Quang Binh and the most attractive destinations for tourism in Central Vietnam.

Quang Binh is one of the few localities that boasts a diverse array of scenic attractions, including mountains, sea, rivers, and forests. In particular, the values ​​of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a World Natural Heritage site, have made Quang Binh a paradise for exploration and experiences for tourists.

Quang Binh - Kingdom of Caves

With its vast cave system, the largest in the country, the Phong Nha region of Quang Binh province is known as the "kingdom of caves". More than 350 caves have been discovered in the past 25 years. Of these, over 30 have been opened for tourism. Besides Son Doong, other famous names such as En Cave and the Tu Lan cave system have contributed to creating some of the world's most valuable geological features for this region.

Son Doong Cave

In April 2009, a delegation from the Royal British Cave Association, led by Howard Limbert, announced the discovery of Son Doong Cave. Measuring 7.3 km in length, 150 m in height, and 200 m in width, Son Doong is considered the world's largest cave. Currently, exploring Son Doong is a dream, aspiration, and a goal for millions of people.

Swallow Cave

As the world's third largest cave, it serves as the gateway to Son Doong Cave. It was once a filming location for the movie "Pan in Neverland" and a live broadcast location for the ABC television program "Good Morning America". Together with the Rao Thuong stream, the Rao Thuong - En Cave nature exploration route is like a lyrical symphony inviting tourists.

Phong Nha Cave

According to cave explorers, Phong Nha is the most representative cave in terms of aesthetic value and uniqueness within the Phong Nha-Ke Bang Heritage Site, and was voted one of the most beautiful caves in the world by the British Royal Cave Association. It is the only cave in Vietnam that meets seven criteria: the most beautiful underground river, the highest and widest cave entrance, beautiful sand and rock formations, a beautiful underground lake, wide and narrow dry caves, a fantastical and magnificent stalactite system, and the longest water cave. With these unique features, Phong Nha Cave is known to many as a "First Wonder of Vietnam".

Tu Lan Cave System

Located 70 km northwest of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, in Tan Hoa commune, Minh Hoa district, the Tu Lan cave system comprises more than 10 caves, all interconnected by underground rivers and small valleys.

With its pristine beauty and magnificent stalactite formations, this place is considered a unique and distinctive tourist destination, suitable for nature lovers and explorers.

Paradise Cave

Paradise Cave is a dry cave with a record length of 31.4 km in Asia. A wooden bridge, 3.5 m wide and over 1,000 m long, has been built to serve tourists. This path currently holds the national record for the "longest wooden walkway". Adventurous visitors can trek an additional 7 km inside the cave, paddle a boat across a 60-100 m long underground stream, and wade through cool streams to reach the Heavenly Well and admire the magical sunlight shining through.

Blue sea, golden sunshine, Quang Binh

Besides its vast cave systems, Quang Binh boasts a 116.04 km long coastline stretching from Deo Ngang Pass to Ha Co, featuring numerous beautiful beaches, white sand dunes, and lush green casuarina forests. The pristine yet abundant natural resources of this region are highly valuable for developing high-end seaside resorts.

Nhat Le Beach

Nhat Le Beach is located right in the heart of Dong Hoi city, Quang Binh province, at the mouth of the Nhat Le River where it flows into the East Sea. Nhat Le possesses the quintessential, romantic beauty and unique charm of a beach worth exploring.

Nhat Le Beach is gently sloping, deep, and very safe. The refreshing breeze, combined with the gentle sound of the waves, creates a symphony of nature with many melodious notes. Strolling on the fine, clean white sand and feeling the delightful sensation of each wave crashing against the shore are romantic experiences that visitors can enjoy when coming here.

Bao Ninh Beach

From the center of Dong Hoi city, crossing the Nhat Le bridge leads to Bao Ninh beach. Bao Ninh boasts a seemingly endless stretch of fine white sand. The beach remains unspoiled and not as crowded as other major beaches.

Visitors can come here at dawn to witness the glorious sunrise over the sea, as the first rays of sunlight begin to appear in the distance. Or they can stroll barefoot on the beach in the late afternoon, as the sunset descends to end the day and watch the fishing boats return after a day at sea.

Jumping Rocks Beach

Located right beside National Highway 1A, winding at the foot of Ly Hoa Pass, Da Nhay Beach stands out with its vast and majestic seascape and mountains. Viewed from above, Da Nhay Beach resembles a unique natural painting with countless strangely shaped rock formations.

The sea here is quite calm, the water is crystal clear, and the sand is fine and white. In the summer, visitors can cool off by swimming, feel the sea breeze, stroll along the smooth sandy shore, and listen to the waves gently lapping against the cliffs.

Spiritual lands in Quang Binh

Besides its pristine and abundant natural landscapes ideal for ecotourism and relaxation, Quang Binh also boasts spiritual tourism destinations that offer visitors a sense of peace and tranquility.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda

Hoang Phuc Pagoda, formerly known as Kinh Thien Pagoda, is located in My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district. It is one of the oldest historical sites in Quang Binh province, dating back over 750 years. According to historical records, the pagoda once welcomed Emperor Tran Nhan Tong to preach and pray for peace for the people.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda not only worships Buddha but is also associated with significant historical events of the homeland and the country, embodying the rich traditional cultural values ​​of the local people. Due to its cultural and historical value, in December 2015, Hoang Phuc Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical Monument.

Vung Chua - Yen Island

Located about 4 km south of Deo Ngang Pass, Vung Chua - Yen Island is the resting place of General Vo Nguyen Giap, a legendary general of the Vietnamese nation. In the future, this will be a valuable destination, connecting with the scenic Deo Ngang Pass, the temple of Saint Mother Lieu Hanh, the mural village of Canh Duong, etc., creating an attractive cultural and historical tourism route with not only beautiful scenery but also a sacred destination.

Quang Binh cuisine

When talking about Quang Binh's cuisine, the first thing to mention is the fresh and flavorful seafood such as sun-dried squid, steamed baby squid, crab, stingray, sea urchin, etc. Besides that, Quang Binh's cuisine also features specialties that reflect the unique local flavors.

Banh loc, Banh nam

Banh loc and banh nam are rustic dishes that tourists shouldn't miss when visiting this region. While banh loc is made from fresh tapioca flour, banh nam is wrapped in a layer of pure white rice flour. Both types of cakes share a filling of various ingredients such as shrimp, meat, wood ear mushrooms, and mung beans, wrapped in fresh green banana or dong leaves. All of this creates a rich, savory-sweet flavor that leaves diners wanting more.

To enjoy banh loc and banh nam, visitors can visit famous culinary establishments in Quang Binh such as Me Xuan restaurant, Huong Hoai restaurant on Le Thanh Dong street or Tu Quy restaurant on Co Tam street.

Rice porridge with rice noodles

The very name of this dish sparks curiosity among diners because it's difficult to imagine what it's really like. Essentially, it's just rice noodle soup, but locals have become accustomed to adding the word "porridge" before it. To make rice noodle soup, wheat or rice noodles are rolled out, boiled, and mixed with a sweet, fragrant broth made from snakehead fish, shrimp, and freshwater crab. When eating rice noodle soup, people in Quang Binh often eat it with ram – a characteristic Central Vietnamese cake made from finely ground glutinous rice flour. Tourists can enjoy this authentic local dish at places like Son Thu restaurant on Phan Boi Chau street, Suong Hong restaurant on Nguyen Huu Canh street, etc.

It can be affirmed that few localities on the S-shaped strip of land that is Vietnam possess as many beautiful, unique, and diverse landscapes and scenic spots as Quang Binh. With these advantages, Quang Binh is currently striving to become one of the most attractive destinations for domestic and international tourists.

Minh Chi