Thanh Lan Island: Where untouched nature meets heartfelt local hospitality

In recent years, Thanh Lan Island has emerged as a hidden gem in Quang Ninh Province, captivating visitors with its pristine natural beauty.

Tourists enjoying a kayaking trip on Thanh Lan Island
Tourists enjoying a kayaking trip on Thanh Lan Island

Despite its limited tourism infrastructure, the island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Part of the Co To archipelago, Thanh Lan lies just 4 kilometers from the larger Co To Island - about a 20-minute boat ride away. Travelers can also reach the island directly via high-speed ferry from Ao Tien Port in Van Don District, a journey of approximately 90 minutes.

Often referred to as a “green gem,” Thanh Lan is blanketed by lush vegetation, with over 70% of its area covered by natural forests. Visitors are greeted with an instant sea of greenery upon arrival at the pier, setting the tone for an immersive nature experience.

Accommodation options on the island consist mainly of homestays, where travelers can enjoy authentic hospitality, or they can opt to bring camping gear for an even closer connection to nature. With few restaurants available, many tourists arrange meals through their homestay hosts or purchase fresh seafood to prepare themselves.

Since tourism here is still in its early stages, most guides are local homeowners or family members, whose warmth and sincerity enhance every visitor’s experience.

The ideal season for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is from May to August. Thanh Lan boasts four stunning beaches—Ba Chau, Vung Tron, Bai 76, and Hai Quan—each featuring crystal-clear waters, fine sandy shores, and striking rocky formations.

Thanh Lan boasts four stunning beaches—Ba Chau, Vung Tron, Bai 76, and Hai Quan—each featuring crystal-clear waters, fine sandy shores, and striking rocky formations.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can trek through cool forest trails, wade through streams, and conquer the island’s highest peak at 210 meters above sea level. Along the way, they can listen to simple yet heartfelt stories from local residents about island life.

Mornings on Thanh Lan are especially magical. In addition to breathtaking sunrises, visitors can partake in charming family-friendly activities like clam digging, snail catching, and visiting jellyfish processing workshops.

For adventure seekers, boat trips to nearby uninhabited islets offer thrilling opportunities for fishing or snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.

Recognising Thanh Lan’s potential, local tourism authorities are actively developing sustainable travel experiences that prioritize green practices and natural resource conservation.

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An aerial view of Thanh Lan Island (Photo: Co To District's Office of Culture, Information and Tourism)

Under the Thanh Lan’s tourism development plan for 2025, the island targets to attract 20,000 visitors and earn more than 7 billion VND (approximately 268,000 USD) in revenue.

According to Le Ngoc Han, Party Secretary of Co To District, a pilot project has been approved and launched to organise underwater recreational activities and island tours in the district from April 2025 to the end of 2026.

As part of this initiative, Thanh Lan Island has been designated a key tourism area, integrated into an interconnected network of destinations to reduce pressure on more popular sites and diversify local tourism products.

This summer, Thanh Lan is ready to welcome visitors seeking a vibrant retreat filled with golden sunshine, turquoise waters, and heartfelt local hospitality.

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