Conquering the magnificent 1305 Milestone in the Heart of Quang Ninh

1 A little about Milestone 1305 – the “Roof” of the Border

Located in Hoanh Mo Commune, Binh Lieu District, Milestone 1305 is one of the two highest border markers in Quang Ninh Province. Many people often wonder how high Milestone 1305 is. In fact, it stands at an elevation of about 1305m above sea level, along an extremely rugged but also captivating western border patrol route.

The journey to conquer Milestone 1305 from Hanoi (about 270km) is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s also a chance for us to touch the sacred sovereignty of our homeland. Standing here, I could truly appreciate the vast, majestic expanse of Vietnam’s natural landscape. Binh Lieu is known as “Quang Ninh’s Sa Pa,” but to me, this place has a more rugged, wild, and authentic beauty. Milestone 1305 is more than just a number—it marks a boundary and stands as a source of national pride amid the sea of clouds.

To be honest, the route to Milestone 1305 is one of the most beautiful and magnificent “dinosaur spines” I’ve seen in Vietnam. When I first discovered Binh Lieu through photos, I really didn’t think it was in Quang Ninh—the scenery was so majestic and expansive that I thought it must be somewhere in a distant frontier region. It wasn’t until I arrived and saw the trails running along the mountain ridges with my own eyes that I had to admit Quang Ninh really does have every kind of landscape, from islands and coastline to towering mountain ranges.

Below is the itinerary and some practical tips I picked up after two trips to Quang Ninh and my attempts to conquer Milestone 1305. I hope they’ll be helpful for your upcoming trip!

2 The ideal time to get ready for a trip to Binh Lieu

Based on my experience across two different seasons, Milestone 1305 has a different beauty each time of year—one that is sure to make your heart flutter:

- Spring: This is when everything comes back to life. Plants sprout, and the landscape brims with fresh energy. You’ll see bright green shoots emerging through the mist, creating a romantic, movie-like scene.

- Summer: A season of lush green pine and star anise forests. Although the sun can be intense, the air at an altitude of over 1000m is still wonderfully fresh. This is the ideal season if you want to admire the deep blue sky and mountain ranges stretching clearly to the horizon.

- Autumn (October–November): This is Binh Lieu’s “golden season”! At this time, the dinosaur spine is covered in white reed flowers. When the wind blows, the entire mountainside looks like a rippling sea of white clouds—so beautiful it’s almost surreal. I once stood there, transfixed for hours, just watching the reed flowers sway in the wind.

- Winter: For those who enjoy a real challenge. The biting cold in this border region can bring frost and snowfall—an extremely rare experience in Quang Ninh.

3 How to get to the foot of Milestone 1305

The roads to Binh Lieu are now much more convenient than they used to be, but the border patrol route remains a challenge for anyone unfamiliar with winding mountain roads. From the center of Binh Lieu District, you can choose one of two main routes to reach the parking area before beginning the climb:

- Route 1: From Binh Lieu Commune, take National Highway 18C toward Luc Hon. After about 3 - 4km, look out for a right turn into Ngan Chuong Village. From there, turn at Milestone 68 and continue for about 23km. This road winds like a ribbon, with high mountains on one side and deep ravines on the other, offering breathtaking scenery.

- Route 2: From Binh Lieu Commune, head straight to Hoanh Mo Border Gate. Then turn left over Hai Nac Bridge, turn right, and continue for a little over 20km to reach the parking area at the foot of the ridge.

The Ministry of National Defense has now built a concrete path more than 1m wide, making it safer to reach Milestone 1305. Even so, the steep slope remains a serious test of endurance for anyone.

4 Unique experiences I had at Milestone 1305

4.1 Testing my endurance on more than 2,000 steps

The climb to the top usually takes about 1.5 - 2 hours. I started climbing at 5h45, while the sky was still glowing red. Setting out early helps you avoid the scorching sun and gives you a chance to catch a sea of clouds if you’re lucky. The steep sections will test your perseverance. But trust me, once you reach the second shelter, the scenery alone will make you forget all your exhaustion.

4.2 Taking in the magnificent natural scenery

Standing on the “dinosaur spine,” I was struck by how vast nature is, with an entire expanse of rolling mountains spread out before me. The view was so immense that my eyes couldn’t get enough of it. Even on my second visit, the scenery still made me exclaim “wow” at its magnificence.

4.3 Taking a photo at the sacred border marker

Touching the granite Milestone 1305 and seeing the national name engraved deeply into it was an indescribable feeling. This is more than just a photo opportunity—it’s a record of the personal limits you’ve overcome.

5 My “golden” tips from the trip

To make your journey to Milestone 1305 a rewarding one, keep these tips from my own experience in mind:

- Get in shape: Don’t underestimate those 2000 steps. About a week before the trip, I usually practice climbing stairs or go for a light jog so my legs aren’t in for a shock when the actual climb begins.

- Pack your essentials: A pair of athletic shoes with good grip is a must. Also bring drinking water, an electrolyte drink, and a little chocolate or energy bar to refuel quickly along the way. Don’t forget a light jacket, as the wind at Milestone 1305 is strong and cold.

- Choose the right time to climb: Be an “early bird.” Starting while it’s still dim and dusky is not only cooler, but also gives you better photos in the soft light of dawn. Avoid climbing at 10h - 11h, when the scorching sun can quickly drain your energy.

- Travel light: The path to the marker is narrow and steep, so a compact, supportive backpack is the best choice. I chose a hiking backpack from MIA.vn to take along on climbs like this.

Conquering Milestone 1305 is more than a sightseeing trip; it’s a journey of self-discovery, a test of perseverance, and a chance to enjoy nature’s magnificent gifts. Even on my second visit, I was still moved by the white reed flowers and the grandeur of the dinosaur spine. If you get the chance, pack your backpack and set off to create a journey of your own, and experience the full beauty of this border region.