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Binh Lieu is an intriguing destination for nature enthusiasts seeking simplicity and grandeur. Gather travel experiences from Klook Vietnam.
Binh Lieu, a hidden paradise in the Northern Vietnamese mountains, harbors tranquility and untouched simplicity. With breathtaking natural landscapes, from vibrant green mountain ranges to picturesque reed fields, Binh Lieu is an ideal destination for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and immersing yourself in nature.
Follow Klook on the journey to explore this beautiful tourist spot and pocket useful travel experiences for your trip!
Where is Binh Lieu? Exploring Binh Lieu District
Binh Lieu, a mountainous district in the northeast, is located over 100km from the center of Quang Ninh city and 270km from Hanoi. With its unique geographical location and cool climate throughout the year, Binh Lieu is known as a 'mini Sapa,' attracting young people from all over to visit.
Binh Lieu's allure lies in its breathtaking natural beauty, with lush green landscapes, golden ripe rice fields, and pristine white reed fields creating a serene resort-like atmosphere. Beyond its beautiful nature, Binh Lieu boasts distinct cultural features awaiting your exploration. Here, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the lives of Dao, Tay, San Chay, and San Diu ethnic groups through cultural activities and culinary delights.
Independent Travel Guide to Binh Lieu
To travel to Binh Lieu, consider the following transportation options based on your starting point.
1. Traveling to Binh Lieu from Saigon
- By plane: From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can book flights from airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc., to Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh. After arriving at Van Don, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi and travel approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Binh Lieu. Check out the Van Don airport travel guide for independent travelers on the Klook website!
- By train: For those opting for the train, you can depart from Saigon station and choose Hạ Long station (Quang Ninh) as your destination. Ticket prices range from 1,047,000 VND to 1,662,000 VND depending on the type of seat. Check the train schedule and detailed ticket prices to prepare a suitable itinerary. After arriving in Ha Long, you continue with about a 2-hour drive to Binh Lieu.
2. Traveling to Binh Lieu from Hanoi
- Bus: This is a public transport option favored by many young travelers to save costs. The bus ticket from Hanoi to Binh Lieu is 170,000 VND per person.
- Personal vehicle: For adventure enthusiasts who prefer long-distance road trips and want to flexibly arrange their schedules, you can drive a motorbike or a car. You can refer to the route to Binh Lieu below:
- Motorbike: From Hanoi - follow National Highway 1 to National Highway 18 - Que Vo (Bac Ninh) - Dong Trieu (Quang Ninh) - Ha Long - Tien Yen - National Highway 18C - Binh Lieu.
- Car: From Hanoi, enter the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway, continue on the Hai Phong - Ha Long expressway - Van Don, then move in the direction of National Highway 18C to reach Binh Lieu.
- Rent a car: If you don't have a means of transportation, you can check out Klook's car rental service at: https://www.klook.com/vi/car-rentals/
Note: The distance from Hanoi to Binh Lieu is nearly 300km with challenging mountainous sections. Therefore, you should choose public transportation or a car to ensure safety and health. If choosing a motorbike, prepare a reliable vehicle, rain gear, and necessary items for a smooth journey.
Best Time to Visit Binh Lieu?
If you're unsure about when to visit Binh Lieu, follow the information below from Klook.
- March: If you love exploring pristine nature, March is the ideal time to visit Binh Lieu. During this month, the landscapes of Binh Lieu become enchanting with flowers blooming along the roads and streams. Clusters of pure white Ban flowers bloom under green leaves, emitting a faint, alluring fragrance that attracts hundreds of 'photo hunters' here each year.
- Summer: To avoid the summer heat in urban areas, Binh Lieu is the perfect choice. As a highland area, the summer in Binh Lieu is always cool, suitable for outdoor activities. Activities like waterfall and stream bathing are popular among visitors here.
- October: Around this time, Binh Lieu transforms into another beautiful season - the ripe rice season. The terraced fields stretch with golden ripened rice, creating a magnificent picture of the tranquil countryside. You can capture panoramic photos to observe the color changes of each terrace or venture into the middle of the field for poetic shots.
