Quick answer: The best way to travel from Ha Long to Quan Lan Island is by high-speed ferry. Ferries depart from Hon Gai Port, Vung Duc Port, Cai Rong Port, and Ao Tien Ferry Terminal. The fastest crossing from Cai Rong takes about 40–45 minutes, while departures from Ha Long take around 60–75 minutes.
At a glance:
- 📍 Departure ports: Hon Gai Port, Vung Duc (Ha Long), Cai Rong Port, or Ao Tien Ferry Terminal.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Around 40–75 minutes, depending on your departure port.
- 💰 Ticket prices: About 150,000–230,000 VND (US$6–11) per person.
- 🚢 Transport options: Modern high-speed ferries and passenger speedboats.
- 🧭 Travel advice: Ao Tien is the main summer port, while Cai Rong mainly operates during the off-season.
Last updated August 2026
How to Get from Ha Long, Cai Rong & Ao Tien to Quan Lan Island
Several daily ferries and speedboats connect Quan Lan Island with Van Don District and Ha Long City or Cam Pha. The fastest route is from Cai Rong Port, while Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal offers the most departures during the summer tourist season. A limited number of ferries also operate from Hon Gai Port in Ha Long City and Vung Duc Port in Cam Pha, providing a scenic journey through Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Quan Lan Island is a peaceful island in Bai Tu Long Bay, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The island can only be reached by high-speed ferry or speedboat from Ha Long City, Cai Rong Port, or Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal.
⛴️ Ferry Routes
- Hon Gai Port (Ha Long City) → Quan Lan
- Vung Duc Port (Cam Pha) → Quan Lan
- Cai Rong Port → Quan Lan
- Ao Tien Port → Quan Lan
- Fast ferries & speedboats
- Tickets from US$8–11
ℹ️ Good to Know
- ⏱️ Ferry time: 40–75 minutes
- ⚓ Ao Tien: main port in peak season
- ⚓ Cai Rong: mainly off-season services
- 🌊 Scenic crossing through Bai Tu Long Bay
- 🎟️ Tickets can be purchased directly at the ports
💡 Travel Tip
During the summer season and Vietnamese public holidays, Ao Tien departures can sell out quickly. If possible, book your ticket in advance or arrive at the port early to secure your preferred departure.
1. Ferry / Speedboat from Ha Long to Quan Lan Island
If you’re already staying in Ha Long City, you can travel directly to Quan Lan Island by high-speed ferry. Around 3–4 ferries depart daily from Hon Gai Port, while another seasonal service is available from Vung Duc Port in Cam Pha. The journey through Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay is one of the most scenic ferry trips in northern Vietnam.
⛴️ Ferry Information
- Departure: Hon Gai Port (Ha Long)
- Alternative: Vung Duc Port (Cam Pha)
- Travel time: 60–90 minutes
- Ticket price: 200,000–230,000 VND
- Scenic route via Bai Tu Long Bay
ℹ️ Good to Know
- 🚢 High-speed ferries available
- 🏢 Main operators: Havaco, Thanh Hung, Hao Thinh
- 🚤 Royal Group operates from Vung Duc Port
- 🎟️ Tickets available at the port
- 📅 Timetables may vary by season
💡 Travel Tip
Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, especially during weekends and public holidays. Ferry schedules can change depending on the season and weather conditions, so it’s always worth checking the latest departure times before your trip.
2. Ferry / Speedboat from Cai Rong & Ao Tien to Quan Lan
The fastest and most popular way to reach Quan Lan Island is by high-speed ferry from Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal in Van Don District. The crossing takes just 40–60 minutes, with ferries arriving at either Quan Lan Pier or Minh Chau Pier.
