Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Destinations in Quang Ninh Province

Tuan Chau Island spans 220 hectares and is located just 2 kilometers southwest of Ha Long City. The island, with its gently rolling hills, is connected to the mainland by a 2-kilometer-long concrete road. Numerous international-standard hotels are being built to accommodate visitors from all over. The island’s long, sandy beach and clear blue waters offer an ideal setting for relaxation. At the heart of the island, visitors will be impressed by the wide range of activities: performances featuring sea lions, seals, and dolphins in unique, purpose-built clubs, thrilling boat races, rock climbing, and adventurous camping. Several ongoing projects aim to further enhance the island’s appeal during the “Ha Long Tourism Year” events.

The Tuan Chau Resort Area was developed from rolling hills and a 2-kilometer-long road connecting the island to the mainland. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by towering buildings and luxurious villas. Inside, there is a lively food street offering a variety of both Western and Asian dishes, with restaurants designed in the style of royal palaces that are sure to captivate you. In the island’s center, you’ll find a host of modern, unique entertainment options. A must-see is the impressive dolphin, sea lion, and seal circus, a favorite activity for visitors, especially families with young children. After enjoying the island’s entertainment, you can take a boat tour to enjoy the stunning views of Ha Long Bay or go rock climbing and camping for an unforgettable adventure.

Address: Ngoc Chau, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh

Minh Chau Beach is located 15 kilometers from Quan Lan Beach and is a stunning private beach in Quang Ninh province. With its long, smooth stretch of white sand, the beach resembles a shimmering silk ribbon winding through the ocean breeze. A visit to Minh Chau Beach allows you to relax and enjoy a variety of activities such as island exploration, marine life discovery, beach camping, and water sports. The beach takes on a magical glow in the evening, with lights adding to the serene atmosphere, creating a romantic and peaceful retreat. At Minh Chau Beach, visitors not only enjoy the calm, cool waters but can also indulge in fresh seafood and participate in numerous exciting experiences. Thanks to its long-standing tradition of fishing, tourists can also explore the island’s beauty alongside the local residents and engage in traditional activities.

Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the coastal culture of the friendly local community. Quan Lan Minh Chau Island is home to a wide variety of marine life, including Sá Sùng, squid, shrimp, clams, snails, and local delicacies such as sea cucumber, urchins, and the famous Cù Kỳ crabs. These delicious and fragrant dishes are sure to captivate your taste buds. Additionally, you can enjoy leisurely bike rides along the sand dunes, stroll through the fresh and romantic landscape, or sit on the beach at night and take in the beautiful sea view. Minh Chau Beach is ideal for a short getaway, providing the perfect place to unwind from the stresses of daily life and work.

Address: Van Don, Quang Ninh

Situated on Mount Cai Rong, near the Cai Rong port in Cai Rong town, Van Don, the Van Hai Linh Tu Temple is a historical site dedicated to Emperor Ly Anh Tong, who is honored for founding the region of Van Don in the 12th century. The temple has existed for centuries, originally constructed in 1172 during the reign of Emperor Ly Anh Tong. According to historical records, Ly Anh Tong (born in April 1136), the eldest son of King Ly Than Tong, visited Van Don as a young man to inspect the local conditions and the people’s way of life. It was here that he established the famous Van Don trading port in 1149, which played a key role in developing the area as a thriving maritime hub for trade. Legend says that when the emperor left, the locals preserved the spot where he had met the people as a tribute to his visit and legacy. Ly Anh Tong is renowned as one of the most spiritually revered rulers of the Ly Dynasty, with stories such as the appearance of a mysterious cloud, “Bát đế vân du,” during his anniversary celebrations at the Đền Đô Temple in Bac Ninh. The Van Hai Linh Tu Temple continues to attract a large number of worshippers and visitors from both local and distant regions.