- November: In late autumn, Binh Lieu turns into a simple and dreamy landscape. White reed fields spread across the hills, creating a gentle scene amidst the mountains. Traveling to Binh Lieu in November, you will enjoy the cool air, feel the tranquility of nature, and have the opportunity to create photos as if lost in a fairy tale world.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Binh Lieu
1. Border Marker - Binh Lieu's Backbone
Exploring the Border Marker - Binh Lieu's Backbone is a fascinating journey for adventurers at an altitude of 700m above sea level. Here, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of mountains and vast terraced fields.
The milestones 1300, 1302, 1305, and 1327 along the Vietnam - China border are prominent points waiting for you to experience. Standing on the 'dinosaur's backbone' surrounded by magnificent natural scenery will surely stir your heart and soul with the majestic beauty of nature.
2. Cao Xiem Peak
Cao Xiem Peak, also known as Khau Khoang or Flag Pole Peak, is dubbed the 'roof of Quang Ninh' with an elevation of 1,429m above sea level. Visitors can conquer this mountain peak through a route of over 7km. The path follows the mountain slope, passing through rocky mountains and grassy hills, creating a challenging journey for trekking enthusiasts and nature explorers. At the mountain's summit, you can capture the magnificent landscape of the Binh Lieu region, take genuine photos, or camp overnight with friends.
3. Cloud Hunting in Binh Lieu
The Cao Ly Mountain Range, where nature harmonizes with the heavens, is an ideal spot for cloud enthusiasts. In October, as winter arrives in Binh Lieu, clouds gracefully embrace the mountain peaks. Travelers can reach the camping site on the mountain by car or motorcycle, then continue a 30-40 minute hike to the summit for an ideal cloud-chasing spot. At the lofty mountain peak, the white cloud panorama covering the majestic hills will provide unforgettable experiences.
4. Khe Van Waterfall
Khe Van Waterfall, a unique tourist spot in Quang Ninh, located in Huc Dong commune, 100km from Halong. With a height of nearly 100m, the waterfall is divided into 3 beautifully enchanting tiers. The first tier has a spacious area with rocks protruding like an elephant lying down. The second tier features the water flow splitting into two, one large and one small like silk ribbons across the forest. Lastly, the highest tier is where you can admire the entire captivating beauty of the waterfall. Khe Van Waterfall, the meeting place of Sán Chỉ boys and girls, with water cascading in white foam, brings great emotions to visitors.
5. Bản Làng Cổ Binh Lieu - Bản Sông Mooc Binh Lieu
Bản Sông Mooc, a rare gem nestled amidst overlapping mountains, shines with a rich ethnic cultural beauty. Walking along the winding trails through terraced fields, visitors will be captivated by houses interspersed among the fragrant forest of cinnamon and star anise.
Upon entering the village, exploring the houses with Dao Binh Lieu ethnic architecture offers a chance to discover the unique local culture. Impressive activities include touring and observing the process of making vibrant traditional embroidered garments, as well as participating in unique festivals like the Wind-Avoidance Festival and the Cold Food Festival.
6. Binh Lieu Market
Binh Lieu Market captivates visitors not only as a trading hub but also as a unique destination to explore diverse ethnic cultures. On weekends, visitors have the opportunity to wander through the market in the town center or Dong Van commune. The busiest time is from 10 am onwards, with goods and people crowding the pathways. Local residents from nearby districts converge, bringing agricultural products and goods for exchange and trade. Prominent products include traditional leaves, medicinal herbs from ethnic communities, wild honey, bamboo shoots, and many unique items with distinctive flavors and characteristics.
7. Explore Local Culture in Binh Lieu
For those passionate about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups, Binh Lieu is an unmissable travel destination. With over 96% of the population belonging to ethnic minorities such as Tày, Dao, Sán Chỉ, Hoa, visitors here will experience a variety of unique cultures not found everywhere. A standout cultural feature easily recognizable is the attire of the Dao Tai Phan ethnic group. The vibrant red clothing stands out amidst the lush green mountains. The Dao people believe that these outfits will instill fear in the jungle creatures, ensuring the safety of the villagers.
