Travel Guide: Quang Binh province

Quang Binh - the land is not only sunny and windy as people think. This place is also a destination that attracts many domestic and foreign tourists thanks to the wild, charming beauty of the mountains, rivers, streams and sea... promises to give you new experiences. Do you want to explore this central strip of land? Let's see Quang Binh travel experience to prepare the luggage for the trip!

General information:

Quang Binh is located on the central coast of Vietnam, bordering Quang Tri to the south, Ha Tinh to the north, and the East Sea to the east. In the past, it was also known by many names: Bo Chinh, Lam Binh, Tien Binh, etc. After June 30, 1989, the Government decided to divide Binh Tri Thien province to re-establish into 3 separate provinces, and Quang Binh has been named since then.

Best time to travel:

Belonging to the tropical monsoon region, Quang Binh's climate is relatively harsh, often influenced by the northern and southern weather patterns. The climate in general is quite similar to other central provinces, divided into two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season.

The dry season starts from April and lasts until August with more sunshine hours, the temperature fluctuates around 36 - 37 degrees Celsius. The rainy season starts from September to March next year, with a lot of rain, especially especially in the last months of the year. With flat and sloping terrain, sudden storms and floods often occur. Visitors who want to travel to Quang Binh need to monitor the weather situation and choose the most appropriate time.

How to get there

There are many passenger cars to Quang Binh, the quality and the ticket price are generally not too different from each other. Moving in this way saves you time and money, but it is only really suitable for those of you who do not suffer from motion sickness.

Airplanes are the most suitable means of travel from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. If departing from Hanoi, it takes less than 1 hour to arrive at Dong Hoi airport, and from Saigon, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Some airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air and Jetstar all operate round-trip routes from both ends. Most recently, Bamboo Airways also went into operation. This gives visitors more choices.

Traveling to Quang Binh by plane will save a lot of travel time. That means more time to explore this beautiful land. However, a note for those who take a plane is that the number of flights to Quang Binh is not much, you should check and book tickets early so as not to affect the schedule as well as easily get the best ticket.

Tourist Attractions in Quang Binh

What does Quang Binh have? A heroic sunny and windy land with a long tradition, the land bravely rises up in difficulties to develop day by day. This place is now becoming an extremely attractive destination with countless famous landmarks from nature to heritage and spirituality. Let's explore together! Quang Binh tourism must definitely explore the caves.

Mentioning Quang Binh, people immediately think of caves. Possessing a diverse and unique cave system that is ranked the most beautiful on the planet. Anyone who visits can not help but admire and admire the masterpieces that we have bestowed on this place. Some typical caves to mention are:

Phong Nha Cave

Among the caves in Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Phong Nha is the most convenient cave to visit. After more than 30 minutes of cruising on the Son River, you will reach the cave entrance. With a length of nearly 8 km, it is ranked as one of the longest water caves in the world, and is also the only underground river cave in Vietnam that is exploited for tourism.

Not only that, Phong Nha also owns many things such as: the highest and widest cave entrance, the most beautiful wide sand and rock beach, the most beautiful jaw lake, the most magnificent and magical stalactites, the widest and most beautiful dry cave. You should follow the clear water, the distance is just over 600m, but you will surely be overwhelmed by the beauty of the colorful stalactites and the glittering green stone arches.

Son Doong Cave

Located in Tan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, in the Phong Nha - Ke Bang cave complex, Son Doong is known as the largest natural cave in the world. The cave was discovered by a local man named Ho Khanh in the 90s. However, it was only officially announced in 2009 after the British Royal Cave Association returned to explore.

The cave owns a system of giant stalactites and stalagmites that stab from the ground to the ceiling of the cave, forming countless strange shapes. However, to discover this "first place in the world" you have to spend a large amount of money. This place is extremely suitable for those who like adventure and love to explore.

Thien Duong Cave

Possessing a strange, magnificent and fanciful beauty, Thien Duong Cave has been dubbed the "Royal Palace in the ground", becoming a place not to be missed. This place has a splendid stalactite system, stalactite blocks not only have geological value but also have many different shapes and colors. Here you will discover the cave on the longest wooden bridge in Vietnam. You can even imagine the stalactites into images typical of different cultures across Vietnam.

