The Hạ Long Bay–Cát Bà Archipelago World Heritage Site is a seascape of limestone islands and islets in Quảng Ninh Province and the city of Hải Phòng. It is considered the world’s most extensive and best-known example of marine tower karst topography. Hạ Long Bay was recognised as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000; in 2023, a major change to the site’s boundaries expanded the World Heritage Site. Another natural area within the province is Bái Tử Long National Park, an ASEAN Heritage Park.
Ten sightseeing and travel routes for Bái Tử Long Bay were published in 2025. Route 1 starts at Ao Tiên Port. This makes it possible to plan around the options actually on offer, without assuming a particular tour.
Coasts and Nature Experiences
The island district of Cô Tô lies in the northeast of the province and includes beaches such as Bãi Tàu Đắm, Hồng Vàn and Vàn Chảy. Beach conditions can vary by season, so it is worth checking the timing of your trip. On Cô Tô, a ten-hectare forest of Chõi trees also offers a seasonal highlight: in April, when the trees blossom, visitors can go trekking, take photographs and conduct research there. Trà Cổ Beach in Móng Cái 1 is more than 17 kilometres long. On Cái Chiên, a seaside promenade more than one kilometre long runs above Đầu Rồng Beach, offering a place to stroll. You can also learn about island culture and the daily lives of local residents.
At Pạc Sủi Waterfall in Yên Than, 14 cascades follow one another, each with a clear pool below. Visitors can also enjoy local Tiên Yên specialities prepared by residents, including the famous Tiên Yên chicken. The Đồng Rui mangroves offer a different nature experience: at low tide, you can explore them on foot or by basket boat and collect crabs and snails. An excursion from Đồng Rui to Mũi Lòng Vàng can also include a wooden-boat ride to the sand island, catching seafood with local residents and preparing your own catch.
Trails and Spiritual History
In Bình Liêu, the “Dinosaur Backbone” mountain trail connects border markers 1302 and 1305. The restored path covers about two kilometres and around 2,000 steps, leading to marker 1305. At Yên Tử, you can encounter another trail tradition: the area is considered the birthplace of the Trúc Lâm tradition and includes parts of an ancient pilgrimage route. This route is associated with the abdication of the monk-king Trần Nhân Tông and the beginning of his monastic life. Trail conditions can vary; check them before setting out on a particular hike. The Yên Tử, Vĩnh Nghiêm, Côn Sơn and Kiếp Bạc Monuments and Landscapes Complex was inscribed on the World Heritage List on 12 July 2025.
The Đền Cửa Ông–Cặp Tiên temple complex is a major spiritual destination in Quảng Ninh and a highlight of a connected spiritual route through the northeast. The Đền Cửa Ông monument complex preserves historic architectural features and statues from the 19th century. Its festival is recognised as national intangible cultural heritage: it is celebrated on the 3rd and 4th days of the second lunar month and is also held in the eighth lunar month. Check the specific festival dates and programme before your trip.
Museums, Crafts and Festivals
The Quảng Ninh Museum is part of the sightseeing programme in Hạ Long. It displays around 3,000 exhibits from a total collection of 65,000 objects, covering themes including the sea and nature, history, and coal mining. These figures may change as exhibitions are updated. Interactive screens invite visitors to explore images and sounds, simulate historical content and settings, learn interesting facts and try puzzle games. The audio guide includes 33 commentaries on exhibition areas and 12 separate commentaries on national treasures; its content may be revised.
At the traditional craft village of Hưng Học, established around the mid-15th century, visitors can learn how local fish traps and bamboo boats are made. The annual Tiên-Công Festival at the Tiên-Công Shrine in Phong Cốc, a state-recognised cultural festival, offers another example of living culture. Its celebrations include folk games and traditional cultural activities that attract visitors from other regions.
Discover more destinations: Hạ Long, Móng Cái City, Cẩm Phả City and Cẩm Phả City.
More travel inspiration: Ninh Bình, Lâm Đồng, Phú Yên and An Giang.
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