Buzz
Quang Ninh stands out as one of the most renowned provinces in the Northeast region. This area boasts a unique blend of sea, islands, plains, midlands, mountains, and a border adjacent to China. A trip to Quang Ninh will allow you to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes of sky, clouds, and water. Additionally, you’ll encounter countless scenic views that resemble a heavenly paradise, a gift from nature to this land.
When is the Best Time to Visit Quang Ninh?
Quang Ninh experiences a tropical monsoon climate, resulting in hot, humid summers with heavy rainfall and cold, dry winters. Due to its vast area, the climate can vary significantly between different regions.
The ideal time to book your Quang Ninh tours is from April to September. During this period, the weather is cool, pleasant, and rain-free, making it perfect for leisure trips or exploring Quang Ninh. You can also book affordable Quang Ninh tours during this season for your journey.
Summer is also the peak tourist season. This is when vibrant cultural events take place, such as the Summer Music Festival, Ha Long Carnival, and Ha Long – Quang Ninh Tourism Week. These events are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Must-Visit Destinations in Quang Ninh
If you travel to Quang Ninh, don’t miss out on these famous destinations!
1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is the first name that comes to mind when people think of traveling to Quang Ninh. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its cultural, economic, geological, aesthetic, and biological significance. Spanning over 434 km2 with 788 islands, it features famous spots like Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and Tam Cung Cave.
Ha Long Bay's mesmerizing scenery (Image source: Collected)
To admire Ha Long Bay from above, you can experience a seaplane ride or take a cable car for a unique adventure. Alternatively, for a closer view of the islands and to immerse yourself in the vast seascape, consider a cruise to explore the bay.
Traveling to Ha Long will leave you with unforgettable memories. There’s nothing more wonderful than enjoying the breathtaking scenery here with family, friends, or loved ones.
2. Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island, often hailed as one of the most “captivating” destinations in Ha Long, is just a 20-minute drive from Bai Chay. As you venture deeper into the island, you’ll encounter a U-shaped marina filled with modern yachts.
The island boasts a 6km stretch of fine white sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by over 200 hectares of lush pine forests. This makes it not only a scenic spot but also an ideal resort destination for your Quang Ninh travel.
Tuan Chau Island with its picturesque landscape (Image source: Collected)
This is also the only location in Quang Ninh offering dolphin shows. Additionally, you can enjoy a state-of-the-art artificial beach and an entertainment zone filled with exciting activities like parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. If you’re a fan of water sports, this is a must-visit spot!
3. Yen Tu Tourist Area
Yen Tu Tourist Area is a scenic site featuring around 11 temples and hundreds of large and small hermitages. What makes it unique is that these temples and hermitages are nestled among ancient forests and scattered at an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level.
A highlight of Yen Tu is the 6,000-meter-long mountain trail with thousands of stone steps. If you enjoy trekking and exploration, this is a must-visit. For those seeking convenience, a cable car system is available, saving time and effort while offering stunning views.
The fresh mountain air at Yen Tu, surrounded by lush forests (Image source: Collected)
Upon arrival, you’ll breathe in the crisp mountain air and immerse yourself in the serene landscape. The blend of green forests and blue skies creates a tranquil atmosphere, offering a sense of peace and calm that’s hard to describe.
4. Binh Lieu
Binh Lieu is a mountainous district in the Northeast region of Vietnam, perfect for adventurers and those who love traditional culture. Over 96% of its population consists of ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Kinh, Hoa, and San Chi people.
Traveling to Binh Lieu in Quang Ninh offers breathtaking views of rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, and terraced fields in small villages. The harmonious natural scenery resembles a picturesque ink wash painting.
Stunning check-in spots in Binh Lieu (Image source: Collected)
If your schedule allows, make time to visit famous spots like Song Mooc A Waterfall, Luc Na Peak, Khe Van Waterfall, and Cao Xiem Peak. Your trip will be filled with artistic and memorable photos.
However, Binh Lieu has only gained popularity in recent years and remains relatively untouched. The roads are rugged and challenging, requiring a reliable motorbike and skilled handling. Conquering some of these destinations is no easy feat.
