Introduction

Quang Binh has many magnificent attractions and Nhat Le Beach is one of them. This beach is famous for its wild and peaceful landscape with a long white sandy shore, crystal blue clear water, and green coconut grows making a stunning picture. Coming to this destination, tourists will be immersed in its natural beauty and enjoy relaxing moments. Let’s get your luggage and discover this place with Asia King Travel! 

A beautiful side of Nhat Le Beach, Quang Binh. Source: Quang Binh Booking

A beautiful side of Nhat Le Beach, Quang Binh. Source: Quang Binh Booking

Location 

Nhat Le Beach is in Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam. It takes about 1 km to the northeast of Dong Hoi city center and around 495 km from the city center of Hanoi. This beach is located right at the Nhat Le River mouth, creating a beautiful natural scenery with the harmony between the river and the sea. Because of its geographical location, this place quickly becomes an attractive tourist destination. 

How to get there 

From the center of Hanoi

  • Airplane: You can book a flight ticket from Noi Bai International Airport to Dong Hoi Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to Dong Hoi City. Then you can go to Nhat Le Beach by taxi or you can rent a motorbike. 
  • Train: From Hanoi train station, you can choose one of the train numbers SE3, SE5, or SE7 to go to Dong Hoi station. Because the train runs through the night, it takes about 9 to 10 hours. When you arrive in Dong Hoi City, you can take one of the inner transports to go to the beach. 
  • Private car: From Hanoi, you follow along the direction of 1A National Highway or Ho Chi Minh Trail to go straight to Dong Hoi city center. It depends on the traffic situation and your speed so it takes around 8 to 9 hours to get there. 

From the city center of Dong Hoi 

  • Motorbike/ taxi: This is a safe and fast choice. It takes only around 5 to 10 minutes to get to Nhat Le Beach by these transports if there is no traffic jam. From the city center, you take Quach Xuan Ky Street, then you turn into Truong Phap Street - the most beautiful coastal road. 
  • Riding a bike/ going on foot: If you love sightseeing while going to the beach, this is a great option. You can go along the direction of Nhat Le River and it takes around 10 to 15 minutes. 

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History 

Nhat Le Beach is located at the river mouth, this area has long been the intersection of Nhat Le River and the East Sea, forming a beach with a pristine natural landscape with long fine white sand, and crystal blue seawater. In the old days, this place was an important estuary during the Champa period, then became a trade transit point under the Nguyen Dynasty.

The name “Nhat Le” also has a romantic meaning, it is considered to come from the beauty of the sunlight reflecting on the seawater surface, making a shimmering scenery. In the past, this beach witnessed many significant events, especially the wars against French colonialism and American imperialism, when this sector was a crucial defense point of Quang Binh. 

A bustling afternoon scene on the beach. Source: Phong Nha Travel

A bustling afternoon scene on the beach. Source: Phong Nha Travel

Best time to visit  

Visitors can come to Nhat Le Beach from April to August, this is the most ideal time to explore this attraction. During this period, the weather is hot so it is suitable for swimming and avoiding heat, the water is clear blue and there is little rain. This is the peak tourist season of Quang Binh, attracting a large number of travelers. 

Moreover, if you want to discover this beach in less tourist time, you can come here from September to early October. This is a suitable choice because the weather is still relatively stable, it is not too hot, few storms, and the service prices are cheaper than those in the peak season. However, this period sometimes has storms so you need to watch the weather forecast before visiting here to ensure your safety.  

What to do there 

Swimming and relaxing 

This attraction is well-known for its sandy shore, clear water, and calm waves giving a good condition for tourists to swim and chill out. Travelers can soak in the cool water under light sunlight, or jog along the beach to feel a peaceful space. If you want a complete sense of relaxation, you can try lying on the bean bag by the beach, drinking fresh coconut water, and enjoying fresh air. 

