Chill Out at Quan Lạn: A 2D1N Escape for Just RM400!
Craving a beach escape without breaking the bank? Northern Vietnam's coastline is stunning, and you can experience it with this affordable island trip! Think turquoise waters, white sands, and golden sunshine – all on a budget! Let's go to Quan Lạn, guys!
Here's a detailed itinerary to help you plan your next adventure!
1️⃣ Getting There:
- Hanoi -> Ao Tien Port (Van Don): Consider taking Van Don Xanh bus. It's fast, punctual, and you can easily book tickets on their website (RM105/return trip).
- Ao Tien Port (Van Don) -> Quan Lạn:
- Take a speedboat; buy tickets at the port. Fares are around RM80/return trip, plus a RM10/person port entry fee (one-time purchase). There are two ferries to the island: 7 AM and 10 AM.
- Electric car transport to and from the port costs RM12/person.
- Getting Around the Island: Your homestay can arrange motorbike rentals. Renting a motorbike + petrol costs around RM20/day. Remember to thoroughly inspect the bike before accepting it.
2️⃣ Accommodation:
Room rates in Quan Lạn range from RM120-RM160/room/night. If you're traveling in a group, like our group of 4, you can split the cost to just RM40/person/night! Ask if your homestay provides electric car pickup from the port.
3️⃣ Food:
As this was a short trip, we mainly enjoyed two main seafood meals and simple dishes for the rest. We spent about RM140/person on food.
4️⃣ Itinerary Overview:
❗Day 1:
- Travel from Hanoi -> Ao Tien Port (Van Don) -> Quan Lạn Island
- Check into your homestay and have lunch
- Infinity Hill: A chill café with panoramic views – blue seas, white sands, and sky all blending together. The menu is limited to 4-5 items, priced around RM8-RM10.
- Robinson Rock Beach: Beautiful rock formations, but with strong waves, and the road to get there is quite rough.
- Coastal Road Check-in: There are a few bends on the island that resemble the coastline in the south. However, be mindful of traffic when taking pictures. Safety first!
- Minh Chau Beach: Clean water, long sandy beach – highly recommended as the best beach on the island!
- Dinner
- Take a stroll down the pedestrian street, or if you have time, consider signing up for a night sand worm catching experience.
❗Day 2:
- Catch the sunrise by the sea
- Have breakfast at your homestay
- Eo Gio Quan Lạn: Reaching the top of Eo Gio costs RM12 for a motorbike taxi, or you can walk, but it's quite far, so we don't recommend it!
- Check out of your homestay
- Travel back to Ao Tien Port (Van Don) -> Hanoi
5️⃣ Budget Breakdown for a Group of 4:
- Transportation: RM234/person
- Accommodation: RM40/person
- Food: RM140/person (2 seafood meals)
- Snacks, float rentals, showers: RM50/person
- Total: RM464/person (The cost will vary between RM400 - RM600 depending on individual spending)
Close to Hanoi – affordable – beautiful beaches. Quan Lạn is worth a visit! Save this itinerary for your weekend getaway!
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