Binh Lieu in winter


Binh Lieu is now in late autumn and early winter. The season of reeds and golden rice terraces is to come in the next few weeks.

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Tourists enjoyed the beauty of the immense “heaven” of white reed grass.

As a borderline mountainous district in the northeast of Quang Ninh, just 120km away from Ha Long City, Binh Lieu shares 43km borders with China and greatly endowned by nature with moderate climate and cool weather and fresh air all year around. This district is home to 5 ethnic groups, including Tay, Dao, San Chi, Chinese and Kinh.

The immense “heaven” of white reed grass and vast acacia and Ceylon cinnamon forests Binh Lieu have currently regarded as the most mesmerizing views in this district.

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Rice terraced fields at Luc Hon commune

The grass field is on the side of the western border guard path which stretches to Lang Son and has the height of 700m from the sea level. And cinnamon forests are located at Dong Tam commune, beyond these woods is a scenic picture of frolicking children, kitchen smoke emitting from stilt houses, and cinnamon quills hung out to dry.

At weekend, tourists have a chance to visit a special market of indigenous people with various conventional products and customs. As more than 90 per cent of locals are ethnic minorities such as the Tay, San Chi and Dao, the market burst with ethnic women in bright-colored traditional attire. 

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The beautiful path to the milestone No. 1305 has recently become an attractive destination for various tourists to the border district of Binh Lieu.

Noticeably, visiting some orange gardens at the hamlets of Na Sa and Hoanh Mo, about 2 kilometers away from Hoanh Mo border gate and the big flower garden on Cao Son mountain should be new experience that tourists should try once.

Binh Lieu district has recently paid much attention to the development of  tourism services and infrastructure in harmony with local cultural characteristics,  satisfying  the increasing needs of tourists.

Various types of accomodation are now availabale to tourists. Hotels, guest houses and homestays have alrealy been legally allowed to operate. Nature-lovers are also able to make other choices, renting camping gear for example.

By Ha Phong





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Rehearsal for the opening ceremony of Hokkaido Festival in Ha Long


A rehearsal for the opening ceremony of Hokkaido Festival was held on November 15 at the 30/10 Square. Acting Chairman of the provincial People”s Committee, Cao Tuong Huy, and Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Hanh, attended and supervised the program.

Chương trình nghệ thuật gồm 3 chương với những tiết mục nghệ thuật được dàn dựng công phu, đặc sắc.
Art performances feature local cultural features.

Under the theme “Quang Ninh – Hokkaido: Rich Cutural Integration”, the Hokkaido Festival will take place in Ha Long city from November 17 to 19 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam – Japan diplomatic relations and the 60th founding anniversary of Quang Ninh (October 30, 1963 – 2023).

The festival aims to help introduce the cultural traditions of Quang Ninh and Hokkaido, as well as the two countries in general, and attract foreign visitors to the Vietnamese province.

Các đồng chí lãnh đạo tỉnh tới tham dự chương trình sơ duyệt.
Acting Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Cao Tuong Huy, and Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Thi Hanh, attended and supervised the program.

It will feature activities such as a Quang Ninh – Japan investment promotion conference, an exhibition of Vietnamese and Japanese cuisine, street art performances, a workshop on cultural – tourism ties and human resources development, and a friendly golf tournament, among others.

As planned, the opening ceremony will draw about 4,000-5,000 people, including Japanese artisans and artists.

The festival aims to help introduce the cultural traditions of Quang Ninh and Hokkaido, as well as the two countries in general, and attract foreign visitors to the Vietnamese province.

Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost prefecture with the nation’s largest land area. It accounts for 22 percent of the nation’s total area, and has numerous areas with untapped natural beauty and magnificent scenery thanks to its low population density. Hokkaido abounds in national parks and popular hot spring resorts, allowing visitors to enjoy and relax in its splendid natural environment. The number of tourists visiting Hokkaido has been noticeably increasing every year because it is an appealing tourist destination visited multiple times even by Japanese tourists.

By Minh Duc





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Ha Long Bay among world’s 51 most beautiful places


Condé Nast Traveler, a luxury and lifestyle travel magazine, has named the UNESCO-recognised heritage Ha Long Bay on its list of the 51 most beautiful places in the world.