Visitors enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach. Source: MIA.vn

Visitors enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beach. Source: MIA.vn 

Kayak or jet skiing

If you are interested in activities on the beach, you can sail a kayak or try a strong feeling with a jet ski. Those are popular activities, especially for tourists who love sports and explore the sea. These services are often available at the beach at reasonable prices for you to rent. Moreover, if you play in a group, you can try the banana boat, which is a vibrant experience. 

A peaceful morning scenery at Nhat Le Beach. Source: Jungle Boss

A peaceful morning scenery at Nhat Le Beach. Source: Jungle Boss

Watching sunrise and sunset 

Nhat Le Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Central Vietnam for watching sunrise and sunset. Visitors can get up early, and jog along the beach to see the sunrise from the horizon reflecting on the water surface. In the afternoon, the sunset dyes the sky and the sea to a red color, creating a picturesque natural picture. This is an ideal time to take some photos to capture romantic moments. 

A magnificent natural picture of the sunset at Nhat Le Beach. Source: Dai Moc Travel

A magnificent natural picture of the sunset at Nhat Le Beach. Source: Dai Moc Travel

Night squid fishing 

For those who want to discover local life, you can participate in night squid fishing with the fishermen on the beach. When the night comes, you will get on the boat and set sail. You will hand-feet by yourself and watch the squids jump out of the water. When you catch enough squids, you can prepare them for many fresh dishes and enjoy your result right on the boat. 

Night squid fishing is an interesting activity for tourists. Source: Chudu24

Night squid fishing is an interesting activity for tourists. Source: Chudu24

Food around Nhat Le Beach 

Snakehead fish congee

This is a signature dish in Quang Binh with broth made from pork bones and snakehead fish, giving a natural sweet taste. Banh canh noodles are made from rice flour, slightly thick and chewy, they are similar to pho noodles but more nutty. After being boiled, the fish will be deboned and braised with dried spring onions, peppers, and spices to increase the richness. You can eat the dish with spring rolls to feel a delicious flavor. 

Snakehead fish congee - a special dish that you must try. Source: Gia dinh

Snakehead fish congee - a special dish that you must try. Source: Gia dinh

Jumping squids

“Jumping squid” is a type of squid caught right in the Nhat Le Sea area and is still fresh when processed. This dish can be prepared in many ways such as steamed, grilled, stir-fried, boiled with ginger fish sauce, or made into a salad. The squid meat is crispy and naturally sweet. When dipped in the sauce or lemon pepper salt, the flavor becomes more attractive.

The jumping squids can be prepared into many delicious plats. Source: MIA.vn

The jumping squids can be prepared into many delicious plats. Source: MIA.vn

Catfish hotpot 

Catfishes have white soft meat and are boneless, suitable for hotpots. The fish is washed, cut into pieces, marinated with spices, and put into a hot and sour pot. When tourists enjoy, you just need to dip the fish into the boiling hot pot then you can taste them. The hot pot broth is savory, and the fish is soft melting in the mouth mixed with fresh vegetables creating an attractive dish.

This hotpot has a unique flavor that you should try once. Soure: Timtour, phu vu bang ca trai tim

This hotpot has a unique flavor that you should try once. Soure: Timtour, phu vu bang ca trai tim

Blood cockle (so huyet) 

Blood cockles have thick, sweet, and nutritious meat. They can be prepared in many ways such as steamed with lemongrass, stir-fried with tamarind, and especially grilled with spring onion oil is popular among travelers. The cockles are grilled over hot coals and then sprinkled with spring onion oil, and roasted peanuts to enhance the flavor creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Blood cockles - a specialty that you should not miss. Source: Bao An Giang

Blood cockles - a specialty that you should not miss. Source: Bao An Giang

Conclusion 

Nhat Le Beach is not only a beach but also an attraction bringing many unforgettable experiences. With its peaceful beauty, fresh air, and interesting activities, this place will satisfy you. Let’s visit and explore this destination with Asia King Travel! 

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