Cultural Infusions
Angsana Quan Lan
Cultivate authentic experiences steeped in culture
Immerse in authentic culture and local way of life. Visit the local market or traditional villages of Quang Ninh province, and learn handicraft steeped in tradition such as pottery, weaving, and crafting fishing tools. For the epicurious, learn how to make and bottle fish sauce and dry peanut worms, a local speciality and prized ingredient that lends a rich umami flavour to pho and other meals.
Quang Ninh Museum & Library
Situated along the coastal road in Ha Long City, the 15,000 square metre Quang Ninh Museum & Library showcases natural, cultural and historical artifacts found all over Vietnam. Designed by renowned Spanish architect Salvador Perez Arroyo, the museum's outer façade is shaped like a coal block to signify Quang Ninh province's primary resource, in dark glass material to give off a mirror effect. Inside, the first level is an extensive exhibition of the sea and nature. The second floor exhibits archeological objects from prehistoric to colonial times. The third floor features the province's coal mining history, developments and achievements.
Dong Trieu Pottery Village
Dong Trieu is a town in Quang Ninh province famous for producing export-quality ceramics. An abundance of raw materials such as clay, kaolin, porcelain, wood and coal result to unique and durable hand-painted pottery in different shapes and sizes. Craftsmanship has been honed for the past 200 years, with over 50 factories currently producing all kinds of ceramic ware.
Local Market Visit with Cooking Class
Seafood is a staple in Quang Ninh province, thanks to the rich bounty of coastal harvest. Visit the local market at the centre of Quan Lan, and find meat, vegetables and seafood essential to Quan Lan, including Sá Sùng, an edible peanut worms that lend an umami taste to soups and stews. Bring your provisions from the market back to the resort and try making local dishes such as Chả Mực, a fried squid surimi made from squid surimi that is crispy on the outside, but soft and chewy on the inside, or Bún Bề Bề, a mantis shrimp noodle soup with fresh rice vermicelli and a tasty broth made from seasonal seafood.
Hung Hoc and Cong Muong Craft Villages
Explore some of Vietnam's artisan villages and learn how traditional craft is preserved and developed sustainably to benefit the communities. Quang Yen Town in Quang Ninh province features Hung Hoc craft village which has made fishing tools such as metal gear and handwoven fishing cages since the 15th century, and Cong Muong village, which builds traditional bamboo boats.