According to Condé Nast Traveler, Ha Long Bay is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, Ha Long Bay is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife.

The magazine said the bay is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. It suggested visitors board a sailing ship to experience the beauty (and associated myths and stories) of the mist-shrouded emerald basin.

Other destinations on the Condé Nast Traveler’s list include the Amazon (South America), Angel Falls (Venezuela), Antarctica, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Japan), Atacama Desert (Chile) and Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar).

Previously, Forbes magazine published a list of the 24 Best Places To Travel In 2024, which included Ha Long Bay in October, 2023. Accordingly, Ha Long Bay is one of the most unique ecosytems and geological formations in the world.

Distinctive rock formations made up of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of the unique destination. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or an advanture seeker, Ha Long Bay has something to offer everyone.

In July, 2023, leading UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust selected Vietnam”s Ha Long Bay as one of the 16 most favourite UNESCO world heritage wonders in Southeast Asia.

“Lying prostrate aboard an old wooden junker, peering out across the emerald waters as jungle-covered precipices rear out of nowhere isn’t the only way to experience Halong Bay – it remains among the best, though,” Wanderlust wrote.

The magazine commented: “These limestone karst pillars aren’t unique to Vietnam, but nowhere on Earth is their scale so dramatic, sprouting some 1,600 spines from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, birthing towering islands and islets out of bounds to all but the native seabirds that have made them home.

“The site was first inscribed by UNESCO in 1994. Twenty-something years later, little has changed except how to see them and the increasing numbers of those who have. The slow-screw of erosion has notched hidden caves and dramatic arches into many of its rises.

“Kayak out for a more intimate look at the likes of Thien Cung, famed for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites; or drift past oysters farms and floating villages – ramshackle constructions linked by trembling walkways – to seek out secret beaches away from the boat-going hordes,” it added.





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15th Vietnam – China int’l trade, tourism fair to open on November 30


The 15th Vietnam – China International Trade and Tourism Fair is scheduled to take place in Mong Cai city between November 30 and December 4, according to the Mong Cai People’s Committee.

Quang Ninh”s tourism booth at the Vietnam International Tourism Fair 2020 “Digital transformation for tourism development”.

The annual event, themed “Cooperation, Friendship, Integration and Development”, will be jointly held by the Mong Cai city People’s Committee and China’s Guangxi province.

There will be about 400 booths displaying and introducing Vietnamese and Chinese goods.

The event will also include an exhibition of the two countries’ socioeconomic achievements, a forum on cross-border tourism via the international border gate pair of Mong Cai and Dongxing (China), and a forum on the export of agro-forestry-fisheries products to China.

Tourism and business cooperation deals between the countries’ enterprises are expected to be signed on this occasion.

In addition, cultural and sport activities will also be held, including singing on the border river, a cultural exchange between the youth of Mong Cai and Dongxing, an international golf tourism tournament, and a friendship running race, according to the municipal administration.

By Minh Duc





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Quang Ninh welcomes about 14 million tourist arrivals in ten months


Quang Ninh province attracted 14 million tourist arrivals in ten months, representing 10% increase year on year, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.

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Tourists start their Ha Long Bay tours.

The total tourism revenue in ten months hit over 29 trillion VND, 60% higher than the corresponding period in 2022.

In 2023, Quang Ninh strives to become a “can”t-miss” destination in Vietnam. It aims to attract 15 million visitors, 500,000 visitors higher than the figure in 2019 before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Provincial People’s Committee requested the Provincial Tourism Department to coordinate with relevant departments, branches and local authorities, to organise events to attract more tourists to the locality, especially during the autumn-winter and at the end of the year.

Du khách tham quan Cụm cổ động biên giới Sa Vĩ tại TP Móng Cái.
Tourists visit the Sa Vi border complex in Mong Cai city.

The province has focused on promoting its cultural values, advantages of sea and island tourism, and eco-tourism to lure more visitors, especially the world natural wonders of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

In addition, investments in highly developed transport infrastructure have greatly benefited Quang Ninh in advancing regional connectivity and promoting socio-economic development, especially in the tourism sector.

