Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Quang Ninh province, Binh Lieu is a hidden gem for both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Just a short drive away from the famous Halong Bay, this peaceful border district offers an off-the-beaten-path experience that few tourists have discovered. In this comprehensive Binh Lieu travel guide, we'll be covering the best things to do and all you need to know before your visit. Whether you're exploring the scenic border patrol routes, conquering mountain peaks, or immersing yourself in the rich culture of the local ethnic minorities, Binh Lieu promises a journey of awe-inspiring beauty and authentic experiences. Ready to uncover the magic of Binh Lieu? Let’s dive in !

What makes Binh Lieu Quang Ninh unique?

Binh Lieu is a little district in the mountainous part of Quang Ninh, about 270 km from Hanoi and 100 or so from Halong, near the Sino-Vietnamese border. Binh Lieu is blessed with a year-round cool climate, stunning scenery, and a population of ethnic minorities. So what makes it different from other northern mountainous regions in Vietnam? We believe Binh Lieu has the potential to be just as popular as Sapa, with the right marketing. But for now, it’s still untouched by mass tourism and has only become known among local adventurers since about 2020. Binh Lieu offers a similar landscape to that of Sapa or Ha Giang, only way more pristine, with towering mountains, winding mountain passes only accessible by motorbike, lush waterfalls, terraced rice fields, and the cherry on top of the cake, the Dao Thanh Phan, Tay, Cao Lan and San Chi ethnic groups that reside here.

Best time to visit Binh Lieu Quang Ninh?

Each season in Binh Lieu offers its own unique charm. In the spring, tourists can see colorful festivals take place, such as the Luc Na Temple Festival, the Soong Co Love Duet Festival, or the "Wind Avoidance Day," and admire red maple trees.

In the summer, roaring waterfalls and lush green terraced fields await. In the fall, the blooming grass fields along the road to the border markers stand out. In winter, if you're lucky, you might even get to see frost and snow. July and October are harvest seasons in Binh Lieu and time for festivals like the So Flower Festival and the New Rice Celebration. October and November are also great times to visit Binh Lieu, when hills are covered in congongrass.

How to get to Binh Lieu Quang Ninh?

From 2023, foreign travelers are no longer allowed to stay overnight in Binh Lieu. To visit this district and some parts near the Sino-Vietnamese border, you need to obtain a permit, which takes about 3 days. For those visiting Binh Lieu for the first time, we highly recommend doing so via a tour company, such as Vietnam Original Travel. We will gladly contact the local office to help you obtain the permit, provide transportation from Hanoi (or fly you out to Hanoi first), and then help you plan the perfect itinerary. All you need to do is sit back and relax !

Best things to do in Binh Lieu Quang Ninh

Explore the culture in Binh Lieu

Over 96% of Binh Lieu’s population are ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Dao, San Chi, Kinh, and Hoa, so immersing in the cultures of these ethnic minorities is a must during your visit. Explore ancient architecture, handicrafts, and cuisine. 

Embroidery has long been part of the lives of the Dao Thanh Phan people; almost everyone, young or old, knows how to embroider. The Dao Thanh Phan stands out with their colorful clothing, which prominently features red. They believe that since they live in high mountains, wearing bright clothes will keep wild animals away.

The region’s signature dishes are seven-color sticky rice, coóc mò cake, gật gù cake, ngải cake, tài lồng ệp vermicelli, grilled stream fish, and stir-fried wild bamboo shoots. While trying these dishes would be an interesting experience, we can’t guarantee they will satisfy every palate, so you can ask your tour providers to arrange different dishes for you.

Those interested in history can stop by Luc Na Temple, which honors the village deity and revolutionary heroes, to hear the legend of the "reverse-growing bamboo" and admire the ancient five-chambered temple with its yin-yang tiled roof.

Local market in Binh Lieu

If you visit Binh Lieu on the weekend, don’t miss the local markets at the town center or in Dong Van commune (not to be mistaken with the one in Ha Giang). These markets are held every Saturday and Sunday, where people from nearby villages bring their goods, agricultural products, and forest products to trade.

Special items found only at these markets include herbal bath leaves, ethnic medicinal herbs, forest honey, and wild bamboo shoots. The markets bustle with activity from early morning until late afternoon, but peak times are around 10 AM.

Border milestones and Dinosaur spine in Binh Lieu

Binh Lieu borders China to the north, so naturally, you’ll find a lot of border milestones here, and winding mountainous passes.  As a border region with nearly 50 km of boundary shared with China, it's recommended to rent a motorbike or hike along mountain paths in Binh Lieu to conquer the Vietnam-China border milestones. The four must-see milestones are the 1300, 1302, and 1305.

