Binh Lieu Travel Guide 2026: Discovering Its Cinematic Natural Beauty

1 Where is Binh Lieu?

Binh Lieu is a mountainous district located in the northeastern part of Quang Ninh Province, approximately 270 km from Hanoi. Following the administrative merger on July 1, 2025, this region was reorganized into four communes: Tien Yen, Hoanh Mo, Luc Hon, and Binh Lieu.

Around 96% of the population here comprises ethnic minorities, primarily the Tay, Dao, San Chi, Kinh, and Hoa. Among them, the Tay make up the largest proportion at roughly 58.4%. This ethnic diversity shapes a vibrant cultural mosaic, serving as a compelling draw for visitors eager to explore authentic highland traditions.

Binh Lieu is frequently referred to as a "miniature Sapa" thanks to its pristine landscapes featuring cascading terraced rice fields, white reed plains, and the renowned dinosaur backbone ridge trail. A distinctive aspect of the region is the near-total absence of Buddhist pagodas or Christian churches; residents predominantly maintain ancestral worship and traditional communal village shrines.

Culturally, the most prominent event is the Au Po Festival of the Tay and San Chi ethnic groups, celebrated from the 14th to the 16th day of the third lunar month. It serves as an occasion for young men and women to gather, court, and sing alternate call-and-response folk verses, richly embodying highland cultural heritage.

2 Best Time to Visit Binh Lieu

The ideal time to travel to Binh Lieu depends on your desired experience, as each season endows the region with its own distinctive allure.

Quick suggestions:

• Spring: Experience traditional festivals and ethnic culture
• Summer: Admire cascading waterfalls and vibrant green terraced fields
• Autumn: Marvel at blooming white reed grass fields
• Winter: Embrace the crisp mountain chill, with occasional frost and snow

- Spring: The season of numerous festive celebrations such as the Luc Na communal house festival, Soong Co singing, and the "wind avoidance" (Kieng Gio) day. This is the prime time to immerse yourself in local customs and traditions.

- Summer: A refreshing green landscape accentuated by powerful gushing waterfalls and terraced fields brimming with life.

- Autumn: October to November marks the blooming of vast white reed fields, creating a poetic and romantic setting ideal for photography.

- Winter: Biting cold weather, occasionally bringing frost or light snowfall, offering a rare and memorable winter experience in northern Vietnam.

Additionally, you can plan your trip around specific scenic seasons:

• Vernicia montana (hoa trau) blossoms: late March
• Golden ripe rice harvest: October
• White reed grass season: November
• Camellia oleifera (hoa so) blossoms: year-end

3 How to Get to Binh Lieu

Traveling from Hanoi to Binh Lieu, you can select from several transportation options depending on your budget and travel preferences.

Traveling by car

Take the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Ha Long expressway, continue along National Highway 18, and turn onto National Highway 18C to arrive in Binh Lieu.

Traveling by motorbike

Popular itinerary: Hanoi → Bac Ninh → Chi Linh → Uong Bi → Ha Long → Tien Yen → Binh Lieu (QL18C). This scenic route is well-suited for adventurous backpackers.

Traveling by passenger bus

You can board a long-distance bus from Gia Lam Bus Station directly to Binh Lieu. Alternatively, take a coach to Ha Long or Mong Cai, and rent a motorbike from there for flexible exploration.

Note: In Binh Lieu, renting a motorbike is highly recommended due to the mountainous topography and multiple scenic points that are inaccessible by car.

There are diverse and flexible travel routes available from Hanoi to Binh Lieu

4 Where to Stay in Binh Lieu?

Accommodation in Binh Lieu primarily consists of boutique hotels and local homestays. Room rates are reasonable and cater to diverse traveler needs.

• Dormitory bed: from 50,000 VND/night
• Private room: around 200,000 - 400,000 VND/night

Recommendations:

• Binh Lieu Hotel: 3-star standard equipped with full amenities
• A Dao Homestay: overlooking reed grass fields with a serene ambiance
• Hoang San Homestay: ideal for restful relaxation and unwinding

5 Top Attractions & Check-in Spots in Binh Lieu

What to see and do in Binh Lieu? The destination is celebrated for its trekking routes, border landmarks, and untouched natural beauty, perfectly tailored for adventurous discovery.

5.1 Famous Border Markers

Binh Lieu possesses a network of more than 60 border markers along the border with China, with the most notable including:

• Border Marker 1305 (Dinosaur Backbone): Renowned as the highest and most spectacular border marker, perched atop the mountain ridge between Hoanh Mo and Dong Van communes. The trail winds along a knife-edge ridge resembling a dinosaur's spine, steep and imposing, challenging hikers' stamina.
• Border Markers 1300 and 1302: Situated near Marker 1305 along the border patrol route, these markers also command rugged vistas and are frequently incorporated into western Binh Lieu trekking itineraries.
• Border Marker 1327 (The Heavenly Marker): Located atop Thanh Long Linh mountain in Phat Chi village, Hoanh Mo commune (formerly Dong Van commune). This is a prominent and significant marker offering expansive panoramic vistas.
• Border Marker 1297: Situated within Kien Moc commune (formerly Bac Xa commune, Lang Son province), bordering Binh Lieu, famous for its sweeping hillsides blanketed with white reed grass that peak during autumn.

