Top things to do in Quang Ninh

When visiting Quang Ninh, don't worry about not knowing where to go or where to find beautiful spots for photos! With 600 historical sites and UNESCO World Heritage status, Quang Ninh is a top tourist destination in Vietnam, chosen by many for sightseeing, exploration, and relaxation.

Quang Ninh, located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, is captivating with its stunning mountains, rivers, and islands. Most notably, it boasts Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting Ha Long, tourists will have the opportunity to admire a spectacular landscape formed by 1,900 different limestone formations and numerous mysterious caves.

Furthermore, Quang Ninh is home to two of the largest amusement parks in Southeast Asia: Typhoon Water Park and Dragon Park. These two parks offer many exciting experiences, such as the longest roller coaster in Asia (1.1km) and over 12 water games for all ages.

Quang Ninh is situated in a tropical monsoon climate zone with a hot, humid, and rainy summer and a cold, dry winter. Due to its large area and diverse topography, the climate varies significantly between regions.
You can visit Quang Ninh during the northern summer, from April to September. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, perfect for relaxing on the beach and ideal for exploring the majestic mountains of Quang Ninh.

Summer is also the time when many prominent cultural events take place, such as: Ha Long – Quang Ninh Tourism Week, Ha Long Carnival, Yen Tu Festival, Summer Music Festival… attracting a large number of tourists.

Ha Long is a city in Quang Ninh province, located approximately 160 km northeast of Hanoi. Ha Long is an attractive tourist destination loved by many domestic and international visitors.

Ha Long boasts a system of limestone hills characteristic of the Northern Delta region, formed over millions of years by earthquakes and the ebb and flow of sea levels. This area is diverse in topography, with towering rock formations, stunning caves, and magnificent beaches, creating a breathtaking landscape for visitors to explore.

Some must-visit tourist destinations in Ha Long:

• Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most famous tourist destinations and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Located on the northern coast of Vietnam, Ha Long City and Co To District, Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay possesses a mystical, enchanting beauty that captivates visitors. Known as a "paradise on the sea," this place boasts stunning landscapes such as solitary rocks floating on the water, pristine beaches, magnificent caves, and precious rock formations, with thousands of islands creating magical and romantic scenery. The islands in the bay also have a rich ecosystem with many rare animal and plant species.
• Tuan Chau Island: Tuan Chau Island tourist area is famous for its beautiful beaches, white sand, and clear blue water. Visitors can participate in many recreational activities, such as kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, or relaxing by swimming. In addition, the tourist area also has many entertainment areas such as a golf course, water sports area, children's playground, and landscaped park.

Cam Pha is a city in Quang Ninh province, located in the Northeast region of Vietnam. With a natural area of ​​approximately 335.8 km², Cam Pha is currently classified as a Class II urban area and is the second largest city in Quang Ninh province.

With its predominantly hilly and mountainous terrain, Cam Pha boasts many beautiful natural landscapes, most notably Cua Ong Temple, Vung Duc Island, Reu Island, etc. These scenic spots and historical sites attract thousands of tourists every year.

The best time to visit Cam Pha is during the summer (from April to August). At this time, visitors can enjoy the cool weather and participate in unique local festivals. Cam Pha is also located within the Quang Ninh tourism area, so tourists can combine a trip to Cam Pha with exploring other famous destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Co To Island, Quan Lan Island, etc.
Some tourist destinations in Cam Pha worth visiting:

• Cua Ong Temple: Cua Ong Temple is one of the famous tourist destinations in Quang Ninh province. It is a complex of temples including the Upper Temple, Middle Temple, Lower Temple, and the statue of Hung Nhượng Đại Vương Tran Quoc Tang. This is one of the attractive spiritual sites with a long history, stunning natural scenery, especially the view of Bai Tu Long Bay.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: Bai Tu Long Bay is a famous natural wonder of the world, located in the Northeast of Vietnam, comprising large and small islands and home to many people. With its breathtaking scenery, fine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and diverse flora and fauna, Bai Tu Long Bay attracts many domestic and international tourists who come to visit and enjoy the fresh air.

Mong Cai City is located in the northern coastal region, bordering China and situated in the northeast of Quang Ninh province. The name "Mong Cai" is the Cantonese pronunciation of "Mang Nhai," meaning "Mang Street" in Chinese, referring to a street located by a waterfall.

Mong Cai City has a complex topography, sloping gradually towards the sea, with many high hills and mountains. The climate here is influenced by the sea, resulting in hot, humid weather and heavy rainfall. The city comprises 17 administrative units, including 8 wards and 9 communes, and is a northern border city of Vietnam.

Mong Cai is one of the famous tourist destinations in Quang Ninh and is chosen by many visitors.

