Quick Suggestions for Quang Ninh Spring Journey

With a 3-day timeframe, smart planning allows you to explore most of Quang Ninh's famous temples like Yen Tu, Cua Ong, Cai Bau.

Explore the recommendations below for an exciting early spring trip in the Northeast of the country.

Preparation

During Tet, showcase beautiful outfits for outings and photos, but avoid overpacking. Quang Ninh spring trips usually last only 1-3 days. Besides warm coats for wind and rain, bring only 1-2 sets of inner clothing. Also, don't forget non-slip sole shoes for easy mountain climbing and convenient sightseeing.

Transportation

The renowned spiritual destinations of Quang Ninh are primarily situated along National Highway 18, encompassing the areas of Uong Bi City, Ha Long, and Van Don District, ranging from 120 to 220 km from Hanoi. Hence, besides renting a private car, you can also embark on a spring journey by motorcycle with a very convenient route.

The Hanoi – Quang Ninh passenger routes commence from the 1st day of Tet, but many start from the 2nd day. You can catch a bus from My Dinh Station, Gia Lam, or Luong Yen. The ticket prices for the Hanoi – Cua Ong route are 120,000 VND, and Hanoi – Ha Long is 100,000 VND.

For destinations farther from National Highway 18, the most convenient way is to take a bus to places like Yen Tu (buses serving the festival are available at Trinh Pagoda), Cai Bau (bus 01, pick up at the Cua Ong intersection, turn towards Van Don)...

Food, Accommodation

Along the Hanoi – Quang Ninh route, on regular days, there are numerous restaurants to stop for rest and meals. However, during Tet, most of them are closed, mainly small roadside eateries or those near spiritual tourist spots serving various noodles and pho at relatively high prices.

Therefore, it's advisable to prepare food in advance to avoid searching for places, ensuring hygiene, and saving money. If you stop along the way, you can visit restaurants like 559 or Anh Quan in Hai Duong.

If passing through the day, it's advisable to stay overnight near the temple area you plan to visit to save travel time. Hotels, guesthouses, or hostels in this area vary in price (100,000 – 500,000 VND per room). Contact in advance to ensure room availability.

Spring Travel Destinations

Yen Tu Heritage: On the Hanoi – Quang Ninh route, this is the first spiritual tourist spot to visit. During the festival season (from the 10th day to the end of the 3rd lunar month), Yen Tu welcomes millions of visitors. The Yen Tu spring journey starts from the Trinh Pagoda (on National Highway 18), either by road or cable car (2 sections) to reach Hoa Yen Pagoda, An Ky Sinh, and the peak of Dong Pagoda. Cable car prices range from 60,000-80,000 VND per one-way section (including children and adults). Admission fee: 10,000 VND per person.

Ba Vang Pagoda: Located in Quang Trung Ward, Uong Bi City, this is the temple with the largest main hall in Vietnam, inaugurated on March 9, 2014. Besides being majestic and spacious, Ba Vang Pagoda also has a beautiful location with a river in front, a mountain behind, and lush pine forests on both sides. With all the elements of an ecological, cultural, and historical tourist destination, the pagoda is an ideal sightseeing spot for spring visitors.

Cai Lan Temple – Long Tien Pagoda – Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple: These are three famous spiritual spots in Ha Long City, located quite close to each other. Cai Lan Temple includes both an old and a new temple situated at the foot of Bai Chay Bridge, worshiping the Mother Thoai. Long Tien Pagoda is near Ha Long Market, dedicated to Buddha, the Tran dynasty generals, and the Three Palaces Holy Mother. Meanwhile, the temple honoring Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien (son of Tran Hung Dao) is located at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain.

Cua Ong Temple – Cap Tien Temple: These are two famous temples located in Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha City, only about a kilometer apart. Among them, Cua Ong Temple honors Hung Nhuong Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tang (son of Tran Hung Dao) on a hill, overlooking Bai Tu Long Bay. Cap Tien Temple (previously worshiping Tran Quoc Toan's daughter, later a regional official) also boasts a beautiful location with a mountain backdrop and a sea-facing front.

Cai Bau Pagoda: Located about 20km from Cua Ong Temple, Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery (or Cai Bau Pagoda) is the most captivating attraction in Quang Ninh, renowned for its beautiful location, impressive architecture, and uniqueness. Visitors come not only to seek blessings, good luck, and health but also to enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery of the Northeastern sky and sea. Here, visitors can park their vehicles and enjoy complimentary vegetarian meals.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Yen Tu (overnight stay at Yen Tu)

Day 2: Yen Tu – Ba Vang Pagoda – Cai Lan Temple – Long Tien Pagoda – Duc Ong Tran Quoc Nghien Temple (overnight stay in Ha Long)

Day 3: Ha Long – Cua Ong Temple – Cap Tien Temple – Cai Bau Pagoda – Hanoi

Important Notes

Start planning your spring trip now—organize the timeframe, estimate the number of people, budget for expenses, rent a car, and arrange accommodations. During Tet, these services are limited, and early booking ensures better rates.

Avoid carrying too much cash and expensive jewelry. If you have valuables, store them securely to prevent loss or theft.

When making any purchases, inquire about prices beforehand and be ready to negotiate.

Dress neatly, warmly, and appropriately for the occasion.

According to VnExpress

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Explore: Travel Guide from Mytour