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Quang Binh is one of Vietnam's rare provinces blessed with not only beautiful long beaches but also abundant natural landscapes, including mountains, and captivating caves. With its diverse terrain, Quang Binh becomes an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
When visiting Quang Binh, you will not only experience relaxation by the beautiful beaches and embark on journeys to explore unique cave systems but also enjoy quality resort accommodations. This article will provide you with comprehensive information about traveling to Quang Binh from A to Z. Let's get started!
Where is Quang Binh Located?
Discovering Quang Binh: A Gem in the North Central Coast
When is the Best Time to Visit Quang Binh?
Quang Binh, like other provinces in the North Central Coast, experiences a distinct monsoon climate, with clear differentiation between rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from September to March of the following year, while the dry season spans from April to August. However, from around August to November, there are frequent storms. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Quang Binh is approximately from April to July. If you prefer adventurous exploration, visiting during the summer months, from May to July, allows you to engage in activities such as cave exploration, enjoying Mooc stream, and Chay river.
How to Travel to Quang Binh?
Getting to Quang Binh: Transportation Options
Bus Travel:
- From Hanoi to Quang Binh: There are numerous bus companies operating the Hanoi - Dong Hoi route, such as Hung Long, Co Huong, Ha Quang, Hoang Linh, Tan Viet, Thuan Hien, with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 VND to 650,000 VND depending on the type of bus. The travel time is approximately 9 - 11 hours depending on the bus and departure time.
- From Saigon to Quang Binh: Several bus companies offer this route, including Hoang Long, Chau Tuyet, Sy Quan, Tuan Linh, with ticket prices starting from 550,000 VND per ticket. The travel time is approximately 23 - 28 hours.
Train:
+ From Hanoi to Dong Hoi: Catch trains SE1, SE3, SE5, SE7, SE9, SE19, SE23 with ticket prices ranging from 300,000 VND to 900,000 VND depending on the seat. The travel time is approximately 9 - 10 hours depending on the train.
+ From Saigon to Dong Hoi: Catch train SE8 to Dong Hoi with ticket prices ranging from 830,000 VND to 1,300,000 VND depending on the seat type. The travel time is about 21 hours.
Airplane: The most popular transportation option, offering both time-saving and safety. To reach Dong Hoi, you can book flights with VNA or Bamboo Airways with ticket prices starting from 700,000 VND per one-way ticket.
Getting Around in Quang Binh
You can rent a daily tour car in Quang Binh for flexible transportation according to your schedule, or rent a motorbike if you prefer independent travel. Additionally, you can take a taxi for short trips around Dong Hoi city.
What are the famous tourist attractions in Quang Binh?
Traveling to Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh
If you don't have much time to explore all the famous tourist spots in Quang Binh, or if you're squeezing in some sightseeing during a business trip, then around Dong Hoi city, there are some tourist attractions you shouldn't miss out on, such as:
Nhật Lệ Beach: Among the top beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam, Nhật Lệ Beach stands out with its long coastline, fine white sand, spacious bathing area, clear blue water, perfect for swimming and organizing group activities and beach games.
Bảo Ninh Beach: Located on an eastern peninsula of Dong Hoi city. To get here, you'll cross Nhật Lệ Bridge and travel about 3km further. Bảo Ninh is also a beautiful beach that attracts many tourists to Quang Binh.
Quang Binh Quan: Situated in the bustling city center, Quang Binh Quan is a historical landmark dating back to the feudal period, built in 1631 and restored to its original shape after several renovations. It is considered one of the oldest and most valuable historical and architectural relics in Quang Binh.
Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel: Originally built with earth in the 16th year of Gia Long's reign (1812), until 1824 when King Minh Mang ascended the throne, it was rebuilt with bricks. The citadel gate is constructed in a beautiful architectural style, with peach-shaped arches divided into two directions: Southwest - Northeast and Northwest - Southeast. The citadel gate is curved in a triple gate style leading outside through a charming arched bridge made of bricks.
Mother Suot Statue is located by the Nhật Lệ ferry dock, a historical monument built and inaugurated in 2003 to commemorate the heroic deeds of Nguyen Thi Suot, who bravely navigated boats carrying revolutionaries across the river amidst bombings. This is an unmissable destination for travelers visiting Dong Hoi city. During your 3 days 2 nights trip to Quang Binh, make sure to pay your respects to this heroic woman!
Quang Binh Museum is located at 30 Quang Trung, Dong Hoi City, where various artifacts related to the culture and people of Quang Binh are preserved, including pottery, bronze items, and wartime weapons...
Bau Tro is a freshwater lake near Nhật Lệ beach, belonging to Dong Hoi city. It is one of the oldest lakes in Vietnam, where artifacts dating back up to 5000 years have been found. This is also a popular check-in spot for many young people.
Tam Toa Church is an old Catholic construction located on Nguyen Du Street, Dong My Ward, Dong Hoi City. It was built in 1887 and was once considered the most beautiful Catholic church in Vietnam. However, after the bombing attack by the United States, only remnants of it remain, preserved until today.
Quang Phu Sand Dunes is a sand hill situated between Dong Hoi City and Bo Trach District, approximately 10km northeast of downtown Dong Hoi. It is dubbed as a 'mini desert' in Quang Binh, attracting many young visitors for photo shoots.
Aside from being a top-notch check-in spot, sandboarding at Quang Phu Sand Dunes is an activity that tourists cannot miss during their trip to Quang Binh.
Sandboarding at Quang Phu Sand Dunes - a beloved activity
Exploring Bo Trach, Quang Binh
Phong Nha National Park: This is an ABSOLUTE MUST-VISIT destination in Quang Binh. Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach and Minh Hoa districts, Quang Binh province, about 50 km northwest of Dong Hoi city. Covering an area of 1233.26 km2, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is home to over 300 caves, underground rivers, sinkholes, and a rare flora and fauna system listed in the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red Book. When visiting Phong Nha National Park, there are some famous attractions typically included in tour packages, such as:
Phong Nha Cave is described as the longest water cave in the world (8km). Here, visitors will sit on a boat on the Son River and gradually enter the cave. Phong Nha Cave is also the longest underground river cave in Vietnam open to tourism.
Boating on the river in the Phong Nha Cave tour, Quang Binh
Inside Phong Nha Cave
Fairy Cave, in contrast to Phong Nha Cave, is a famous dry cave with millions of years of history, featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, especially emitting unique and eerie sounds like bronze drums when tapped.
Paradise Cave adds another dry cave discovered less than a decade ago. Paradise Cave is estimated to be up to 31km long, longer and wider than Phong Nha Cave. The cave is also famous for its large and colorful stalactite blocks.
Mooc Spring is an attractive ecological tourism destination for domestic and international tourists, offering many exciting activities such as swimming, ziplining, kayaking, suspension bridges, etc. Mooc Spring will bring unforgettable experiences to tourists on their Quang Binh tour.
The entrance ticket price is 80,000 VND, and if it includes the amusement ticket, it will be 180,000 VND.
Chay River – Dark Cave: Chay River originates from the ancient limestone mountains in Phong Nha – Ke Bang, with a length of about 10km. The Chay River – Dark Cave tour will take you on a journey along the river, admiring the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river, then experiencing the cool atmosphere of the Dark Cave.
Mud Bath in Dark Cave Quang Binh
OZO Park is famous for a variety of exciting games and experiences such as skywalking, ziplining, suspension bridges, etc.
Sơn Đoòng Cave
Being the largest cave in the world to date, Sơn Đoòng Cave is part of an underground system connected to over 150 other caves in Vietnam near the border with Laos. Exploring Sơn Đoòng Cave requires not only an approximate cost of $3000 but also queuing up and ensuring sufficient health and skills to join. Therefore, it's no exaggeration to say that the Sơn Đoòng Cave expedition tour is the most enticing tour not only in Vietnam but also globally.
Én Cave
Ranked among the top 3 largest caves in the world, after Sơn Đoòng Cave and Deer Cave (Malaysia), Én Cave is renowned for its crystal-clear blue stream inside the cave. It's a fascinating tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
Jumping Rock Beach is located right on Highway 1A, bordering between Thanh Trạch and Hải Trạch communes in Bố Trạch district, Quảng Bình province, 26km from Đồng Hới City. Considered a natural masterpiece of the sea, Jumping Rock Beach features rock formations sculpted by wind and sea erosion, creating a unique natural landscape that is one of the most attractive spots in Quảng Bình.
Additionally, there are several famous tourist attractions scattered across Lệ Thủy, Quảng Trạch, and Minh Hóa districts in Quảng Bình, such as:
Ngang Pass, part of Highway 1A on the Hoành Sơn mountain range, borders between Kỳ Anh town, Hà Tĩnh province, and Quảng Trạch district, Quảng Bình province. At the top of Ngang Pass, there is still the 'heaven's gate' relic of Hoành Sơn Quan checkpoint built with stone bricks in 1833 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng.
Vũng Chùa – Swallow Island is an ecotourism destination in Quảng Bình, attracting tourists to explore its pristine beauty, clean beaches, and unique geographical location. It is also the burial place of General Võ Nguyên Giáp.
The Bich Hoa Canh Duong Village is situated in Canh Thuong commune, Quang Trach district, adjacent to the picturesque Roòn River. This small village features unique 3D murals stretching from the Ancestral Temple to the coastal road, depicting the story of its formation, development, heroic traditions during the resistance war, and the simple beauty of the prosperous coastal village of Canh Duong.
Tú Làn Cave, located in Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, is a famous cave system featuring some impressive scenes from the movie Kong: Skull Island. Tú Làn is a system of 10 unique caves with millions of years of history. Visitors can explore and challenge themselves with activities like mountain climbing, rappelling, and stream trekking.
What are the specialties of Quang Binh?
Quang Binh specialties include:
- Quang Binh seafood
- Quang Binh clear tapioca cake
- Shrimp rice cake
- Rolled rice pancake with shrimp paste
- Grilled lemongrass skewers
Savoury Delights:
- Bánh Khoái (Savory Pancake)
- Fried Snails
- Fish Hot Pot
- Rice Porridge
- Crunchy Rice Cracker
- Banh Mi with Tapioca
Delicacies:
- Mussel Porridge
- Poor Fish Salad
- Sweet Potatoes
- Lệ Thủy Black Thorn Cake
- Tuyên Hóa Honey
- Bảo Ninh Fish Sauce
- Võ Xá Rice Wine
Accommodations in Quang Binh
Vinpearl Hotel Quang Binh
Address: Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
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Mường Thanh Holiday Quang Binh Hotel
Address: 119 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Mường Thanh Luxury Nhật Lệ Hotel
Address: 121 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Radisson Hotel Quang Binh
Address: Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Gold Coast Hotel Resort & Spa
Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
CAGINA Boutique Hostel & Coffee
Address: 124A Le Thanh Dong Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Sun Spa Resort
Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, My Canh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Amanda Hotel Quang Binh
Address: Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Sai Gon Quang Binh Hotel
Address: 20 Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Karst Villas Phong Nha
Address: Bo Trach, Quang Binh
Book reputable, budget-friendly hotels/resorts in Quang Binh
Contact our travel company at one of the following hotline numbers: 0911 766 338 or 0941 766 338 for advice and assistance in booking tours, packages, and accommodations at great prices for groups and individuals in Quang Binh.
Posted by: Nguyen Thi Thuy Ngan
Keywords: Travel experience in Quang Binh from A to Z
