Quang Ninh, a jewel of Vietnam tourism, is where nature’s wonders converge. From the legendary Ha Long Bay, the pristine Quan Lan, the charming Co To to the majestic Binh Lieu, each destination in Quang Ninh possesses a unique and unmistakable beauty. If you are planning a trip to explore this land, let “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) be your companion with the most detailed self-sufficient Quang Ninh travel guide to make your journey complete and memorable.
Quang Ninh is not only an attractive tourist destination with diverse natural landscapes but also a land rich in historical and cultural traditions. Coming to Quang Ninh, you will immerse yourself in the spiritual cultural space at Yen Tu, discover unique traditional festivals, and enjoy the rich local cuisine imbued with the flavor of the sea. Let’s explore all the most interesting things about traveling to Quang Ninh right now!
Best Time to Visit Quang Ninh
Quang Ninh’s climate is characterized by a tropical monsoon region, with hot and humid summers with heavy rain and cold, dry winters with little rain. However, due to the diverse terrain, the climate varies somewhat between regions.
- Mong Cai: The northernmost land of Vietnam with the famous Tra Co beach, Mong Cai has a rainy climate, an average annual temperature of about 22°C, and an average annual rainfall of up to 2,751mm.
- Island Bay Area: Ha Long Bay and the surrounding islands have lower rainfall, only from 1,700 to 1,800 mm/year, but are famous for fog, especially in winter.
According to Quang Ninh travel experiences, the ideal time to explore this land is during the Northern summer, from April to September. At this time, Quang Ninh’s weather is cool and dry, very suitable for beach vacations, exploring bays and islands, and trekking in the mountains and forests.
Summer is also the festival season in Quang Ninh with many unique cultural events such as Ha Long – Quang Ninh Tourism Week, Ha Long Carnaval Festival, Yen Tu Festival, Summer Music Festival… attracting a large number of tourists. For the best experience, you should check the weather forecast before your trip to prepare suitable luggage!
Getting to Quang Ninh Conveniently and Economically
Quang Ninh is one of the major tourist centers of the North, so the transportation system is very developed, easily connecting with many provinces and cities across the country. You can choose from many different means of transportation to get to Quang Ninh such as airplanes, buses, trains, or motorbikes.
Traveling to Quang Ninh by Airplane
Currently, air routes from southern provinces to Quang Ninh are very popular, especially the route from Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh). Domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways all operate many flights to Van Don, making it easy for you to choose a suitable schedule.
Traveling by plane saves you significant time. In addition, you can hunt for cheap flights to Quang Ninh on online flight booking applications or airline websites to optimize costs for your trip.
| Flight Route | Departure Point | Arrival Point | Reference Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights from Saigon to Quang Ninh | Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | Quang Ninh (VDO) | From 450,000 VND |
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on booking time and airline.
Traveling to Quang Ninh by Bus
Bus is a more cost-effective option, especially suitable for those departing from northern provinces. Many reputable bus operators such as Trung Thanh, Duc Trong, Phu Binh… have a wide network of routes, with many departure times and flexible pick-up and drop-off points. You can easily book bus tickets to Quang Ninh online or at bus stations.
| From | To | Ticket Type | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi (HAN) | Quang Ninh (VDO) | One way | From 180,000 VND |
Note: Ticket prices may vary depending on booking time and bus operator.
Traveling to Quang Ninh by Train
Although not as popular as airplanes or buses, trains are still an interesting option to get to Quang Ninh, especially if you want to experience a slow journey and admire the scenery along the way. The Hanoi – Quang Ninh railway line stops at Ha Long station, from here you can continue to other tourist destinations by taxi or bus. Train tickets to Quang Ninh can be booked online or purchased directly at the station.
Most Convenient Transportation in Quang Ninh
Motorbike Rental in Quang Ninh
Motorbike is the ideal means of transport to freely explore Quang Ninh, especially the beautiful coastal roads or hilly areas like Binh Lieu. Motorbike rental services in Quang Ninh are very popular, you can easily find motorbike rental shops in Ha Long, Co To, Quan Lan… with rental prices ranging from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/day.
Some reputable motorbike rental addresses in Quang Ninh:
- THUÊ XE MÁY QUẢNG NINH (QUANG NINH MOTORBIKE RENTAL): 560 Le Thanh Tong, Bach Dang Ward, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh – Phone: 0901 272 666
- THUÊ XE MÁY HẠ LONG (HA LONG MOTORBIKE RENTAL): No. 106, S7 Sunrise Apartment Building, Hoang Quoc Viet, Hung Thang, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh – Phone: 0979 826 098
- KHÁCH SẠN KIM DUNG (KIM DUNG HOTEL): 16 Cao Thang, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh – Phone: 0912 026 766
- CHO THUÊ XE MÁY BÃI CHÁY (BAI CHAY MOTORBIKE RENTAL): Sun World Ha Long, Bai Chay, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh – Phone: 0978 741 713
- LAN NGHIỆP: Hai Tien, Co To, Quang Ninh – Phone: 0986 771 735
When renting a motorbike, you need to bring your driver’s license and ID card/Citizen ID. Check the condition of the motorbike carefully before receiving it to ensure safety for your trip.
