Halong & Quan Lan Island Seaside Retreat: 4 Days

Your seaside retreat begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in central Hanoi. Next, you will travel east through the countryside of the Red River Delta toward Halong City, with a short rest stop along the way.

Upon arrival at the harbour, you will board a comfortable sightseeing boat and receive a brief safety introduction from the crew. Besides, your lunch is served as the boat begins cruising between Halong Bay’s towering limestone formations.

Then, you will spend the afternoon discovering the bay’s natural highlights. Depending on the assigned cruising route and daily harbour conditions. You may visit a magnificent limestone cave, take a bamboo boat. Or kayaking through a sheltered area and stopping at a scenic island viewpoint.

As a local tip, you should wear shoes with good grip because cave pathways and viewpoint steps can be damp or uneven. Besides, you also keep a light jacket nearby during cooler months, as the breeze on the open deck may feel stronger than expected.

Finishing the day, you will return to the harbour in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel in Halong City. The evening is free for a waterfront walk or dinner at a local restaurant. Halong squid cakes, known locally as cha muc, are an excellent regional dish to try.

Meals: Lunch

Overnight in Halong City.

In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Then, our tour guide and driver will take you along the coastal road to Van Don and Ao Tien Passenger Port.

Afterward, you will complete the boarding procedures and travel by high-speed passenger boat across Bai Tu Long Bay to Quan Lan Island. The journey normally offers beautiful views of green islands, fishing boats and quiet stretches of open water.

Note, the boat departures may change according to weather and sea conditions, so today’s road transfer is arranged with sufficient time before departure. And for travellers who are sensitive to motion should take suitable seasickness medicine before boarding and choose a seat toward the middle of the vessel.

Upon arrival, you will take an electric vehicle to your hotel and enjoy lunch featuring local dishes. After checking in and resting, you will begin your introduction to Quan Lan’s cultural heritage.

Next, you will visit the Quan Lan Communal House complex, including its historic pagoda, temple and associated religious buildings. In addition, our tour guide will explain the island’s connection with the old Van Don trading port. As well as the local traditions honouring General Tran Khanh Du, who defended the northeastern coast during the Tran Dynasty.

When entering spiritual sites, please wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, speak quietly and ask before photographing ceremonies or local worshippers.

Later, you will continue traveling to Quan Lan Beach for a gentle walk and time to swim when conditions are safe. Compared with busier mainland beaches, the atmosphere here feels calm and spacious, especially toward the end of the day.

In the evening, you will have dinner at a local restaurant. Seafood may include squid, prawns, clams, fish or seasonal island specialities, depending on the morning catch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight on Quan Lan Island.

After enjoying breakfast, you will take electric vehicle to explore the island’s most beautiful coastal landscapes.

Firstly, you will begin at Minh Chau Beach, admired for its pale sand, clear water and gently sloping shoreline. Afterward, you will enjoy a morning swim or simply relax beside the sea. Moreover, our tour guide will select a safe swimming section based on the tides, waves and advice from the beach staff.

Next, you will continue with a leisurely walk through the nearby Minh Chau coastal forest. Its green canopy and sandy paths create a refreshing contrast with the open beach. Note, please avoid picking plants, disturbing wildlife or leaving plastic waste behind.

Then, you will have lunch at a local restaurant before you continue to Son Hao Beach. Here, you will take time to appreciate its long shoreline, coastal vegetation and more secluded atmosphere. When the tide permits, you may also visit the distinctive Moon Rock Beach area, known for its naturally rounded stones.

Note, the stones can become slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Please leave shells, stones and coral where they belong, helping preserve the island’s natural landscape for future visitors.

In the late afternoon, you will travel to Eo Gio Quan Lan. Following a short but occasionally uneven path toward a panoramic viewpoint overlooking rocky cliffs and the open sea. The coastal light is particularly beautiful near sunset, although the exact visit time will depend on weather and visibility.

Later, you will return to your accommodation and enjoy dinner. The evening is free to walk along the quiet beach, relax at the hotel or explore the small island centre.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight on Quan Lan Island.

In the morning, you should wake up early for an optional sunrise walk along the beach. The morning is one of the best times to experience Quan Lan. When fishing boats return to shore and the island remains peaceful before daily activities begin.

After having breakfast, you will enjoy some free time for a final swim, a beach walk or a visit to the local market. If you wish to buy seafood products, ask your guide to help check the price and suitable packaging. Note, fresh products may not be practical for a long journey, while properly sealed dried squid or local snacks are easier to transport.

Next, you will check out and transfer by electric vehicle to the passenger pier. You will board the high-speed boat back to Van Don, where your driver will meet you for lunch and the return journey to Hanoi.

Arrive in central Hanoi in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and the confirmed boat schedule. Your Halong & Quan Lan Island Seaside Retreat: 4 Days concludes with a hotel drop-off and memorable impressions of northern Vietnam’s bays, beaches and island communities.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch