Explore the Untouched Beauty of Binh Lieu: A Hidden Gem Near Halong Bay
My 3-Day Adventure to Binh Lieu, the “Little Sapa” of Quang Ninh
When mentioning about Quang Ninh’s tourism, people often think of the world-famous Ha Long Bay. But on a recent 3-day adventure inspection trip with 50 other travel professionals, I discovered that Quang Ninh is home to another gem – Binh Lieu, a pristine mountainous district just waiting to be explored. Often dubbed the “Little Sapa of Quang Ninh,” Bình Liêu offers pristine landscapes, year- round cool climate, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling outdoor activities, making it a perfect off-the-beaten-path destination.
Binh Lieu Travel Guide
Day 1: Hanoi – Binh Lieu (260km), kayak on Tien Yen River, Visit Luc Na Temple & Luc Hon Rice Terraces. Overnight in Binh Lieu Palace Hotel (L,D)
07:00 AM, we left Hanoi on Hanoi- Van Don highway with a scenic drive past Halong bay to Binh Lieu
11:30 AM. Upon arrival, we had lunch of local dishes at Quang Huy restaurant.
13:00 PM , start our inspection trip to peaceful Tien Yen River. Known for its serene beauty, this river is ideal for kayaking. Paddling along the calm waters, we were surrounded by verdant greenery and a sense of tranquility that was hard to match. The adventure was an instant reminder of Binh Lieu’s potential for nature-based tourism.
15:00 PM. Next, we visited Luc Na Temple, a quiet, spiritual site nestled in the countryside. The temple, dedicated to local deities and revolutionary heroes, provided a glimpse into the rich spiritual life of the region. The day ended with a visit to Luc Hon’s terraced rice fields, where the rice terraces stretched out like golden waves. The lush green fields gradually turning gold made for a breathtaking scene, and we were fortunate to visit during the harvest season.
After a long day of exploration, we checked – in the comfortable Binh Lieu Palace Hotel for the night.
19:00 PM. Dinner is served at the hotel’s restaurant with a special show of local ethnics’ dances & songs
Day 2. Morning Visit to local Sunday market & full day hike thru Dong Van’s natural beauty. Overnight in Binh Lieu Palace Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 3. Morning Visit to Khe Van waterfall – drive to Van Don airport & some nearby attractions – back to Hanoi (B,L)
On the last day, after breakfast, we set off for Khe Van Waterfall, one of Binh Lieu’s must-see places. The sight of water cascading down the rocks, surrounded by dense greenery, was a perfect finale to our trip. The peaceful ambiance and natural beauty of this spot made it a must-visit for any travelers doing trips to Binh Lieu.
Early lunch in Binh Lieu town, then we made our way back to Hanoi with stops at several sites in Van Don such as Van Don International airport, Cua Ong temple, Bai Dai beach…. finding more the potentials for good travel connections with Binh Lieu & Halong bay.
Back on highway so we fast reached Hanoi & finished Binh Lieu inspection trip around 20:00 PM in Hanoi city.
Binh Lieu’s Things To Do & Places to Visit : My Insights from the Inspection Trip
Through this 3-day Binh Lieu trip, I have gained invaluable insights into Binh Lieu’s immense travel potentials with things to do & suggested places to visit in this Binh Lieu Travel Guide as follow :
1. Untouched Landscapes: Binh Lieu’s landscapes—its mountains, valleys, forests, and rice terraces—are breathtakingly beautiful. The area feels untouched by mass tourism, making it a refreshing destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
2. Rich Cultural Heritage: The district is home to various ethnic minorities, including Dao Thanh Phan, Tay, San Chi, Hoa…., who make up 96% of the population. Their traditional lifestyles, colorful clothing, and unique festivals offer rich cultural experiences for any visitors. You can visit their remote villages on customized Bình Liêu trekking tours or meet locals directly at their weekly markets, typical ones garthered in Binh Lieu town ( on Sunday) & in Dong Van commune (on Sarturday).
Meet a local Dao Thanh Phan in Song Mooc area
3. Stunning Rice Terraces: Particularly in Luc Hon and Dong Van communes, the rice terraces here are cultivated twice a year, with the most picturesque moments in July and October when the fields turn golden. These terraces rival those in other famous destinations like Sapa & Pu Luong. While rice terraces in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai & Hoang Su Phi are harvested eariler in August & September, you can experience Binh Lieu’s rice terraces in late October.
4. Hidden Waterfalls: Binh Lieu is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Khe Van and Khe Tien. These natural wonders, hidden deep in the forest, are perfect for adventure travelers and nature enthusiasts.
5. Trekking Routes: The district offers numerous trekking routes through rice terraces, local villages, cinnamon/star anise forests or tropical forest conquering the summits, ranging from easy to challenging ones, making it accessible to all kinds of hikers.
6. Kayaking on Tien Yen River: For water sports enthusiasts, kayaking along Tien Yen River is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Binh Lieu’s landscape from a different perspective.
7. Conquering Peaks: Adventure seekers can challenge themselves by climbing the peaks of Cao Xiem and Cao Ly, where the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular.
