For me, riding through Quang Ninh was the latter – not as bustling as Da Lat, nor as crowded as Sam Son, but quiet and powerful, just like the ocean waves here.
Along the coastal roads, every slope, every breeze, every sunset left me speechless – not from exhaustion, but because the beauty was simply breathtaking.
Quang Ninh doesn’t try to impress, yet somehow, it reaches the deepest, most tender corners of your soul.
A journey without noise, but one that lingers long after it ends.
Chasing the Wind – Departing from Hanoi
We started our journey on a morning of clear skies and gentle sunshine. From Hanoi, we took National Highway 18 toward Quang Ninh – a stretch of about 160 kilometers. But for travelers like us, the excitement lies not in the destination, but in every winding mile of the road.
Two motorbikes, four friends, a few light backpacks, and one impulsive decision: just go – we’ll figure things out along the way.
The asphalt stretched ahead like a long ribbon, cutting through rice fields, pine hills, and roadside tea stalls with the fragrant scent of green leaves in the air.
Riding through peaceful countryside, feeling the wind on our faces and the sun rising from the warm pavement below – it felt like we were living in a Vietnamese-style road trip movie.
Ha Long – A Heritage to Feel, Not Just to See
Coming to Ha Long is like entering a place where the sea and stone know how to tell stories. The bay may be world-famous, but to truly feel its beauty, you have to go offshore – really go, not just admire it from land.
Unmissable experiences in Ha Long:
- Rent a private boat to escape the crowded ports and drift between towering limestone islands rising from the sea like ancient monuments. Sunlight dances on the waves, birdcalls echo off the cliffs – it feels like you’ve entered another world, quiet and sacred.
- Lie back on the deck, face to the sky, and listen to the gentle lapping of water against the hull. Sometimes, you’ll spot fish swimming through the clear waters below. No Wi-Fi, no deadlines, no traffic horns – just wind in your hair and the soft voice of your own thoughts.
- Watch the sunset over the bay – when the sun dips low and washes the water in a glowing orange veil. A moment so breathtakingly perfect, you instinctively hold your breath, afraid even a sound might break the spell.
UNESCO named Ha Long a World Heritage Site not only for its geological wonders, but for the deep emotions it stirs in the hearts of those who visit.
Hạ Long isn’t just a place to see.
It’s a place to feel – with your whole heart.
Yen Tu – A Place to Slow Down and Learn to Breathe
If the ocean teaches us vastness, then the mountains teach us stillness. And Yen Tu is where you come to slow down, to shed the chaos, and to meet yourself again—somewhere between the clouds and the sound of temple bells.
Experiences not to miss at Yen Tu:
- The trail up Mount Yen Tu – sure, there’s a cable car, but we chose to walk. No rush, no hurry. Each mossy stone step, every turn beneath the ancient trees, felt like walking through both history and the quiet corridors of our own minds.
- Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, Am Duoc, and Dong Pagoda – each place carries its own meaning, its own spiritual checkpoint on the journey inward. Especially Dong Pagoda, perched at the mountain’s peak, where the clouds wrap around you and the wind brushes your hair—your mind suddenly empty, yet strangely at peace.
- The scent of incense and the echo of temple bells – they drift into your breath, gently reminding you that you are here, you are breathing, you are alive—not just “meeting deadlines.”
Yen Tu is not a place to check in and move on. It’s where you sit still, take a deep breath, and ask yourself:
“When was the last time I truly felt at peace?”
Not everyone needs to go to Yen Tu.
But those who do, often leave with a heart that’s lighter—and deeper.
Co To – Touching the Raw Beauty That Takes Your Breath Away
If Ha Long is a regal princess of the sea, then Co To is like a wild-hearted girl—untamed, unadorned, yet impossible to ignore. No crowds, no glitter, but a quiet kind of charm—the kind that comes from honesty and silence.
Unmissable experiences in Co To:
- The high-speed boat from Van Don Port – the journey to the island itself is already healing. Crystal blue waters, gentle waves, and salty breezes brushing your cheeks—awakening every sense you have.
- Hong Van Beach & Van Chay Beach – soft white sands, clear turquoise water, and most importantly: peace and quiet. Here, you can lie back all afternoon undisturbed, with only the sound of waves and golden sunshine to keep you company.
- Co To Lighthouse – perched on a hill, the road to the top winds through lush green forest. From the lighthouse, the sea and sky merge into a seamless line—so vast and overwhelming, it makes your heart feel feather-light.