These border markers lie dotted along the border patrol road and serve as popular check-in destinations for young travelers looking to capture dramatic photos during their journey.

5.2 Reed Grass Fields

October to November is the finest period to admire Binh Lieu's white reed grass. Rolling hills covered in white blooms form an ethereal, poetic setting that is tailor-made for photography.

5.3 Terraced Fields in the Harvest Season

During the golden harvest season (October), Binh Lieu dons radiant amber hues across its terraced rice paddies, painting a picturesque and tranquil highland landscape.

5.4 Khe Van Waterfall

Khe Van Waterfall stands nearly 100 m tall, cascading over three distinct tiers into a crystal-clear natural pool. It makes a wonderful spot for picnics and refreshing dips in nature.

5.5 Cao Ly Mountain

Cao Ly Mountain spans more than 40 km² with multiple summits surpassing 1,000 m in elevation. It is an ideal setting for camping, cloud hunting, and admiring blooming rose myrtle blossoms during summer.

• July - September: Purple rose myrtle blooming season
• From late October: Prime cloud-hunting season

5.6 Cao Xiem Peak

Cao Xiem Peak (1,429 m) is the highest point in Quang Ninh Province. The trekking trail extends over 7 km, appealing to mountain hiking enthusiasts who love rugged exploration.

5.7 Highland Weekend Market

Held on weekends, the open-air market provides an authentic glimpse into everyday ethnic life and a great place to buy regional specialties such as wild forest honey, bamboo shoots, and medicinal herbs.

The scenic routes winding through Binh Lieu hold an untouched, poetic beauty, making every kilometer ideal for sightseeing and capturing stunning photos.

6 What to Eat in Binh Lieu?

Binh Lieu's gastronomy is deeply infused with mountain forest aromas and ethnic culinary heritage. The local dishes are uncomplicated yet hearty and flavorful, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Quick suggestions:

• Black chicken: firm texture, naturally sweet meat
• Stream fish: tender, delicate, free of fishiness
• Stir-fried pho: handmade noodles with a fragrant, chewy texture
• Canna vermicelli: Binh Lieu's most famous culinary specialty

- Binh Lieu black chicken: free-range raised with firm, lean meat, exceptionally flavorful whether boiled or roasted over charcoal.

- Stream fish: harvested from pure mountain brooks, offering sweet, tender flesh without any muddy or fishy aftertaste.

- Binh Lieu stir-fried pho: crafted from highland upland rice noodles that stay delightfully chewy, wok-tossed with pork and fragrant garlic.

- Canna vermicelli: produced from edible canna rhizomes, yielding resilient, naturally dark strands that remain firm when cooked, widely beloved by visitors.

7 What to Buy as Souvenirs in Binh Lieu?

Souvenirs and gift items from Binh Lieu are largely agricultural goods and local forest produce, easy to carry and rich in nutritional value.

• Dried radish: naturally sun-dried for 3-5 days, retaining a distinctive sweet crunch
• Wild forest honey: pure, unadulterated honey harvested deep in the jungle
• Canna vermicelli: renowned regional specialty, convenient to store and cook

These products are readily available at weekend markets or local grocery stalls.

8 Essential Binh Lieu Travel Tips

To ensure a seamless journey in Binh Lieu, you should plan and prepare in advance, as this is a remote mountainous area with limited tourist infrastructure.

• Pack a light windbreaker or jacket as mountain temperatures can drop suddenly
• Carry basic medical supplies, medicated oil, and insect repellent spray
• Pack high-energy snacks and water when taking on hiking trails
• Fill your fuel tank completely before heading out into remote passes

9 FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Binh Lieu unique compared to other mountainous destinations?

Binh Lieu stands out for its raw, untouched beauty barely altered by commercial mass tourism, along with its unique chain of high-altitude border markers, the breathtaking dinosaur backbone ridge trail, and sprawling autumn slopes of white reed grass. Furthermore, it boasts an authentic multi-ethnic heritage showcased through vibrant traditional festivals.

How many days are recommended for a trip to Binh Lieu?

Spending about 2-3 days is ideal to experience Binh Lieu. This allows ample time to conquer key border markers, trek Cao Xiem Peak, camp atop Cao Ly Mountain, and browse the lively highland weekend market.

Is any special preparation needed before visiting Binh Lieu?

Given the steep terrain and unpredictable weather, you should bring warm layers, hiking shoes, light rations, and essential first-aid supplies. In addition, always refuel your vehicle in town, as gas stations are scarce along border mountain passes.

Is trekking in Binh Lieu suitable for beginners?

Binh Lieu is accessible to beginners when choosing easier trails. However, iconic spots like the dinosaur backbone or Cao Xiem Peak feature lengthy, steep ascents that require reasonable physical stamina and traveling in a group to ensure safety.

What are the best gifts and souvenirs to buy in Binh Lieu?

Popular local gifts include canna vermicelli, wild forest honey, dried radish, and local farm produce. These authentic items reflect the daily customs and agricultural life of Binh Lieu's ethnic highland people.

Conclusion: Binh Lieu is a quintessential destination for nature lovers, avid hikers, and cultural enthusiasts. From majestic mountain vistas to authentic culinary specialties and bustling highland markets, this borderland offers a distinct and refreshing experience compared to conventional tourist hot spots. If you seek an escape that pairs tranquil relaxation with unforgettable exploration, pack your backpack and set off for Binh Lieu.