Responding to the long-awaited anticipation and also giving herself a chance to experience something new, Mai Linh decided to embark on a journey of discovery to Quan Lạn. This was not just an ordinary vacation, but also an opportunity for Mai Linh to broaden her horizons and explore new and colorful things in this beautiful northern land.
The beach below the windy pass.
“Before setting foot on Quan Lạn Island, I never imagined myself traveling to a beach in the north. I used to think that the beaches here couldn’t compare to the freshness and purity of the turquoise central beaches. But my perception completely changed after experiencing Quan Lạn.
Sometimes, reality turns out to be totally different from what we imagine. The stunning beauty of this island made me reconsider everything. It was no longer just a regular vacation, but an adventure to explore, broaden my horizons, and break free from old ways of thinking. And when I arrived at Quan Lạn, I couldn’t help but exclaim, ‘Oh, Quan Lạn, you’re so beautiful!’,” exclaimed the 22-year-old girl from Hanoi.
The female traveler stayed longer than her planned one and a half days. That alone was enough to show how much the traveler enjoyed her time there.
“Gentle and warm, filled with human affection, is what I felt in Quan Lạn. This place not only possesses a pristine beauty but also offers me peace and sincerity from the locals.
Traveling alone to a strange land, I received incredible enthusiasm and support from the homestay owners and those working in the tourism industry. They not only helped me with ticketing and transportation but also invited me to meals, refusing to accept any money. This truly surprised and touched me. Despite having traveled quite a bit in the north, I have never experienced such warm support and hospitality,” shared Mai Linh.
Her trip went smoothly, and whenever she recalled it, Mai Linh couldn’t help but feel happy because everyone, from the sea port to the homestay, from the restaurant to the locals, always asked: “Are you traveling alone? Aren’t you afraid of being kidnapped?”—a playful yet affectionate question.
Although it was just a small joke, it always came with enthusiastic help and even directions to places not on the map. This support created special memories that lingered in the heart of this female traveler. It was definitely an unforgettable experience for her, no matter how many places she had been to.
A stop at Robinson Beach.
Spending an extra day and a half in Quan Lạn wasn’t too much for Mai Linh, who enjoys flexibility and immersing herself in new environments. However, for those with limited time, a 3-day, 2-night trip is enough to fully enjoy the scenery here.
Sharing her experiences and lessons learned from the trip, Mai Linh suggested some familiar destinations as well as “fun” activities on the island, along with beautiful check-in spots.
Robinson Beach was the first place travelers should not miss. Although it was in the middle of renovations, the eateries were still operating. Mai Linh rated this as the most beautiful beach in both Quan Lạn and Minh Châu. Despite the rocky beach, it was easy to move around, with a fairly shallow and safe shore, giving visitors a special feeling.
Next was Tiên Dù Beach, a less well-known check-in spot. Although it was harder to get to than Robinson Beach, it was an ideal place to take breezy and stunning photos.
Mai Linh also discovered the Double-Banked Sand River and found a beautiful spot deep inside. On the way to Robinson Beach, visitors can stop by here.
If you like to explore, head to Infinity Hill. Walk to the top of the hill and walk about 600m, and you’ll come across a stall selling only one type of drink—a sour plum drink. There are a few beautiful check-in spots here, with views of the hill and the beach below.
Mai Linh also discovered White Sand Hill, an unnamed but interesting place. Located near Minh Châu port, when going from Quan Lạn to Minh Châu, you can easily spot this place on the left side of the road.
If you want to enjoy the sunrise and sunset, head to the Windy Pass, but remember to go early or late to get the best photos. The top of the mountain can be dangerous, so it’s best to have someone assist you when taking pictures. Below is a check-in spot on the rocky beach, but be careful of the slippery moss and rocks.
A characteristic check-in spot when visiting the beach is the Minh Châu Sea Strait. Looking at this place, people easily associate it with the beaches in the Central region. Go past the Minh Châu beach sign, and you’ll see this sea strait. “This will definitely be a place to create masterpieces on TikTok,” said Mai Linh.
Finally, there are a few old houses in Quan Lạn built in the early 1900s. The owners are usually very relaxed, so if you want to take pictures, just ask politely for permission.
Fairy Beach at night.
“One of my favorite places is Robinson Beach. This place has a fantastic beach, with turquoise waters and a natural rock formation that stretches out like a perfectly arranged work of art.
But what truly captivated me was witnessing the sunset on a gloomy day. The evening light shone on the white sand, and I was completely immersed in that enchanting moment. Most importantly, I forgot about my phone and just focused on the real experience before me. This made me realize that to truly enjoy an experience, using all your senses and focusing on the present will bring deeper and more sublime perceptions.”
According to Mai Linh, the food on the island is diverse, with dishes such as seafood vermicelli, seafood fried rice, lunch rice, bean curd with pork, hot pot, etc. After trying out a few eateries, she found that Thiết Huệ restaurant was the best in terms of taste, nutrition, and reasonable prices. One of the standout dishes that everyone should try is seafood fried rice, which is sure to be unforgettable.
“Seafood in Quan Lạn is always fresh and reasonably priced compared to other tourist destinations. Seeing the process of seafood processing directly from fresh ingredients to the dining table makes the dishes here special and impressive to visitors,” shared Mai Linh.
In addition, in the morning, there are many shops selling vermicelli and congee. This makes visiting the Quan Lạn market and enjoying breakfast more interesting. In addition to the main dishes, you can also try light snacks, various types of desserts, juices, etc.
A visit to White Sand Hill.
Mai Linh described Quan Lạn as a “pearl island” with a wild beauty characteristic of the northern land. For her, this trip brought the gentlest experience so far this year. If someone wants to find a place to relieve stress, unload burdens, and worries, there’s nothing better than the sea energy of Quan Lạn, especially during the most beautiful season.
Mai Linh shared more about her love for travel, saying that she is a free-spirited person who enjoys exploring and experiencing new things. For her, traveling to new places is not just about enjoying the beauty of nature but also about understanding the culture and people of those places.
“Specifically, traveling alone gives me the best feeling because I can stop wherever I want, focusing my time and mind on enjoying the beauty of nature without depending on anyone else. This hobby also helps me expand my free will and discover hidden potentials within myself that I never knew before,” shared Mai Linh.
A memorable photo at Robinson Beach.
Robinson Beach.
Check-in at Fairy Beach.
A relaxing time in Quan Lạn.
A visit to Infinity Hill.
A visit to the Double-Banked Sand River.
A stop at the Double-Banked Sand River.
