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1. Ancient Village
Known as the 'Hoi An Ancient Town' of the Quang Ninh mountains, this village boasts the beauty and cultural essence of the Tay ethnic group. Some interesting and enticing points to visit include: Golden Field, Thousand Stalls, Pac Phe...
Through historical journeys, the Binh Lieu ethnic communities have always been united, loving, and supporting each other in the struggle against harsh nature and numerous invading enemies to preserve their way of life.
As a result, the ethnic groups influence each other in customs, production practices, and cultural activities, creating a diverse and colorful cultural life in Binh Lieu. The people of Binh Lieu have a strong awareness and pride in their ethnic identity, evident in the preservation of traditional language, clothing, beautiful customs, and various forms of folk cultural activities of their ethnic group.
2. Cao Xiem Peak
Cao Xiêm Peak, also known as Khau Khoang, Flag Column, Flag-planting Mountain, in San Chay language is “Kèo Kăm Khây”, in Tày language is “Khau Cẳm Cờ”, is a lesser-known tourist destination due to its challenging and complex terrain. With an altitude of 1,429 meters above sea level, this majestic Cao Xiêm Peak can be observed from any village in Bình Liêu district. Therefore, during the crop season, local people often look up to Cao Xiêm Peak to monitor the weather for proactive measures in harvesting and storing rice and corn.
Cao Xiêm is intimately connected with local life; however, few have set foot on this mountain. Perhaps that's why Cao Xiêm remains quite unfamiliar and mysterious. The journey to conquer Cao Xiêm Peak is estimated to be over 7 km on foot, mainly along mountain slopes with many rocky hills covered in year-round mist and crossing vast, lush green hills. From the center of Bình Liêu town, tourists can choose one of the four routes to explore Cao Xiêm Peak: first is the direction to Cao Thắng village (Lục Hồn commune), the second is Lục Ngù hamlet (Húc Động commune); the third is Ngàn Mèo village (Lục Hồn commune), and the fourth is Co Nhan village (Tình Húc). However, the routes of Lục Ngù and Co Nhan are rarely chosen, if at all, only by some local residents who occasionally pass by while herding livestock on the mountain.
4. The Mighty Dinosaur Backbone and Milestone 1305
The Mighty Dinosaur Backbone – the road to border milestone 1305, also known as Miniature Great Wall. This point lies on the way to the Paradise of Reed Grass. First, head towards the Hoanh Mo border gate, then follow the mountainous road for approximately 16 km. The path to the dinosaur backbone and milestone 1305 offers majestic scenery on both sides. However, reaching this place requires good health as the trekking trail is quite long and ascends steeply up the high mountain, somewhat challenging when observed from below. Fortunately, staircases have been built to ease the journey, making it somewhat less arduous. When trekking here, remember to wear lightweight clothing and bring food and water. The trek takes about 3 hours.
On the route from the Mighty Dinosaur Backbone to the Paradise of Reed Grass, you will pass by milestone 1300. This is also one of the famous milestones in Binh Lieu that you should trek to if you have the time. Other places of interest include the Nha Lang Suspension Bridge, Cao Thang Village, Khe O Village, and visits to various Dao ethnic villages...
5. Smooth White Path
If you choose to visit Binh Lieu in the months of October and November, you will be mesmerized by the sight of the expansive white blankets of lush green grass blooming all the way to the horizon. It would be truly amazing to experience this sunny and windy journey on a motorcycle.
Indeed, it's no exaggeration to say that the grass season in Binh Lieu is an “virtual living paradise” right on the ground. The white grass season not only weaves a majestic, poetic natural picture but also embellishes it with vitality and charm, captivating the hearts of those who behold it.
During autumn days, the road to the Binh Lieu border becomes even more picturesque, adorned on both sides with thousands of white grass flowers. Lau grass flowers form clusters along the roadside, swaying with the wind and attracting every gaze. These grass flowers, robust and vibrant, usually bloom in October. When newly bloomed, the grass flowers are pure white, and after a while, they gradually turn yellow and scatter in the wind.
