Introduction
Quang Binh is a province located in the central coastal region of Vietnam. This place is one of the rare provinces of Vietnam that owns not only long and beautiful coastlines, but is also favored by nature with many mountains and natural caves that move people’s hearts. Because of its mountainous terrain and sea, Quang Binh has become one of the most attractive destinations for both domestic and foreign tourists.
How to travel from Hanoi to Quang Binh
There are a lot of ways to travel from Hanoi to Quang Binh. The most convenient way is by plane. For those who wish to experience other kinds of transportation or explore the different routes to Quang Binh, you can travel by train, coach or rent a bike and travel by yourself.
- By plane: This is the fastest way to get to Quang Binh. It will take you only 1 hour with the fare ranging from 600,000 to 700,000 VND ($24 – $28).
- By train: It takes about 10 hours from Hanoi to Quang Binh by train. The seat ticket costs 300,000 VND ($12) while the berth ticket varies from 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND ($20 – $28), depending on the itinerary and the seat class.
- By express bus: You can get to Quang Binh by taking express bus that go from Hanoi to Quang Binh. Each trip will cost you about 200,000 – 300,000 VND ($8 – $12).
- For those with an adventurous spirit, traveling by motorbikes is a great option. you can rent a motorbike and travel by yourself to Quang Binh. Motorbike rental ranges from 4 – 6 USD/day.
For more information, visit: https://www.geckoroutes.com/vietnam/hanoi-to-hoi-an/
Means of transportation in Quang Binh
Motorbikes: motorbike is the most popular way to travel in Viet Nam. Motorbike rental price ranges from 4 – 6 USD/day.
Taxis: A taxi ride is the fastest and the most convenient way to get to your destination. The fare is quite high for solo tourists, but more affordable for families and large groups of travelers.
Private cars: Visitors can choose between renting cars with or without a driver. It’s family friendly, as you can choose your own path and schedule..
Buses: Traveling by bus is a safe and economical way. You should refer to these routes: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha, Dong Hoi – Kien Giang, Dong Hoi – Ba Don.
Where to visit in Quang Binh?
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is located in Bo Trach and Minh Hoa district, 55 kilometers away from Dong Hoi to the southwest. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 thanks to a large number of remarkable karts, caves and grottos. Some caves have been recorded as the cave with the longest underground river in the world, largest interior cavern, and with the longest passageway.
This area was formerly a nature reserve before being converted into a national park to maintain the integrity of various species in 2001. The park has quickly become one of the biggest attractions in Vietnam.
Related information:
Location: Bo Trach district, Quang Binh province
Sightseeing tickets:
- Phong Nha cave ticket: 150,000 VND ($6)/adult.
- Tickets to Tien Son Cave, Suoi Nuoc Mooc, Song Chay – Dark Cave: 80,000 VND ($3.2)/adult.
- Tourist Boat : 550,000 VND ($22)/boat (maximum 12 guests on the boat – compulsory transportation if going to Phong Nha and Tien Son caves)
Service Package:
- Suoi Mooc tourist spot: 165,000 VND ($6.6)/adult
- Song Chay – Dark Cave tourism: Zipline tour package package: 395,000 VND ($15.8)/adult
Zipline river bathing tour: 230,000 VND ($9.2)/person.
For more information, visit: https://vietnamdiscovery.com/quang-binh/activities/phong-nha-ke-bang-national-park/
Son Doong Cave –the world’s biggest cave
Son Doong Cave
The cave is not only famous for its giant size but also for its magnificent stalagmites, a fast-flowing underground river and a jungle inside. The jungle is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna.
Son Doong Cave was opened for commercial expeditions in 2003 and attracted a lot of enthusiastic adventurers who wanted to explore this wonder of nature. However, visitors who are qualified for a strict health check are able to join the trip, since exploring the cave requires good health and spirit.
Related information:
Location: Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park, Bo Trach district.
