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Quang Binh Province is situated in the North Central Coast region. It covers an area of around 8,065 square kilometers and has a population of nearly 1 million people. Dong Hoi is the provincial city.
Dong Hoi is a beautiful and developing coastal city. Photo: Nhiep anh doi song
Tourism is a growing industry due to the incredible natural attractions. Forests and mountains create pristine areas. Especially the cave system in Phong Nha has become the pride of the province and Vietnam to international friends. Asia King Travel will introduce you to this beautiful land through the following article.
Quang Binh sits about 480 kilometers south of Hanoi and 195 kilometers north of Da Nang. It's a solid day's drive from either of those major cities. The former capital Hue is a bit closer at around 170 kilometers away. So while Quang Binh isn't exactly next door to Vietnam's big names, visitors can create an epic road trip.
Quang Binh has the narrowest place in Vietnam, less than 50 kilometers from the border to the sea. Photo: Chinhphu
On the map, the province is next to Ha Tinh to the north and Quang Tri to the South. It borders Laos on a border of 200 kilometers long. The east faces the South China Sea.
Archaeological have uncovered ancient human relics from the Neolithic period. The province was formerly the territory of the Champa Kingdom. In 1069, the King of Champa ceded the land to Dai Viet to atone for his sins. Since then, Quang Binh Province has been a part of Vietnam.
The civil war in the 16th century led to the country being divided into Dang Trong and Dang Ngoai. The Gianh River was the boundary between the two regions. On either side of the river, people's lives took different paths.
Gianh River has marked the historical division of Vietnam for 200 years. Photo: Phong Nha Explorer
Along with Quang Tri, Quang Binh saw intense fighting during the First Indochina War against the French, and later the Vietnam War when the Ho Chi Minh Trail passed through the province. The area was heavily bombarded, leaving it one of the most heavily mined regions in the world after the war.
Statue of Mother Suot - she ferried Vietnamese soldiers across Nhat Le River in the Vietnam War. Photo: Quang Binh Newspapers
In modern times, the province has worked to recover from the devastation of war through economic development focused on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The province is rapidly modernizing while preserving its unique cultural identity and history.
It's impossible to ignore the unique characteristics that make Quang Binh special to the whole world. The geology is characterized by continuous limestone massifs with few fractures. Rainwater erodes the limestone, seeping into cracks and flowing downwards, gradually dissolving the limestone. Over millions of years, these cracks have been eroded to form caves. Therefore, the caves are long, even reaching tens of kilometers.
The beauty of Phong Nha, Son Doong, and countless other caves has gained worldwide recognition. Photo: Du lich Magazine
According to incomplete statistics, there are over 350 caves in the province, and more are still being discovered. More than 30 caves have been open for tourism. Many world-renowned newspapers and travel websites have dubbed Quang Binh the "Kingdom of Caves." Besides Son Doong, En Cave and Pygmy Cave are ranked third and fourth world’s largest, respectively.
Dong Hoi Airport served as the province’s main air gateway. This small but modern airport has flights from other provinces. If you're coming from Hanoi, the flight time is just over an hour - a short hop across the country. There are also some international connections from neighboring countries like Bangkok and Singapore, though these may require a transfer.
Outside Dong Hoi Airport. Photo: VnExpress
If you're an adventure seeker, getting to Quang Binh on wheels is an option. From Hanoi, it takes a 6-hour drive covering 500 kilometers. The popular route is taking the National Highway 1A. It’s about 3 hours less when departing from Hue or Da Nang.
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The best time to visit depends on what you're looking for in your travel experience. The dry season runs from March to August and is considered the peak tourist season. Yes, the weather is extremely hot, but it's the ideal time for exploring Quang Binh's stunning cave systems, trekking, and beachgoing.
Beside caves, Quang Binh is also home to stunning beaches. Photo: Packnote
If you want to avoid the crowds and peak pricing, consider visiting during the rainy season from September to February. While there is a higher chance of rainfall and chilly winds, the temperatures are much more manageable. It's a great time to check out cultural festivals and activities.
Dried sweet potato is a simple yet delicious snack. After being cleaned and boiled, the sweet potatoes are dried to create chewy sweet potato treats. You can find this snack in many markets throughout the province.
Dried sweet potato was created by local people to store food in preparation for natural disasters. Photo: Phong Nha Explorer
To fully enjoy the flavor of this dish, you should brew a pot of hot green tea. With each bite of the chewy sweet potato, you'll savor the sweetness and starchiness. A sip of green tea will balance the sweetness of the potato with its slightly bitter taste.
Renowned physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong first used local ginseng as medicine in Bo Chinh (now Bo Trach District). Bo Chinh ginseng was once a precious medicine usually used as a royal tribute. The health benefits of ginseng are numerous. Therefore, Bo Chinh ginseng is a valuable gift that should be considered.
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Bo Chinh ginseng is a meaningful gift to give to your relatives. Photo: Sam Bo Chinh Hoang Gia
Vo Xa Village in Quang Ninh Commune has long been famous for its traditional rice wine-making process. When drinking, you can feel the sweet and spicy taste of sticky rice, along with the characteristic mild aroma of leaf yeast. The longer the wine is stored, the richer and more lingering the flavor becomes.
Even though enjoying local specialties, you should still limit your alcohol. Photo: MIA
May not be as well-known as some of Vietnam's hotspots city, but Quang Binh's untouched beauty makes it a diamond in the rough. So what are you waiting for? Contact Asia King Travel to pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore the one and only natural beauty.
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