Cẩm Phả, Quảng Ninh Travel Guide: 7 Wonderful Destinations

1 The Best Time to Explore Cẩm Phả

Cẩm Phả is a former city in Quảng Ninh Province, in northeastern Vietnam, about 20 km from Hạ Long and approximately 200 km from central Hanoi. Following the administrative merger on 01/07/2025, the former city of Cẩm Phả was reorganized into five new wards and communes:

- Mông Dương Ward (formed by merging the former Mông Dương Ward and Dương Huy Commune)

- Quang Hanh Ward (formed by merging the former Cẩm Thạch, Cẩm Thủy, and Quang Hanh wards)

- Cẩm Phả Ward (formed by merging the former Cẩm Trung, Cẩm Thành, Cẩm Bình, Cẩm Tây, and Cẩm Đông wards)

- Cửa Ông Ward (formed by merging the former Cẩm Phú, Cẩm Thịnh, Cẩm Sơn, and Cửa Ông wards)

- Hải Hòa Commune (formed by merging the former Hải Lạng and Hải Hòa communes)

With its predominantly mountainous terrain, Cẩm Phả has great potential for tourism development. The poetic yet majestic beauty of its mountains and forests, along with its enticing local specialties, captivates visitors and makes them reluctant to leave.

According to MIA.vn's travel advice, summer is the ideal time to visit Cẩm Phả. Summer in Quảng Ninh lasts from April to August, with hot, sunny, mostly dry weather and little rain. This makes it an excellent time to take part in distinctive festivals, enjoy the clear, calm waters of Cẩm Phả, and experience a wide range of exciting outdoor activities and entertainment.

2 How to Get to Cẩm Phả

Thanks to strong economic growth and well-developed infrastructure, getting to Cẩm Phả—and Quảng Ninh in general—is easy. You can choose between two popular options: a coach or private transport.

- By private car or motorbike: From central Hanoi, take Road 5, then turn onto National Highway 1B. When you reach Bắc Ninh, turn onto National Highway 18. On the way to Hạ Long, you will see signs for Cẩm Phả; simply follow them to reach your destination with ease. You can also use Google Maps to make sure you stay on the right route.

- By coach: You can take a coach from Hanoi to Cẩm Phả from Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát Bus Station. Choose a sleeper coach for the most comfortable journey.

3 Top Attractions in Cẩm Phả

Here are some of the best-known destinations and attractions in Cẩm Phả, recommended by MIA.vn.

3.1 Rều Island, Cẩm Phả

Rều Island is also known as Monkey Island. It is home to thousands of monkeys, many of which are rare species in need of conservation. Unlike bustling seaside resorts, Rều Island offers peace and quiet, along with fresh air. When you visit, remember to bring some fruit to make friends and interact with the friendly monkeys. A trip to Rều Island is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed as you immerse yourself in nature and spend time with wildlife.

3.2 Vũng Đục Cẩm Sơn Tourist Area

Vũng Đục Cẩm Sơn Tourist Area lies at the foot of Bàn Cờ Mountain, right beside Bái Tử Long Bay. It is also a relatively new destination that many visitors are choosing to explore. Here, you can hike and discover five mysterious caves: Thiên Đăng, Long Vân, Ngỡ Ngàng, Kim Quy Cave, and Dơi Cave. Dơi Cave is the most remarkable of them all. It is home to hundreds of bat species, which together create a magical symphony of nature.

3.3 Bái Tử Long Bay

A trip to Cẩm Phả would not be complete without a visit to Bái Tử Long Bay. With its unspoiled beauty and fresh air, it is one of Cẩm Phả's most popular attractions. The bay comprises hundreds of islands of various sizes, including famous limestone formations such as Con Rùa Islet, Mặt Quỷ Islet, Con Cóc Islet, and Bài Thơ Mountain. Its beautiful beaches, including Vân Đồn, Quan Lạn, and Minh Châu, complete this magnificent seascape.

3.4 Cửa Ông Temple

With a history spanning more than 700 years, Cửa Ông Temple is an ideal destination for those interested in spiritual tourism. The temple stands on a hill in the northeastern part of Cẩm Phả and is dedicated to Hưng Nhượng Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tảng, a key figure in the two resistance wars against the Yuan forces.

Cửa Ông Temple also hosts two of Quảng Ninh's major festivals. Originating as village festivals, they are associated with the Vietnamese tradition of worshipping the village guardian deity. The festivals are held twice a year, on the 3rd–4th days of the second lunar month and the 3rd day of the eighth lunar month. These celebrations are a beautiful cultural tradition passed down through generations among the people living around the river mouths and coastal inlets of northeastern Vietnam.

3.5 Thẻ Vàng Island

Thẻ Vàng Island is still a relatively new name among Quảng Ninh's tourist destinations. In recent years, however, it has quickly become a haven for nature lovers and explorers. With its dense forests, rich ecosystem, and pristine beach, the island offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and listen to birdsong beneath the mysterious forest canopy.

3.6 Quang Hanh Hot Springs

At Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, you can enjoy a Japanese-style hot spring bathing experience. This hot spring resort offers not only unique therapeutic services but also a wonderful place to unwind amid majestic mountain scenery. Soaking in the natural hot springs and mineral mud can help you relax, improve your health, and promote better circulation.

3.7 Lương Ngọc Beach

Located in Quang Hanh Ward, Lương Ngọc Beach is a popular destination known for its peaceful, unspoiled beauty. As golden sunlight falls across the white sand, it creates a stunning setting where you can enjoy yourself and relax in the cool water.

4 Famous Local Dishes in Cẩm Phả

A trip to Cẩm Phả would not be complete without sampling its delicious local specialties. Join the MIA.vn travel guide as we explore the fresh dishes and distinctive seafood flavors of this famous destination.

4.1 Fresh Seafood

A visit to Cẩm Phả would not be complete without tasting the fresh seafood for which this famous coastal region is known. From snails, squid, shrimp, and crab to swimming crabs and mantis shrimp, the seafood is prepared in a wide variety of tempting dishes. Before you leave, you can also buy fresh seafood packed in insulated boxes to take home as a gift for family and friends.

4.2 Hạ Long Squid Cake

Squid cake is a must-try when visiting Cẩm Phả. Made from fresh cuttlefish, it is carefully prepared to achieve a springy texture and an irresistible flavor. It tastes best served with steamed sticky rice or rice rolls.

4.3 Bánh Gật Gù

Bánh gật gù originated in Tiên Yên but is very popular in Cẩm Phả. It is made with ground rice flour and leftover rice. The cake is so soft and chewy that it earned the name bánh gật gù. It is usually served with a distinctive dipping sauce, creating a wonderful combination that will have everyone nodding in approval.

In Cẩm Phả, you are sure to be won over by its unspoiled, tranquil beauty. Immerse yourself in nature, take in the lush greenery of the mountains and waters, and listen to the gentle sound of the waves. MIA.vn wishes you a memorable journey filled with joy and wonderful experiences.