Review of Hai Ha, Quang Ninh: A fascinating border mountainous region

1 An overview of Hai Ha, Quang Ninh

Hai Ha is a district located in the east of Quang Ninh Province, boasting extremely diverse terrain. Here, you will find a blend of rolling high mountains, fertile coastal midlands, mangrove forest ecosystems, and pristine islands. It is this topographical diversity that creates a land full of challenges for travel enthusiasts.

What impressed me the most is the cultural diversity. The district's population is a cohabitation of various ethnic groups such as the Kinh, Tay, Dao, Hoa, San Diu, San Chay, and Cao Lan. This interplay creates unique cultural features rarely 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 community.

2 Useful travel tips

2.1 How to get to Hai Ha?

Hai Ha boasts rich terrain, from coastal plains to rugged high mountain ranges. Thanks to the increasingly improved transportation system, especially the Van Don – Mong Cai Expressway, reaching this place has become extremely convenient.

By road: If you travel by private car or coach, you just need to travel along the expressway towards Mong Cai and stop at the Hai Ha junction.

Combining train and bus: If traveling from afar, you can take a train to Ha Long and then catch an intra-provincial bus to reach the district center.

Note: Before starting your journey, update your online map to accurately locate the Ghenh Vo ferry terminal, the starting point for your trip to Cai Chien Island.

2.2 The ideal time for the trip

Hai Ha's climate is divided into two distinct seasons, offering very different experiences:

Beach season (April – August): This is when the sandy beaches on Cai Chien are at their most brilliant. Golden sunshine and clear blue waters provide ideal conditions for swimming or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Forest season (October – December): As winter sets in, the chilly air is perfect for trekking across lush green tea hills or camping beside poetic waterfalls.

3 "Golden" coordinates 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, long stretches of casuarina forests, and secluded tranquility, this is a wonderful place to "escape" the city. You will need to take a ferry from Ghenh Vo terminal to get to the island.

3.2 Quang Long Tea Hill and Pac Sui Waterfall

Nature lovers definitely shouldn't miss the Quang Long tea hill covering hundreds of hectares with gentle, undulating curves. If you want to challenge yourself, head to Pac Sui Waterfall. This is a 16-tier waterfall system hidden deep within the forest, an ideal spot for inspiring trekking adventures.

3.3 Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate and Landmark 1327

I felt that Hai Ha bears a strong borderland identity. Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate is where you can sense the vibrant pace of cross-border trade, while Landmark 1327 atop the high mountain brings a sacred feeling of national sovereignty alongside a breathtaking panoramic view.

3.4 Truc Bai Son Lake and Dong Rui Mangrove Forest

A poetic landscape of mountains and water is what I experienced at Truc Bai Son Lake—a place where you can paddle a boat in a tranquil setting. In contrast, Dong Rui mangrove forest is the place to discover the mysteries of the flora and the lives of local fishermen.

3.5 Spiritual Imprints and Cuisine

If you are someone who loves tranquility, start your journey by visiting Tran Hung Dao Temple in Phu Hai Commune. Built in 1952 and later renovated, this temple is dedicated to the national hero with an imposing monolithic bronze statue. The temple festival takes place annually in the eighth lunar month, where you can immerse yourself in the spirited atmosphere of dragon boat races.

Right beside the poetic Ha Coi River, Hai Ha Pagoda emerges with graceful traditional architecture. The carved motifs dating from the Ly and Tran dynasties here stand as testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of past generations. This is an important spiritual community center for the locals. In addition, you can also visit Mi Son Communal House and Quang Linh Communal House to further appreciate the beauty of ancestor worship traditions among the border residents.

4 Distinctive flavors of the borderland

The cuisine in Hai Ha, Quang Ninh is unpretentious yet carries the distinct identity of the local people. Do not leave without trying banh chung com long. This type of cake uses wild com long leaves to create a purplish-red hue and a rich aroma, blending harmoniously with sticky glutinous rice and savory, tender pork. I love bold flavors, so the khau nhuc dish with its melt-in-your-mouth tender meat infused with aromatic herbs was a wonderful choice.

Besides, be sure to try the rustic steamed rice cake (bánh đúc) dipped in Bần fermented soybean paste or shrimp paste; the cake's firm, chewy texture will surprise you. Don't forget the seafood on Cái Chiên Island, such as basket snails steamed with lemongrass or the fragrant fermented rabbitfish paste. All these flavors create a complete culinary picture, as unpretentious and authentic as the local people themselves.

5 2-day, 1-night itinerary to explore Hải Hà

A duration of 2 days and 1 night is enough for you to fully experience the highlights of Hải Hà, Quảng Ninh.

Day one: Start your journey by checking in at the lush green Quảng Long tea hills. Then, head to Hà Cối ferry terminal to board a speedboat straight to Cái Chiên Island. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the crystal-clear water at Đầu Rồng beach and enjoy a seafood BBQ right on the fine sand.

Day two: Catching the sunrise over the sea is always an unforgettable experience. After returning to the mainland, I suggest visiting Trúc Bài Sơn Lake with its picturesque landscape of mountains and waters. Before wrapping up your trip, stroll around the town's central market to buy specialties like dried squid and dried shrimp as gifts for your loved ones.

6 Frequently asked questions

6.1 Do you need a permit to visit the island in Hải Hà, Quảng Ninh?

You are completely free to visit Cái Chiên Island without any special permit. However, always carry your citizen identity card to complete check-in procedures at homestays.

6.2 How do you get around Cái Chiên Island?

Electric buggies are a convenient option for large groups. If you want more flexibility and freedom to explore, I recommend renting a motorbike by the day.

6.3 Is Hải Hà close to the Móng Cái border gate?

The distance is very close. It takes only about 40 to 50 minutes of driving from the district center to arrive at Móng Cái International Border Gate for sightseeing and shopping.

A trip to Hải Hà, Quảng Ninh requires flexibility. You need a suitcase durable enough to accompany you across diverse terrains, from boarding boats to the island to walking tours through tea hills or town streets. To make the trip even smoother, I always trust and choose suitcase products from MIA.vn.