Quang Binh, Vietnam: 9 Places to Visit & Things to Know
Quang Binh is renowned as the “kingdom of caves”, a place often chosen by adventurous travel enthusiasts when coming to Vietnam. Quang Binh tourism has been developing strongly in recent years due to the successful exploration of attractive tourist spots such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Son Doong Cave,…Additionally, Quang Binh also possesses numerous beautiful beaches like Nhat Le Beach, Bao Ninh Beach, and others. Let’s join SVietnam Travel in listing the captivating places to visit in Quang Binh and providing useful information for you if you’re interested in exploring this region.
Read more: Hoi An, Vietnam: 15 Places to Visit & Things to Know
Overview of Quang Binh
Quang Binh is a province located in the Central region of Vietnam. Although its area is not extensive, Quang Binh is a land with a concentration of many beautiful landscapes. The things that contribute to the fame of Quang Binh are its hundreds of majestic natural caves and its stunning, expansive beaches. Among the most renowned attractions in Quang Binh mentioned frequently by international media are Phong Nha Cave – Ke Bang National Park and Son Doong Cave. It can be said that Quang Binh is suitable not only for adventurous exploration and travel but also for relaxing family vacations.
Read more: Travel experience in Trang An – Ninh Binh
Best Time to Visit Quang Binh
The weather in Quang Binh has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season spans from September to March of the following year, with temperatures ranging from about 17-22°C. However, the heaviest rainfall tends to occur in September, October, and November. The months following that experience insignificant rainfall, and the weather is quite pleasant, making it suitable for travel.
The dry season runs from April to August, with June, July, and August having the highest temperatures, which can reach up to 40°C. Nevertheless, due to its proximity to the sea, the intense heat is often quickly dispelled by afternoon sea breezes.
Regardless of when you visit Quang Binh, it holds its own beauty. However, the ideal time we recommend for you is the dry season, specifically from April to September each year.
If your schedule only allows you to visit Quang Binh during the rainy season, pay close attention to the weather forecast before your trip. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella, as rain showers can arrive unexpectedly at any time.
Read more: Best Time To Visit Vietnam
Transportation to Quang Binh
Quang Binh is approximately 500 km away from Hanoi and about 1,000 km from Ho Chi Minh City. There are various means of transportation to reach Quang Binh, including airplanes, trains, cars, and motorcycles, offering great convenience for travelers to choose from.
Airplane
This is the preferred mode of transportation for most travelers. Currently, domestic airlines operate flights from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi city (Quang Binh), with a travel time of around 1 to 1.5 hours.
Read more: Why Should You Turn Off Your Phone on A Flight?
Train
The railway line connects Hanoi and Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) with a distance of 522 km. The travel time is approximately 10 hours.
The distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi station is 1,208 km.
Read more: Most Common Transportation in the Cities of Vietnam
Best Tourist Attractions in Quang Binh
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is located about 45 km from the center of Dong Hoi city. It covers an area of 200,000 hectares and features an intricate network of caves and a diverse collection of rare plant and animal species. With its two main components – Phong Nha Cave and the majestic limestone mountains of Ke Bang – Phong Nha – Ke Bang is often likened to a colossal geological museum of global significance. All of this has contributed to making it a top-ranked conservation national park and an honorably recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003.
Son Doong Cave
The landmark of Son Doong cave is situated within the Phong Nha cave system and has been recognized by UNESCO as the world’s largest natural cave, stretching over 9 km in length, 150 m in width, and 200 m in height.
Inside the cave, there’s a 2.5 km underground river. The cave is adorned with coral communities and fossilized animal remains. Son Doong also boasts two “skylights,” where sunlight filters in, allowing for the development of a tropical forest-like ecosystem, one of which is referred to as the “Garden of Edam.”
Not only is Son Doong famous for its enormous dimensions, but it’s also home to a rich and exceptionally diverse range of vegetation. However, at present, this area isn’t widely accessible for tourism. To fully experience the mystical allure that captivates nature-loving tourists in Son Doong, you must register for adventure tours that have obtained permission to operate.
Exploring Son Doong involves not only a cost of around $3,000 but also requires waiting in line for your turn and ensuring you possess the necessary health and skills to join. Hence, it’s no exaggeration to say that the Son Doong exploration tour is one of the most thrilling adventure tours, not only within Vietnam but beyond.
Swallow Cave
Ranked as one of the three largest caves globally, following Son Doong and Deer Cave in Malaysia, Swallow cave is 1.6 km long and traverses a massive limestone block. Swallow cave is famous for its vibrant blue stream within the cave, with the streams meandering their way to Son Doong Cave. This is an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. Tours to explore Swallow cave are available from December through September each year. The journey to Swallow cave spans two days and includes trekking activities such as jungle exploration, stream crossing, and ascending steep terrain.
