Tien Yen, Quang Ninh Travel Guide: 12 Favorite Destinations

1 Overview of Tien Yen

Tien Yen is a former mountainous district located in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, situated between Ha Long and Mong Cai. It borders Binh Lieu District to the northeast, Dinh Lap District to the north, and is about 10km from Van Don. Following the 2025 administrative merger, the former Tien Yen District was reorganized into 6 new communes:

- Hai Hoa Commune.

- Tien Yen Commune.

- Dien Xa Commune.

- Dong Ngu Commune.

- Hai Lang Commune.

- Ba Che Commune.

With its favorable location, Tien Yen makes it easy for travelers to reach other famous attractions during their trip to Quang Ninh.

If you are seeking a destination with a cool, fresh climate and want to explore untouched nature, Tien Yen is the perfect choice. Each season of the year in Tien Yen showcases its own distinctive beauty. However, you should avoid visiting during the storm and rainy season to prevent unnecessary risks.

2 Attractive Destinations When Traveling to Tien Yen, Quang Ninh

2.1 Tien Yen Market

Located along National Highway 18A, Tien Yen Market is a favorite stop for sightseeing and savoring local culinary delights. Notable highlights here include highland produce from Ba Che and Binh Lieu, alongside traditional delicacies such as pink peanut candy, khau nhuc (braised pork belly), banh cha (crispy meat pastries), and banh gat gu (nodding rice rolls)... Additionally, Tien Yen Market sells various seasonal specialties. In spring, you will see abundant displays of crisp, fresh greens. In summer, locals offer baskets of wild rose myrtle berries or rustic treats like salted radish and fermented pickles... Thus, visiting Tien Yen allows you to fully experience the delightful tastes of the highlands.

2.2 Pac Sui Waterfall

Pac Sui Waterfall is a renowned attraction in Tien Yen that offers a wonderful immersion in nature. The waterfall is famous not only for its picturesque landscape but also for its association with a folklore tale of the chicken king in Dao ethnic culture. You can unwind by swimming in the crystal-clear water and admiring the magnificent scenery of the falls.

2.3 Dong Rui Mangrove Forest

If you have the chance to visit Tien Yen, do not miss the Dong Rui Mangrove Forest. This is an ancient natural forest spanning 2,400 hectares, home to many century-old mangrove and bruguiera trees. To explore Dong Rui, you can wait until low tide, board traditional coracles or small skiffs, and weave through the waterways to admire the serene scenery.

2.4 Long Vang Cape

Long Vang Cape is located on a sandbank about 4km from shore, covering nearly 20 hectares near Tien Yen Bridge. To reach Long Vang Cape, you need to hire a boat from local fishermen. The destination is notable for its shimmering golden sand dunes and lush mangrove forest with trees reaching 4 to 5m in height. You will also have the opportunity to catch and savor fresh seafood such as snails and fish...

2.5 Tien Yen River

The Tien Yen River possesses a rustic, peaceful, and poetic natural charm. Each season brings a different look to the river. In February, it is adorned with the colors of blooming azaleas; in April, silver flowers blossom along both riverbanks; and in May, the river comes alive with the lively sounds of Tay ethnic people pounding rice to make traditional round rice cakes (banh day).

While taking in the scenery of the Tien Yen River, you may also hear the enchanting melodies of flutes and horns accompanying the Soong Co folk songs of the San Chi ethnic group. All of these elements weave together the irresistible allure of the Tien Yen River.

2.6 Khe San Waterfall

Khe San Waterfall originates high in the mountains, winds through dense forest patches, and cascades downstream to form a majestic and poetic landscape. The falls reflect wild native plants and massive rocky outcrops. In the central area, the waterfall features two tiers, each about 15m high, creating small natural pools at its base.

Around the pools are shallow water puddles ideal for families with young children to wade in and explore safely. This is another famous attraction in Tien Yen that you should definitely visit and discover.

2.7 Khe Luc Mi

Khe Luc Mi is famous for its rugged rock faces, cascading white waterfalls, and surrounding clear blue streams. You can take a boat tour along the stream to take in the breathtaking mountain scenery and breathe the fresh air of northern Vietnam's highlands. Moreover, Khe Luc Mi is an ideal spot for exciting outdoor activities like trekking, stream sliding, swimming, refreshing dips, and fishing.

