Binh Lieu

This place has been lovingly given some pretty nicknames such as “Paradise of Reed”, “Heaven on Earth,” or “miniature Sa Pa” because of its breathtaking scenery with rolling hills, a misty atmosphere all year round, and the breathtaking sight of endless reed fields in winter. Let’s travel to this beautiful attraction with Asia King Travel through the screen

The beauty of Binh Lieu with rolling hills and mountains (Source: VnExpress)

Location

Binh Lieu is a mountainous district in the Northeast of Quang Ninh Province, which is about 108 kilometers from Ha Long. It shares borders with Chongzou City and Fang Cheng Gang City (Guangxi, China) to the north; Lang Son Province to the west; Hai Ha District to the east; Tien Yen and Dam Ha Districts to the south. 

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Best time to visit

This place has many charms to attract tourists at different times. But you should visit in late October to November, when reeds are in their most beautiful time. The white reed fields covering the hills will give you an unforgettable visual experience. And in winter, if you are lucky enough, you may even see frost.

The hill is covered in a thick, white blanket of reeds, creating a cinematic view (Source: PYS Travel)

In other seasons, Binh Lieu has its own beauty too. In spring, it is the festive season when visitors have a chance to take part in local festivals like Luc Na Temple, Soong Co courtship singing festival, or "Avoiding the Wind" day. Summer offers cascading waterfalls and lush terraced fields. The end of the year is harvest season, the time for the flower festival and new rice celebration.

How to get there

To get to Binh Lieu, you need to come to Quang Ninh first, there are many ways depending on your starting point. If you depart from Ha Noi, you can take the Ha Noi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh expressway. If you depart from somewhere further, you can take a flight to Cam Pha Airport.

Binh Lieu has earned the title City of Milestones with a total of about 64 milestones (Source: PYS Travel)

After reaching Quang Ninh Province, you need to pass Bach Dang Bridge, follow the Ha Long - Van Don highway to Tien Yen. Once you reach Tien Yen, turn left onto National Highway 18C and continue for about 28 kilometers towards Hoanh Mo to reach the final destination. 

What to do

Checkin at Border Landmarks

The western border patrol route of Binh Lieu is a must-visit for adventure seekers. Located 700 meters above sea level, this trail winds through majestic mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The route is marked by approximately 64 border markers, sharing a boundary with Nanning, China. Among these, you cannot miss markers 1300, 1302, 1305, and 1327. 

Also, don't miss the chance to hike the "Dinosaur Spine" trail, a narrow path just 9 kilometers from marker 1302 with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You can capture stunning photos here.

The experience of hiking on the gently curving Dinosaur Spine Trail is unforgettable for any visitor (Source: SAKOS)

Conquering Mount Cao Xiem - The roof of Quang Ninh

Cao Xiem Mount is the roof of Quang Ninh with 1429 meters in height. You can see the imposing mountain peak from any village in Binh Lieu. On harvest days, local people usually look up at the mountain to see if the rain is on the way so they can collect their rice and maize before the rain comes.

When you successfully reach the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of a large area, including the two districts of Hai Ha and Dam Ha and the border of Vietnam - China to the west. 

The stone wall stretches along the path to the top of Cao Xiem mountain (Source: Binhlieu.quangninh.gov)

The trail from the foothill to the peak is about more than 7 kilometers, you need to follow the trail along the slopes with the view of rocky mountains covered with clouds all year round and immense grass hills, making it perfect for a day hike and camping trip. 

Cloud hunting on Cao Ly Peak

The majestic Cao Ly mountain range, also known as Lonely Mountain, spanning over 40 kilometers square in the border district of Binh Lieu, is home to 8 peaks that tower over 1,000 meters.

Tourists usually choose to camp overnight on the mountain, throw a small barbecue party, and watch the sunrise in the next morning (Source: Vinwonder)

Visit between July and September to witness the vibrant purple color of Mua flowers that carpet the hillsides. Or, from late October onwards, Cao Ly transforms into a cloud hunter's paradise. You can stay overnight at the campsite, which is located pretty close to the summit, to witness stunning views that you can’t forget.

Visting Khe Van Waterfall

After exploring Cao Ly Mountain, visitors can move to Khe Van Waterfall nearby. This is the highest waterfall in Quang Ninh, which has three tiers that create a breathtaking spectacle and this place used to be a cherished gathering spot for the San Chi people.

You can admire the peaceful beauty of Khe Van Waterfall or even take a quick dip here (Source: Vinpearl)

Exploring local market

If you visit Binh Lieu on the weekend, you can wander around the market in the town center, or Dong Van Commune Market. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday, attracting people from surrounding villages to bring agricultural products to trade and sell from morning until late afternoon.

With over 96% of the population of ethnic minority groups, primarily H’mong, Tay, Dao, San Chi, and Hoa, visitors will have a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and identity here. 

Local people wearing traditional costumes to the market create a lively scene (Source: Quang Ninh News)

The market features unique products such as herbal baths, medicinal herbs, wild honey, and bamboo shoots. You can also try unique delicacies at the small food stalls within the market, the foods may not be fancy at all, but the experience is priceless. 

What to eat 

Black Chicken

Also known as Black H’mong Chicken or Black Bone Chicken, this is a special species of chicken originating from H’mong. This chicken can be made in many different dishes, but the specialty here would definitely be grilled black chicken with wild honey. 

The black chicken might look pretty scary but you should never judge a book by its cover (Source: Viet tour 3 mien)

These chickens have firm and flavorful meat because they are raised in the wild. When grilled with honey, they release an irresistible aroma. The subtle sweetness of honey really complements the juicy chicken meat and the unique smell of local spices, creating an unforgettable taste experience.

Deep-fried mountain stream fish

Mountain stream fish may be small, but they have firm, flavorful flesh with just a little fishy odor. Although they can be prepared in many ways, deep-frying is the most common method. After removing the innards, the fish is marinated in spices, then deep-fried until crispy and served with deep-fried lolot leaves.

The golden brown crispy stream fish is a must-try dish when you visit Binh Lieu (Source: Mytour)

Black Canarium

Black Canarium trees are perennials, often over 100 years old. The fruit has an oval shape and a black, blueish skin. 

Canarium is a local specialty of the mountainous regions (Source: Qua Tram Restaurant)

It can be eaten right away after being boiled to enjoy the original flavor, or it can be added to other dishes to enhance the taste. The 2 most common dishes with canarium are stewed canarium with pork belly or canarium sticky rice. They have a rich, nutty, and a little bitter flavor. Once you try it, you'll be hooked on this local specialty.

Conclusion

With its breathtaking scenery and welcoming community, Binh Lieu is the perfect place for you if you want to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in the richness of Vietnam’s ethnic minority culture or even if you are a challenger who wants to conquer mountains. Contact Asia King Travel today to learn more about our tour to Vietnam!

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