Paradise Cave
Paradise Cave is located about 70 km from the center of Dong Hoi city and approximately 25 km from Phong Nha Cave. Visitors must ascend over 500 steps to reach Paradise Cave. Upon entering the cave, you will immediately feel the extremely cool air and encounter a vast space adorned with countless stalactites. The unique beauty inside this cave cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Chay River – Dark Cave
The Chay River originates from the ancient limestone mountains in Phong Nha – Ke Bang. It spans about 10 km. The Chay River – Dark Cave tour takes you on a journey along the river, offering views of the stunning landscapes on both riverbanks. Afterwards, you’ll experience the cool atmosphere of the Dark Cave. This is a popular tourist destination, especially among international visitors who enjoy unique experiences.
There are three experiences you should try at Chay River: zip-lining across the Chay River, mud bathing in the Dark Cave, and kayaking on the Chay River, along with various fun activities.
Nhat Le Beach
This famous beach is located in the heart of Dong Hoi city, making it a popular attraction for tourists in Quang Binh. Nhat Le Beach features a harmonious combination of a long coastline, turquoise waters, white sand, and golden sunshine. It’s perfect for relaxation and hosting various beach activities. It’s no wonder Nhat Le Beach ranks among the top 15 most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
Vung Chua – Yen Island
Located in Quang Trach district, at the base of the Ngang Pass, Vung Chua is a peaceful beach area with Yen Island, resembling a picturesque screen. The nearby Rong Mountain serves as the resting place of General Vo Nguyen Giap. Thousands of visitors come here daily from all over the country, particularly during holidays and festivals. However, the area may occasionally be closed, so contacting in advance for information is advisable.
Mooc Spring
Mooc Spring Eco-Tourism Site is about a 20-minute drive from Phong Nha Cave. After exploring the stunning caves of Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Mooc Spring is a perfect place to unwind.
The pristine spring is surrounded by lush green trees, clear water, and small bamboo bridges. At Mooc Spring, you can participate in various exciting activities such as kayaking, daring jumps, spring bathing, swimming, and ziplining.
According to experts from the British Cave Research Association (BCRA), the phenomenon of water springing up from the earth here is quite unique and still not fully explained. The depth of the lake remains a mystery, challenging human exploration. The source of the spring is a vertical rock wall, from which water emerges.
Quang Phu Sand Dunes
Quang Phu Sand Dunes are located between Dong Hoi city and Bo Trach district, approximately 10 km northeast of Dong Hoi city. It’s often considered a “mini desert” in Quang Binh. These sand dunes are a favorite check-in spot for young people and a place to experience sandboarding, which is quite exciting.
Quang Binh Cuisine
Fresh Seafood in Quang Binh
Being a coastal region, Quang Binh offers a wide variety of fresh seafood such as shrimp, fish, clams, and snails. These are prepared through grilling, steaming, and boiling, giving you ample choices at beachside restaurants and street food stalls along Nhat Le, Bao Ninh, and Quang Phu coastlines. Notably, squid in Quang Binh is regarded as the best in Vietnam due to the high salinity of the local waters.
Quang Binh Oyster Congee
Oyster congee is rich in nutrients, made from oysters caught from the Nhat Le River. You can enjoy this dish at most of the restaurants here.
Read more: 14 Best Restaurants in Hoi An Ancient Town
Some Famous Cakes in Quang Binh
- Quang Binh Rice dumpling cake
- Quang Binh Nam Cake
- Quang Binh Crepe
Here are some hotels in Quang Binh for your reference:
- Vinpearl Hotel Quang Binh, Address: Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Muong Thanh Holiday Quang Binh Hotel, Address: 119 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Muong Thanh Luxury Nhat Le Hotel, Address: 121 Truong Phap, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Radisson Hotel Quang Binh, Address: Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Gold Coast Hotel Resort & Spa, Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- CAGINA Boutique Hostel & Coffee, Address: 124A Le Thanh Dong Street, Bac Ly, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Sun Spa Resort, Address: Vo Nguyen Giap Street, My Canh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Amanda Hotel Quang Binh, Address: Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Sai Gon Quang Binh Hotel, Address: 20 Quach Xuan Ky, Hai Dinh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
- Karst Villas Phong Nha, Address: Bo Trach, Quang Binh
Some Tips When Exploring Quang Binh
For cave exploration and adventure tourism, it’s advisable to purchase private tours from reputable travel companies with knowledgeable guides who understand Quang Binh’s terrain. This ensures safety, as the forested and mountainous paths can be quite hazardous, and attempting to explore on your own is not recommended.
Tourist attractions in Quang Binh are concentrated in areas like Dong Hoi – Phong Nha – Minh Hoa. To minimize long-distance travel of 60-70 km in a short trip, consider selecting destinations within specific regions.
Conclusion
Quang Binh is an ideal travel destination in Vietnam, offering both relaxation and adventurous exploration. It’s particularly suitable for young travelers interested in adventure tourism. If you love Quang Binh and wish to visit, please contact our consultants for assistance.
Images: Internet