- Nights by the beach – we grilled fresh seafood right on the sand, lit a campfire, and lay back watching the stars. No bars, no booming music—just a few true friends and a perfectly quiet backdrop. That’s all it takes to feel deeply happy.
Co To isn’t a place to just “check off the list.”
It’s a place to slow down, to breathe deeply, to come back to yourself.
A place where every wave, every ray of sunlight seems to whisper:
“Be at peace—everything will be okay.”
Co To isn’t just beautiful.
Co To makes you feel alive—truly, deeply alive.
Binh Lieu – The “Dinosaur Spine” of Northeast Vietnam
If you’ve become too familiar with the winding mountain passes of the Northwest, try heading northeast—toward Binh Lieu, often dubbed the “mini Sa Pa” of Quang Ninh.
But Binh Lieu isn’t anyone’s replica. It has a soul of its own—raw, quiet, and serene, like it stepped out of a gentle dream.
Must-experience highlights in Binh Lieu:
-
The Dinosaur Spine Trail – a mountain ridge trail hugging the border, where stone steps curve along the slopes like the spine of a sleeping dragon draped in mist. In the reed grass season (October–November), the hillsides turn into a sea of soft white—like snow you can’t stop photographing.
-
Landmark 1305 – an iconic check-in point for all Northeast adventurers. The hike isn’t long, but it’s enough to make your heart race—not just from the climb, but from the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.
-
Khe Van & Khe Tien Waterfalls – crystal clear, ice-cold, cascading out from the deep forest like time itself flowing in reverse. Quiet and secluded, perfect for immersing yourself in silence and rediscovering a forgotten slow rhythm of life.
-
Dao and Tay ethnic villages – nestled among the hills, where you can sip strong herbal rice wine, listen to the haunting melodies of traditional instruments at night, and sleep in a cozy stilt house by the fire, surrounded by simple yet soulful stories of the highland people.
Binh Lieu may not have a sea—but it has clouds drifting at eye level, the rustling whispers of cinnamon and anise forests, and a feeling few places can give you:
That beautiful, humbling moment of realizing how small you are in front of nature—yet how vast and open your heart becomes with every mountain breeze.
You don’t go to Binh Lieu to collect check-ins.
You go to sit still on a quiet rock, take a deep breath, and feel your soul floating light as a cloud over the peaks.
Mong Cai – Where Vietnam Greets the First Sunrise
A journey to Mong Cai is a ride to Vietnam’s northeasternmost tip—where the very first rays of sunlight touch the mainland each morning. You might expect a dry, border town vibe. But Mong Cai surprises with its poetic beauty—vast, quiet, and somehow… tender.
Tra Co Beach, here, is called “Vietnam’s most romantic beach.” Not because of luxury resorts, but because of its raw, untouched beauty. Wide-open skies, endless sands, and the slow rhythm of waves—it feels like a gentle song played in a world that rushes too fast.
What you shouldn’t miss in Mong Cai:
- Sa Vi Cape – the symbolic starting point of the Vietnamese mainland, marked by the monument “The Fatherland Seen from the Sea.” Stand there, let the sea winds tangle your hair, listen to the waves crashing on the shore, and feel your heart quiet down. That’s when you’ll truly understand the word “sacred.”
- Mong Cai Market – a shopping haven on the Vietnam–China border where bargains abound. You could score everything from rice cookers to frilly dresses in just a few steps. Be warned though—you might end up hauling back half the market!
- Con Mang – Bai Den (The Black Sand Dunes) – a lesser-known stretch of dark, mysterious sand. So peaceful you can hear each gentle wave like a lullaby. It’s dreamy, cinematic—something straight out of a Korean drama.
And if you’re traveling with someone you love, take a stroll along Tra Co Beach at sunset. Trust me, it’s so romantic that you might just want to propose on the spot—and no one would blame you.
Mong Cai doesn’t shout.
It quietly greets the dawn—and makes you fall in love with life again, in its own special way.
Tien Yen – Where Time Slows Down So We Can Still See Each Other
Nestled quietly between Hạ Long and Mong Cai, Tien Yen is neither noisy nor bustling, which is why few tourists know about it. But for true wanderers and backpackers, Tien Yen is an unmissable stop — a place where time seems to pause, allowing us to live slower and more genuinely.
Here, you’ll find ancient streets lined with moss-covered yellow walls and slanting red-tiled roofs, like a timeless painting. Just standing still is enough to look picture-perfect all day long.