In recent years, the temple has undergone significant restoration with support from the local government, businesses, and philanthropists. The temple now stands magnificently on the western slope of the mountain, with an additional ceremonial hall on the eastern side. The layout of the temple follows traditional feng shui principles, with the mountain supporting the temple’s structure and the flowing water positioned to enhance the site’s spiritual energy. The temple’s grounds feature a curved rock formation, symbolizing the dragon’s hand reaching upward, while the tiger’s paw remains grounded. Visitors can enjoy expansive views of the scenic surroundings. The restoration also included the use of Thanh Hoa green stone, wooden ceilings, and gold leaf details. Plans for further development include adding a large front plaza and improving the surrounding infrastructure to make the site more accessible for tourists. Located within a rich historical and cultural area, the temple is a key attraction in the growing spiritual and eco-tourism circuit in Van Don, which also includes the Dong Trong Cave and other island and coastal tourism routes.

Address: Van Don, Quang Ninh

Co To Island is an archipelago located to the east of Van Don Island in Quang Ninh province. This island group features a hilly landscape and includes several small islands, creating a beautiful and dramatic natural scene with rivers, lakes, and scattered islets. Though Co To's rivers and streams are few, the fresh water here is of exceptional quality. The island is covered in diverse plant life, with natural forests home to a variety of valuable and rare tree species found only in Vietnam. Co To Island draws visitors with its unspoiled natural beauty and simple charm. The Cau My Rocks, also known as the 'paradise of love and youth,' are located on the southern side of the larger Co To Island. Shaped like a mouse’s tail, these rocks face the ocean and are formed from sedimentary stone worn down by the sea over thousands of years, creating a unique natural wonder in Vietnam. In addition to the rocks, there are high viewpoints offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, giving visitors the feeling of being in the Mediterranean.

Co To Lighthouse is situated on a mountain in the eastern archipelago of Van Don, Quang Ninh province, about 5 kilometers from the town. Built in the late 19th century, it is the highest point on the island. The winding path leading up to the lighthouse is surrounded by dense forest, purple sim flowers, and rocky trails that are rarely used by travelers. The lighthouse stands 118 meters above sea level and offers an expansive view of the vast ocean stretching to the horizon. Below, the lush forests, crystal-clear waters, and scenic coastal town of Co To are visible. Visitors will also catch sight of the peaceful town with its modest homes nestled in the greenery. A visit to Co To wouldn’t be complete without this breathtaking experience. Another attraction on the island is the Co To Church, the first and only church on the island, built to serve the local community. This small church, measuring 26.7 meters long and 9.8 meters wide, stands at the foot of a hill and is a popular stop for visitors.

Address: Co To, Quang Ninh

Thien Cung Cave is located on Dau Go Island, southwest of Halong Bay, approximately 25 meters above sea level and about 4 kilometers from the nearest tourist harbor. The cave spans nearly 10,000 square meters and features a complex structure, surrounded by towering cliffs and impressive stalactites and stalagmites in various unusual shapes. The path to the cave is lined with lush green trees and steep rock faces. After passing through a narrow entrance, the cave opens into a large quadrangular space over 130 meters long. As you venture deeper, the beauty of the cave becomes even more striking with the vivid forms of rock formations resembling dragons flying amidst misty stone clouds, giant eagles soaring above, and serpents coiling around ancient trees.

To the east, the cave's walls display a grand natural mural depicting figures from ancient fairy tales. On the north wall, visitors are drawn to the depiction of a group of fairies dancing and singing. In the center of the cave, towering pillars rise, intricately carved with unique designs representing daily life, birds, flowers, and more. Beneath the cave's vaulted ceiling, clusters of stalactites hang like shimmering curtains of stone. In the final chamber, visitors feel as though they have entered a celestial paradise, where soft beams of light create a magical atmosphere, reflecting off the stone formations and casting a magnificent glow. A stream flows gently through the cave year-round, and clear pools mirror the strange shapes of the rock formations. The winding path out of the cave leads back to the bay, completing a breathtaking experience that showcases the awe-inspiring and mysterious beauty of Thien Cung Cave.

