Van Don Island District in Quang Ninh Province is famous not only as an 800-year-old trading port with many archaeological and cultural relics but also for its stunning beaches, mysterious caves and Bai Tu Long National Park with many rare animals. About 50 kilometers from Ha Long City, Van Don is a famous destination for enthusiasts of ecotourism and adventure.
Van Don Island District is an archipelago of 600 limestone islands which rise 200-300 meters above the waves of Bai Tu Long Bay. Van Don is considered a sleeping princess waiting for tourists.
Van Don offers Creation’s brilliant combination of ocean blue and forest green and a chance to relax in the Western Pacific off the beaches of Quan Lan and Ngoc Vung islands, which have been spared from modernization and retain their primitive sceneries and clean air. Boat rides offer more detailed views of the islands and of the taller mountains that stand guard over them. Mysterious caves in these ocean mountains are great for exploring.
Coming to Van Don, tourists can hear of the Tran Dynasty’s victories over their enemies and of the Quan Lan Festival which commemorates national hero Tran Khanh Du.
About five kilometers from Quan Lan Island is a complex of temples and pagodas, of which Quan Lan Pagoda is the most striking. Built in the 18th century, Quan Lan Pagoda is famous for its nice architecture, unique design and elegant decorations.
Local authorities, enterprises and residents are developing tourist services and facilities to meet the increasing demand of travelers. The district already has 800 well equipped rooms. Infrastructure, communications and living standards of local residents are also being upgraded. Many new travel companies have been born and five new taxi brands have opened on Quan Lan and Minh Chau islands.
Last year the district attracted nearly 350,000 tourists, including 3,500 foreigners. To attract more tourists this summer, local authorities have called for restaurants to introduce indigenous specialties and breeding farms of fish, pearls, oysters, snails and abalone are being developed into tourist sites.
The district has also opened the Uncle Ho Memorial Area, Dai Beach Tourist Area, Cai Bau Pagoda and the Truc Lam Giac Lam Zen Monastery.