5. Co To Island
No Quang Ninh travel experience is complete without visiting Co To. Ranked among Vietnam’s top 10 most beautiful islands, Co To offers not only pristine beaches but also vast stretches of untouched primeval forests to explore.
The archipelago comprises over 50 islands and islets, adding to its wild and poetic charm. Beyond photo opportunities, you can rent bicycles or motorbikes to discover famous spots at your own pace.
Create beautiful memories with friends at Co To (Image source: Collected)
Some must-visit spots include Cau Mi Stone Beach, the lighthouse, the Love Road, and Co To Church. Among these, Cau Mi is the best place to catch the sunrise, featuring smooth, uniquely shaped, and multi-colored rock layers stacked beautifully.
6. Cam Pha Beach
Cam Pha is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, boasting not only pristine beaches but also stunning rock islands and towering cliffs that exude grandeur.
The untouched beauty of Cam Pha Beach (Image source: Collected)
When visiting, you can explore Reu Island, home to over a thousand monkeys, or stop by Bai Tu Long, known for its hundreds of limestone islands and shale formations. For those interested in spirituality, Cua Ong Temple is a must-visit, being a famous spiritual tourism site.
7. Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach is another must-visit destination during your Quang Ninh travel. As Vietnam’s longest beach, stretching 17km, it’s surrounded by pristine mangrove forests and lush casuarina trees, creating a uniquely captivating landscape.
To fully appreciate the beauty of Tra Co, visit between April and July. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, with calm waves and gentle breezes, perfect for swimming and outdoor activities.
Enjoy precious moments of relaxation at Tra Co Beach (Image source: Collected)
From late May to June each year, numerous traditional festivals take place, attracting a large number of visitors to this coastal area. The lively and bustling atmosphere adds to the charm of the destination.
What to Eat When Traveling to Quang Ninh?
When traveling to Quang Ninh, don’t miss out on the local cuisine. The unique flavors of its dishes and specialties contribute to the distinct identity of this region.
1. Ha Long Squid Cake
The first dish to try when visiting Quang Ninh is squid cake. As the name suggests, the main ingredient is fresh squid, hand-pounded to perfection. Carefully selected ingredients and a unique recipe make this dish a standout.
Don’t forget to try squid cake when in Quang Ninh! (Image source: Collected)
The final product is neither too chewy nor overly pungent. It pairs perfectly with sticky rice or rice rolls to enhance its flavor. A staple in family meals, this dish is familiar to many, though not everyone can master the art of making exceptional squid cakes.
2. Quang Yen Fermented Pork Roll
While fermented pork rolls are not unique to Quang Ninh, Quang Yen’s version offers a distinct flavor. Made primarily from pork, pork skin, roasted peanuts, and a secret blend of family-recipe spices, it stands out from the rest.
Quang Yen fermented pork roll leaves a lasting impression with its unique taste (Image source: Collected)
This dish is a favorite among visitors to Quang Ninh. Its tangy, nutty, and perfectly balanced sweet-salty flavor makes it irresistible. Served with fresh herbs, green bananas, fig leaves, and a sweet-and-sour dipping sauce, it’s a delightful treat.
Though a humble and simple dish, it carries the heartfelt essence of the local people. You can enjoy this fermented pork roll at street-side eateries or larger restaurants.
3. Ngán (Clam)
The name might sound unfamiliar to those from southern provinces, but this is a highly popular delicacy in the North. Despite its name, ngán is a type of seafood that once tasted, you’ll find hard to stop eating.
Ngán resembles clams but is larger in size. Exclusive to Quang Ninh, as no other region has successfully cultivated it, this delicacy is a must-try when traveling to Quang Ninh.
Ngán is a seafood unique to Quang Ninh (Image source: Collected)
Ngán can be prepared in various delicious ways, such as steamed, grilled, in salads, porridge, or fried. It’s a nutrient-rich food, packed with lipids, glucids, protids, and essential vitamins and minerals beneficial for health.
4. Gat Gu Rice Cake
The name 'Gat Gu' comes from the cake’s amusing wobbling motion when held. This local specialty is a must-try for anyone visiting Quang Ninh. If you have the chance to travel to Quang Ninh, don’t miss out on this unique treat.