Ticket price for 4 days 3 nights tour: About 70,000,000 VND ($3000)/person
For more information, visit: https://oxalisadventure.com/cave/son-doong-cave/
Quang Binh beaches
Nhat Le beach has fine white sand. This place is often chosen by families because the waves are very calm and clear, allowing children to play in the water near the shore comfortably. The wild beauty along with the rough poplar forest, dotted with purple and yellow flowers paints a unique and unforgettable scene.
Da Nhay beach is carved by nature into different shapes, bringing the rough look of nature but very eye-catching. Combined with the unspoiled seascape and clear water here, many tourists choose to stop by to visit and take pictures rather than bathing because it is easy to bump into rocks.
Related information:
Locations:
Nhat Le beach: Truong Phap Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh
Da Nhay beach: Thanh Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh
For more information, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g2146269-Activities-c61-t52-Quang_Binh_Province.html
Quang Phu Sand Dunes
Quang Phu Sand Dunes
Quang Phu Sand Dunes is located in Quang Phu commune, Bo Trach district, 8 kilometers away from the center of Dong Hoi city. This destination is becoming famous for its dunes of pristine sand. Visitors can rent a skateboard, play sandboarding on the stretching sand dunes, and feel like you are in a desert. Or you can enjoy the pure air and take some beautiful photos.
Related information:
Location: Quang Phu Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh
For more information, visit: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g659924-d11631472-Reviews-Quang_Phu_Sand_Dunes-Dong_Hoi_Quang_Binh_Province.html
Quang Binh Quan
Quang Binh Quan
Located in the middle of the city, Quang Binh Quan is a vestige left over from the feudal period. Built in 1631 and after many restorations, it has returned to its original shape. This is considered the oldest historical and architectural relic in Quang Binh.
Related information:
Location: Center of Hai Dinh ward, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda
Hoang Phuc Pagoda
Located in My Thuy commune, Quang Binh Vietnam, Hoang Phuc Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in Vietnam with a history of more than 700 years. The pagoda worships Buddha and people often come to pray for good health, prosperity and happiness. In 2015, it was recognized as a national historic monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism..
Related information:
Location: My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province
Opening hours: 7:30 to 17:30 daily
And many more places tourists can visit in Quang Binh such as: Dong Hoi Ancient Citadel, Vung Chua – Dao Yen, Bang mineral hot spring, etc.
Foods and drinks
Quang Hoa pancake
Quang Hoa pancake
Quang Hoa pancake is made from brown rice and includes snakehead fish, vegetables, musa balbisiana (a type of banana) and fish sauce. Taking a bite of the pancake, you can savor the delicate mixture of ingredients and spices in the dish.
Recommended place to eat: Di Hoa Pancakes: Thanh Tan village, Quang Hoa commune, Quang Trach district.
Vietnamese-style seafood
Seafood in Quang Binh
Traveling to Quang Binh Vietnam, you should not miss the opportunity to enjoy delicious fresh seafood such as clams, fish, shrimp, oysters, snails and so on. Squid is the most popular dish among tourists because it is thick and sweet. No matter how the squid is cooked, it is really yummy.
Recommended places to eat:
- Ocean Restaurant: 71 Truong Phap, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh.
- Restaurants along Nhat Le, Bao Ninh and Quang Phu beaches.
And many other local dishes that tourists must try when visiting Quang Binh such as: Snakehead fish gruel (Chao ca loc), Oyster soup (Chao hau), Banh beo – Quang Binh-style muffin, Banh khoai – Quang Binh-style pancake, etc.
In short, not only famous for the magnificent caves in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh also has pristine beaches such as Nhat Le beach, Da Nhay beach. It has a system of rivers and streams combined with limestone mountains to create the strange jade green color of Nuoc Mooc stream or Chay River. Each location offers visitors a very different experience. In addition, Quang Binh also has historical sites and attractive spiritual tourist attractions such as: Vung Chua, Temple of Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh, and Hoang Phuc Pagoda.
For more information and to book a tour, visit: https://www.originvietnam.com/quang-binh-tours/