Tien Son Cave

Tien Son cave, also known as dry cave, also belongs to Phong Nha - Ke Bang area. The entrance to the cave is about 1,000 m from Phong Nha cave, at an altitude of 200 m above sea level, 980 m long. Tien Son Cave, formed decades ago, is likened to a "fairytale flower place" with charming scenery and very fresh air.

Hang En in Quang Binh

Nestled in the middle of unspoiled mountains, Hang En - the third largest cave in the world is also a familiar destination for tourists, especially for backpackers. If you cherish the chance to cross the forest, wade through streams, spend the night in the cave, see the masterpiece of stalactites with your own eyes, but do not have the conditions to join the Son Doong tour, then Hang En is a more reasonable choice.

It is called Hang Yen because there are many swallows living here. To conquer, you have to "cross the forest and wade streams" with a distance of more than 10 km. However, all that effort will be rewarded when enjoying the immense natural scenery, mountains and forests that cannot be found anywhere else.

Survival Valley – Aquarium Cave

This is also a special tourism product for those who love to explore. Survival valley belongs to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, coming here you will live in a natural setting with impressive beauty. First, you will go 10 km on the Ho Chi Minh trail, passing through immense grass hills and primeval forests to reach Nuoc Lun cave. From here to Thuy Cung Cave.

Inside the cave, you can admire the plaster system with black lime texture, the white stalactites hanging down in pristine but ideal beauty. In addition, in the cave, there is underground water with interlaced rocks. Conquering further you will come to the primeval forest with a magnificent limestone system, where there is a rich flora and a very fresh atmosphere.

Chay River - Dark Cave

Chay River - Dark Cave, an attractive tourist destination loved by many tourists, is located in Bo Trach district. Dark Cave was formed about 400 - 500 million years ago, used to be a shelter to avoid bombs during the resistance war against the US to save the country. The cave was discovered by the British Royal Caving Association in 1992 and named Dark because every corner of the cave is covered with darkness.

Like other caves, in Dark Cave there are many polymorphic and multicolored stalactites. In particular, there are stalactites with very unique parasitic ferns. When coming here, in addition to sightseeing, visitors can also participate in interesting experiences such as mud bath in the cave or freestyle zipline (zipline) 400 m across the Chay River...

Besides the system of magnificent caves, Quang Binh also has a coastline of 116 km with many pristine beaches, clear blue water, fine white sand, attracting sea lovers.

Nhat Le Beach

Nhat Le Beach is located in the heart of Dong Hoi, like a green pearl of the city and is ranked as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam. This is a famous entertainment and resort destination that attracts a large number of tourists every summer.

Lucky to be blessed by mother nature with cool clear sea water and a very poetic stretch of white sand. Along the beach are rows of green casuarina trees in front of the wind, soaring coconut trees, etc., all mixed in the golden sunshine, creating the city's own beauty, a little wild but charming. Going to Nhat Le beach, in addition to swimming, participating in games, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the typical fresh seafood dishes of the sea.

Bao Ninh Beach

Located in the east of Dong Hoi city, right next to Nhat Le beach, connecting the city by Nhat Le bridge. Bao Binh Beach is also a popular destination for tourists. This place still retains its pristine features, not as crowded as other seas. With an endless stretch of sand, a gently sloping coastline, and sloping green coconut trees, it becomes a great place to swim.

Quang Phu Beach

This beach belongs to Quang Trach district, is also a famous beach of Quang Binh. Surrounding Quang Phu beach, there is a strip of smooth sand, high, golden sand dunes running for tens of kilometers and a cool green casuarina cave. A special feature is that right in the middle of the beach, there is a fresh water stream flowing from the forest, very clear and cool.

The beach is quite wide and shallow, there is no deep sand, so it is very safe to swim and immerse in the water. There is also a sand dune next to it, where you can freely participate in sandboarding experiences and enjoy fresh seafood.

Da Nhay Beach

From the city, you follow Highway 1A about 30 km to reach Da Nhay beach. It is likened to a strange note of the sea and rocky mountains. Their interference and patting takes place in the middle of a large sky, creating a beautiful natural scene.

