Bình Liêu often gives visitors the impression: “Quảng Ninh has beautiful expressways, so just drive straight there.”
That is not entirely the case. The interprovincial expressway network makes it faster to reach eastern Quảng Ninh, but Bình Liêu lies in the mountainous area north of this corridor. The provincial master plan identifies connections between mountainous areas such as Tiên Yên and Bình Liêu and the expressway via routes including QL4B and provincial roads.
By car: the expressway shortens the main leg of the journey
If departing from Hạ Long, cars can use the expressway toward eastern Quảng Ninh, then leave the expressway via a suitable route to reach Bình Liêu. However, do not try to remember a “standard exit” from a blog post written years ago. Infrastructure and traffic arrangements may change. Use an up-to-date map and follow the actual road signs.
By motorbike: absolutely do not use the expressway
The current Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety stipulates that motorcycles and mopeds are not allowed on expressways, except for vehicles used for management and maintenance in accordance with regulations. This is particularly important because map applications may sometimes suggest a fast route without users realizing that it is an expressway. Before riding a motorbike, turn on the Avoid expressways mode. The hardest part is not the long distance. The hardest sections are:
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Mountain roads.
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Numerous bends.
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Fog.
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Wet road surfaces.
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Reduced visibility.
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Large temperature differences in the morning and evening.
Urban riders should not assess their ability based on the number of kilometers. 100 km on urban roads and 100 km on mountain roads are two completely different experiences.
Traveling during the reed-flowering and cold seasons
This is also when Bình Liêu is most appealing, while at the same time more likely to have:
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Fog.
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Damp road surfaces.
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Early darkness.
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Temperatures dropping more sharply than in Hạ Long.
Aim to arrive before dark.
Before riding a motorbike
Check the:
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Tires.
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Tire pressure.
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Brakes.
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Lights.
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Horn.
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Fuel.
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Raincoat.
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Gloves.
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Windbreaker.
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Phone battery.
Do not rent an unfamiliar motorbike in the morning and immediately set off on a long mountain ride. Test-ride it around town first.
When reaching the border area
Bình Liêu has many check-in spots near the border.
Do not take it upon yourself to:
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Cross barriers.
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Use unauthorized trails.
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Fly devices in restricted areas.
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Follow an “Instagrammable location” posted online while ignoring the signs.
Quick checklist
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Car → can use the expressway.
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Motorbike → avoid the expressway completely.
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Download an offline map.
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Do not ride mountain roads at night for the first time.
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Monitor fog/rain.
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Refuel before a long stretch.
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If you are not a confident rider, choose a car or a hired vehicle.