Some tourist attractions in Mong Cai worth visiting:

• Tra Co Beach: Tra Co Beach boasts a pristine yet romantic natural beauty. The waves are gentle and calm, the air is fresh, and the beach is clean. Besides the stunning beach, you can also admire the nearby black rocks and fine white sand. Summer is the ideal time to visit Tra Co beach in the northernmost region of Vietnam.
• Vinh Thuc Island: Vinh Thuc Island is a wonderful place when you need a place to relax and find new inspiration. It offers a quiet, peaceful atmosphere, cool air, and a dreamy landscape. Furthermore, it's also the place that witnesses the earliest sunrise in the country, making it perfect for those who love watching the sunrise.

Uong Bi is an attractive tourist destination in Quang Ninh, located about 20km northeast of Ha Long city center. The city is also famous for its traditional pottery village in Bat Trang. Tourists can visit to learn about the traditional pottery production process of the local people and buy pottery products as souvenirs.

With its convenient location on the route to famous tourist destinations in Quang Ninh such as Ha Long, Quang Ninh, Yen Tu, Tuan Chau Island, etc., Uong Bi is also an ideal stop for tourists exploring this region.
Some tourist attractions in Uong Bi worth visiting:

• Ba Vang Pagoda: Ba Vang Pagoda is located in Ha Khau town, Uong Bi, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. This pagoda was built in 2014 and quickly became a famous pilgrimage site with its stunning architecture and geographical location. Ba Vang Pagoda is famous for its enormous Maitreya Buddha statue, 15 meters high and weighing 50 tons. In addition, the pagoda also has other unique architectural structures such as a suspension bridge, a fountain, a souvenir shop, and a restaurant...
• Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery (Lan Pagoda): Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, also known as Lan Pagoda, is a temple located on the summit of Yen Tu Mountain, Uong Bi, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. This temple was built in the 13th century and has been upgraded in various periods.

Dong Trieu is a semi-mountainous town located about 90km from Hanoi and 80km from Ha Long, serving as the western gateway to Quang Ninh province. It borders Bac Giang province to the north, Hai Phong and Hai Duong provinces to the south and west, and Uong Bi town to the east.

In terms of topography, Dong Trieu has both hills and mountains, as well as riverside plains. The climate here is quite cool, fluctuating between 23.8°C and 29.4°C. Winter temperatures are quite low, while summer temperatures are high and hot. Therefore, when traveling to Quang Ninh, you will enjoy a suitable atmosphere and weather for your trip.

Some tourist destinations in Dong Trieu worth visiting:

• Ecotourism in Yen Duc village: The Yen Duc ecotourism area is a place for tourists who like to explore the rustic charm of traditional villages, the activities of farmers, and the unique characteristics of the local people. Here, you can freely explore rural outdoor activities.
• An Sinh Temple: An Sinh Temple is a spiritual tourist destination built during the Tran Dynasty. It preserves typical cultural heritage and has many ancient trees. If you visit between the 20th and 28th of the second lunar month, you can participate in the festival with many unique cultural activities.

Quang Yen is a coastal town located in the southwest of Quang Ninh province, about 125km east of Hanoi. It's a fertile land with both mountains and sea, well worth experiencing when it comes to tourism in Quang Ninh.

Some tourist attractions in Quang Yen worth visiting:

• Mo Waterfall: Mo Waterfall is a famous landmark with its pristine and majestic beauty in Quang Yen. This waterfall, with its cool, blue waters, originates from the Mo stream and stretches for over 2000m. At Mo Waterfall, tourists not only have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cool water but also participate in other fun recreational activities such as fishing, camping, picnicking, boat tours, and enjoying local specialties of Quang Yen… This place promises to be an ideal choice for a family and friends trip during these hot summer days!
• Dong Phuc Pagoda: Built in the late 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, Dong Phuc Pagoda served as a center for the propagation of Buddhism by the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, a place for holding memorial services for fallen generals in the Battle of Bach Dang in 1288, and a secret base for revolutionary fighters during the resistance against the French. Beyond its profound historical significance, Dong Phuc Pagoda attracts tourists with its unique architecture, constructed from 500 blocks of ironwood, supported by 76 ironwood pillars and the largest monolithic stone in the province, covering a total area of ​​over 4,000 square meters. Currently, Dong Phuc Pagoda houses more than 30 Buddha statues, 2 bronze bells, 10 stone steles, and numerous large couplets with profound cultural value.

If you want to explore Quang Ninh province, you must definitely stop by Ba Che district. Ba Che is a mountainous district located about 90km by road from Ha Long city. It borders Dinh Lap district - Lang Son province to the north, Hoanh Bo - Cam Pha district to the south, Tien Yen district to the east, and Son Dong district - Bac Giang province to the west.

