Before the expressway network was completed, combining Ha Long and Mong Cai in a short itinerary was quite tiring. Today, the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Van Don – Mong Cai expressway network forms a continuous route across most of Quang Ninh. According to the planning documents updated in 2026, the Ha Long – Van Don – Mong Cai section is approximately 151 km long, reducing travel time from Ha Long to Mong Cai from nearly 4 hours to just over 2 hours.
This makes Mong Cai easier to reach, but it does not mean you should travel like this: Ha Long → Mong Cai → Tra Co → Sa Vi → lunch → back to Ha Long within a few hours.
Why stay overnight?
Mong Cai is more than just a border-gate check-in spot. If you have come this far, you can also experience:
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A border-town urban atmosphere.
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Tra Co.
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Binh Ngoc.
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Tra Co Communal House.
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Local cuisine.
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The morning rhythm of the coastal region.
If you return immediately, most of the day will be spent on the expressway.
A sensible two-day itinerary
Day 1:
Ha Long → Mong Cai → explore the city center → Tra Co → stay overnight in Mong Cai/Tra Co.
Day 2:
Sunrise at Tra Co → a suitable cultural site → lunch → return to Ha Long.
If your next trip is to Binh Lieu, you can plan a separate itinerary through eastern Quang Ninh instead of returning to Ha Long immediately.
Traveling by private vehicle
This is the most convenient option for groups. However, keep in mind that the expressway is long, and maintaining a steady speed can easily make you drowsy. Rest when you are tired instead of trying to maintain a “time record.” The CT.06 expressway currently runs continuously from Hai Phong to Mong Cai, with interchanges in Ha Long, Van Don, Tien Yen, Dam Ha, Hai Ha and Mong Cai.
Traveling by motorbike?
Motorbikes are not allowed on expressways. Therefore, the travel time and route are completely different from those by car. Do not look at the Google Maps travel time for cars and apply it to a motorbike itinerary. If your goal is to go on a road trip, consider the regular-road journey part of the experience and stay overnight along the route if necessary.
Checklist
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Cars: make use of the expressway.
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Motorbikes: not allowed on the expressway.
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Do not treat Tra Co as a “30-minute stop.”
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Two days makes for a more enjoyable experience.
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Do not schedule a return to Ha Long followed immediately by boarding a cruise.
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If driving for a long time, take turns driving when possible.