8. Check-in at Border Milestones: Binh Lieu’s 42 km border with China provides opportunities to visit iconic border milestones including the challenging but rewarding trek to the “dinosaur spine” at marker 1305 ( the must-see ones are 1300, 1302, and 1305)
9. Savor Authentic Local Dishes: The area is known for its signature dishes, including seven-color sticky rice, coóc mò cake, g?t gù cake, ng?i cake, tài l?ng ?p vermicelli, grilled stream fish, and stir-fried wild bamboo shoots. Sampling these local specialties can be a delightful adventure, but tastes can vary widely. If you have specific preferences, don’t hesitate to ask your tour providers to help you explore a variety of dishes
10. Convenient approach & connections with other tourist destinations such as Van Don international airport, Quan Lan island, Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong bay.
Practical Tips for Visiting Binh Lieu
When is the ideal time to visit Bình Liêu?
Each season in Binh Lieu presents its own distinct beauty so you can choose the right time to visit basing on your travel interest of things to do there !
In spring (Jan – April), visitors can enjoy vibrant festivals such as Luc Na Temple Festival, Soong Co Love Duet Festival, and “Wind Avoidance Day,” while also taking in the beauty of red maple trees.
Summer (May- Aug) brings the roar of cascading waterfalls and the lushness of terraced fields. During this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, very suitable for swimming or playing in the water.
In autumn ( Sep – early Nov), the blooming reed fields along the roads to the border markers become a stunning sight.
July and October mark the rice harvest seasons in Bình Liêu, you can enjoy the beauty of golden rice terraces admist the valleys & on mountain slopes.
If you love trekking adventure, plan your trip to Binh Lieu between late October to early May with dry climate & cool weather – ideal time for your outdoor adventures.
How to Get to Binh Lieu Vietnam?
For foreigners, overnight stay in Binh Lieu has not been permitted yet. To explore this district and the surrounding areas near China-Vietnamese border, you need to have a travel permit, which typically takes about 4 days to a week to obtain. If it’s your first time visiting Bình Liêu, we highly recommend arranging your trip through a local travel company like Golden Holiday Travel. We will assist you in contacting the local office to acquire the necessary permit, provide transportation from Hanoi, and help you design the ideal itinerary. You just sit back and enjoy the journey.
Where to Stay While Visiting Bình Liêu?
Accommodation options are limited in number & service here so you should plan your travel plan far in advance to make sure the room’s availabilty. Binh Lieu Palace Hotel is one of the few choices, but there are also local homestays such as A Dào, A Píu, Hoàng S?n, or Sông Moóc
Be Mindful of Local Cultural Etiquettes
The remote district Binh Lieu is home to various ethnic groups with rich traditions and customs. It’s essential to show respect when visiting their villages, particularly during festivals or religious ceremonies. If you wish to take photos of the locals, please be sure to ask for their permission first.
Hopefully, this travel blog is a great reference for you about Binh Lieu. If you’re looking for an untouched, culturally rich, and naturally stunning destination, Bình Liêu is a must-visit. You can also explore more of northern Vietnam by adding a visit to Cao Bang, home to the great Ban Gioc Waterfall, to your Binh Lieu itinerary. For any travel assistance—whether it’s obtaining a travel permit, booking a customized Binh Lieu hiking tour, or arranging private car transfers from Hanoi—feel free to reach out to us at +84.988451530 (WhatsApp) or via email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Binh Lieu is a mountainous district in Quang Ninh province, located about 100km from Halong Bay. It is often called the “Sapa of Quang Ninh” because of its cool climate, majestic terraced rice fields, and winding mountain passes. Unlike Sapa, however, Binh Lieu remains a hidden gem, offering a more pristine and quiet experience for travelers looking to escape the crowds
The best time to visit depends on the scenery you prefer. October and November are peak months for trekking the “dinosaur backbone” (Sống lưng khủng long) when the white reed flowers bloom across the hills. If you want to see golden terraced rice fields, visit in late October. For a cool, refreshing atmosphere and blooming trẩu flowers, March and April are ideal
Absolutely. Since Binh Lieu is located in the same province as Halong Bay, it is an excellent extension for adventurous travelers. After a luxury cruise in the bay, you can take a private car to Binh Lieu to experience a completely different side of Vietnam—rugged mountains, ethnic minority culture, and challenging border treks that overlook neighboring China
The most iconic spot is the “Dinosaur Backbone” and Border Marker 1305, famous for its steep, scenic pathway. Other highlights include Border Marker 1317, the majestic Khe Van Waterfall, and the Cao Ly mountain range. Don’t miss the local markets where you can meet the San Chi and Dao Thanh Phan ethnic groups in their traditional attire.
Trekking in Binh Lieu varies from moderate to challenging. The path to Border Marker 1305 (the Dinosaur Backbone) is well-paved with concrete steps but is quite steep and requires good physical stamina. However, the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys make every step worth the effort. Golden Holiday Travel can provide experienced guides to ensure a safe and paced trekking experience
Yes, Golden Holiday Travel offers specialized private tours to Binh Lieu departing from both Hanoi and Halong City. Our services include private transport with professional drivers experienced in mountain roads, local guides who understand the ethnic cultures, and curated itineraries that combine the best trekking routes with authentic local homestays.
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