Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Vietnam | Lượt xem: 1052
Even though Quang Binh is not as well-known as some premier tourist spots in Central Vietnam, it’s still pretty captivating and worth a visit, especially for adventurous explorers and outdoor enthusiasts.
With towering limestone karsts, sprawling beaches, and magnificent cave systems, this extraordinary land promises you an unforgettable journey into the heart of Vietnam’s pristine nature. If you’re curious about what Quang Binh offers, don’t miss our detailed Quang Binh travel guide below.
Quang Binh is a province along Vietnam’s central coast, bordered by the sparkling East Sea to the east and the rugged Annamite Mountains to the west. Its landscape is an enchanting blend of dramatic caves, verdant national parks, and serene waterways. Notably, about 85% of Quang Binh’s natural area is mountainous. In addition, it also features Vietnam’s third longest coastline at 116.04 km with five estuaries.
The province of Quang Binh is most renowned for Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts an intricate cave system, including the legendary Son Doong - the world’s largest cave. Besides the natural allure, this place also offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life with bucolic villages, historical relics, and busy markets.
Quang Binh Province has a typical tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: the rainy one (September - March) and the dry one (April - August). Generally speaking, the latter is a better time to tour this area with dry weather and warm temperatures of 29°C - 33°C during the day, facilitating outdoor activities like trekking and exploring the caves.
From September to November, the region often experiences occasional rainfall, which might cause trouble traveling but does add extra greenery to the landscapes, creating astonishing settings for your excursion. If you’re not into the heat, consider planning the trip from December to February, when the weather is cooler at 22°C - 23°C.
Quang Binh is mostly reached via Dong Hoi Airport, the province’s main gateway, which has direct connections to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
If you prefer a scenic route, the Reunification Express train running along the north-south railway also stops in Dong Hoi, providing stunning views of Vietnam’s countryside. This is a great choice if you’re traveling from nearby hubs like Hue, Da Nang, or Hoi An.
Another notable option for travelers from neighboring locations is local buses, which cost less than trains at equivalent durations. For long distances, you can book VIP sleeper buses.
Quang Binh’s provincial capital, Dong Hoi, is generally the best area for budget travelers with plenty of affordable guesthouses and hostels around the city. These accommodations provide basic yet comfortable amenities. If you’re looking for a mid-range option, coastal hotels and boutique lodgings near Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. For those seeking luxury, riverside or beachside resorts and eco-lodges provide premium services and breathtaking views for exclusive stays.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts one of the world’s most impressive karst landscapes. Filled with lush jungles, ancient limestone mountains, underground rivers, rare flora and fauna, and a gigantic network of over 300 gorgeous caves, this is a dream destination for nature lovers, especially trekking enthusiasts. It’s recommended to spend at least 3 days immersing yourself in the spectacular appeal of the park, as it covers an immense area of nearly 86,000 ha. Some of the most prominent caverns you can discover here are: Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Tu Lan Cave System, Pygmy Cave, Hang Ba Cave, Hang Va Cave, Thuy Cung Cave, and Eight Ladies Cave.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park’s Son Doong Cave, or Hang Son Doong Vietnam, is currently the largest natural cave in the world. Formed about 2 - 5 million years ago, this colossal natural wonder features underground rivers, towering stalagmites, and even its jungle. Measuring 150 m wide, over 200 m high, and approximately 9 km long, Son Doong Cave Vietnam is said to accommodate an entire block of New York City, including 40-story skyscrapers. To explore the cave, you will have to sign up for a 5-day tour that combines Son Doong Cave and En Cave, available from January to August. The tour costs $3000 per guest and requires a certain fitness level.
With about 10 km of emerald green waters and towering limestone cliffs, the Chay River inside Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is a haven for boat tours and thrilling water activities like kayaking, swimming, and ziplining over the river. Most boat rides on the Chay River also include a short trip to the adjacent Dark Cave, a 6 km-long cave with thousands of stalactites where you can dip a pool of pure mud eroded and refined by limestone mountains.
Another precious gem you can uncover in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is Phong Nha Botanic Garden, which hosts Gio Waterfall - the tallest cascade in the zone at 30 m. The best experience here is hiking on the 4 km trail to the base of Gio Waterfall, which leads you through dense jungles with thousands of botanical species, offering mesmerizing views of the park. You can also swim in the cool Vang Anh Stream, or camp overnight to better take in the nature.
Surrounded by primeval forests and limestone mountains, Mooc Spring near Paradise Cave is loved for its jade-green water, unspoiled nature, and refreshing atmosphere. This area features a rustic bamboo eco-trail that you can stroll through while admiring the beautiful scenery. Some other fun things to experience here are swimming, kayaking, and picnicking with friends and family.
Quang Binh is home to many untouched beaches where you can unwind, soak up the sun, enjoy fresh seafood, and so much more. The most popular beachfront destination in the province is Nhat Le, located right at the estuary of the same-name river and has long been listed as one of Vietnam’s most alluring beaches. Some other appealing seashores you can pass by in this area are: Bao Ninh Beach, Da Nhay Beach (or the “Jumping Rock” Beach), Quang Phu Beach, and Ly Hoa Beach, each offering a unique seaside experience to your trip.
There’s no better place to get deeply engaged in Quang Binh’s local life than Dong Hoi. Apart from the splendid beaches, this charming coastal city also features amusing sites that reflect its rich past and culture. Here you can explore the bustling Dong Hoi Market, visit the ruins of Tam Toa Church and Dong Hoi Citadel, chill out at Quang Phu Sand Dunes, embark on an exciting cycle trip through the peaceful countryside, or simply enjoy the slow pace of life. No matter what you do, don’t miss the chance to savor iconic Quang Binh specialties such as bánh bột lọc, bánh canh, bánh nậm, bánh khoái, or chicken with muối cheo…
Situated about 45 km from Dong Hoi, Bang Mineral Hot Spring offers modern spa facilities, therapeutic properties, and picturesque surroundings, making it an awesome stop for relaxation. What sets Quang Binh’s Bang Spring apart from the countless hot springs in Vietnam is its incredibly high temperature, which is always recorded at over 100°C and can sometimes peak at 105°C. After days of challenging your physical strength with the caves, this natural wellness destination will be perfect for soaking away fatigue. The price for a basic bath and lunch combo here starts at roughly $20 per guest.
Active & Adventure - 20 days 19 nights
Essentials Tours - 14 days 13 nights
Essentials Tours - 15 days 14 nights