After about an hour of driving from Binh Lieu town towards Hoanh Mo on QL18C, take a right into Ngan Chuong village, then turn left for about 8 km towards milestone 61 to reach markers 1300 and 1302. Next is the journey to conquer milestone 1305, located on the highest peak in Binh Lieu district. From milestone 1302, drive another 9 km to reach the trail known as the "dinosaur spine."

To reach milestone 1305, you need to walk along the “dinosaur spine”, which consists of stairs, so it shouldn’t be too challenging. The hike takes at least 2 hours and offers breathtaking views of nature and a humbling sense of insignificance in the vast landscape. You’ll be walking among poetic fields of cogongrass on both sides and a sea of clouds.

Cao Xiem and Cao Ly peaks in Binh Lieu

Cao Xiem Peak, also known as Khau Khoang Peak or Flagpole Peak, standing at 1,429 meters above sea level, is dubbed the "roof" of Quang Ninh.

The path from the base of the mountain to the summit is over 7 km long, making it perfect for combining hiking with a day of camping. The trail follows mountain ridges, passing rocky areas and wide grassy hills.

Cao Ly is a mountain range covering over 40 km², with 8 peaks higher than 1,000 meters, located in the border district of Binh Lieu. Cao Ly Peak is about 10 km from the center of Huc Dong commune and is also ideal for camping or day trips.

From July to September, Cao Ly becomes especially attractive with hillsides covered in purple Melastoma flowers. From October onward, it becomes a prime spot for "cloud hunting." The campsite is a 30-40 minute hike from the summit, accessible by motorbikes and cars.

Visit Khe Van waterfall in Binh Lieu

While exploring Cao Ly Peak, you can take an additional 15-minute trip to visit Khe Van Waterfall, the tallest in Quang Ninh province with three tiers. The waterfall, nearly 100 meters high, is divided into three distinct tiers, each offering a different beauty. If you're coming from Binh Lieu town, ask for directions to Huc Dong commune to reach the waterfall—once a popular meeting spot for San Chi couples.

Trekking in Binh Lieu

Those who prefer an easier hiking trail can opt for trekking around the ancient villages, with the help of our local guide. You’ll explore ancient homes that are still intact to this day, breathtaking landscapes similar to that of Sapa, and less traveled trails leading you through the beautiful and fragrant forests where they grow cinnamon, star anise, and bamboo.

Where to stay in Binh Lieu Quang Ninh ?

Accommodation options in Binh Lieu are limited. You can stay at some local homestays like A Dào, A Píu, Hoàng Sằn, or Sông Moóc, with prices starting at 50,000 VND per night for dormitory-style rooms or at basic guesthouses, such as Binh Lieu Palace Hotel, ranging from 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND per night.

Binh Lieu 3 day itinerary

An excursion to Binh Lieu Vietnam allows you to discover a new destination that is both beautiful and less touristy. You can combine it with a visit to Halong Bay, which is ideally a 3-day trip. 

Day 1: Hanoi - Binh Lieu

Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi and departure for Binh Lieu in Quang Ninh province. Arrive in Binh Lieu and check into your hotel. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Afternoon visit to the Khe Van waterfalls, one of the region's largest and most beautiful waterfalls, followed by a beautiful kayak trip on the Tien Yen River. 

In the evening, you can attend traditional dances and songs by the Tays and Daos ethnic groups. Dinner and overnight in Binh Lieu.

Day 2: Hiking in Binh Lieu

After breakfast, you’ll hike through rice terraces, cinnamon and anise forests, and the legendary and historic trails relating to the Sino-Vietnamese War that took place in 1979.

Visit a Dao host family to discover their local life and occupations. Lunch at their home. Then continue trekking through primary forests and magnificent waterfalls.

Dinner and overnight in Binh Lieu.

Day 3: Binh Lieu - Halong Bay - Hanoi

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay to enjoy a day cruise to discover this wonder of the world. The cruise takes you to some impressive spots with over 1,600 islands and islets... you'll feel like you're lost in the heart of a fairyland. Lunch on board.

Afternoon visit to one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, where you'll find amazing stalactites and stalagmites created by time and nature. Afterwards, you can kayak and swim in a beautiful, tranquil spot, or take a boat trip to visit one of the floating fishing villages. 

Return to Hanoi and end of our services.

Binh Lieu is a retreat into nature and culture that invites you to slow down and savor the simple joys of life. Whether you're an adventure lover or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Binh Lieu's untouched charm will leave you with unforgettable memories and a yearning to return. You can also explore more of northern Vietnam by adding a visit to Cao Bang, home to the great Ban Gioc Waterfall, to your Binh Lieu itinerary! If you’re interested in visiting this hidden gem, don’t hesitate to contact Vietnam Original Travel! We’ll take care of everything and make sure you have the time of your life!

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