⛴️ Ferry Information
- Departure: Cai Rong & Ao Tien
- Arrival: Quan Lan or Minh Chau Pier
- Travel time: 40–60 minutes
- Ticket price: 150,000–200,000 VND
- About 3–4 departures daily
ℹ️ Good to Know
- ⚓ Ao Tien: main port in peak season
- ⚓ Cai Rong: mainly off-season services
- 🚤 High-speed ferries available
- 🏢 Operators: Quang Minh, Thanh Hung, Minh Chau
- 🎟️ Tickets can be purchased directly at the ports
💡 Travel Tip
Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal is the preferred departure point during the summer tourist season, offering modern facilities and more frequent departures. Outside the peak season, many ferries operate instead from Cai Rong Port. From Ao Tien or Cai Rong you can also travel to Co To Island.
📍 Ha Long Bay / Cat Ba Island / Quan Lan – Map:
💡 Important Ferry Tips for Quan Lan Island
Travelling to Quan Lan Island by ferry is simple and comfortable, but a little preparation can make your journey much smoother. Keep these practical tips in mind before departing from Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal, Cai Rong Port, or Hon Gai Port.
🎟️ Before You Travel
- Port access fee: 30,000 VND per passenger.
- Book early during weekends and public holidays.
- Bring a valid passport or ID for check-in.
- Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
- Travel with light luggage whenever possible.
⚓ During Your Journey
- Reserve space in advance for motorbikes or bicycles.
- Check the weather before departure.
- Storms may cause delays or cancellations.
- Follow all crew instructions on board.
- Carry some cash for purchases on the island.
🌿 Travel Responsibly
Help preserve the natural beauty of Quan Lan Island by avoiding littering, respecting local communities, and following safety rules throughout your journey.
🚌 How to Get from Hanoi to Cai Rong & Ao Tien Port
The easiest way to reach Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien International Ferry Terminal from Hanoi is by tourist bus or limousine. The journey takes about 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and your drop-off point. Dozens of departures by Son Hai Limousine or Minh Chau Limousine are available every day, making it easy to connect with ferries to Quan Lan Island. There is no railway from Hanoi to Cai Rong / Van Don.
🚌 Transport Information
- Distance: about 210 km
- Travel time: 3–4 hours
- Bus & limousine services
- many departures daily
- Tickets from US$13–19
ℹ️ Good to Know
- Multiple departure points in Hanoi
- Direct drop-off at Ao Tien or Cai Rong
- Comfortable VIP limousine buses
- Advance booking recommended
- Easy connection to Quan Lan ferries
Book Tickets to Cai Rong / Ao Tien Port ➜
💡 Travel Tip
Choose a bus that stops directly at Ao Tien Ferry Terminal if you’re travelling during the summer season. It offers the most frequent ferry departures to Quan Lan Island and is the most convenient transfer point.
❓ FAQ – Ha Long / Van Don to Quan Lan Island
How can I travel from Ha Long to Quan Lan Island?
Take a ferry from Hon Gai Port, Vung Duc Port, Cai Rong Port or Ao Tien Port. The journey takes about 40–75 minutes.
What is the fastest ferry to Quan Lan Island?
The fastest crossing departs from Cai Rong Port and takes about 40–45 minutes.
Should I depart from Ao Tien or Cai Rong Port?
Ao Tien is the main departure port in summer, while Cai Rong mainly operates during the off-season.
How much does the ferry ticket cost?
Tickets usually cost 150,000–230,000 VND (about US$6–11), depending on the route.
How many ferries run to Quan Lan each day?
There are typically 3–4 daily departures, although schedules vary by season.
Can I buy ferry tickets at the port?
Yes. Tickets are available at Hon Gai, Cai Rong, and Ao Tien ferry terminals.
Where do ferries arrive on Quan Lan Island?
Ferries arrive at either Quan Lan Pier or Minh Chau Pier, depending on the operator.
Can I take my motorbike on the ferry?
Yes, but reserve your space in advance during weekends and the peak tourist season.
When is the best time to visit Quan Lan?
March–May and September–November offer the best weather and calm sea conditions.
How can I get around Quan Lan Island?
Rent a motorbike or bicycle, use electric carts, or explore the island on foot.
