2012 will further enhance Columbus’s illustrious reputation for exquisite World Heritage Cruises with the arrival of our Newest Sailing junk, Santa Maria Cruiser and legendary cruises....
WORLD HERITAGE HALONG BAYQUAN NAN ISLAND |
 Since the 11th century, Quan Lan has been one of the centers of the ancient, animated and prosperous commercial port of Van Don. |
Located in the area of Bai Tu Long Bay, Quan Lan Island is part of an island range at the outermost of the Tonkin gulf. With an area of 11 sq. km, the island is home to eight populated hamlets. Stretching towards East - West direction from the foot of Van Don Range to the Got Mount with many high mountains to the east barring waves and winds, the island is situated on an important navigation route that connects China, Japan, Thailand and Philippines to Vietnam. Along the two sides of the island are tens of kilometers of sand beaches. This is an endless resource for glass making which man is given by the sea and it is also the extremely interesting tourism destination. Since the 11th century, Quan Lan has been one of the centers of the ancient, animated and prosperous commercial port of Van Don. Today, there are still many vestiges linked to this commercial port. This also explains why the island, lying deep in the sea, has the large pagodas and archaeological sites seen today. On the island there locates the Quan Lan Communal House dating back to the 18th century; exceedingly beautiful and almost entirely preserved. Next to it is Quan Lan Pagoda (literally called Linh Quang Tu), which is dedicated to Buddha and the God of Liêu Hanh. The pagoda also worships the statue of old Hau, a local person who made lots of contributions to the construction of the pagoda. The statue features a gentle and cheerful old woman, which adds an original character to the pagoda. Beside Quan Lan Pagoda lies Duc Ong (Monsignor) Shrine, which is dedicated to Pham Cong Chinh, a local man who participated in the historical Van Don battle against the Yuan invaders and posthumously honored as a God. Quan Lan Island is not only a perfect convergence of elements of a magnificent natural site, but also an impeccable collection of well-preserved long lasting historical and traditional values. Your trip will never be complete without setting a foot on the pristine coastal area with unspoiled islands of fadeless beauty, basking eclectically and relaxing in complete comfort on azure-blue sea sides. Once the sun goes down, it will be incomparable moments of watching the moonlight from neat little flats on the sea side or simply wandering along the windy beach of the seemingly endless line of casuarinas, or joining in the passionate singing voice of the animated fishermen. Above all, a visit to the island of Quan Lan also gives you a unique chance to enrich your knowledge of local history with priceless materials on local cultures, to admire Van Don commercial port - the first commercial port of Vietnam. |
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