Quan Lan Island and the "All-in-One" Experience

Quan Lan Island, located in Bai Tu Long Bay, has an area of ​​only about 15 square kilometers ^.   However, it also embodies the values ​​of an "all-in-one" island and beach resort . And with the opening of the 5-star Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay hotel, the tourism landscape of Quan Lan will be further completed with this addition of high-end resort tourism.

Quan Lan Island, comprising two communes, Minh Chau and Quan Lan, was recognized as a provincial-level tourist area by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee in 2019.

Famous throughout the country for its long, white sandy beaches, Minh Chau is a paradise for tourists who love beach tourism and pristine, unspoiled nature. Minh Chau also serves as a gateway for ecotourists to learn about the biodiversity of Bai Tu Long National Park - one of the most unique national parks in Southeast Asia.

Currently, the sea turtle nesting grounds and the mangrove forest on Minh Chau island are the only two strictly protected areas within Bai Tu Long National Park that tourists can easily access and visit. When experiencing ecotourism in Minh Chau, visitors should not miss the opportunity to accompany the forest rangers of Bai Tu Long National Park to learn about how sea turtles "assist in laying eggs," or the biological characteristics, cultural stories, and local history associated with the ancient mangrove forest, which spans over 13 hectares. Among these, 150 ancient mangrove trees have been recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree cluster.

Turtle nesting grounds on Minh Chau island commune.

The ancient Melaleuca forest, with 150 trees, has been recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree community.

Quan Lan offers a unique scenic and ecological tourism experience, while on the other side of the island, in Quan Lan commune , visitors will be amazed by the ancient architectural, cultural, and historical structures nestled together, creating a vibrant cultural space that is both heroic and profound.

Quan Lan Island today is identified as the center of the ancient Van Don trading port – the first foreign trade port of Dai Viet (ancient Vietnam). Within the relatively small area of ​​the island commune are numerous religious, spiritual, and cultural structures with unique artistic value. These include the Quan Lan complex of communal houses, temples, shrines, and pagodas – a complex recognized as a national historical and architectural monument. Every year, in mid-June of the lunar calendar, the people of Quan Lan solemnly organize the Commemoration Festival (also known as the Van Don Festival or the Rowing Festival) to remember their ancestors who fought against foreign invaders and protected the country.

The Quan Lan communal house, temple, and pagoda complex is concentrated in the center of the island commune.

The long-standing culture and customs of the people on Quan Lan island commune have long been recognized and exploited as valuable material for experts and tourism professionals to experiment with and implement pioneering community-based tourism products in Quang Ninh such as "A Day as a Fisherman," catching clams, digging for sea worms, learning about the traditional fishing method, etc.

Quan Lan Island tourism "has it all" but lacks a connecting point: high-end accommodation services to encourage tourists to stay longer, dedicating more time to eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and exploring the lives of the island's inhabitants. Recently, on July 13, 2024, with the official opening of the Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay hotel, the issue of connectivity needed for Quan Lan tourism to thrive has been partially resolved.

Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay is the second international standard 5-star resort in Van Don to open in 2024.

In addition to its luxurious 5-star international standard accommodations and on-site amenities such as conference and meeting rooms, an indoor golf course, an infinity pool, and a zipline within the hotel grounds, Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay also boasts a highly convenient transportation system, offering flexible travel options for guests.

From Ao Tien port, tourists can independently travel to the island by speedboat or purchase a package deal that includes port transfer by private boat. Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay and Hai Au Aviation are reportedly working to accelerate the introduction of seaplane transportation from Tuan Chau Island to Quan Lan. If this service becomes operational, Quan Lan will have the shortest and most direct connection to the tourism capital of Ha Long, opening up significant opportunities to attract international tourists and high-spending travelers.

Mr. Tran Quoc Thuong, Director of Global Travel Company, commented: “Angsana Quan Lan - Ha Long Bay is 'suitable' for high-end tourists and those who stay for extended periods. Guests can stay here for 2 to 4 days, or even longer if they are looking for wellness tourism and slow travel experiences. With the experiences it offers, it promises to attract tourists even during the off-season for beach and island tourism. More importantly, when tourists stay for longer periods, they will have a need to learn about and explore the cultural, historical, and local life. This is an opportunity for Minh Chau - Quan Lan to develop and utilize its existing advantages in ecotourism, culture, and history.”

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/quan-lan-va-trai-nghiem-tat-ca-trong-mot-3309477.html