Taxi in Quang Ninh
Taxi is a suitable means of transport for large groups or families with young children and the elderly. Popular taxi companies in Quang Ninh include:
- Taxi in Mong Cai: Taxi Ka Long (0203 3882 882), Taxi Sam Loi (0203 3788 788), Taxi Mong Cai (0203 3883 883)
- Taxi in Ha Long: Taxi Mai Linh (0203 3628 628), Taxi Bai Chay (0203 364 64 64), Taxi Sao Mai (0203 3822 822), Taxi Hung Long (0203 3655 655), Taxi Minh Anh (0203 385 85 85)
- Taxi in Uong Bi: Taxi Mai Linh (0203 3567 567), Taxi Uong Bi (0203 3661166)
You should refer to the fare and check the meter before using a taxi to avoid unexpected costs.
Traveling by Bus and High-Speed Boat in Quang Ninh
To explore remote islands such as Co To, Quan Lan, Cai Chien, Ngoc Vung, you can combine buses and high-speed boats. Popular Quang Ninh bus routes:
- Route No. 1: Bai Chay – Cai Rong
- Route No. 7: Mong Cai – Tra Co
From the bus stations, you will continue to travel by ferry or high-speed boat to reach the islands.
Choosing Suitable Hotels and Guesthouses in Quang Ninh
Quang Ninh has a variety of accommodation types, from luxurious 5-star hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and cozy homestays, catering to all needs and budgets of tourists.
For easy selection, you can search and book Quang Ninh hotels on online booking applications.
5-star hotel segment:
- Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh: 5-star hotel located in the center of Bai Chay, Ha Long, near famous tourist attractions. Room rates from 1,500,000 – 2,300,000 VND/room/night.
Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh Hotel with modern architecture
Mid-range hotel segment:
- Halios Hotel Halong: 3-star hotel in Ha Long, about 2.1km from Bai Chay. Room rates from 500,000 VND/room/night.
- Orestay Halong: 3-star hotel near Queen Cable Car, about 1.4km from Bai Chay. Room rates from 650,000 VND/room/night.
Budget guesthouses and homestays segment:
- Ruby Halong Homestay: Cozy homestay, room rates about 200,000 VND/room/night.
- Halo Bay Homestay: Homestay with shared kitchen, restaurant, bar and BBQ garden. Room rates about 360,000 VND/room/night.
- Anh Khang Guesthouse: Budget guesthouse, about 800m from Bai Chay. Room rates about 250,000 VND/room/night.
- Green Garden Bungalow: Bungalow close to nature, about 7km from Tuan Chau Port. Room rates about 380,000 VND/room/night.
Must-Visit Attractions in Quang Ninh
Natural Tourist Destinations in Quang Ninh
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, is a must-visit destination when traveling to Quang Ninh. With over 1,900 large and small limestone islands, Ha Long Bay possesses magnificent and majestic beauty, captivating anyone who sets foot here. You can participate in activities such as bay cruises, kayaking, cave exploration, or experience overnight stays on yachts to fully enjoy the beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay with magnificent limestone islands
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is the largest artificial island in Vietnam, famous for its most modern marina in Southeast Asia. Coming to Tuan Chau, you can visit the marina, have fun at Sun World Ha Long Park amusement park, watch dolphin performances, or swim at the artificial beach.
Tuan Chau International Marina, a modern harbor
Co To Island
Co To is one of the most beautiful islands in the North, with pristine beaches, clear blue water, and smooth white sand. Coming to Co To, you can swim at Van Chai and Hong Van beaches, explore the primeval forest, visit Co To lighthouse, or scuba dive to see coral reefs.
Van Chai Beach, a pristine beach on Co To Island
Quan Lan Island
Quan Lan possesses a pristine and simple beauty, with long, white sandy beaches, green melaleuca forests, and fresh air. This is an ideal destination to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature. You can explore Minh Chau and Quan Lan beaches, visit the ancient Quan Lan communal house, or participate in sea sports activities.
Quan Lan Beach with pristine beauty
Binh Lieu
Binh Lieu is a mountainous border district of Quang Ninh, famous for its majestic mountains, picturesque motorbike routes, and pristine, poetic natural landscapes. Coming to Binh Lieu, you can conquer the dinosaur spine, explore landmark 1305, admire Khe Van waterfall, or immerse yourself in the cultural space of ethnic minorities.
Dinosaur spine, majestic mountain ridge in Binh Lieu
Spiritual Tourist Destinations in Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Scenic Complex – Uong Bi
Yen Tu is the Buddhist capital of Vietnam, where King Tran Nhan Tong practiced and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. The Yen Tu scenic complex includes a complex of ancient pagodas, temples, and towers located amidst green mountains and forests, bringing a peaceful and tranquil space. You can pilgrimage to Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, or visit Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery to learn about Vietnamese Buddhist history and culture.
