy Banks are prominent photo spots in recent times thanks to their unique natural scenery. Eo Gio is notable for the sound of strong winds blowing year-round, creating a powerful, free-spirited feeling. Standing at Doi Vo Cuc (Infinite Hill), you can feel as if you are floating among the clouds with a panoramic view. The River with White Sandy Banks creates a beautiful scene as the freshwater stream meanders between two sandy banks, making it an ideal place to capture romantic photos.
4.3. Quan Lan Communal House and Tran Khanh Du Temple
These ancient relics are both repositories of historical value and familiar destinations for spring travel for tourists during Tet. Quan Lan Communal House was built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the tutelary deities who protect the island. Tran Khanh Du Temple is revered by the locals as a place to commemorate the talented general who contributed to the defense of the sea and islands. Both possess traditional architecture with many intricate carved motifs. Here, you will gain a deeper understanding of the local residents' cultural life and historical depth.
These ancient relics are both repositories of historical value and familiar spring travel destinations for tourists during Tet. (Source: Collected)
5. Essential notes when traveling to Quan Lan during Tet
5.1. Book tours, hotels, and train tickets early during Tet
To ensure your trip to Quan Lan during Tet goes smoothly, you should plan to book tours, hotels, and train tickets 3 to 4 weeks in advance. During the peak Tet Nguyen Dan season, travel demand increases while the number of accommodation services and high-speed trains available is limited. Booking early helps you proactively choose suitable rooms and on-time train tickets, while also receiving detailed itinerary advice for your trip. Furthermore, booking in advance also gives you more good options regarding price and service quality.
5.2. Suggested luggage and personal tips
Winter in Quan Lan is cold, so don't forget to bring warm jackets for early mornings and late evenings. Sunscreen is essential as the sea sun can be quite strong during the day; also, prepare motion sickness medication if needed. For convenience during beach activities, bring beach sandals, swimwear, and personal towels. You should also prepare snacks and drinks for longer excursions. Don't forget to bring a camera or phone with a power bank to capture beautiful moments on the island.
5.3. Notes on local culture and festivals on the island
When visiting temples, communal houses, or participating in festivals on the island, you need to pay attention to choosing polite attire and maintaining a respectful attitude towards the sacred spaces and local people. The people of Quan Lan are very welcoming to guests and are ready to share stories about life and customs on the island. However, you should protect the tourism environment by maintaining general hygiene, not making loud noises, or littering. When buying seafood from fishermen, negotiate gently and politely to create goodwill and strengthen the good relationship between tourists and the island community.
6. Newest experiences only available in Quan Lan during Tet
6.1. Check-in at the Infinite Hill, sea-view cafes
A trend favored by many tourists when traveling to Quan Lan during Tet is exploring the Infinite Hill and newly emerged sea-view cafes. Reviews from tourists indicate that these are impressive scenic photo spots with 360-degree views of the sea. The small cafes are designed simply, harmonizing with nature, allowing you to sip drinks while enjoying the vast sea view. The early spring light here is also perfect for taking sparkling photos to share with friends. The Infinite Hill, with its wide vista, promises to bring a rare sense of relaxation and peace.
A trend that many tourists love when traveling to Quan Lan during Tet is exploring the Infinite Hill. (Source: Collected)
6.2. Team building, New Year's Eve campfire on the beach
Organizing team building activities and a campfire on New Year's Eve on Quan Lan beach is a very special experience. The early spring atmosphere with the sound of the sea waves, the blazing fire, and joyful laughter creates a warm, reunion moment. Many groups choose to set off small fireworks (ensuring safety), sing karaoke, and play group games right on the beach. This is an opportunity to bond the members of the group, preserving beautiful impressions of New Year's Eve. Many families and groups of friends have chosen to celebrate Tet this way as a new mark for the new year.
6.3. Experience catching seafood: sea worms, clams, needlefish
When traveling to Quan Lan during Tet, you cannot miss the activity of participating in catching seafood with fishermen, especially sea worms, clams, and needlefish. The locals will guide you on how to identify areas with abundant seafood, and techniques for harvesting that are both effective and environmentally friendly. Sea worms live deep in the sand, requiring patience and meticulousness when searching. After the seafood catching session, you can also buy fresh seafood at a preferential price as gifts for relatives. These seafood catches are often prepared right on the beach, grilled over charcoal, preserving their fresh and distinctive flavor.
7. What to eat in Quan Lan during Tet? Suggestions for specialties and notable places
7.1. Top specialty dishes worth trying during Tet
Quan Lan island's seafood cuisine is highlighted by many unique specialty dishes that are not easily found elsewhere. Dried sea worms are prepared according to a traditional family recipe, with a rich sweet taste, high nutritional value, and are often used to cook soup or grill with scallion oil. Grilled needlefish with salt and chili has firm flesh, crispy skin, and a rich flavor, making it a must-try dish. Sea urchins here are both fresh and sweet, which can be enjoyed raw or grilled with scallion oil. Quan Lan sun-dried squid is famous for its crispness and natural sweetness, suitable as a Tet gift for family and friends.
Dried sea worms are processed according to a family secret recipe, with a rich sweet taste, rich in nutrients, and often used to cook soup or grilled with scallion oil. (Source: Collected)
7.2. Suggestions for reputable seafood eateries, restaurants, and supermarkets
When traveling to Quan Lan during Tet , you can dine at restaurants included in tours with prices ranging from 180,000 to 250,000 VND per person, or choose local eateries to enjoy authentic dishes. The central island seafood market is an ideal place to select fresh seafood, then have it prepared at local eateries according to personal preference. Coastal restaurants offer spacious settings, serving a variety of dishes from fresh seafood, grilled items, to traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
It is recommended to book in advance during peak hours, prioritizing restaurants chosen by locals to ensure quality. Additionally, you can try dishes made from seaweed, rare specialties found in other coastal regions.
8. Suggestions for combining experiences with nearby attractions from Quan Lan
8.1. Combine with experience tours
Thanks to Quan Lan's convenient location, you can combine your trip with an exploration of Sun World Ha Long , making your Tet holiday more complete. After enjoying entertainment and relaxation on the island, continuing your journey to Sun World will offer modern entertainment experiences such as cable car rides, water park fun, and spectacular shows. The travel distance is very convenient, suitable for families with young children. Many tours have already developed reasonable combined itineraries, helping tourists optimize their time and budget.
Thanks to Quan Lan's convenient location, you can combine your trip with an exploration of Sun World Ha Long.
8.2. Combine exploration of Van Don, Bai Chay, Co To
You can also extend your itinerary from Quan Lan to destinations such as Van Don with its modern international airport, Bai Chay nổi bật with its bustling walking street, and Co To island with its rustic beaches and traditional fishing villages. Each place has its own unique characteristics: Van Don is modern, Bai Chay is vibrant at night, and Co To offers a natural and peaceful island space. This itinerary is suitable for those with ample time and a desire to experience various types of tourism. Thanks to the invested transportation system and ferries, moving between these points has become more convenient than ever. This is considered an ideal choice for a meaningful New Year holiday full of experiences.
Quan Lan island tourism during Tet is an ideal choice for those who want to return to a peaceful, fresh island space but still retain the cultural essence of early spring. From pristine beaches and gentle natural scenery to sacred spiritual sites and the simple life of fishing villages, Quan Lan offers a complete relaxing experience after a busy year. Planning your Quan Lan Tet holiday early will not only help you manage your schedule proactively but also fully enjoy the spring beauty of Quang Ninh's pearl island, starting the new year peacefully and with good fortune.