 

By Hoang Quynh





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Van Don ancient port and Tra Co Communal House recognized as Special National Heritage Sites


On October 24, the Prime Minister issued a decision accrediting the special national status of the historical and cultural complex of the Van Don port in Van Don district and the architectural and artistic relic of the Tra Co communal house in Mong Cai City.

Tra Co Temple

The Van Don port was once a major trading port of Dai Viet (ancient Vietnam). Existing from the mid-12th century to the late 18th century in the coastal region that now belongs to Quang Ninh, the port served as a significant and vital trading centre for Vietnam at that time. Myriad merchants and ships came here from across Asia and Europe to engage in the trade and exchange of goods.

The painting of Cai Lang wharf in the area of Van Don commercial port was drawn by a Spanish artist.

Built in 1461 with unique architectural style of the later Le Dynasty, the structure of Tra Co Communal House was dedicated to tutelary genies of the village. The historical relic is typical for village culture of Vietnam in feudal period. 

The relic covers an area of 400m² and has a frame of rare wood. On the sides of the roof, the curved corners are adorned with dragon heads. Decorative carvings are crowded with mythological animals – unicorns, turtles, dragons, and phoenixes – and magical elements – flowers and clouds. The relic is famous for the dragon carvings on its doors and its transverse panels of gold and red lacquer. 

Tra Co Temple Festival is annually organized between lunar May 30 and June 3. The first part consists of ritual ceremonies and the procession of the Gods and the second part comprises cultural performances, calligraphy writing along some fun games such as tug of war, stilts, and volleyball. Especially, the unique feature of the festival is the “Mr. Elephant” contest.

Other special national relic sites in Quang Ninh include the sacred Buddhist land and historical site of Yen Tu in Uong Bi city and a memorial site dedicated to late President Ho Chi Minh on Co To island.

The Prime Minister has requested the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the authorities of the localities where the relics are located to manage them in accordance with the law on cultural heritage.

By Hoang Nga-Thai Canh





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Ha Long Bay named among 24 most ideal world destinations in 2024


Forbes magazine has recently published a list of the 24 Best Places To Travel In 2024, which included Ha Long Bay. The list was compiled by Luxury Travel Advisor OvationNetwork.

Ha Long Bay
According to Forbes, Ha Long Bay is one of the most unique ecosytems and geological formations in the world.

According to Forbes, Ha Long Bay is one of the most unique ecosytems and geological formations in the world.

Distinctive rock formations made up of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of the unique destination. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie, or an advanture seeker, Ha Long Bay has something to offer everyone.

Previously, leading UK-based travel magazine Wanderlust selected Vietnam”s Ha Long Bay as one of the 16 most favourite UNESCO world heritage wonders in Southeast Asia.

“Lying prostrate aboard an old wooden junker, peering out across the emerald waters as jungle-covered precipices rear out of nowhere isn’t the only way to experience Halong Bay – it remains among the best, though,” Wanderlust wrote.

The magazine commented: “These limestone karst pillars aren’t unique to Vietnam, but nowhere on Earth is their scale so dramatic, sprouting some 1,600 spines from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, birthing towering islands and islets out of bounds to all but the native seabirds that have made them home.

“The site was first inscribed by UNESCO in 1994. Twenty-something years later, little has changed except how to see them and the increasing numbers of those who have. The slow-screw of erosion has notched hidden caves and dramatic arches into many of its rises.

“Kayak out for a more intimate look at the likes of Thien Cung, famed for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites; or drift past oysters farms and floating villages – ramshackle constructions linked by trembling walkways – to seek out secret beaches away from the boat-going hordes,” it added.

Ha Long Bay, which is situated in Northeast Vietnam, is regarded as one of the world’s geographical beauties due to its green seas scattered with hundreds of limestone islets, each capped with its distinct tropical jungle, the magazine said.

Tourists may enjoy the destination by diving and snorkeling, renting a canoe, or simply relaxing on the upper deck of their boat tour with a beverage in hand, it added.

The core area of Ha Long Bay was recognised twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site in 1994 and 2000, with global special values of geology. On November 12, 2011, Ha Long Bay, was announced by New Open World Organisation, as one of seven new natural wonders of the world.





