Discover the unspoilt landscape of Quan Lan with its sandy beaches, forest reserve and rocky capes. Learn about the local biodiversity with endemic flora in the island such as kafal, rose myrtle, Malabar plum, wild screwpine, longan and peanuts, as well as native aquaculture such as Sá Sùng, mantis shrimp, clams and sea cucumber.
The beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay is best explored on a cruise through its mystical landscape of limestone islands and islets. Board a luxury sailboat to journey around the bay and explore the more peaceful, less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay. Legend states the area was once protected by a mother dragon and her children, who then took earthly forms and rested in the bay. Ha Long means ""descending dragon,"" while Bai Tu Long means ""paying respect to the dragon's children."" Kayak along stunning limestone structures and explore colossal caves with clear lagoons. Alternatively, take to the skies on a seaplane tour and enjoy an intimate aerial view of the bay’s famous limestone formations, tranquil fishing villages and floating markets.
Home to a rich tapestry of biodiversity, Bai Tu Long National Park offers a spectacular immersive experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With over 15,000 hectares comprising three ecosystems: mountain, limestone and cave, and marine, the park is home to 500 species of plants, 37 species of birds, and 391 species of aquatic life. Within the surrounding area, intrepid adventurers can also explore Ba Mun island, with its primeval forests and extensive flora and fauna, Tra Ngo Lon island, Doi cave to see bats and monkeys, and Cai De cave which can only be explored during low tide.
Located in Uong Bi city, 50 kilometres from Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu is a sacred site for Buddhists and visitors looking for spiritual sanctuary. Every year, thousands flock to the site and traverse the mountain which can take up to six hours on foot through winding paths and thousands of stone steps. Along the way, visitors will see Buddhist monuments, temples, shrines, and stupas, some of which are over 700 years old. The most magnificent is the Dong Pagoda, cast entirely in bronze and perched 1,068m above sea level. Alternatively, an easier way to the peak is by aerial tramway.
With its sloping crescent shape, smooth white sand and clear seawater, Minh Chau is a popular destination and an entry point to interconnected islands and other stunning coasts such as Quan Lan beach, Son Hao beach and Robinson beach. Explore the century-old mangrove forest or walk along towering casuarina trees, while listening to the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean waves.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure hiking up Eo Gio - meaning windy strait - and be rewarded with a resplendent view from the top. Just a 10-minute drive on an electric buggy from Quan Lan downtown, the journey up is challenging with slippery soil, and therefore suited for adults only. Once on top, the panoramic view of the bay and surrounding islets is spectacular. The best time to trek to Eo Gio is in the early morning from 5:30 am to catch the sunrise or in the late afternoon for a spectacular sunset.
Nature lovers will enjoy unearthing the remote mountainous district of Binh Lieu. Located 108 kilometres from Ha Long City and bordering Guangxi in China, Binh Lieu is also known as Quang Ninh's "Small Sapa" with its wild landscape and rolling mountains with peaks that look like dinosaur spines. The area is beautiful year-round, with various wildflowers blooming in the spring and stalks of reed shooting up in autumn, lending an air of romance.