OVERVIEW OF QUẢNG BÌNH PROVINCE

Geographical Location

Quảng Bình is a province in the North Central Coast of Vietnam, with geographical coordinates from 16°55' to 18°05' North latitude and from 105°37' to 107°00' East longitude. It borders Hà Tĩnh Province to the North, Quảng Trị Province to the South, Khăm Muộn and Savannakhet Provinces of the Lao PDR to the West, and the East Sea to the East.

Topography

Quảng Bình has a diverse topography, with most of its area consisting of hills and rugged mountains. The mountainous region on the Eastern slopes of the Trường Sơn range has altitudes ranging from 250 meters to 2,000 meters, featuring dense forests and treacherous terrains. The Phi-cô-pi (Giăng Màn) peak, bordering the Lao PDR, is the highest mountain in the province at 2,071 meters. The coastal plain is narrow and low, with an average elevation from 0 to 20 meters.

Climate

Quảng Bình has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from September to March, with an average annual rainfall of about 2,000 - 2,300mm. The dry season lasts from April to August, with an average annual rainfall of about 500 - 700mm.

History

Quảng Bình is a land with a long history, closely tied to the ups and downs of the nation's history. It has been home to various tribes and ethnic groups. During the feudal period, Quảng Bình was one of the important territories of Đại Việt. Many significant battles against foreign invaders occurred here, such as the Battle of Đèo Ngang in 1069, the Battle of Vạn Tường in 1965, and the Battle of Quảng Trị in 1972.

Economy

Quảng Bình's economy is on the rise, focusing on the development of tourism and industry. Tourism is the key economic sector of the province, with many potentials and advantages.

Culture

Quảng Bình has a rich and diverse culture, deeply imbued with national identity. The province hosts many traditional festivals, such as the Cầu Ngư Festival, the Boat Racing Festival, and the Harvest Festival. Quảng Bình is also the homeland of many cultural figures, such as General Võ Nguyên Giáp and poet Tố Hữu.

1. Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park

Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park is one of the areas with the largest limestone cave systems in the world, featuring over 300 large and small caves. Among them, the most famous are Phong Nha Cave, Én Cave, Sơn Đoòng Cave, and Tối Cave.

2. Nhật Lệ Beach

Nhật Lệ Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Quảng Bình, with fine white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. It is an ideal destination for swimming, relaxing, and watching the sunset.

3. Vũng Chùa – Đảo Yến

Vũng Chùa – Đảo Yến is the final resting place of General Võ Nguyên Giáp, a brilliant and great military leader of the Vietnamese nation. This is a spiritual destination that attracts many visitors from both inside and outside the country.

4. Nước Moọc Stream

Nước Moọc Stream is a natural spring located within the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. The stream has crystal-clear, cool water and is surrounded by pristine, picturesque natural scenery. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, swimming, and relaxation.

5. Sơn Đoòng Cave

Sơn Đoòng Cave is the largest cave in the world, discovered in 2009. The cave is over 9 km long, 150 m wide, and 200 m high. Sơn Đoòng Cave is a stunning natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. However, the cave is only suitable for tourists who are in good health and have experience in cave exploration.

6. Én Cave

Én Cave is the third-largest cave in Vietnam, stretching over 1 km in length. The cave features a beautiful and rich system of stalactites and stalagmites. Én Cave is an ideal destination for sightseeing, exploration, and admiring the beauty of nature.

7. Chày River – Tối Cave

Chày River – Tối Cave is an attractive eco-tourism route in Quảng Bình. Visitors can kayak on Chày River, explore Tối Cave, and participate in other exciting recreational activities.

8. Quang Phú Sand Dunes

Quang Phú Sand Dunes is a large sand dune located at the mouth of Nhật Lệ River. The sand dunes cover an area of about 15 hectares, with fine white sand hills stretching as far as the eye can see. This is an ideal destination for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing sand sliding.

9. Nhảy Stone Beach

Nhảy Stone Beach is a small beach located in Hải Trạch Commune, Bố Trạch District. The beach features large and small rocks stacked on top of each other in the sea, creating a unique and impressive landscape.

10. Ngang Pass

Ngang Pass is a rugged mountain pass located between Quảng Bình and Hà Tĩnh Provinces. The pass is about 20 km long, featuring sharp bends and steep cliffs. Ngang Pass is an ideal spot for sightseeing, photography, and experiencing the pristine beauty of nature.

Other Attractions

In addition, Thừa Thiên Huế also has many other attractive tourist spots such as: Bạch Mã National Park, Lập An Lagoon, Đá Dăm Waterfall, Thanh Tân Hot Springs...

With its rich and diverse tourist destinations, Thừa Thiên Huế is an ideal place for those who love to explore history, culture, and nature.