In the summer, this place is filled with tourists from all over the world coming to enjoy the cool sea breezes, watching the immense ocean. Coming to the Sea of Rocks, your soul will become clearer. Its majestic and majestic beauty will surely leave an unforgettable impression in those who have ever set foot here.

Quang Binh is extremely favored by nature when there are not only caves but also countless poetic landscapes such as:

Mooc Springs Stream

Mooc Spring is about 20 minutes by car from Phong Nha cave, possessing brilliant natural scenery, diverse ecosystems and fascinating experiences. Coming here, all visitors will be immersed in the cool and clear jade-green water, dispelling the fatigue of summer days.

Nestled under the murky, dense forest canopy, Nuoc Mooc stream is like a mysterious gem. Visitors can admire the majestic mountain landscape, go through the roads, the beautiful small bamboo bridge on both sides to feel the poetic scenery. Especially, you can freely participate in games: swimming, stream bathing, kayaking, diving adventure, ...

Bang Hot Springs

Perhaps hot springs are no longer strange to tourists. But if you look for hot springs with a temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, only in Bang stream (Quang Binh). This site is located in Kim Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, about 45 km from Dong Hoi city. Surely when you arrive, you will be amazed by the fresh environment, wild, rustic nature full of charm and the winding stream with endless water.

Keeping that vast mountain space is a great resort feeling. With nearly 200 different large and small vents, evaporating from the ground is like a dreamy place. You can relax, soak in hot mineral springs which are good for health and skin. Rest assured that the hot spring mixes with the cold stream, so the water is only over 40 degrees, feel free to soak.

Ngang Pass

Ngang Pass - a famous place in the work "Passing the Ngang Pass" by Ba Huyen Thanh Quan has also become a favorite check-in point for many young people. This pass is located between the border of Quang Binh and Ha Tinh provinces, crossing the Hoanh Son range. In terms of difficulty, it has not reached the level that makes people suffocate, but in terms of scenery, the pass is not inferior to anyone.

Standing at the top of the Ngang Pass, visitors can zoom in to capture the whole scenery of wild and magnificent mountains. Below are small remote houses, long rivers and cloudy clouds…

Quang Phu Sand Dunes

Quang Phu sand dunes are emerging as a Quang Binh tourist destination with unique and strange features, attracting tourists to visit. It seems to tell the typical climate of this land, like the sand dunes in the midday sun. The long stretches of fine white sand, shimmering in the sun, dotted by the green color of the sandalwood bushes or the deep brown color of the dry bushes, ... create a scene that attracts visitors.

Quang Phu sand dune is located in Bo Trach district, only about 10 km from Dong Hoi center. You just need to go straight to Tran Hung Dao Street, then turn to Nguyen Du, cross Truong Phap Street and turn left. Most of the young people come here to check-in pictures of the desert and experience sports such as sandboarding with a board or mocca. The belly of sand spreading in space, clinging to your body will be very interesting.

Visitors to Quang Binh besides exploring caves, beaches, etc., do not forget to visit famous spiritual tourist spots, attracting tourists from all over the world to come to worship.

Vung Chua – Yen Island

Located about 7 km south of Ngang Pass, in the territory of Tho Son village, Quang Dong commune, Quang Trach district. Vung Chua - Yen Island is known as the final resting place of General Vo Nguyen Giap and a new tourist destination of the province.

Because it is new and few residents live, this place still retains its original wild character. This beach is peaceful and peaceful all year round, and formerly there was a sacred pagoda in the area, so since then it was called Vung Chua. Visiting this place, visitors can combine to explore more Yen Island. It only takes more than 20 minutes to travel by boat, you will be set to admire the poetic and pristine beauty with long running sandbanks and interesting shaped rocks. In particular, this is also the habitat of swiftlets.

General Vo Nguyen Giap's memorial house

This Quang Binh tourist attraction is located in An Xa village, Loc Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, more than 40 km from Dong Hoi city. Famous for the Kien Giang river as the blue silk strip, the immense fields, the banyan trees at the wharf, ... the very familiar images of the countryside will surely captivate travelers.