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Co To island – a journey back to nature


Co To has become one of the most attractive places for tourists because of turquoise water, white smooth sand, pristine forest, and tranquil atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else. This island is heaven for adventure, not only for a relaxing vacation.

Joining island tours, tourists have an opportunity to discover the untouched beauty of several islands such as Ca Chep, Thanh Lan, small Co To, etc. and experience locals’ daily activities such as fishing, squid fishing, etc.
Tourists can experience walking in cool, primeval forests to appreciate the flora.
Co To is said to have the richest biodiversity in Vietnam with the presence of many typical ecosystems of tropical waters, including concentrated coral reef ecosystems. Therefore, it’s great to visit Thanh Lan island and partake in coral reef diving activties.
Co To town centre
Near ‘love road’ and the town centre is a statue of President Ho Chi Minh. This is one of the monuments erected to remember his visit to the island back in the 1960s. Apparently, this is the only place the leader agreed to have his statue erected while still alive. It’s a good site to get a picture of historical relevance. Cultural events are also often staged here at significant times of the year.
The island determines to standardize all tourist activities, develop professional and high-end tourist products in conjunction with environmental preservation.





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Binh Lieu Yellow Season festival to open on October 15


As part of the culture – tourism week, the yellow season festival of Binh Lieu is going to be launched on October 15 at Luc Hon commune.

Tourists find it exciting to wear San Chi women”s traditional costumes.

As planned, the event will consist of many special programs such as the So flower festival, night markets, cultural and sports exchange activities, folk games, San Chi women’s soccer, etc.

These activities bear the cultural identity of ethnic communities in Binh Lieu and some localities in the north-eastern region.

The border district of Binh Lieu in Quang Ninh province has become a new destination for tourists in recent years thanks to its primitive beauty. The district, which is around 270 kilometres from Hanoi, is known for its fresh air, beautiful landscapes and various ethnic minority groups.

The time from October to November is the most beautiful season in Binh Lieu, giving tourists a great chance to explore a “paradise” of flowering pampas grass, the “dinosaur spine” (the paths on the top of mountains), border markers, along with many other unique destinations including Luc Na Communal House, Hoanh Mo Border Gate, the Cao Son flower garden, Khe Van Waterfall, Song Mooc Waterfall, Cao Ba Lanh Mountain, and Cao Ly Mountain. A running tourney named “Dinosaur Spine – Marker 1305” also promises a worth-to-try experience.

To capitalise on these advantages, it has stepped up tourism promotion and investment attraction to this sector. Besides, it is working to implement a plan on sustainable tourism development in tandem with poverty reduction and socio-economic development in Binh Lieu. Other plans on preserving and promoting the cultural values of San Chi people in Luc Ngu village of Huc Dong commune and Dao people in Song Mooc village of Dong Van commune will also be carried out soon.

The district hopes to welcome 150,000 tourist arrivals in 2023 and over 800,000 by 2030.

By Duy Khoa





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More luxury cruises to busy Ha Long season


Authorities in the northern province of Quang Ninh have announced that 18 luxury cruise ships will bring tourists to Ha Long beginning late this month, signaling a busy year-end season.

More luxury cruises to busy Ha Long season
Ha Long Bay seen from above. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Anh

The first cruise vessel is expected to dock in Ha Long Bay on October 27, and the other upcoming vessels would arrive in November and December, the provincial Department of Tourism said.

Currently, the number of international visitors onboard each vessel has not been officially released.

Local authorities said the foreign tourists would visit UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay, the Quang Ninh Museum, and explore local culture and cuisine on a city tour.

Last March, the Malta-flagged Mein Schiff 5 cruise ship carried 2,400 German tourists to Ha Long, which is famous for tours through its thousands of limestone karst islands.

According to the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, there were about 100 luxury international cruise ships with each carrying 150,000 – 180,000 foreign tourists to Ha Long Bay before the pandemic.

A series of luxury cruise ships carrying thousands of international visitors have docked at Vietnamese ports since the beginning of this year as tourism gradually picks up steam.

Vietnam has received 8 million foreign tourists so far, and striving to receive 12 million foreign arrivals by the end of this year.





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