Thanks to the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway, the travel distance from Hanoi to Cẩm Phả is now halved
Motorcycles and cars are both viable transportation options. Motorcycles are suitable for adventurous souls and those who enjoy immersive scenery. Cars, on the other hand, save time and effort.
Traveling by motorcycle allows us to explore more details along the journey. However, one drawback is that motorcycles are not allowed on the expressway, resulting in a longer route.
If traveling by coach or self-driving car, you can rest at various rest stops in Hải Phòng, Hải Dương, Hưng Yên, and other areas.
If departing from Hanoi, you have two options. The first is a Limousine, priced at around 250,000 VND per person. Alternatively, regular coaches cost about 130,000 VND per person. You can use the Vân Đồn Xanh app to book tickets directly and accurately. If starting from other provinces in the North, you can catch coaches heading to Quảng Ninh at nearby bus stations. Ticket prices range from 80,000 VND to 250,000 VND per person.
A feeling of time-traveling back to the early 2000s permeates through every architecture, every street of Cẩm Phả.
As it is a city, the route to Cẩm Phả is easy to find. You can use Google Maps and follow the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway. The travel time depends on your starting point. It takes about 3 hours from Hanoi.
Cẩm Phả has recently inaugurated a coastal road connecting to the Hạ Long coastal road. Experience it to admire the dreamy sea and mountains.
Hidden amidst the outskirts lies a quaint coal workshop at the city's entrance.
One of the most conspicuous sights upon arrival in Cam Pha is the veil of black dust clinging to walls, streets, and even tree branches. It's the residue of coal mining operations scattered throughout the city.
The majority of Cam Pha's residents are involved in mineral extraction-related occupations, hence the typical attire here is azure blue.
Being a coastal region adjacent to the East Sea, most districts and provinces in Quang Ninh boast stunning seascapes. Cam Pha is no exception. Its coastline is remarkable due to the clarity of the water and the rocky formations scattered across the sea. Beaches like Quang Hong and TTP Beach are newly developed, with pristine and unspoiled landscapes. Afternoons tend to be crowded, so it's recommended to visit in the morning if you're solely interested in sightseeing and checking in. Moreover, the northern coastal areas are ideal spots for catching the sunrise. Don't miss out!
A beach (TTP) in the afternoon. As it's newly opened, most visitors are locals coming for a swim and some fun.
Cam Pha isn't overly large, so exploring doesn't require much time. The urban road network spans only about 15 kilometers. If you're coming from Ha Long, you can easily travel by motorcycle.
The cuisine in Cam Pha bears the flavors of the sea - seafood. However, there are still other intriguing dishes to discover such as grilled meat, steamed crab roe, and multi-layered rice cakes. Prices are incredibly affordable. A day's expenses for food and entertainment won't exceed 500,000 VND per person. It sounds tempting to pack a backpack and head straight there, doesn't it?
A very chill bar located right by the seaside.
Below are some must-visit attractions for you to explore:
And many more breathtaking attractions await! Ask the locals for free, pristine destinations.
When to come, when to go?
Shaded streets lined with trees
Exploring around Cam Pha doesn't take too much time, but each tourist spot is suitable for different times of the year.
The road leading to the Geological Market area is considered the golden land of Cam Pha.
Cam Pha is renowned for its deep alleyways, each leading up or down a hillside, offering glimpses of distant mountains.
For instance, if you wish to visit Cua Ong Temple, go in the early months, especially in January, post-Tet holiday, as this is when the temple holds festivals. Such cultural events provide tourists not only spiritual experiences but also opportunities to explore fascinating knowledge.
However, if you're keen on indulging in culinary delights, or capturing seaside moments, summer is the best time to come. But the most beautiful time is around May or June.
Cam Pha's beaches are at their finest during summer mornings and evenings.
The small waterfalls, the rugged hillsides are best suited for autumn and winter.
Lastly, there are caves, historical sites, natural heritage sites that you can visit all year round.
There are many unexplored lands, pristine islands waiting to be discovered in Cam Pha.
Let me share a secret with you: Cam Pha has some stunning uninhabited islands, perfect for private picnics or for those who love exploration. Contact the fishermen operating on their boats to take you there for a glimpse.
In recent years, the city of Cam Pha has begun to focus on investing in tourism development. Therefore, compared to other tourist destinations in Quang Ninh, Cam Pha is still a young tourist city. But that's also its strength. Everything seems to have not yet been dissolved by development, not yet stirred up by humans. Come here before that becomes a reality. Come and feel the serene, tranquil beauty of a coal land.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam under the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a Mytour Contributor. For detailed information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal