Traveling to Dam Ha, Quang Ninh: Discover a Little-Known, Untouched Destination

1 A closer look at Dam Ha, Quang Ninh

Before setting off, I also looked into the administrative geography to avoid getting confused when checking maps or asking for directions. Following the 2025 merger, the new Dam Ha Commune was formed by merging the entire area and population of Dam Ha Town with the communes of Tan Binh, Dai Binh, Tan Lap, and the former Dam Ha Commune into a single administrative unit named Dam Ha Commune.

Put simply, since 2025, the central area of the former Dam Ha District has been consolidated into the new Dam Ha Commune. However, this article shares my experiences and the attractions I visited across the former Dam Ha District, as that is the area I actually explored during my trip to Quang Ninh.

Dam Ha is a former coastal district in Quang Ninh Province. It borders Hai Ha District to the east and north, the sea off Van Don District to the south, and Binh Lieu and Tieu Yen districts to the west.

Located along the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, Dam Ha covers a total area of about 414.36 km² and has a population of around 47,060, mostly Kinh people living in the lowland communes. The highland communes are home to many ethnic minority groups, most of them Dao people.

This varied landscape, stretching from the coast to the mountains, gives Dam Ha a range of tourism experiences—from islands and beaches to mountain hikes, waterfalls, and historical sites—all easily combined in a short trip without becoming repetitive.

2 6 places I visited in Dam Ha

2.1 Da Dung Island, a rough gem in Bai Tu Long Bay

Da Dung Island is a standout attraction in Dam Ha, Quang Ninh, known for its unspoiled beauty and location amid the waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. The island makes an impression with natural rock formations rising from the water, surrounded by clear blue seas and a relatively intact marine ecosystem.

Its spectacular, unspoiled beauty is framed by crystal-clear seawater, stretches of fine white sand, and unusual rock outcrops with distinctive shapes.

What I liked most about Da Dung was the feeling of arriving somewhere that tourism hadn’t tried to dress up. Because it hasn’t been developed for mass tourism, the island feels peaceful and is ideal for nature-focused exploration. Visitors often take a small boat around the island to admire the scenery and take photos; it looks especially beautiful on calm, clear days.

2.2 Hike Mount Hua for views of the Northeast countryside

Mount Hua is a popular natural attraction among local residents, not far from the center of Dam Ha District. The mountain has gentle slopes, plenty of greenery, and fresh air, making it suitable for easy hikes and picnics.

When you visit Mount Hua, you can immerse yourself in beautiful natural surroundings, take in the colorful countryside, and watch flocks of storks circling in the afternoon sun. The mountain is also an ideal place to learn more about revolutionary history and the tradition of patriotic education.

I hiked up in the late afternoon, as golden sunlight spread across the valley below. Looking down, I could see fields and clusters of low-roofed houses. It’s the kind of view that needs no filter.

2.3 Bach Van Waterfall, five tiers hidden in a green forest

This was the place I was most excited about before arriving, because even its name sounded beautiful.

Bach Van Waterfall has five tiers and stands nearly 70m tall. The waterfall’s landscape has retained its natural, unspoiled beauty and remains largely untouched by human activity.

It took me about 35-40 minutes to walk to the highest tier. Along the way, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of lush green rice fields and pure white clouds, like silk scarves draped across the mountain ranges. The higher I climbed, the more beautiful and majestic the landscape became.

I set off early in the morning, while mist still hung in the forest. My shoes were soaked through, but all the fatigue disappeared as soon as I stood watching the top tier cascade down.

2.4 Dam Ha Dong Reservoir, a peaceful retreat among the hills

Dam Ha Dong irrigation dam is located on the Dam Ha River and is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Dam Ha District to date. With a total investment of more than 500 billion VND, the dam supplies irrigation water to nearly 3,500 ha of farmland, provides water for daily use, prevents flooding, and helps improve the local climate.

The expansive lake has clear blue water and is surrounded by hills and lush vegetation, creating an open, relaxing landscape.

I stopped here for about an hour, just sitting and watching the lake change color as the sunlight filtered through the clouds. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about it, yet it’s surprisingly hard to leave. It’s the kind of place I call “a real break in the middle of a journey.”

2.5 Don Den Historical Site, a chapter in the history of the frontier

Don Den Historical Site is a culturally and historically significant attraction in Dam Ha District, closely connected with the defense and development of the northeastern border region. The site lies in peaceful surroundings and has been relatively well preserved.

From what I learned, Dam Ha has several notable historical sites, including the flagpole on Mount Hua, which played an important role in the establishment of the district’s first Communist Party cell, and Don Den, where many fierce battles took place between our troops and people during the campaign to liberate Dam Ha.

Visiting Don Den gave me the chance to learn more about local history and the important milestones of this region. I think it’s worth a visit if you want your trip to be about more than just sightseeing and would like to gain a deeper understanding of the place you’re exploring.

2.6 Sau Pagoda, a peaceful spiritual retreat in the mountains

Sau Pagoda is a familiar spiritual destination for local residents, set amid the tranquil mountain scenery of Dam Ha. The pagoda’s architecture is simple and modest in scale, yet it feels peaceful and welcoming.

Many visitors stop by to enjoy the scenery, pray for peace, and find a moment of quiet during their journey. Sau Pagoda is often visited alongside nearby natural attractions, bringing a balance of scenic experiences and spirituality to a trip to Dam Ha.

I visited in the middle of the morning, when there were very few visitors. The quiet here felt quite different from that of pagodas in the city.

3 Tips for independent travel in Dam Ha

Dam Ha is still a relatively new destination on Quang Ninh’s tourism map, making it a good choice for those who enjoy exploring nature and peaceful surroundings. When planning your trip, keep your itinerary manageable and combine nearby attractions to make the most of your travel time.

Since tourism services are not yet widely developed, visitors should arrange transportation and personal supplies in advance and check the weather before setting off. For an independent trip, researching routes and attractions beforehand will help make your journey smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

I rented a motorbike, which was the best option because the attractions aren’t too far apart, but there’s no convenient public transport connecting them. Getting around the district is fairly easy, the roads are good, and local residents are happy to give directions.

4 Dam Ha, a destination for those who avoid the crowds

Not as famous as Ha Long or Co To, Dam Ha offers a slower-paced travel experience, bringing visitors closer to nature and local life. Untouched islands, waterfalls hidden in the mountains, and historical sites make exploring Dam Ha a varied experience while preserving its authentic character.

Few places have preserved the beauty of the countryside and legendary historical sites as well as Dam Ha. I left feeling as though I’d discovered a corner of Quang Ninh that most visitors haven’t noticed. And I hope Dam Ha doesn’t become too famous too soon, because its greatest appeal lies in the peace that remains undisturbed.

I packed light for my trip to Dam Ha and mostly traveled by motorbike, but I still needed a good backpack to carry my belongings throughout the hikes, waterfall visits, and island trip. If you’re looking for a durable, compact backpack with enough room for a 2-3 day trip like this, visit MIA.vn to browse suitable travel backpack options, so you can keep your hands free and enjoy every moment.