Binh Lieu is a rural district in Quang Ninh province bordering China with pristine beauty, highland scenery, numerous waterfalls and scenic drives to enjoy.
The winding roads can be distinguished by dividing them into two loops which form a figure of eight covering the majority of the area, making it very convenient for any adventurous road trip. Green valleys run parallel to the majestic roads, although their steep gradient can sometimes be a challenge for even the most experienced drivers. The hamlets located near the border are populated by several ethnic minority groups which represent 96% of the district’s inhabitants. Interestingly, the majority of the information I just presented to you could be easily transferable when talking about the more established tourist destination, Ha Giang.
The similarities between the two regions go beyond steep roads, natural landscapes and proximity to China.
One of the biggest obstacles for internationals visiting the region is that one must currently obtain a permit in Ha Long City if they intend to stay overnight in Binh Lieu and some areas of the district are completely closed to foreigners. of the most spectacular adjacent to the border.
These restrictions are comparable to Ha Giang which previously required internationals to obtain a travel permit for the cost of 230,000 VND (US$9.30) in order to access the northernmost districts of the loop – Quang Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van and Meo Vac. . The annoying thing for foreigners is that processing the permit for Binh Lieu takes three days, whereas in Ha Giang you just need to fill out a short form before receiving it relatively instantly.
Many in Binh Lieu want improvement in this area especially in the coming years. These thoughts were particularly echoed by a lovely local I spoke to, who lives in Luc Hon in Binh Lieu, and who expressed keen interest in practicing his English and developing tourism in the area.
One of the reasons Ha Giang has flourished as a tourist destination in recent years is the abundance of accommodation options in the area, ranging from traditional overwater homestays to more extravagant stays such as the P ‘apiu Resort and the Hmong Village Resort. Ha Giang even today faces a growing dilemma as a conflict develops between natural purity and infrastructure development within the province.
On the other hand, in Binh Lieu, the tourist infrastructure is very rudimentary at this stage. There are fairly limited traditional homestay options that many foreigners want, instead they may only have the option of more basic accommodation. doubt (rooms for rent) with limited amenities. This is particularly undesirable for many, as most foreigners appreciate the opportunity to stay with a family and receive their wonderful hospitality in the north, an essential part of any trip there.
This is particularly discouraging because the area has unique local specialties such as Binh Lieu vermicelli, which can be found at Dong Van market, tree root rice wine, and stir-fried bamboo shoots, which, I would say, are the tastiest I have ever tasted. all of Vietnam.
Aside from the adventurous drives and delicious cuisine, Binh Lieu is also home to numerous waterfalls, but none as notable as Khe Van, in the southeastern corner of the district. The cascading blue water and beautiful scenery surrounding it are easily accessible by motorbike or car and are a popular spot for swimming, bathing and even grilling.
If Binh Lieu manages to ease restrictions and make it easier for foreigners to visit, Khe Van Waterfall will be one of many hotspots in the area and locals will be able to enjoy growing prosperity in the same way as Ha Giang and Sa Pa.
Currently, international tourists and expats can alternatively stay in neighboring areas such as Tien Yen if they do not wish to wait for a permit for Binh Lieu and they can still enjoy some of the beauty of the district by visiting during the day . However, like Meo Vac in Ha Giang, it is the areas closest to the border in Hoanh Mo that foreigners will dream of visiting to enjoy incredible hiking trails and the most unspoilt landscape.
For now, foreigners will have to be patient before the endless possibilities of Binh Lieu open up to them, in the same way that Ha Giang has gained in indulgence over the past decade. Meanwhile, considering that it is only 260 km from Hanoi and about 100 km from Ha Long city, it still has a lot to offer for a short trip.