2.8 Tien Yen Walking Street

Themed “Ancient Soul, Vintage Charm, Tien Yen Street”, Tien Yen Walking Street has long been a premier attraction loved by locals and visitors alike. It officially began operating in August 2017 with rich cultural and artistic activities. Here, you can immerse yourself in music performances featuring traditional monochords (dan bau), zithers (dan tranh), hammered dulcimers (tam thap luc), alongside modern tunes... You also should not miss fun folk games such as stilt walking, mandarin square capturing (o an quan), pig-catching contests, clay pot smashing, jump rope... or dressing up in traditional costumes. Foodies can also savor renowned specialties such as Tien Yen hill chicken and pink peanut candy.

2.9 Duc Ong Hoang Can Temple

Duc Ong Hoang Can Temple is situated in Ha Dong Bac Hamlet, Hai Lang Commune, Tien Yen District, dedicated to a talented general of the Tran Dynasty who helped the people suppress unrest and establish villages. Built in the late 18th century and having undergone several restorations, the temple currently features a single-line horizontal layout (chu Nhat), 3 bays, two gabled walls, and Western-style tiled roofing. The central bay is dedicated to Imperial Commissioner Commander Hoang Can, while the right bay houses altars to the Three Holy Mother Goddesses and Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, locals hold temple ceremonies to pray for health, peace, and bountiful harvests... The temple has long served as a vital spiritual and cultural center for local residents.

2.1 0 Ha Lau Fair Market

The Ha Lau highland fair market is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tien Yen. Located 28km northwest of town, this is the only market in the area that still preserves distinctive ethnic cultural traditions. The market takes place once a month, featuring artistic bridal procession parades of the Dao Thanh Y ethnic group.

Furthermore, the market offers various local specialties such as wild honey and fresh mountain greens... all blending with the joyful chatter and laughter of the local vendors. Ha Lau fair market is truly a must-visit spot if you wish to experience authentic highland life.

2.1 1 Northeastern Ethnic Groups Cultural and Sports Center

Put into operation in July 2017, the Northeastern Ethnic Groups Cultural and Sports Center regularly hosts numerous cultural exchanges and engaging activities. The complex houses cultural display booths and highland market sections representing the Dao, San Diu, and Tay ethnic groups... Visitors can also explore exhibits showcasing Kinh ethnic festivals such as the Quan Lan traditional rowing festival and the Tra Co Communal House festival... In particular, you will have the chance to admire the Hon Ngo archaeological site in Dong Hai Commune, which dates back between 5,000 and 45,000 years.

3 Tien Yen Travel Tips

3.1 Ideal Time to Visit Tien Yen

Tien Yen enjoys a cool, fresh climate, making it pleasant to visit at any time of the year. However, you should avoid the stormy rainy season. The average annual temperature is around 22°C. Winter in Tien Yen can be quite cold, often with frosty mornings and temperatures dropping as low as 4°C. During this period, Tien Yen also experiences heavy rains, light drizzle, and frequent fog. Therefore, if you are sensitive to cold weather, you should limit traveling to Tien Yen during the winter months.

3.2 How to Travel to Tien Yen

To reach Tien Yen, you can choose to travel by coach or motorbike:

- Coach: From Hanoi, you can take interprovincial coaches at My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Giap Bat bus stations to reach Tien Yen bus station. Alternatively, you can take a coach to Ha Long and then catch a taxi to Tien Yen.

- Motorbike: If you want an adventurous backpacking trip, you can ride a motorbike along National Highway 18 to Tien Yen. Since the journey is quite long, remember to bring all necessary documents and pay attention to road safety.

4 Must-Try Tien Yen Specialties

- Tien Yen hill chicken: Chickens here boast bright golden skin that turns turmeric-yellow and delightfully crispy when boiled. The meat is tender and sweet, served with aromatic lime leaves. This delicacy was recognized by the Vietnam Records Book Center as one of the "Top 50 Most Famous Food Specialties in Vietnam".

- Banh gat gu (nodding rice rolls): Made from rice flour batter steamed thin and rolled up. They are typically served with a dipping sauce made from braised fish sauce, chicken fat, shallots, and chili, delivering a savory, rich, and fragrant aroma. This dish is commonly served by Tien Yen locals at weddings and banquets.

- Khau nhuc: A specialty dish featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork belly pieces infused with rich, fragrant spices. Tien Yen locals usually enjoy this dish with steamed white rice or sticky rice.

- Pink peanut candy (Keo lac hong): This sweet treat often appears during Tet holidays and wedding banquets. The candy has a rich, sweet, nutty taste and a jelly-like texture that evokes nostalgic childhood memories for many.

Traveling to Tien Yen, Quang Ninh is undoubtedly an unmissable journey for wanderlust travelers. With the tips shared above, we hope you have gained valuable travel insights for your trip to Tien Yen. If you are looking for a place to relieve stress, heal, and explore pristine nature, start planning your getaway to Tien Yen, Quang Ninh today!