Moreover, the extensive stretch of white grass fields extending to the horizon creates the feeling that the path ahead is a “stairway to heaven”. Therefore, both men and women will be drawn to the beauty of this location.
6. Ba Lanh Peak
Ba Lanh Peak, located in Dong Van commune, Binh Lieu district, at an elevation of 1,050m above sea level, is an ideal destination for adventurous and exploration-loving visitors. Standing atop Ba Lanh Peak, visitors can take in a stunning panorama that spans across the border region.
What makes the ascent to Ba Lanh Peak exciting is the “magic rock field,” an area with large rocks of unique shapes, linked to the legend that in the past, when enemy forces invaded from across the border, the locals would strike the rocks in the magic field, creating a loud echo that terrified and scattered the invaders. At Ba Lanh Peak, you'll also find many traces of a bygone era of border protection, such as the soldier's brick platform for morning flag salutes and the military well used during mountain summit deployments, transporting you back to the historical period of our forefathers.
7. Kéo Lan Mountain
Kéo Lan Mountain, located in Phac Chi village, Dong Van commune, near milestone 1327, stands out with its vast expanse of large rocks that stretch to the horizon, enriching the earth and sky space. Kéo Lan Mountain comprises numerous rock formations with unique large rocks intertwined, spreading across a wide area. The rocks here have many formations over 3 meters high, perfect for those who enjoy taking “virtual life” photos.
Perhaps it's the changing shapes of the rock slabs that create many impressions, offering a sense of novelty that captivates travelers, making them reluctant to leave. Not only possessing a rocky area, but on the summit of Kéo Lan Mountain, there are also water ponds surrounded by lush green grass, alongside herds of water buffaloes and cattle leisurely grazing, creating a feeling as if all the fatigue and worries of urban life with its dusty and noisy atmosphere are vanishing.
8. Nà Làng Suspension Bridge
Located on QL 18, adjacent to Binh Lieu town, the Nà Làng Suspension Bridge connects Nà Làng village to Binh Lieu town. Currently, the bridge is in a state of disrepair and is only allowed for pedestrian passage.
The Nà Làng Suspension Bridge was newly built to replace the old bridge that was no longer functional. The bridge is designed according to the standards of rural roads class D for mountainous terrain, with a 120m long cable-stayed span, a bridge deck width of 2.0m, and a surface made of pre-fabricated Grating panels, hot-dip galvanized. The main and stabilizing cables are smooth round steel bars, and the suspension cables are made from galvanized steel sheet.
When in Binh Lieu, don't forget to stop and check in at the Nà Làng Suspension Bridge.
9. Cao Ly Peak
Cao Ly Peak, situated in Huc Dong commune at an elevation of over 1000m above sea level, especially during late autumn or early winter, or after the final drizzles of spring, this place is adorned with numerous clouds. Cao Ly is often likened to the 'Sapa of Quang Ninh.'
Cao Ly Peak features vast, flat grassy areas, attracting many tourists and adventurers who often come here to camp and hunt for clouds. After a night of stargazing and joyous singing around a blazing fire, waking up on the mountain top in the cold morning, witnessing the drifting clouds before your eyes, is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience in a lifetime.
10. Unique Market Fair
When talking about market fairs, you might recall the famous love markets in the northern mountainous areas of ethnic minorities, such as Sapa (Lao Cai), Khau Vai Love Market (Ha Giang), Moc Chau Love Market (Son La)...
In Binh Lieu, there is also a love market. The love market here is nestled in the Dong Van Valley, next to Cao Ba Lanh mountain in Dong Van commune, Binh Lieu district. The Dong Van Love Market - the only market fair held once a year usually takes place on the “windy abstention” day - the 4th day of the 4th lunar month and starts in the dreamy morning when the sun has yet to wake up.
The love market is filled with the fragrance of wine. People gather to drink, savoring the intoxicating feeling, getting tipsy before starting the summer day's activities. Melodious songs, charming conversations, and laughter echo throughout the mountains and forests.
As the evening falls, signaling the end of the love market, people bid farewell with nostalgia, making promises to meet again the following year. A scene of the love market full of affection.