Must-Try Binh Lieu Local Specialties
In addition to the stunning natural landscape and unique culture, Binh Lieu also attracts many visitors with its enticing local specialties. Let's explore some of the dishes you shouldn't miss when you're here with Klook!
- Rainbow Sticky Rice: Often used for offerings during the annual Tet Thanh Minh festival to express gratitude to ancestors. Made from black and red glutinous rice, it boasts vibrant colors that are visually appealing.
- Cooc Mo Cake: Also known as buffalo horn cake, typically enjoyed during Tet and important occasions by the Tày people. It comes in two varieties: plain and with pork filling, available at local markets.
- Nodding Cake: A unique specialty of Quang Ninh. Made from high-quality local rice, it is served with flavorful chicken fat dipping sauce.
- Arrowroot Cake: A renowned traditional dish of the Tày ethnic group, especially used on special occasions like Tet, new rice celebration, and Thanh Minh festival, representing a crucial part of the local culinary culture.
- Tay Lồng Ệp Cake: Also known as Tay Lồng Ệp cake, Tổ cake, or Tay Nồng Ệp cake. This everyday gift is significant in the daily lives and festive offerings of the Sán Dìu ethnic group in Bình Liêu.
- Dong Noodles: This specialty used to be scarce, but thanks to technological advancements, its availability has increased. Now, it has become a beloved and sought-after gift.
- Grilled Stream Fish: Despite being small, stream fish offers firm, non-fishy flesh. Usually fried in fragrant sesame oil and served with betel leaves, raw vegetables, and dipped in soy sauce. A piece of grilled stream fish will be irresistible.
- Forest Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry: A common and distinctive dish in the local cuisine. Loved for the unique sweet and sour taste of forest bamboo shoots combined with the aroma of sautéed garlic.
Best Hotels and Guesthouses in Binh Lieu: Affordable & Convenient
Planning to visit Binh Lieu but unsure where to stay? Check out the accommodations Klook has compiled for you. Here are budget-friendly, conveniently located stays with all the necessary amenities.
1. A Dao Homestay
Nestled at the high point of Phat Chi, Binh Lieu, this homestay attracts travelers and adventurers with its unique architecture featuring wood, bamboo, and thatch, resembling the stilt houses of the Dao people. Immersed in a fresh, cool atmosphere, you'll discover the majestic beauty of the border region. Particularly, indulging in unique culinary experiences and local cultural immersion at this homestay will be an unforgettable journey.
2. Hoang San Homestay
Nestled in Dong Thanh village, Hoanh Mo commune, this homestay, though simple, exudes warmth, attracting travelers with a cozy ambiance. Offering diverse accommodations, catering to 8-25 guests, the owner, also a Tày ethnic, serves unforgettable Binh Lieu-style meals. Beyond that, the homestay owner can double as a guide, ready to explore the Dinosaur Backbone, Reed Hill, and border milestone route with you.
3. Sông Moóc House
A unique homestay nestled amidst the lush cinnamon forest and serene green lake, providing guests an opportunity to relish the fresh and cool natural surroundings. The architectural style combines classic and modern elements, offering you a comfortably equipped place to rest. Here, you can immerse yourself in the life of the Dao Thanh Phan people, savoring distinctive cuisines like village chicken, stolen pork, and more.
From the pristine beauty of mountain ranges, golden terraced fields to white meadows of grassy hills, Binh Lieu appears like a miniature Sapa in the heart of Quang Ninh. What makes the journey here more memorable is the preserved cultural uniqueness spanning generations in the local villages. With a mild climate and tranquil space, Binh Lieu is undoubtedly a place to relax, rediscover peace alongside nature's beauty.
Apart from Binh Lieu, Northern Vietnam still harbors numerous famous landmarks awaiting your exploration. Visit Klook Vietnam's Travel Blog for the latest information on Vietnam travel, Cu Lao Thoi Son, An Giang Travel Destinations, Chua Ba Chau Doc An Giang, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum, Phan Rang Cham Towers, Tam Dao, Sapa Ham Rong Mountain, Bac Lieu House of Literature, Chua Chan Mountain, and more...
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