Visiting the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the souvenir house to better understand the place imprinted with the General's childhood. The simple house is surrounded by the green color of the trees. For decades, many visitors have come to visit. Experiencing many ups and downs, this place still retains its peaceful and quiet features.

Non Pagoda – Than Dinh Mountain

This place is located in Rao Da village, Truong Xuan commune, Quang Ninh district. Non Pagoda - Than Dinh Mountain is known as the "place of many Buddhas" with the Tien well located right in front of the temple gate, attracting visitors to admire the beautiful scenery and drink well water to pray for health and peace.

However, to be satisfied with the wonderful natural scenery from above, you have to overcome more than 1,200 rugged stone steps. But don't manage difficulties, because the higher you go, the cooler and more airy the air will be. Then, in your mind's eye is the immense mountain scenery, the gentle and legendary Dai Giang river. And do not forget to enjoy the feeling of relaxation from nature, heaven and earth.

Tam Toa Church

If you have the opportunity to come to Quang Binh, do not forget to take the time to visit Tam Hoa church to understand more about the unique history of the church and the vestiges left after the fierce struggle. Once the only Catholic church in the French colonial period in Dong Hoi, Tam Hoa church was heavily damaged by the war, now becoming a relic. Here you will be able to see the scale of European Gothic architecture. Surely visitors cannot help but regret before a place with both artistic value and deep meaning like this.

It is possible that many people think that the land of Quang Binh is only suitable for the form of tourism to explore or experience. But not at all, in addition to the points mentioned above, this place is still full of coordinates for young people to satisfy their passion for "taking pictures".

Canh Duong mural village

Canh Duong mural village is about 60 km north of the city center, 10 km from Dai Tuong tomb, in Quang Trach district. This is a coastal fishing village, after putting on vivid 3D paintings, it suddenly became famous, attracting tourists from near and far.

Meticulous lines and no less feat, the 3D murals are painted to describe the stories of the development process and the idyllic beauty of the coastal village. Fishing boats or humanistic themes and vivid seascapes... All are reproduced in a vivid way that just standing in will have beautiful pictures.

Love Valley

Love Valley in Khuong Ha village, Hung Trach commune, Bo Trach district, known as miniature Da Lat is also a super hot check-in point that young people love. From a wild land, this place has been "reborn" into a green and romantic space. Come here, you are free to take pictures to take great photos with beautiful small wooden houses, green lawns or simply heart-shaped miniatures, leaf huts, etc. The inside is also full of flowers. , you're sure to enjoy.

In addition, a few corners in Suoi Nuoc Mooc tourist area, Quang Phu sand dunes, Da Nhay beach, Song Chay, etc. also bring good pictures if you know how to take them.

Quang Binh travel experience and some notes to know more

The weather in Quang Binh in the summer is quite hot, going during the day you should wear a jacket, shoes, sunscreen, etc. to avoid darkening your skin or getting sunburned.
Dong Hoi airport is located quite close to the city center, as soon as you get off the airport you can catch a taxi, motorbike taxi or rent a motorbike for delivery to your hotel/homestay.
When renting a motorbike, you should ask clearly about the time to return the car, if it is overtime, how will it be charged, and the car is rented by the hour or day. At the same time, look carefully at the quality of the car before accepting it to limit problems on the way and fill up the fuel tank if you want to visit the area of Ho Chi Minh Road and the West.
If you are exploring Quang Binh by motorbike, please park your fuel tank.
Visiting General Vo Nguyen Giap's grave, you should pay attention to dress modestly, politely, not too revealing. During the tour, remember to keep the general order, do not joke, speak loudly.
If you want to go to Quang Phu sand dunes, you should go in the afternoon when the sun is about to set. At that time, the red and yellow sunlight of the sun shining down on the sand dunes looked sparkling, extremely beautiful. Moreover, this time is not too hot or sunny.
Visiting the caves you should wear shoes with good grip, so bring some snacks in case you are hungry.
With games such as zipline, adventurous diving, etc., you should consider participating if you have psychological problems, fear of heights, or have blood pressure or weak heart.
To participate in adventure tours you must register in advance, because it is not like the usual tours that depart daily, but everything needs to be prepared and planned carefully. In particular, this tour is only for people with good health, children are not allowed to join