Address: Halong City, Quang Ninh

Tra Co Beach, located 200 km from the center of Mong Cai City, is a famous destination known for its unique beauty and alluring pristine charm. As one of the longest beaches in Vietnam, stretching up to 15 kilometers, Tra Co Beach forms the outer edge of a sandbar created by the confluence of the sea, offering a picturesque and captivating landscape. Visitors to Tra Co Beach can indulge in refreshing waters, explore the Black Stone Beach, and savor the local culinary delights. The beach promises a relaxing experience, offering a peaceful escape from daily stress. Known as the 'romantic beach,' it features a vast green casuarina forest, complemented by a blanket of vibrant purple morning glory flowers. The most breathtaking view is at sunrise when the colors of the sky seem to be painted by a masterful hand, captivating the soul.

Because it is somewhat isolated from the city, the area around Tra Co Beach remains cool, with a refreshing sea breeze and a tranquil atmosphere, preserving much of its natural, untamed beauty. The beach is wide and gently sloping, with fine, soft sand, making it ideal for fun, swimming, or simply strolling barefoot along the shore while listening to the gentle waves, bringing a deep sense of peace. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels along Tra Co Beach, offering a range of accommodations and fresh seafood such as fish, snails, shrimp, and especially the renowned Tra Co crab, all at reasonable prices. For a more local experience, you can buy directly from fishermen as they return to shore. For those seeking luxury, the Vinh Thuan resort and golf course along part of the beach provide the perfect retreat. Additionally, visitors can combine their trip to Tra Co Beach with visits to other fascinating landmarks such as the grand and unique Mui Sa Vi Park (marking the sacred northernmost point of Vietnam), the Van Linh Khanh Pagoda with its collection of over 50 ancient statues, the impressive Tra Co Temple, the moss-covered stone church, or the striking Black Stone Beach with its numerous unique rock formations.

Address: Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh

Bai Tho Mountain is a stunning limestone peak located in the heart of Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province. This mountain holds significant cultural and historical value. It has inspired many poets throughout history. On the mountain, visitors can still find poems inscribed in Chinese characters by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468 and by Trinh Cuong in 1729, both inspired by the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay. Formed during the Devonian period, Bai Tho Mountain is a product of the Indo-Malayan orogeny. Its highest peak, shaped like a spearhead pointing towards the sky, rises 168 meters above sea level, with several jagged ridges and steep cliffs that give the mountain an ancient and mystical appearance. Historically, the mountain was known as Roi Den Mountain (Light Signal Mountain) and its formal name was Truyen Dang Mountain. Legend has it that in the past, soldiers stationed on the mountain would light fires to signal approaching enemies to the capital. In 1468, after King Le Thanh Tong had poems engraved on the mountain's cliffs, the name was changed to Bai Tho (Poem) Mountain.

Located right next to Ha Long Bay, Bai Tho Mountain, seen from a distance, resembles a grand castle with three towers rising from its formidable stone walls. From different angles, the mountain takes on various shapes, sometimes resembling a crouching tiger, other times a lion hunting its prey, or even a dragon about to take flight. The mountain's allure begins even before you reach the summit. As you ascend, the steps and the surrounding cliffs are filled with a wide variety of plant life, while the fresh sea breeze and floral scents help ease the climb. At the summit of Bai Tho Mountain, you can see the red and yellow flag fluttering in the wind—an emblem that has been there since the resistance against French colonial forces, when a brave miner first made the trek up to place the flag, calling for the unyielding spirit of the miners at that time. A stone plaque marking the mountain's historical significance proudly stands there as a reminder of its legacy.

