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 limitations. 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 tourist stayed longer than her planned one and a half days. That was probably enough to show how much this tourist loved this place.
“Gentle and warm, the strong sense of humanity 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 without accepting any money. This truly surprised and touched me. Although I have 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?” Although it was a joke, it was full of affection.
Even though 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 were deeply etched in the heart of this female tourist. It was definitely an unforgettable experience for her, no matter how many places she had been to.
Tourist stopping by Robinson Beach.
Spending an extra day and a half in Quan Lạn was not an excessive decision 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 also 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 is the first place tourists 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. Even though the beach has many rocks, they are easy to move around, and the shore is quite shallow and safe, providing a special experience for tourists.
Next is Tiên Dù Beach, a less well-known check-in spot. Although it is harder to get to than Robinson Beach, it is an ideal place to take breezy and stunning photos.
Mai Linh also discovered the Twin Shores White Sand River and found a beautiful spot deep inside. On the way to Robinson Beach, tourists can stop by here.
If you like exploration, head to Infinity Hill. Walk to the top of the hill and walk about 600m, and you will come across a stall selling only one type of drink – plum juice. There are a few beautiful check-in spots here, with a view of the hill and the Quan Lạn beach below.
Mai Linh also explored 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 peak can be dangerous, so be careful and consider asking someone to help you take 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 will see this sea strait. “This will definitely be the 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 easy-going, 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 water and a natural rock formation that stretches out like a perfectly arranged work of art.
But what truly captivated me about this place 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 vermicelli, 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 will surely leave an impression.
“Seafood in Quan Lạn is always fresh and reasonably priced compared to other tourist destinations. Seeing the process of seafood being processed directly from fresh ingredients to being served on the table makes the dishes here special and impressive to tourists,” 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 che (Vietnamese sweet soup), fruit juices, etc.
Tourist coming to White Sand Hill.
Mai Linh described Quan Lạn as a “pearl island” with a wild beauty characteristic of the northern land. To 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 here.
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, focus my time and mind on enjoying the beauty of nature, and not depend 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.
Tourist leaving a beautiful photo at Robinson Beach.
Robinson Beach.
Check-in at Fairy Beach.
A relaxing time in Quan Lạn.
Tourist coming to Infinity Hill.
Coming to the Twin Shores White Sand River.
Tourist stopping by the Twin Shores White Sand River.
Unveiling the Unexpected Charms of the “Pearl Island” Quan Lan
The northern beaches of Vietnam were often overlooked by travelers, who deemed them less alluring than their central counterparts. However, all it takes is a visit to the pristine Quan Lan Island to change their minds. This “pearl island” boasts a natural beauty that captivates and enchants, offering a unique and memorable experience that expands horizons and leaves a lasting impression.
