Quang Binh
Quang Binh is widely well-known for incredibly impressive cave system, one of which is declared by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site, other ranks top in every adventurous explorer’s wish list. Additionally, prioritized with magnificent and mysterious nature, Quang Binh is home for almost everything a traveler can expect ranging from endless rice paddies, breath-taking mountains, lush jungles to spectacular caves.
Attractions
Phong Nha Cave, while Son Doong Cave is out of the budget for the majority of visitors, Phong Nha earns its priority to the most outstanding cave with the longest underground stream in the world which can be accessed after a 30—minute boat trip against the current of Son river.
Hang Toi (Dark Cave) can be accessed by using zip line over the river. When visiting Hang Toi, travelers are strongly suggested emerge themselves into a natural mud pool and then cool off in the nearby Thuy Tien lake.
Thien Duong cave (Paradise Cave) offers explorers with an entrance equipped with sparkling LED lighting running along the hand rails, well-constructed boardwalk and overwhelming stalactites leading to a “real” heaven with work-of-art rock formations.
En Cave (Swallow cave). The thing that Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave can’t afford to offer tourists is the mysterious beauty from sunlight gorgeously shining through holes on top matching perfectly with the sapphire green of the inside river along with more than ten thousand swallows and bats nesting on the cave’s ceiling.
Dong Hoi market is an ideal place for tourists to shop for their friends some good dish or souvenirs. The market is listed as a must-see site owing to the fact that it is known as a “shopping mall” of Quang Binh province providing visitors a various range of commodities.
Mooc stream, driving along Ho Chi Minh road, around 10 km or more, tourists will catch sight of Mooc Stream- a relaxing and gorgeous location. The stream is unbelievable marvelous with water originated from unknown underground water system running through tiny limestone mountain gorges. Additionally, there is a rural cuisine area satisfies travelers with delicate and delicious grilled hill country chicken, stream shrimps, eels, etc.
Survival Valley – Aquarium Cave. The complex is an ideal combination of spectacular mountains, winding rivers, verdant jungles and a diversified cave system offering original and authentic beauty. Thuy Cung Cave (Aquarium Cave) highly features right in the center of the valley representing incredible and mysterious sapphire green water and imposing stalagmites.
Besides, tourists also can take a motorbike, packing up and discover the surroundings such as Hang Tam Co (The eight lady cave), Da Nhay beach (Jumping stone beach); Dong Hoi city; etc.
How to get there
Located right on important transport junctions, Quang Binh offers tourists several convenient ways to reach either by planes, trains or passenger cars. It will take around 8-10 hours to travel by car and train. Nevertheless, the train becomes a more popular choice for visitors because the convenient timing which means they can get off the train at 7am on the next day. In addition, for those who expect an enjoyable trip, plane definitely gets its shot. Notwithstanding, at the moment, only Vietnam Airlines offers passengers flight route from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Quang Binh. Or else, travelers totally can head to Da Nang or Hue then return Quang Binh by bus or car.
What to eat
Not only is Quang Binh endowed by magnificent nature but it also offers tourists with a various dedicated dishes.
Chao canh is a highlighted dish in Quang Binh which is also as popular as Pho to Hanoians. A small bowl of Chao canh contains regional noodle and crab broth with fish, shrimps, pork and herbs as the fillings will certainly give tourists an unforgettable taste of the countryside.
Banh loc (steaming cake) is undoubtedly another must-try dish for tourist when visiting this beautiful province. Banh loc is a perfect blend of powdered rice coat, filled with shrimps, mashed pork and some fungus served with a small bowl of specialized peanut sauce.
Oyster soup is featured with an incredible taste with special oysters only taken from Nhat Le river. Simply cooked from rice and fresh oysters. A steaming soup topped with a plentiful spoon of oysters sprinkling some pepper and pieced spring onion on top surely wow the tasters.
Another strongly recommended food can be mentioned including deliciously regional seafood, shrimp crepes made from local unpolished rice, mountainous animals, etc.
Besides, tourists also can be proposed a taste of Western food to satisfy their craving by paying a visit to some Café surrounding the province.
When to get there
Quang Binh in particular and the Middle of Vietnam in general presents two main seasons: the dry season and rainy season. That’s the reason why tourists should take weather into account because if you are unlucky to visit Quang Binh in the rainy season, water will definitely dominate inside the caves then sightseers cannot access to the majority of caves. The period starts from the end of March to the early October will be the best time in the year to travel to Quang Binh.