Address: Ha Long City, Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay, also known as the bay where dragons descend, is a picturesque bay located in the northeastern region of Vietnam. This stunning destination is made up of numerous islands, scattered across the waters of Ha Long City, Cam Pha, and part of Van Don District. Ha Long Bay is a natural masterpiece, blending the elements of "rock, sky, and water" to create a breathtaking landscape sculpted by the hands of Mother Nature. The bay, dotted with islands of all sizes, boasts magnificent caves and serene beaches, making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy exciting activities in the midst of this dramatic scenery, such as gliding across the crystal-clear waters or exploring the extraordinary caves, which resemble creations of human hands. These features combine to form the grandeur of Ha Long Bay, an unmissable stop on any exploration journey.

Spanning approximately 1,553 square kilometers, Ha Long Bay is home to 1,969 islands. The core area of the bay covers 334 square kilometers, featuring over 775 islands, most of which are limestone formations. The bay is renowned for its distinctive landscapes, with each island offering unique shapes and patterns that create a living painting as the mountains blend seamlessly with the sky and sea. Over 500 million years of geological activity have shaped Ha Long Bay into a valuable natural wonder, rich in biodiversity, archaeological significance, and cultural heritage. The bay plays a crucial role in the study of Earth’s formation and provides invaluable insights into the planet’s history. It is a thriving ecosystem with tropical rainforests, coastal marine life, and diverse habitats, home to 14 endemic plant species and around 60 unique animal species.

Address: Cam Pha - Van Don, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh

Bai Chay Beach is an artificial beach located near Ha Long Bay and is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Quang Ninh, especially popular during the summer months with young people and beach lovers. Despite being man-made, the beach maintains a close connection to nature: a long stretch of golden sand, with the soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore, a perfect spot for water sports enthusiasts who love diving, and scenic views of rolling pine hills. Walking along the iconic Bai Chay bridge with its crisscrossing cables, visitors can shake off the stresses of everyday life and truly embrace the peaceful atmosphere of the place. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of entertainment activities such as traditional music and dance performances, water puppet shows, karaoke, or simply relax by the beach while watching the sunset, or explore the nearby Royal Park.

The shore of Bai Chay is the widest in Ha Long City, attracting attention from tourists far and wide. This man-made beach stretches over 1,000 meters in length and more than 100 meters in width, with crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy shores. Along the beach, a line of tall pine trees creates a serene and refreshing environment, offering a cool breeze and a peaceful atmosphere. Tourists, both local and international, can unwind, take photos, enjoy free Wi-Fi, read books, or learn about the legendary heroism of our ancestors. The beach is bordered by a low hill that leads directly to the water, and on either side are charming villas and well-known hotels in Quang Ninh.

Address: Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh

Yen Tu Mountain is part of the Dong Trieu mountain range in the northeastern region of Vietnam, located in the Thượng Yen Cong commune, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. Yen Tu is often referred to as the "cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism" and is a natural landmark rich in history and cultural significance. The mountain's summit, known as Bạch Vân Mountain, is frequently shrouded in mist, and visitors can either climb the 6,000 meters of steep pathways and thousands of stone steps or take the cable car to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Known as the "first sacred mountain" of Vietnam, Yen Tu is famous for its historic temples, pagodas, and spiritual festivals that attract millions of visitors every year, offering a journey of physical and spiritual challenges on the path to inner peace.

Yen Tu Mountain stands at 1,068 meters above sea level, located at the border of Bac Giang and Quang Ninh provinces. It is not just a famous mountain in Vietnam, but a place imbued with the spirit and soul of the Vietnamese people. Yen Tu is a center of ancient culture and heritage, and has been recognized by the government as a nature reserve. The summit and its surrounding historic sites, including temples and pagodas, make it a renowned destination for spiritual tourism. The mountain is strongly associated with the legend of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308), and is home to a diverse ecosystem. Visitors to this sacred site can find peace and fulfillment while connecting with nature and spirituality.

Address: Thượng Yên Công, Uông Bí, Quảng Ninh