Dong Pagoda on the sacred Yen Tu mountain peak
To get to Yen Tu, you can walk along the ancient pilgrimage path or use the cable car to save time and energy, while admiring the majestic natural scenery from above.
Modern cable car at Yen Tu scenic complex
Ba Vang Pagoda
Ba Vang Pagoda is another famous pagoda in Quang Ninh, located on the back of Thanh Dang mountain. Ba Vang Pagoda is famous for its magnificent architecture, large space, and beautiful natural scenery. Coming to Ba Vang Pagoda, you can worship the Three Jewels, visit the ancient well, library, museum, or enjoy the peaceful and tranquil space of the pagoda.
Ba Vang Pagoda with imposing architecture
Peaceful space at Ba Vang Pagoda
Must-Try Dishes in Quang Ninh
Quang Ninh cuisine is a blend of fresh seafood flavors and unique mountain specialties. Here are some dishes you must try when coming to Quang Ninh:
Ha Long Squid Cake (Cha Muc Ha Long)
Ha Long squid cake is the most famous specialty of Quang Ninh, made from fresh squid caught from Ha Long Bay. Squid cake has a chewy, crispy, and characteristic delicious taste, often served with hot steamed rice rolls or sticky rice.
Golden and attractive Ha Long squid cake
Quang Yen Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua Quang Yen)
Quang Yen fermented pork roll has a unique flavor, quite different from other types of fermented pork rolls. Nem is made from pork, pork skin, roasted rice powder, roasted peanuts, and traditional spices, bringing a slightly sour, irresistible delicious taste. Quang Yen fermented pork roll is often served with sung leaves, herbs, green bananas and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.
Van Don Peanut Worm (Sa Sung Van Don)
Van Don peanut worm is a rare seafood, only found in Van Don sea area, Quang Ninh. Peanut worm has a natural sweet taste, chewy and crispy texture, often processed into dishes such as stir-fried peanut worm with garlic, roasted peanut worm with salt, peanut worm porridge…
Fresh Van Don peanut worm
Mantis Shrimp Noodles (Bun Be Be)
Mantis shrimp noodles are a specialty of Quang Ninh coastal area, with the main ingredient being fresh mantis shrimp. The broth of mantis shrimp noodles is simmered from mantis shrimp shells and pork bones, with a sweet, rich taste, served with delicious chewy mantis shrimp meat, sweet cabbage, sand shrimp, scallions, herbs, tomatoes, chili…
Tien Yen Hill Chicken (Ga Doi Tien Yen)
Tien Yen hill chicken is a specialty chicken breed of Tien Yen district, Quang Ninh. Chickens are raised naturally on hills, with firm meat, golden skin, and a particularly delicious aroma. Tien Yen hill chicken can be processed into many attractive dishes such as boiled chicken, grilled chicken, salt-roasted chicken, chicken hotpot…
3 Days 2 Nights Quang Ninh Itinerary
To have a complete Quang Ninh trip, you can refer to the suggested 3 days 2 nights itinerary below:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Yen Tu – Ha Long | Morning: Visit Yen Tu scenic complex (Ba Vang Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Dong Pagoda…). Afternoon: Move to Ha Long, check in to hotel. Evening: Explore Bai Chay night market, enjoy local cuisine. |
| Day 2: Ha Long Bay | Morning: Visit Ha Long Bay by cruise, explore caves (Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave…). Afternoon: Swim at Bai Chay beach or participate in sea sports activities. Evening: Enjoy water music show or stroll to admire Ha Long Bay at night. |
| Day 3: Tuan Chau – Shopping | Morning: Explore Tuan Chau Island (marina, Sun World Ha Long Park…). Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at Ha Long market or Vincom Plaza Ha Long shopping center. Evening: End the journey, move back to Hanoi or other provinces. |
Q&A for Self-Sufficient Quang Ninh Travel
Quang Ninh Travel Costs?
The estimated cost for a self-sufficient Quang Ninh trip for 2 days 1 night is about 1,800,000 – 2,500,000 VND/person, including transportation, food, hotel, entrance tickets, and other personal expenses. Costs may vary depending on your choice of transportation, type of accommodation, and entertainment activities.
Which Hotel Should I Stay in Quang Ninh?
Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose different types of accommodation in Quang Ninh. If you want to save costs, homestays and hostels are suitable options. With a mid-range budget, you can choose 3-4 star hotels in the center of Ha Long city. If you want to experience luxurious resort vacations, 5-star resorts and hotels such as Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, Muong Thanh Luxury Quang Ninh… will be ideal choices.
When is the Best Season to Travel to Quang Ninh?
The best time to travel to Quang Ninh is in the summer (April – September), when the weather is cool and dry, suitable for sightseeing, swimming, and exploring bays and islands. However, you can also come to Quang Ninh in autumn or spring to enjoy the cool air and romantic scenery of this land.
Hope these detailed Quang Ninh travel experiences above will help you have a fun and memorable trip. Don’t forget to book train, bus, hotel tickets and entrance tickets on online travel applications to save time and money!