Binh Lieu Hiking & Halong Bay Cruise – 2 Day Nature Escape
Overview
Trip Highlights
Nestled in the northernmost reaches of Quang Ninh province, Binh Lieu shares a 42km border with China, and is located over 100km from Ha Long City and nearly 270km from Hanoi. This hidden gem is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, characterized by charming border roads and lush greenery. Visitors are drawn to Binh Lieu’s pristine nature, which includes fragrant forests of anise, cinnamon, and bamboo, along with vast terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainsides.
2 day hiking trip in Binh Lieu
Beyond its natural beauty, Binh Lieu also offers a unique glimpse into the rich mountain culture of its ethnic minorities, including San Chi, Hoa, Tay, and high-hat Dao (Dao Thanh Phan). Travelers can explore traditional clay houses, immerse themselves in the authentic lifestyles of the locals, and savor delicious regional specialties.
Conveniently situated near Ha Long Bay, a 2- day hiking tour in Binh Lieu perfectly connects your visit to the iconic destination – Halong bay for a day Halong Bay cruise.This 2-day Binh Lieu escape is a fantastic opportunity to appreciate breathtaking mountain landscapes, serene valleys, and terraced rice fields. You’ll trek through scenic trails that lead to various local villages, providing opportunities to engage with the community & learn about their daily lives.

- Day 1. Hanoi – Binh Lieu, trek between Soong Mooc & Khe Tien villages. Overnight in Binh Lieu Palace (B,L,D)
- Day 2. Morning Binh Lieu visit to Khe Van waterfall – Halong bay cruise- Hanoi (B, L)

Rice harvest in Dong Van among Dao Thanh Phan
Special Highlights of 2 Day Binh Lieu Hiking & Halong Bay Cruise
- Discover the untouched landscapes of Binh Lieu, featuring hidden waterfalls, majestic mountains & serene rice terraces, perfect for photography and nature lovers seeking tranquility away from the bustling tourist spots
- Dive into the rich heritage of Binh Lieu by engaging with local ethnic minorities such as the San Chi, Hoa, Tay, and high-hat Dao. Explore traditional clay houses and participate in their daily activities for an authentic cultural experience
- Enjoy guided hikes through picturesque trails that weave through vibrant villages and fragrant forests of anise, cinnamon, and bamboo. These trails offer not only breathtaking views but also opportunities to interact with the locals.
- Taste fresh local seafood and traditional Vietnamese cuisine during the journey
- Discover the majestic beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore hidden caves, floating villages, and quiet lagoons in Halong Bay
This 2-day Binh Lieu hiking & Halong bay cruise promises not just physical activity but also a chance to connect with nature and local culture, making it a unique and wondeful travel experience.
Itinerary
8:00 AM: Depart Hanoi for Binh Lieu, a scenic mountain district along the Vietnam-China border. Enjoy a picturesque 3.5-hour drive along the highway, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
11:30 AM. Upon arrival in Binh Lieu town, savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, experiencing the flavors of the region
13:30 PM. After a short drive, set off for a 3-hour trek in Dong Van commune. The trek covers approximately 8 kilometers between the scenic villages of Song Mooc and Khe Tien.Follow scenic trails that wind through fragrant anise and cinnamon forests, as well as pristine tropical jungles. Take in breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and quaint villages, all backgrounded by the stunning backdrop of rolling mountains.

Rice terraces along the hiking routes
16:30 PM. Conclude your hike in Khe Tien village, where your driver will be waiting to take you to Binh Lieu Palace Hotel.
17:30 PM. Check in & be free at your relaxation.
19:00 PM. Enjoy a cozy dinner at the hotel. Relax and recharge for the adventures that await on the following day.
After enjoying breakfast, take a scenic drive to Huc Dong commune, where you will visit the breathtaking Khe Van Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Binh Lieu & Quang Ninh
Rising about 100 meters, this stunning waterfall is composed of three tiers, each forming pristine blue pools at their base. Marvel at the emerald waters cascading over the rocks, creating a spectacular display of nature’s beauty.

Khe Van waterfall
Take your time to explore the waterfall and its picturesque surroundings. For the adventurous, consider climbing to the upper level for a panoramic view of the falls and the lush landscape below.
After your visit, transfer to Halong City for 5 hour Halong bay cruise to visit Sung Sot cave, kayak at Luon tunnel & hike at Ti Top Island.
18:00. Meet driver for a journey back to Hanoi.
The Trip’s Inclusions :
- Private car with driver following the program.
- Private tourguide of English speaking along the journey.
- Meals of local dishes stated in the program (B- breakfast, L- lunch, D- dinner)
- Entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places in the itinerary.
- Travel permits to visit Binh Lieu
- Accommodation with one night in the hotel (twin/double- shared room on basis)
The Trip’s Exclusions :
- Tips to driver & tourguide
- Drinks & personal expenses
- Visa to enter Vietnam & flight tickets
- Cruise services in Halong bay & other services not stated in the program……
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time for a Binh Lieu trekking tour is from late October to early May. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, providing perfect conditions for outdoor adventure. Specifically, late October to November is the famous “Reed Grass Season,” when the hillsides are covered in poetic white blooms, while the spring months offer lush greenery and local ethnic festivals.
The “Dinosaur Spine” is a famous trekking ridge leading to Border Marker 1305, the highest point in Quang Ninh province. It is named for its winding, narrow path that resembles the spine of a prehistoric creature. While the path has been improved with over 2,000 concrete steps, it remains a moderate challenge due to its steep incline and the time required (typically 2–3 hours). The panoramic views of the Vietnam-China border from the top make it a must-do for every hiker.
Binh Lieu is approximately 270 km from Hanoi. The most efficient way to travel is by private car or luxury van, which takes about 5 to 6 hours via the Hanoi–Hai Phong–Ha Long highway. For a seamless experience, Golden Holiday Travel provides private transfers that allow you to enjoy the scenic mountain passes and stop at the famous Thung Khe Pass or local markets along the route.
Binh Lieu is unique for its “Marker Hunting” culture. There are 64 markers along the border, but the four most iconic are 1300, 1302, 1305, and 1327. Marker 1305 is the most famous for its challenging “Dinosaur Spine” trek, while Marker 1327 offers incredible views of the surrounding ethnic villages and rolling hills.
Binh Lieu is a cultural mosaic, home to the Tay, Dao Thanh Y, Dao Thanh Phan, and San Chi ethnic groups. A 2-day trekking tour with Golden Holiday Travel includes visits to rustic villages like Song Mooc or Khe Tien, where you can observe traditional stilt houses, see locals in their colorful handmade attire, and learn about their unique customs and forest-based way of life.
As a licensed tour operator, Golden Holiday Travel offers an expert-led, off-the-beaten-path itinerary that balances physical adventure with cultural immersion. Our 2-day package includes professional English-speaking guides, private transportation, and authentic local meals. We ensure you hit the best photo spots at the right time—especially during the reed grass or harvest seasons—while providing a safe and organized mountain experience
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

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Binh Lieu Hiking & Halong Bay Cruise – 2 Day Nature Escape