Quảng Bình: Kingdom of the World’s Biggest Caves

Quảng Bình (Quang Binh) province is located in the North Central Coast region of Vietnam and is known for its stunning natural beauty. The province is home to the world-renowned Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which features a complex system of caves and underground rivers that attract visitors from all over the world. In addition to its natural attractions, Quang Binh is also rich in history and culture, with many ancient temples and pagodas scattered throughout the region. Let’s explore Quang Binh with Vietnam Amazing in this article.

Location

Located in North-Central Vietnam, Quang Binh Province is surrounded by Ha Tinh Province on the north, East Sea on the east, Laos on the west and Quang Tri Province on the south.
Dong Hoi City is 491 km from Hanoi, 94 km from Dong Ha, 166 km from Hue, and 197 km from Vinh.

Transportation

National Highway No.1A and North-South Express Train runs through the province and stop at Dong Hoi City. Quang Binh has the Cha Lo Border Gate in Minh Hoa District to Laos.

Quang Binh also has Dong Hoi international airport, or can transfer to here when landing via Noi Bai airport (Ha Noi). International travelers easily access Quang Binh by airport or Border gate Cha Lo to visit when using the Vietnam E-Visa.

You find the information on the Vietnam E-Visa at this link.

Weather

Quang Binh belongs to the monsoon-tropical zone. The climate is divided into two seasons. Rainy season lasts from September to March next year. The annual average rainfall is 2,000-2,300mm. Heavy rains concentrate in September, October and November. Dry season lasts from April to August when it is suitable for outdoor activities like: discovering Caves, trekking, canoeing,.

Top destinations to explore

1. Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 300 caves, including Son Doong, the world’s largest cave. Visitors can take cave tours, go hiking, and swim in the rivers and waterfalls.

2. Relax on Nhat Le Beach

This beautiful beach is a great place to relax and swim. There are also a number of restaurants and bars located along the beach.

3. Visit the Suoi Moọc Ecology Tourism Zone

This stunning area of waterfalls, rivers, and forests is a great place to go for a swim, hike, or simply enjoy the natural beauty.

4. Learn about the Champa Kingdom

 The Champa Kingdom ruled Quang Binh from the 2nd to the 17th centuries. Remnants of the Champa Kingdom can still be seen today at the Dong Hoi Citadel and the My Son Sanctuary.

5. Attend a traditional festival

Quang Binh is home to a number of traditional festivals, including the Le Hoi Phong Nha (Phong Nha Festival) and the Le Hoi Dong Hoi (Dong Hoi Festival). These festivals are a great opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Food

Banh Canh porridge (Cháo bánh canh): This popular dish is made with rice noodles, shrimp, and a variety of herbs and spices.

Hull rice crepe from Quang Hoa (Bánh xèo Quảng Hoà): This unique dish is made with red rice flour steamed in a mold and served with snakehead fish, fresh herbs, Vietnamese crepes, and sauce.

Quang Binh’s mussels with rice paper (Chắt Chắt Banh Trang Quang Binh): This dish is made with mussels, rice paper, and a variety of herbs and spices. The mussels are cooked in a broth and then served with rice paper wrappers.

Dry sweet potato (Khoai Deo): This sweet potato is processed into thin strips and then dried in the sun. It is a popular snack in Quang Binh.

Accommodation

Quang Binh is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, and there is a wide range of accommodation options available, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels:

– Mường Thanh Luxury Nhat Le Hotel: This 5-star hotel is located on Nhat Le Beach and offers stunning views of the ocean.

– Melia Vinpearl Quang Binh: This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Dong Hoi City and offers luxurious accommodations and amenities.

– Rex Quang Binh Hotel: This 4-star hotel is located in Dong Hoi City and offers comfortable accommodations and amenities.

– Hideaway Homestay: This homestay is located in Phong Nha and offers a more personal experience.

– Green Riverside Cozy Home: This homestay is located on the banks of the Chay River, about 2 km from Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

– Chay Lap Farmstay & Resort: a beautiful eco-resort situated at the entrance of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition to its natural beauty, Quang Binh also has a rich history and culture. The province was once part of the ancient Champa Kingdom, and there are still many Cham ruins to be seen in Quang Binh today. The province was also a major battleground during the Vietnam War, and there are several war museums and memorials in Quang Binh.
Let Vietnam Amazing prepare your trip to Quang Binh at the very first step by assisting you apply for the Visa to Vietnam here.