Highlights you simply can’t miss:
- Tien Yen Old Quarter — every brick, every door carries stories of time and memories.
- Tien Yen Market Day — a typical mountain market where you can buy fragrant hill chicken, fresh wild vegetables, and steaming hot “bánh gật gù” dumplings to enjoy while they’re still warm.
- Luong Mong Pass — a winding road through misty valleys that makes you want to stop, take a deep breath, and let everything gently drift away.
Passing through Tien Yen, you’ll realize this: beauty isn’t always found where crowds gather. Sometimes, it lies in slowness, simplicity, and the friendly smiles of the locals.
Tien Yen is quiet.
There, time slows down so we still have a chance to look at each other.
Tuan Chau Island – Where Nature Meets Entertainment
If you’re looking for a mix of modern comfort and relaxation, Tuan Chau is the place you can’t miss.
Must-see highlights:
- Seaside Luxury Resorts – the perfect getaway to enjoy peaceful, upscale surroundings.
- Water Sports Activities – jet skiing, speed boating, parasailing… all the thrills and chills you crave.
- Tuần Châu International Marina – one of the most beautiful marinas in Northern Vietnam, perfect for watching sunsets and snapping endless photos.
Tuan Chau is more than just nature; it’s where modern life blends seamlessly with the wild beauty of the sea.
Quang Yen – The Land of Traditional Crafts and Watery Landscapes
Quang Yen isn’t as bustling as Ha Long, nor as majestic as Binh Lieu, but it holds its own quiet, poetic charm of a riverine land.
Highlights you can’t miss:
-
Traditional Shipbuilding Village – where you can witness skilled artisans crafting every piece of wood by hand, preserving a heritage passed down through generations.
-
Rừng Market – a bustling fish and shrimp market filled with fresh local produce and the warm friendliness of the local housewives.
-
Yen Giang Communal House – an ancient architectural site showcasing unique folk culture, standing peacefully amidst the tranquil countryside.
Quang Yen is where you can slow down, feel the gentle rhythm of local life, and experience the beauty of nature intertwined with tradition.
Eat to Remember – Quảng Ninh’s Signature Flavors
Quang Ninh isn’t just famous for its stunning scenery—it also steals hearts with unforgettable local dishes that stick with you for life.
- Ha Long Squid Cake — the star of the show. Crispy, fragrant, bursting with ocean flavor. One bite and you’re hooked for good. Don’t forget to dip it in chili sauce or a mildly spicy dipping sauce to “level up the addiction.”
- Grilled Sea Urchin with Scallion Oil in Co To — sounds exotic, but it’s a delicacy foodies can’t get enough of. The rich, buttery scallion oil blends perfectly with the sweet, smoky sea urchin for a flavor you just can’t resist.
- Grilled Dried Sandworm — with its distinctive aroma, bold taste, and a hint of saltiness, it’s often eaten on its own or used as a seasoning. Try it once, and you’ll want more.
And don’t underestimate the simple yet incredibly delicious combo of steamed rice, boiled greens, and anchovy sauce — sounds humble, but sitting by the vast sea enjoying this meal, you’ll understand why it’s called “the best meal in the world.”
In Summary: Quang Ninh – A Land to Love, Not Just to Visit
After years of wandering across countless routes, I’m confident that Quang Ninh Province is one of the most worthwhile travel destinations in Vietnam. Each region in Quang Ninh carries its own unique character, every landscape with its own charm, making your heart crave discovery endlessly.
You can start your day trekking through the mountain passes of Binh Lieu in northeastern Quang Ninh, savor Ha Long squid cake for lunch, then watch the sunset on Co To Island, just off the Quang Ninh coast, in the afternoon.
Spend a morning cruising through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the jewel of Quang Ninh and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where limestone karsts rise like mythical creatures from the sea.
Today, meditate while walking on Yên Tử Mountain, a sacred destination in western Quang Ninh; tomorrow, get lost in the ancient streets of Tien Yen, and the next day, drive all the way to Mui Sa Vi—the nation’s easternmost tip, where Quang Ninh welcomes Vietnam’s first sunrise.
Every day spent in a new land within Quang Ninh lets you discover a different part of yourself.
If you’re searching for new inspiration, or simply want to experience “morning by the sea – afternoon in the forest – evening in silent mountains,” let Quang Ninh be your next destination. No plane ticket needed, no passport required—just a heart ready to set off and open wide.