1. Rice dumpling cake (Bánh bột lọc)

Bánh Bột Lọc is a specialty of Huế, but in Quảng Bình, it is prepared in a distinctive way. Quảng Bình Bánh Lọc is filled with shrimp and pork, made from fresh shrimp, minced pork, green onions, and seasonings. The bánh is wrapped in dong leaves and steamed until cooked. Quảng Bình Bánh Lọc has a sweet taste from the shrimp and pork, blended with the fragrant aroma of the dong leaves.

2. Porridge noodle (Cháo canh)

Cháo Canh is a popular dish in many regions of Vietnam, but Quảng Bình's Cháo Canh has a unique flavor. Quảng Bình Cháo Canh is made from rice flour noodles, served with shrimp, pork, fish cakes, and more. Quảng Bình Cháo Canh has a delicate sweetness from the broth, blended with the chewy texture of the noodles and the sweetness of the shrimp and pork.

3. Grilled Chicken (Gà nướng)

Grilled Chicken is a popular dish in many places, but Quảng Bình's Grilled Chicken has a very distinctive flavor. Quảng Bình Grilled Chicken is marinated with Muối Cheo, a unique seasoning from Quảng Bình. Quảng Bình Grilled Chicken has a delicious and rich taste, and is even more appealing when served with Muối Cheo.

4. Son River Carp (Cá trắm sông Son)

Son River Carp is a specialty fish from Quảng Bình, raised in the Son River. Son River Carp has firm, delicious flesh and few bones. Son River Carp can be prepared in many tasty dishes such as caramelized carp, steamed carp, grilled carp, and more.

5. Crispy pancake with Crispy Shrimp (Bánh bèo tôm cháy)

Crispy pancake with Crispy Shrimp is a humble yet incredibly appealing dish. Bánh Bèo Tôm Cháy is made from rice flour, served with crispy shrimp, fried shallots, and pork cracklings. This dish has a delicious, rich flavor that is very appetizing.

6. Crispy pancake (Bánh khoái)

Crispy pancake is a specialty dish of Central Vietnam, but Quảng Bình's Bánh Khoái has its own unique flavor. Quảng Bình Bánh Khoái is made from rice flour, served with shrimp, pork, fish cakes, and more. Quảng Bình Bánh Khoái has a delicious, rich taste that is very appealing.

7. Oyster Porridge (Cháo hàu)

Oyster Porridge is a specialty dish of Quảng Bình, made from rice porridge and fresh oysters. Quảng Bình Oyster Porridge has a delicate sweetness from the oysters, blended with the fragrance of the rice. Quảng Bình Oyster Porridge is an extremely nutritious and delicious dish.

8. Quảng Bình Seafood

Quảng Bình is a coastal province with many beautiful beaches and an abundant source of seafood. Quảng Bình seafood is very fresh and can be prepared into many delicious dishes such as shrimp, crab, sea crab, squid, and more.

9. Quảng Hòa Sizzle cake (Bánh xèo Quảng Hòa)

Quảng Hòa Bánh Xèo is a specialty dish of Ba Đồn Town, Quảng Bình. Quảng Hòa Bánh Xèo batter is made from rice flour and turmeric powder, served with shrimp, pork, fish cakes, and more. Quảng Hòa Bánh Xèo has a delicious, rich flavor that is very appealing.

10. Dried Squid with Green Mango (Mực khô bóp xoài)

Dried Squid with Green Mango is a popular snack in Quảng Bình. The dried squid is mixed with green mango, garlic, chili, and other ingredients. Dried Squid with Green Mango has a unique blend of sour, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a distinctive and appetizing dish.

IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL TO QUẢNG BÌNH

Quảng Bình is a central province of Vietnam, famous for its magnificent caves such as Phong Nha Cave, Thiên Đường Cave, Sơn Đoòng Cave, Nhật Lệ Bay, and more. The weather in Quảng Bình is distinctly divided into two seasons: the dry season from April to September and the rainy season from October to March of the following year.

The dry season is the most ideal time to travel to Quảng Bình. During this season, the weather is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25-30°C, and there is little rain, making it perfect for sightseeing, exploration, and beach activities.

The rainy season in Quảng Bình tends to be prolonged, with frequent rain, high humidity, and warm temperatures, which can make sightseeing and travel difficult. However, the rainy season has its own unique beauty, especially the sight of golden rice fields.

If you want to explore the caves, you should visit Quảng Bình during the dry season, from April to September. This time of year offers dry weather, little rain, and is very convenient for traveling and exploring the caves.

If you wish to enjoy the beaches, the best time to visit Quảng Bình is during the summer, from May to August. During this period, the sea is beautiful, the water is clear, the waves are calm, making it ideal for swimming and beach activities.

Depending on your preferences and available time, you can choose a suitable itinerary.