Quảng Ninh retains its administrative boundaries according to Resolution 202/2025/QH15, with 54 wards/communes. The province owns the Vịnh Hạ Long World Natural Heritage Site, Vân Đồn International Airport, and the longest Vietnam–China border in the North.
Vịnh Hạ Long
UNESCO Heritage SiteWorld Natural Heritage Site with nearly 2,000 limestone islands amidst emerald blue waters. Hạ Long is a symbol of Vietnamese tourism, attracting millions of visitors each year with overnight cruises, kayaking, and exploring Sửng Sốt, Thiên Cung, Đầu Gỗ caves.
Things to do:- Overnight cruise to admire the bay
- Kayaking among rocky islands
- Explore Sung Sot Cave
- Swimming at Ti Top Island
- Watch the sunset from the ship's deck
- Enjoy seafood at a fishing village
🗓️ Best time to visit: October – April (cool, less rain)
🚗 Getting there: 155 km from Hà Nội — Hà Nội–Hải Phòng–Quảng Ninh expressway, ~2h30 by car. Fly to Vân Đồn (VDO) or Cát Bi (HPH) then 1 hour by car.
Đảo Cô Tô
Island beachA pristine archipelago with fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Co To is a quiet destination, ideal for those who want to escape the city and watch the beautiful sunrise from the lighthouse on top of the island.
Things to do:- Watch the sunrise from Co To lighthouse
- Swimming at Van Chay beach
- Snorkeling to see coral
- Cycling around the island
- Enjoy fresh seafood
- Overnight camping on the beach
🗓️ Best time to visit: May – August (sunny, calm sea)
🚗 Getting there: From Hanoi to Cai Rong (Van Don) ~4h by car, high-speed boat to Co To ~1h. 55 km from Ha Long + boat.
Yên Tử
SpiritualityThe ancestral land of Truc Lam Vietnamese Buddhism, where King Tran Nhan Tong practiced. The journey of climbing 6,000 stone steps through bamboo forests to Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu peak (1,068 m) is a profound spiritual experience, combining trekking amidst pristine nature.
Things to do:- Climb to Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu peak
- Take the cable car to admire the bamboo forest
- Visit Hoa Yen Pagoda
- Pay homage at Hue Quang Tower
- Trekking through pristine forest
- Yen Tu Festival on the 10th day of the first lunar month
🗓️ Best time to visit: January – March (festival season)
🚗 Getting there: 120 km from Hanoi — Hanoi–Hai Phong expressway, turn at Uong Bi, ~2h by car. 35 km from Ha Long.
Vịnh Bái Tử Long
NatureA quieter version of Hạ Long — fewer tourist boats, pristine, clearer water. Bái Tử Long National Park preserves limestone island ecosystems and mangrove forests. Ideal for private yachting, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Things to do:- Private yacht to explore the bay
- Kayaking through sea caves
- Snorkeling to see coral
- Camping on deserted islands
- Visit Vung Viêng fishing village
- Trekking on Ba Mùn island
🗓️ Best time to visit: April – August (sunny, calm sea)
🚗 Getting there: 30 km east of Hạ Long. Depart from Vân Đồn pier or book a private yacht from Hạ Long.
Cửa khẩu Móng Cái
BorderThe busiest Vietnamese-Chinese border city in the North. Besides trade, Móng Cái has the 17 km long Trà Cổ beach — dubbed 'the longest beach in Vietnam' — and a colorful border market.
Things to do:- Swim at Trà Cổ beach 17 km
- Shopping at Mong Cai border market
- Check in at Km0 border marker
- Visit Truc Lam Tra Co Pagoda
- Eat fresh seafood on the beach
- Cross Bac Luan Bridge to Dongxing (China)
🗓️ Best time to visit: May – September (beautiful sea)
🚗 Getting there: 180 km from Hạ Long — QL18, ~3h by car. 335 km from Hà Nội (~5h by expressway + QL18).
Bình Liêu
VillagesDubbed 'Little Sa Pa of Quang Ninh' with terraced fields, vast cogon grass hills, and Dao, Tay, San Chi ethnic communities. The white cogon grass season in November-December is the most beautiful time, attracting many photographers.
Things to do:- Hunting for photos of terraced fields during rice season
- Trekking white cogon grass hills
- Visit Song Mooc village
- Check in at border marker 1305
- Khe Van Waterfall amidst primeval forest
- Enjoy grilled free-range chicken with mắc khén
🗓️ Best time to visit: September – December (ripe rice + white cogon grass)
🚗 Getting there: 100 km from Ha Long — QL18 + DT330, ~2h30 by car. 260 km from Hanoi (~4h30).
Chả mực Hạ Long — Fresh hand-pounded squid, deep-fried until golden and crispy — Quảng Ninh's number 1 specialty
Bánh gật gù Tiên Yên — Thinly rolled rice paper, served with sweet and sour fish sauce
Gà Tiên Yên — Hill-raised chicken with firm, sweet meat, grilled over charcoal or steamed with salt
Sá sùng Vân Đồn — Precious seafood, sun-dried for soup or stir-fry — high price
Will Quảng Ninh be merged?
No. Quảng Ninh will retain its administrative boundaries according to Resolution 202/2025/QH15, with 54 wards/communes after rearrangement.
Which province does Vịnh Hạ Long belong to?
Vịnh Hạ Long belongs to Quảng Ninh province — a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site recognized in 1994 and 2000.
How far is it from Hà Nội to Quảng Ninh?
Approximately 155 km by road via the Hà Nội – Hải Phòng – Quảng Ninh expressway, taking ~2h30 to drive. There is also Vân Đồn airport (VDO) serving international flights.