The most reputable place to try this cake is in Tien Yen Town. Locals use a special type of rice unique to the region. When visiting, you’ll hear locals share fascinating stories about the cake’s origins and preparation.
Gat Gu cake may seem unusual but is incredibly delicious (Image source: Collected)
Similar to rice rolls but without filling, this cake is made from rice flour. It’s served with a dipping sauce made from chicken fat, fried shallots, Chinese cinnamon, and minced meat. To achieve the perfect texture, the rice is soaked overnight, drained, and then ground into flour.
To achieve the perfect chewy and fluffy texture, leftover rice is added to the batter. The cake-making process is intricate and involves multiple steps, which is why it’s so beloved by visitors when traveling to Quang Ninh.
5. Tien Yen Hill Chicken
The unique feature of these chickens is that they are free-range. Instead of feed, they roam the hills daily, foraging for ants, termites, and other insects. At dusk, they return to roost in trees, a natural habit that adds to their distinctiveness.
Many believe that the free-range lifestyle and natural diet contribute to the exceptional flavor of Tien Yen chicken. The meat is firm yet tender, flavorful without being tough, and rich without being greasy. If you’re traveling to Quang Ninh, this dish is a must-try.
Tien Yen Hill Chicken with its golden, aromatic appeal (Image source: Collected)
Tien Yen chicken can be prepared in various ways, but the best is undoubtedly boiling. Once cooked, you’ll be amazed at how simple boiling can yield such a stunning result. The chicken skin turns a golden hue, as if coated with turmeric, and shines as though glazed with oil. The flavor is unforgettable and will leave a lasting impression.
6. Horseshoe Crab
According to local fishermen, horseshoe crabs in Quang Ninh are available year-round, but the best season is from October to February in the lunar calendar. While not difficult to catch, they only survive about three days after being brought ashore. Preparing this dish requires skill, and only experienced chefs can handle it properly.
Horseshoe crab is a delicious treat! (Image source: Collected)
This is not only a tasty dish but also highly nutritious and beneficial for health. Horseshoe crabs in Quang Ninh are large and meaty. They can be prepared in various ways, such as crispy fried crab eggs, stir-fried crab with glass noodles, or crab salad.
What to Buy as Souvenirs in Quang Ninh?
What should you buy as gifts when traveling to Quang Ninh? If you’re still unsure, here are some suggestions to consider!
1. Yen Tu Apricot Wine
Yen Tu Apricot Wine is crafted from fragrant, high-quality rice and apricots harvested from the mountains. This wine offers numerous health benefits, including improving skin complexion, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing eyesight.
For these reasons, many choose to buy this wine as a gift when traveling to Quang Ninh. It’s a meaningful present that’s sure to delight the recipient.
2. Dried Sá Sùng (Sea Worm)
Dried sá sùng is both a delicious dish and a valuable medicinal ingredient. It offers significant health benefits, though its preparation process is intricate and requires great care and precision.
Dried sá sùng, a gift with immense health benefits (Image source: Collected)
However, due to its high price, it’s worth considering before purchasing. A kilogram of sá sùng can cost several million VND.
3. Ha Long Shrimp Paste
If you prefer a lightweight and convenient souvenir, consider buying Ha Long shrimp paste when traveling to Quang Ninh. It’s affordable and budget-friendly, with prices starting at just 30,000 VND, making it an easy gift to bring home.
A simple yet special gift (Image source: Collected)
Travel to Quang Ninh with Mytour
Quang Ninh is an ideal destination for your journey. From here, you can easily extend your trip to Ninh Binh, which is just 250km away, about a 3-hour drive.
Alternatively, you can extend your trip to Hai Phong, which is even closer. Quang Ninh is just 87km away, about a 1.5-hour drive, making it an easy addition to your travel itinerary.
Currently, Mytour offers a 3-day 2-night Quang Ninh tour, allowing you to fully explore its unique destinations. A typical 2-day 1-night trip might not be enough to cover all the famous spots in the region.
With the insights shared above, you now have a better understanding of traveling to Quang Ninh. The experiences here will leave a lasting impression. To book a tour or seek advice, call 028 3827 0404. Mytour’s hotline is always ready to assist you.
