With more than 80% of the land being mountainous, Quang Ninh is a perfect destination for campers and hikers who want to explore Vietnam’s pristine countryside.
Dubbed as the “Sapa of Quang Ninh”, Binh Lieu offers many hiking trails which will take you through verdant valleys and hills, terraced rice fields, cinnamon forests and murmuring waterfalls. Besides it’s natural beauty, tourists can also witness the lives of local indigenous tribes – Tay, San Chi and Dao – which make up 96% of the area’s population. If your travel dates fall on the weekend, make sure to visit colourful ethnic markets where you can buy medicinal herbs, honey, wild bamboo shoots, cinnamon bark and much more. Take it as a unique opportunity to try local specialities, like pho xao, black chicken and five colors sticky rice, play folk games, take photos and make new friends.
Sharing a 43km border with China, Binh Lieu is classed as a restricted area for foreigners so it’s highly advisable to book a guided tour through our reception.
Best time to visit:
For hiking – September to November, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low.
For cultural events (Luc Na communal house, Soong Co festival and love market) – February to April.
During winter months of December – February the temperatures can be too low (0-10 C) and it may snow occasionally.
Binh Lieu “must see and do” list:
Dinosaur spine trail and the border pole 1305, Khe Van Waterfall, Binh Lieu weekend market (all ethnic groups), Dong Van weekend market (Dao ethnic group), Women’s Football Tournament (San Chi ethnic group).