The terrain in Ba Che district is mainly characterized by towering mountains interspersed with vast forests, creating a fresh and clean natural atmosphere. The climate here is usually cool on drizzly days and gradually warms up in spring and summer.

Some must-visit tourist attractions in Ba Che:

• Dap Thanh Market: When visiting mountainous districts, especially Ba Che, Dap Thanh Market is a unique cultural experience you absolutely must try. Despite being located in a remote area and quite high above the plains, the goods at Dap Thanh market are always fully stocked, from food, clothing, household items to pet food, seeds, etc.
• Lang Cang Waterfall: One of the famous waterfalls in Ba Che district that you should visit at least once is Lang Cang Waterfall. Lang Cang Waterfall possesses a simple, rustic beauty covered by rich vegetation, creating a picturesque scene that seems straight out of a movie.

Binh Lieu is a district located in the northeastern part of Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. With its picturesque mountain scenery and thatched roofs, and the poetic beauty of its clear streams, Binh Lieu is one of the districts with great potential for tourism development in Quang Ninh.

Binh Lieu attracts many tourists with its stunning natural landscapes and pristine beauty. The long stretches of reeds and border markers are unique features of Binh Lieu.

Some must-visit tourist destinations in Binh Lieu:

• Cao Ly Mountain: To reach Cao Ly Mountain, you can travel by motorbike or car. On the way to the summit, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery with lush green mountain ranges and vibrant ripe rice terraces. If you are passionate about mountain climbing, Cao Ly Mountain is also a suitable choice to satisfy your passion.
• Khe Van Waterfall: Khe Van Waterfall possesses the wild and majestic beauty of nature, surrounded by lush green forests, creating a breathtaking landscape. Khe Van Waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions when visiting Binh Lieu.

Co To is a perfect destination for those who want to experience tourism in Quang Ninh province, as it is a small archipelago located in the Northeast of Vietnam, about 70km from Ha Long. The archipelago includes more than 50 islands, of which Co To Island is the only inhabited.

Co To Island has a population of about 5,000 people. Tourists visiting Co To often visit tourist attractions such as: Cau My Rock Beach, Co To Lighthouse, Co To Church, Dragon's Claw Rock Beach...
Some Co To tourist attractions worth visiting:

• Cau My Rock Beach: Cau My Rock Beach is the perfect place for those who love the glorious sunrise, where Co To receives the first rays of sunlight. The outstanding feature of Cau My Rock Beach is the stacked limestone islands formed millions of years ago, with incredibly unique and beautiful shapes and colors.
• Co To Lighthouse: Co To Lighthouse is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Vietnam. Located on a hill over 100 meters high, reaching the summit requires climbing a staircase with 72 steps. From there, visitors can admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the vast sea and sky.

Dam Ha is a coastal district in Quang Ninh province. It borders Hai Ha district to the east and north, Van Don district to the south, and Binh Lieu and Tieu Yen districts to the west.

Dam Ha is one of Quang Ninh's tourism destinations whose potential is being awakened. It offers many peaceful and tranquil tourist spaces. Few places still preserve the beauty of the countryside and legendary historical landmarks like Dam Ha.

Some must-visit tourist destinations in Dam Ha:

• Da Dung Island: Da Dung Island is a small island located in the center of the sea in Dam Ha district, Quang Ninh. Its pristine and stunning beauty is covered by crystal-clear seawater, long stretches of fine white sand beaches, and unique rock formations with strange shapes. This is one of the must-see tourist destinations when visiting Dam Ha district, offering visitors wonderful and unforgettable experiences.
• Mount Hua in Dam Ha: When visiting Mount Hua, you will be immersed in a beautiful natural setting, enjoying the colorful scenery of the countryside and admiring flocks of egrets circling in the afternoon sun. In addition, Mount Hua is an ideal destination to learn more about revolutionary history and patriotic educational traditions.

Hai Ha is a district in the eastern part of Quang Ninh province. The population is predominantly Kinh, with over 75% of the population, but there are also other ethnic groups such as the Tay, Dao, Hoa, San Diu, San Chay, and Cao Lan…
Due to its diverse population, the region boasts a unique cultural blend of different ethnic groups. Visiting Hai Ha, in addition to discovering many beautiful destinations, tourists can also experience various cultural styles, promising to make your Quang Ninh trip memorable.

