QUANG BINH TRAVEL TIPS FROM A TO Z

Quang Binh is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Central Vietnam which is not only attractive to visitors due to natural landscape but also is impressed by its wonderful food. Therefore, Quang Binh has become a favorite stopover for many visitors.

 

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT QUANG BINH?

Quang Binh is suffered by severe weather which is separated into two distinctive seasons the dry and the rainy. Therefore, from March to September is the best time to visit Quang Binh. During this period, the weather is quite stable and suitable for traveling.  From September to March in the next year, Quang Binh sees some big hurricanes which will affect so much to your trip.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO QUANG BINH?

Traveling in Quang Binh is quite convenient, so visitors can go to Dong Hoi (central city of Quang Binh) by road, railway, sea or air. To save time and keep health, visitors can travel by airplanes Saigon – Dong Hoi or Hanoi – Dong Hoi which are operated everyday by Vietnam airlines, Jestar and Vietjet air, prices are from VND 500,000 (USD 25) to VND 1,500,000 (USD 70). Dong Hoi airport is about 5km from the central city so when arriving, visitors can take bus or taxi to hotels in central easily.

However, during the high/peak season, flight fares from Saigon to Quang Binh are quite high so the best way is either flying to Danang or Hue then take bus or train to Dong Hoi.

Dong Hoi railway station is considered as a main stopover of the Reunification railway so train is also a good mode of transport if your budget is limited.

• From Hanoi: price is from VND 250,000 (USD 12) to VND 800,000 (USD 35) per way. It takes about 10-12 hours for the journey.
• From Saigon: price is from VND 500,000 (USD 22) to VND 1,400,000 (USD 65) per way. The duration of journey is about 22 hours.

From Hanoi to Quang Binh, visitors can take sleeper buses.

• From Hanoi: price is from VND 200,000 (USD 9) to VND 300,000 (USD 14) per way. Duration is from 10 -12 hours. There are reliable car companies including: Hoang Long, Hung Long, Hoang Linh and Dung Hong…
• From Saigon: price is from VND VND 550,000 (USD 26) to VND 650,000 (USD 32) with the duration of 26 hours. Reliable car company is Hoang Long.

How to travel in Quang Binh

In Quang Binh, visitors can rent a motorbike for your convenience. Renting price is about VND 150,000 (USD 7) per day. If you travel with your family or in groups, you can rent a car with price of about VND 900,000 (USD 42) or VND 1,500,000 (USD 70).

What to bring during your travel to Quang Binh

Quang Binh faces the most severe weather due to the hot West – South wind, so if you travel to Quang Binh during summer, you should bring mask, sun-glasses, broad brimmed hat, sun cream, swimming wears…

WHAT TO VISIT IN QUANG BINH

Sand dunes of Quang Phu

To Quang Phu sand dunes, visitors will start conquering the sand mountains with the height of about 100m. On the way of conquering, visitors will enjoy the imposing features of sandy world and pristine impression of the mountains with changing shapes every day due to the sea winds…

Mooc Stream

Mooc stream is endowed with a wonderful landscape and diversified biodiversity and interesting experiences. The temperature of stream is quite cool (20oC) and is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, Mooc stream is very suitable with new experiences especially during hot season.

Chay river – Dark cave

Chay river was originated from the karst mountain of Phong Nha  - Ke Bang, so as soon as arrive, visitors will see a beautiful emerald. Along the river is rich rice fields and tropical jungle with many types of wild animals.

Traveling along Chay river about 5km, visitors will reach Toi (Dark) cave where you will see “like the flowing river” stalactites which are covered by an illusionary green of moss.

National park of Phong Nha – Ke Bang

To Quang Binh, you obviously should visit the complex of the national park of Phong Nha – Ke Bang which is a world heritage endowed by nature to Quang Binh. Located 50km from Dong Hoi, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is impressed by its fabulous beauty with karst caves and unique sceneries which cannot be found elsewhere.

Phong Nha Cave

Is recognized as one of the most beautiful caves in the world. Visitors will be attracted by the wonderful features of white cave’s dome and emerald stone columns during your exploration to Phong Nha cave.

Thien Duong (Paradise) cave

Is a wonder inside Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park and located on an altitude of 360m above the sea level, Thien Duong is recognized as “a paradise in the earth”. The cave is the longest dry one in Asia with beautifully amazing stalactites which impress every visitor to Quang Binh.

Tien Son cave

Tien Son was formed millions year ago and is known as a fairyland with stunning sceneries and fresh climate. Visitors will totally relax and enjoy during the trip to this cave.

En cave

Located in the dessert jungle, En is the third largest cave in the world. To conquer this cave, you have to experience a difficult journey of 10km. However, all difficulties will be disappeared as soon as you arrive. In front of you is a majestic landscape and jungles which you cannot find elsewhere.

Son Doong cave

Is the largest cave in the world, Son Doong attracts thousand visitors who want to explore once this world wonder. Visitors to Son Doong seem to be lost in the mystical stories and admire the marvelous natural beauty. Son Doong is over 200m high and 9km long with many waterfallS, giant stalactites and a diversified fauna…which make the cave an un-identical beauty.

WHAT TO EAT?

Quang Hoa pancake

Pancake is a favorite and familiar food of Vietnamese. However, to enjoy a typical pancake of the Center, you should enjoy it in Quang Binh. With some easy-made ingredients including red rice, snakehead fish and herbs, people in Quang Hoa make a hot and crispy cake which is attractive to all guests.

 

Quang Binh fish soup

Soup is a typical food of Quang Binh which is simple and plain like the locals. The soup is made from big fried noodles, lean pork and snakehead fish. This food is often served during breakfast which will even satisfy “the most difficult to please” people.

Seafood

To Quang Binh, you should not miss all types of seafood of which prices are quite reasonable and can be prepared in different ways such as, hot pot, vegetable with fish, steam crabs…

WHERE TO STAY IN QUANG BINH

Quang Binh offers a wide range of hotels from standard to luxury.

Sun Spa Resort & Villas

Address: My Canh, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh

Type: 5-star

With a wonderful location facing sea to three sides of My Canh, Dong Hoi and spreading on a peninsula of sand. Sun Spa resort & Villas will be a good choice for your stay.

Riverside hotel – Quang Binh

Address: Truong Phap, Hai Thanh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh

Type: 4-star

Is located in the central city and faces Nhat Le river, Riverside was built based on the French architecture which will bring you a wonderful experience.

Bao Ninh beach resort

Address: Vo Nguyen Giap street, Ha Duong, Bao Ninh, Dong Hoi, Quang Binh

Type: 3-star

Is located right on the beach of Bao Ninh, Bao Ninh beach resort has a wonderful location and is a great choice for accommodation when traveling to Dong Hoi.

WHAT TO NOTICE?

You should book bus, train or airplane in advance, especially during the high season to avoid service unavailability.

During the holidays, prices of accommodation will increase so to get a better price, you should contact hotels some months before the trip. If you travel in groups, you can stay in a room which can fit 4-5 people. By doing so, you can save a lot.