1 An Overview of Hai Ha, Quang Ninh
Hai Ha is a district located in the eastern part of Quang Ninh Province, boasting an exceptionally diverse terrain. Here, you will find a harmonious blend of rolling high mountains, fertile coastal midlands, mangrove forest ecosystems, and pristine islands. This diverse topography creates a land full of thrilling experiences for travel enthusiasts.
What impressed me most was its cultural diversity. The district's population is a cohabitation of various ethnic groups, including the Kinh, Tay, Dao, Hoa, San Diu, San Chay, and Cao Lan. This cultural intersection fosters distinctive cultural traits seldom found anywhere else. Setting foot here, you will not only admire the scenery but also immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural life of the local communities.
Hai Ha is a land that requires patience to understand and experience. Illustrative photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper
2 Useful Travel Tips
2.1 How to get to Hai Ha?
Hai Ha features rich terrain ranging from coastal plains to rugged high mountain ranges. Thanks to the increasingly developed transport infrastructure, especially the Van Don – Mong Cai Expressway, accessing this destination has become exceptionally convenient.
By road: If traveling by private car or coach, simply follow the expressway towards Mong Cai and exit at the Hai Ha intersection.
Combining train and bus: If arriving from afar, you can take a train to Ha Long and then catch an intra-provincial bus to the district center.
Note: Before setting out, check online maps to accurately locate Ghenh Vo ferry terminal, the departure point for trips to Cai Chien Island.
2.2 Best time to visit
Hai Ha's climate is divided into two distinct seasons, offering very different experiences:
Beach season (April – August): This is when the sandy shores of Cai Chien are at their most radiant. Golden sunshine and crystal-clear water provide ideal conditions for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
Forest season (October – December): As winter approaches, the crisp, chilly air is perfect for trekking through lush green tea hills or camping beside picturesque waterfalls.
The fresh air and harmonious scenery here create stunning photo opportunities for photography lovers. Illustrative photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper
3 Top "Golden" Destinations in Hai Ha, Quang Ninh
3.1 Pristine Cai Chien Island
Cai Chien Island is the brightest highlight of Hai Ha tourism. Featuring Dau Rong Beach with fine white sand, stretching casuarina forests, and secluded tranquility, this is a wonderful escape from urban bustle. You will need to take a ferry from Ghenh Vo terminal to reach the island.
An emerging destination that fully preserves its wild charm, featuring endless stretches of powdery white sand and lush green casuarina groves. Illustrative photo: SIM JUI YONG
3.2 Quang Long Tea Hill and Pac Sui Waterfall
Nature enthusiasts must not miss the hundreds-of-hectares Quang Long Tea Hill with its gentle, undulating curves. If you want to challenge yourself, head to Pac Sui Waterfall. This is a 16-tier waterfall system nestled deep in the forest, making it an ideal spot for inspiring treks.
Standing amidst lush green tea rows that curve like soft silk ribbons brings a wondrous sense of relaxation. Illustrative photo: VTV
3.3 Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate and Landmark 1327
Hai Ha strongly bears the imprint of a borderland. Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate is where you can feel the bustling rhythm of cross-border trade, while Landmark 1327 on the high mountain summit evokes a profound sense of national sovereignty alongside a breathtaking panoramic view.
Distinct borderland impressions at Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate. Illustrative photo: Construction Magazine
3.4 Truc Bai Son Lake and Dong Rui Mangrove Forest
Picturesque waters and mountains are what I felt at Truc Bai Son Lake, a place where you can paddle a boat in utter serenity. In contrast, Dong Rui Mangrove Forest is where you can explore the mystique of coastal flora and local fishermen's daily life.
3.5 Spiritual Imprints and Cuisine
If you appreciate tranquility, begin your journey by visiting Tran Hung Dao Temple in Phu Hai Commune. Built in 1952 and subsequently restored, this temple is dedicated to the national hero, featuring a majestic monolithic bronze statue. The temple festival takes place annually in the 8th lunar month, where you can immerse yourself in the spirited atmosphere of dragon boat racing.
Right next to the poetic Ha Coi River stands Hai Ha Pagoda, featuring graceful traditional architecture. The intricate Ly and Tran dynasty-style carved motifs here bear testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans. It serves as an essential spiritual hub for local residents. Additionally, you can visit Mi Son Communal House and Quang Linh Communal House to further appreciate the beauty of ancestral worship traditions among borderland communities.
Hai Ha Pagoda's architecture steeped in traditional colors. Illustrative photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper
4 Distinctive Flavors of the Frontier Land
Cuisine in Hai Ha, Quang Ninh is unpretentious yet rich in the unique identity of the local people. Do not leave without tasting banh chung com long (sticky rice cake wrapped with wild com long leaves). This cake uses wild com long leaves to create a purplish-red hue and an aromatic flavor that blends harmoniously with glutinous rice and rich pork. For rich flavors, khau nhuc (braised pork belly) with melt-in-your-mouth tender meat infused with aromatic herbs is an exceptional choice.
In addition, try rustic banh duc dipped in Ban soy sauce or shrimp paste; its chewy, crisp texture will surely delight you. Don't forget the seafood specialties on Cai Chien Island, such as lemongrass-steamed basket snails (oc ro) or fragrant rabbitfish sauce (mam ca ria). All these flavors create a complete culinary tapestry, as unpretentious and heartfelt as the local people themselves.
Savoring fresh seafood on Cai Chien Island. Illustrative photo: VnExpress
5 Hai Ha 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary
A 2-day, 1-night trip is enough for you to fully experience the highlights of Hai Ha, Quang Ninh.
Day 1: Begin your journey by checking in at the lush green Quang Long Tea Hill. Afterward, head to Ha Coi ferry wharf to take a speedboat straight to Cai Chien Island. Spend the afternoon soaking in the crystal-clear waters of Dau Rong Beach and enjoying a seafood BBQ feast right on the fine sand.
Day 2: Catching the sunrise over the sea is always an unforgettable experience. After returning to the mainland, consider visiting Truc Bai Son Lake with its picturesque natural scenery. Before wrapping up your trip, stroll around the town's central market to buy local specialties such as dried squid and dried shrimp as gifts for loved ones.
Scenery of Truc Bai Son Lake in autumn. Illustrative photo: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism
6 Frequently Asked Questions
6.1 Is a permit required to visit the island in Hai Ha, Quang Ninh?
You can travel freely to Cai Chien Island without any special permit. However, always carry your national ID card or passport to complete check-in procedures at homestays.
6.2 How to get around Cai Chien Island?
Electric buggies are a convenient choice for large groups. If you prefer flexibility and independent exploration, renting a motorbike by the day is highly recommended.
6.3 Is Hai Ha close to Mong Cai Border Gate?
The distance is quite close. It takes only about 40 to 50 minutes to drive from the district center to Mong Cai International Border Gate for sightseeing and shopping.
A trip to Hai Ha, Quang Ninh calls for flexibility. You need a suitcase durable enough to accompany you across diverse terrains, from boarding boats to the island to walking tours around tea hills or towns. For a smoother journey, I always trust and choose luggage products from MIA.vn.
