Cam Pha

Cam Pha is a city in Quang Ninh province, in the northeastern region of Vietnam. It is around 200km from the capital of Hanoi and 20km from Ha Long City. It’s also a place with the largest coal and limestone reserves in Vietnam.

Cam Pha overview (Source: Thanhnien)

The area is primarily surrounded by hills and mountains, creating a captivating atmosphere with poetic charm. Nature's clean and spectacular splendor in the mountains and forests will charm any visitor.

In addition to its natural beauty, tourists may enjoy a variety of interesting attractions and local foods that leave a lasting impression on all who experience them.

Time to come

Cam Pha is not a large city, so exploring it doesn’t take much time. To fully appreciate its beauty, visitors should plan their trip during the summer, which lasts from April to August. The summer weather here is cool and pleasant, making it an ideal time for a visit.

Cam Pha sparkles at night with a stunning view overlooking the bay (Source: Quang Ninh)

During the summer, tourists have the opportunity to experience unique festivals celebrated by the locals. Cam Pha currently boasts 24 historical and cultural relics, of which 13 are sites, landmarks, and structures connected to the city’s history through thousands of years. In addition to the 4 religious festivals, Cam Pha is home to 2 annual traditional festivals: the Cua Ong Temple Festival and the Cam Hai Communal House Festival, both of which are important cultural events in the region.

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How to get there

Motorbikes and cars are the two main modes of transportation you can choose from. Riding a motorbike is perfect for adventurous souls and those who love to take in the scenery in its entirety. On the other hand, traveling by car is more time and energy-efficient.

The route to Cam Pha is easy to find. You can use Google Maps to navigate the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway. The trip time varies depending on your starting point, however, if you go from Hanoi, it will take about 3 hours.

Things to do in Cam Pha

Swimming in Luong Ngoc Beach

Luong Ngoc Beach is a man-made beach located within the Tuan Mai Resort, at Km 6, Zone 1A, Quang Hanh Ward, Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh Province. Come here, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, immerse themselves in the peaceful natural surroundings, and breathe in the refreshing green air.

Luong Ngoc Beach (Source: Thomaskim)

One of the destination's highlights is the nicely created artificial rocky slope. The stone steps are naturally arranged, intermingled with trees and flowers, forming a lovely walk to the top. Visitors to the summit can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Luong Ngoc Beach and the picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay.

Visitors can also engage in beach activities with friends, such as volleyball, soccer, teambuilding games, or water inflatables. For thrill-seekers, this is the perfect spot to try adrenaline-pumping activities like jet skiing, surfing, parasailing, flyboarding, and more.

Explore Reu Island

Reu Island, located near Bai Chay in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh, is often referred to as a "miniature Dubai," captivating visitors with its pristine and poetic natural scenery. Upon arrival, tourists are astounded by the stunning vista of huge oceans and fascinating natural beauty.

Reu Island resembles a palace nestled in the middle of the sea (Source: Mia)

This island is virtually obscure, keeping its untainted charm. It is conveniently positioned in central regions, approximately 600 meters from Bai Chay. Its proximity to the mainland makes travel to the island very simple.

The best time to visit Reu Island is from May to October, when the weather becomes warmer, and the sunlight enhances the island’s allure.

Vung Duc Cam Son tourist area

Vung Duc is a must-visit destination in Cam Pha, located within the charming Bai Tu Long Bay and surrounded by the majestic Ban Co mountain range. Covering an area of 10,000 square meters, this site is a harmonious complex of temples, shrines, and caves nestled in the picturesque Ban Tho Mountain.

The largest area within the Vung Duc cave complex (Source: Quang Ninh)

The first stop on the journey is Thien Dang Cave, situated 46 meters above sea level. Visitors to this vantage point can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bai Tu Long Bay. The cave is quite large, measuring approximately 300 square meters. Inside, gorgeous stalactites hanging from the ceiling create a magnificent atmosphere, providing for an outstanding sight.

Cua Ong Temple

When mentioning Cam Pha, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly Cua Ong Temple, one of the most uniquely designed temples and among the most beautiful in Quang Ninh. Conveniently located about 40km from the center of Ha Long City, the temple is a harmonious "meeting place" of majestic mountains, lush green forests, and the vast sea.

Cua Ong Temple is always rich in long-standing historical values (Source: Vinwonders)

According to historical records, Cua Ong Temple in Quang Ninh has stood for over 700 years. Between 1907 and 1916, the temple underwent restoration, and in 1916, additional structures were added, including the Upper Temple (Den Thuong), Middle Temple (Den Trung), and Lower Temple (Den Ha). Each temple has its own distinct design and captivating stories, making Cua Ong Temple a destination rich in history and culture.

Enjoy local food in Cam Pha

Cam Pha's cuisine reflects the fresh flavors of the sea, with a plethora of seafood dishes. Other unique foods worth trying include grilled pork, duck blood pudding with wormwood leaves, and mantis shrimp rice paper rolls. The prices are extremely reasonable, with a daily meal and entertainment budget of no more than 500,000 VND per person. 

A very chill bar located right by the seaside (Source: Traveloka) 

Tips 

Here's a hidden secret: Cam Pha has numerous virgin islets that are ideal for private picnics or exploring for those seeking adventure. You can contact local fishermen who will take you there by boat to appreciate the breathtaking natural scenery.

If you want to try local food and visit the beaches, summer is the best season to go, especially in May and June when the weather is pleasant and the sun is shining.

Conclusion

Traveling to Cam Pha, Quang Ninh is always an appealing option for many visitors. If you’re looking for a new destination to explore, don’t miss out on this fascinating place. This region still remains untouched by rapid development and has yet to be overrun by human activity. Visit now to experience its unspoiled charm before it changes. 

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