Some Hai Ha tourist attractions worth visiting:

• Truc Bai Son Lake: Truc Bai Son Lake is located in Quang Moi village, Quang Son commune, Hai Ha district, about 20km from the center of Quang Ha town. Built and put into operation about 30 years ago, Truc Bai Son Lake has become one of the largest reservoirs in the district.
• Cai Chien Island: Cai Chien is an island located south of Hai Ha district, about 8 km from Ghenh Vo port. The island has a natural area of ​​about 2,500 hectares, but mainly consists of hills, mountains, and beaches. On the island is Cau Rong beach, famous for its 1km long coastal road, inside which is a lush green pine forest where you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Tien Yen is a mountainous district located between Ha Long and Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province. Bordering Binh Lieu district to the northeast, Dinh Lap district to the north, and Binh Lieu district to the northeast, Tien Yen is about 10km from Van Don. Its convenient location allows visitors to easily travel to other famous tourist attractions when visiting Quang Ninh.

Some tourist destinations in Tien Yen worth visiting:

• Pac Sui Waterfall: Pac Sui Waterfall is one of the famous landmarks in Tien Yen, Quang Ninh, offering visitors a wonderful experience of nature. Pac Sui Waterfall is famous not only for its stunning natural scenery, but also for its connection to a fairy tale about the rooster king in the Dao ethnic culture. Visitors can cool off in the clear blue waters and admire the beautiful scenery of the waterfall.
• Ly Thuong Kiet Walking Street: Ly Thuong Kiet Walking Street is divided into 3 areas with many diverse and attractive recreational activities. The Market Street area offers a bustling shopping space with a full range of food and daily necessities. The Food Street area focuses on local specialties with unique and refined flavors. Finally, the Folk Culture Street area is where you can learn about the culture and customs of the ethnic groups living in Tien Yen.

When wanting to experience tourism in Quang Ninh, visitors cannot miss Van Don - one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Quang Ninh. Van Don is an island district belonging to Quang Ninh province, located about 50km from the center of Ha Long city. It is an ideal tourist destination with pristine mountains, beautiful beaches, and many wild and mysterious caves. When visiting Van Don, tourists can also enjoy fresh, nutritious seafood that has long been highly appreciated.

Some tourist destinations in Van Don worth visiting:

• Long Beach, Van Don: Long Beach is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Van Don. Because there are countless activities for tourists here, such as: enjoying swimming in the clear blue sea, taking photos on the wooden bridge, strolling and admiring the scenery on the fine white sand beach, enjoying local specialties with the rich flavor of the sea,... and many other outdoor recreational activities that are well worth participating in!
• Quan Lan Island: Travel to Quan Lan Island by speedboat or wooden boat to immediately enjoy an attractive tourist space. It is a pristine, romantic beauty with clear blue sea water, long stretches of white sand, and the majestic landscape of the tropical forest. There are many different means of transportation that you should experience, such as electric cars, tuk-tuks, or motorbike rental services. In addition, tourists can also buy seafood from the locals to take home as gifts for their loved ones.

Quang Ninh is a coastal province in the Northeast region of Vietnam, a major coal mining province in the country, and home to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site and natural wonder. Besides these, Quang Ninh is also famous for its delicious specialties.

• Ha Long Squid Cake: Ha Long squid cake is one of Quang Ninh's most famous specialties, once ranked among the top 50 famous Vietnamese dishes. Made from fresh squid caught from the sea, and processed through various stages, especially by hand-grinding, Ha Long squid cake has a chewy, delicious, and sweet texture. When visiting Ha Long, you definitely shouldn't miss this specialty.
• Quang Yen Horseshoe Crab: Horseshoe crabs are a type of seafood with a hard shell and live in pairs. If you want to enjoy horseshoe crab, you can't miss Quang Yen horseshoe crab, a specialty of the Ha Long Bay area. Sam Quang Yen is known for its firm, nutritious, and delicious meat, making it a favorite among many tourists.
• Tien Yen "Gat Gu" Cake: This unique cake, as its name suggests, is made from rice, and when grinding the rice, a little leftover cooked rice is added. This is the secret to making the cake softer, more fragrant, and chewier. Gat Gu cake is usually eaten with a dipping sauce made from fried onions and chicken fat, and a little pork can be added for a richer flavor. When visiting Quang Ninh, be sure to stop by Tien Yen to enjoy this novel dish.
• Tien Yen Hill Chicken: Tien Yen hill chicken is a local breed raised free-range on the hills, allowing them to forage for food. In the evening, they have a habit of sleeping on tree branches. Therefore, Tien Yen hill chicken meat is fragrant, firm, and not at all tough. Tien Yen hill chicken is prepared in many ways, such as steamed, grilled, or in porridge. After cooking, Tien Yen chicken skin is golden yellow, glossy, and succulent. When eaten, it is very crispy and sweet.