Things to know about Quang Binh
Quang Binh Province is located in the North Central Coast region, bordered by Ha Tinh province to the north, Quang Tri province to the south, Laos to the west and the East Sea to the east. The capital of Quang Binh is Dong Hoi city, in addition to Ba Don town and the districts of Bo Trach, Le Thuy, Minh Hoa, Quang Ninh, Quang Trach, and Tuyen Hoa.
Best time to visit Quang Binh
Quang Binh boasts a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The seasons are generally divided into wet and dry.
The dry season, stretching from April to August, is the most popular time to visit. During this period, sunshine reigns supreme, gracing the skies with clear blue hues. Temperatures are comfortable, hovering between 22-25°C (71-77°F), making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Plus, the tranquil seas and minimal rainfall create perfect conditions for beach lovers. However, keep in mind that this peak season also brings higher tourist numbers and potentially increased accommodation prices.
The wet season, encompassing the months from September to March, sees a rise in rainfall. While it can bring some refreshing showers, it’s important to be aware of the potential for heavier downpours and occasional typhoons, which typically occur between September and November. If you’re planning a trip during this time, be sure to pack rain gear and stay updated on weather forecasts. Despite the chance of rain, the wet season also offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
How to get to Quang Binh
Dong Hoi City is about 500 km from Hanoi and 1,000 km from Ho Chi Minh City. You can get to Quang Binh easily by plane, train, bus, or self drive.
Plane:There are direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi The frequency of flights to Quang Binh is not much, usually only 2 flights per day. The flight time from Hanoi to Dong Hoi is nearly 1 hour, and from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is nearly 2 hours.
Train: Dong Hoi Station is a stop for all Thong Nhat trains, SE trains or QB trains.
Bus: Many bus companies have routes to Quang Binh, running at night or day. You can check here: Ha Noi to Quang Binh bus, Ho Chi Minh to Quang Binh bus
Self drive: With a private car, tourists travel on National Highway 1A or Ho Chi Minh Road. Currently, many sections have highways, shortening travel time. From Hanoi to Dong Hoi is about 10 hours if there is no traffic jam and a short break. Note that on the first and last days of holidays, the road is often congested, especially the gateway to Hanoi.
If you want to sightsee, you can move along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The shortest section connecting National Highway 1A and the Ho Chi Minh Trail is located in Quang Binh province. Note that cell phone reception may be lost in some places on this route and drivers need to comply with speed regulations and be careful when going through residential areas. Travel time is 2-3 hours longer than National Highway 1A, no toll booths. The Ho Chi Minh Trail takes visitors along the Truong Son mountain range, through famous national parks such as Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Cuc Phuong forest.
What to do in Quang Binh
Explore the majesty of Paradise Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch, delve into Phong Nha Cave, another UNESCO marvel, where more dazzling rock formations await. This well-organized tour, led by knowledgeable guides, is a perfect way to experience these natural wonders in a single day. Check HERE
Cave system
Quang Binh is known as the “Kingdom of Caves” with hundreds of beautiful, pristine caves, many of which have received world records.
Trekking to Hang En Cave: Embark on a two-day, one-night adventure into the heart of Hang En Cave, a majestic giant featured in “Pan: The Neverland” and the BBC’s Planet Earth III. This trek, offered by Oxalis Adventure, takes you deep into Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam, for a night of camping within the 3-million-year-old cave. Follow in the footsteps of explorers and journalists who have documented Hang En’s beauty, and experience firsthand why it’s considered one of Oxalis Adventure’s most captivating expeditions. Check HERE
There are many more cave to explore: The famous Son Doong, Tu Lan, etc
What to eat in Quang Binh
Bánh bột lọc
Bánh bột lọc is a must-try dish when visiting Dong Hoi. The cake has a tapioca starch shell, shrimp and pork filling, wrapped in banana leaves. When steamed, the cake is transparent and has a strong flavor. Banh bot loc in Quang Binh also has a green bean filling.
Address: Aunt Thai’s Restaurant: 13 Dong Hai Street, Dong Hoi City
Banh khoai is a crispy Vietnamese pancake made from rice flour, water, turmeric powder, and salt. The batter is poured into a hot skillet and cooked until golden brown. Banh khoai is typically served with a variety of toppings, including shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs. It is often dipped in a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili peppers.
Address: Aunt Năm’s Restaurant: 13 Tran Hung Dao Street, Dong Hoi City
Where to stay in Quang Binh
Accommodation services in Quang Binh are developed and have many choices from hotels, motels to homestays, farmstays or camping.
In Dong Hoi, you can choose to stay in the city center area such as Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Tran Hung Dao Street or hotels with beautiful locations near Nhat Le Beach on Truong Pháp Street.
In the districts of Le Thuy, Quang Trach, Bo Trach, Minh Hoa, tourism is also exploited and there are also places to stay, with a variety of prices.
My curated list:
Affordable choices: Peaceful House Homestay, Vagibi Hotel, Royal Quang Binh Hotel
Hotels: Phuong Bac Luxury Hotel, Melia Vinpearl Quang Binh, Gold Coast Hotel Resort & Spa