Vibrant Winter tourism in Quang Ninh

Ha Long Bay in winter appears to be cloaked in a layer of mist. (Photo: Thomas Kim)

Must-visit destinations

Ha Long Bay - Misty sea, rocky isles

Ha Long Bay, the tourism icon of Quang Ninh, takes on a pure and gentle beauty in winter, with a higher sky, softer light blending in the chilly air of the Northeast wind. This makes the experience here in the autumn-winter season both novel and familiar for visitors.

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The journey can start with an early boat trip to catch the sunrise over the sea. The limestone formations gradually awaken amid the mist, creating a unique winter scene. The most wonderful moment is stepping onto the deck, amidst the vast sea and sky, feeling the first cold breeze of the season gently touching your skin, clearly sensing the “change of season” – both fresh and heart-stirring.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the night sea, try staying overnight on a cruise. The calm sea, gentle breeze, and shimmering water reflecting the lights create a scene both peaceful and romantically indescribable.

Yen Tu - Sacred peak amidst clouds

Standing over 1,000 meters high, Yen Tu is a sacred mountain area, home to the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect and many historical and cultural relics. As winter arrives, the weather becomes colder, the fog thicker, and the pine and bamboo forests more tranquil.

Visitors can explore Yen Tu by cable car, or for those seeking a challenge, follow the stone steps through the bamboo forest, stopping at the shrines and temples along the way to the summit, to hear the wind whistling through the pine branches and feel the chill with each step.

An afternoon at the temple courtyard, looking down at the valley shrouded in winter mist, is a perfect moment for those seeking a “different breath” – the quiet of the mountains, the spiritual atmosphere, and the dreamy fog.

The peak of Yen Tu emerges amidst the majestic cloudscape. (Photo: Vietravel)

Binh Lieu - Borderland of reeds

Located near the Vietnam-China border, Binh Lieu is likened to a “miniature Northwest” in the Northeast region with terraced fields, reed-covered hills, and winding mountain roads.

The autumn-winter season (from late October to December) is the most beautiful time here with white reed hills, remaining golden rice fields, and the mountain chill beginning to seep in.

A must-visit spot is the “dinosaur spine” mountain pass leading to the 1305 border marker. Standing at the top, breathing in the fresh air and looking down at the white reed hills weaving through the misty valleys, visitors will fully appreciate the beauty of the mountains. If you wish to “escape” the city noise, love trekking, or seek a perfect “Instagrammable” spot, Binh Lieu is the ideal choice.

The winding “dinosaur spine” road stretches over mountain slopes, creating the feeling of walking amidst floating clouds. (Photo: Blog of Rot)

Bai Chay - Gentle sea in early Winter

If you love the sea but want to avoid the summer hustle, Bai Chay from October to December is the ideal destination. The sea is calm, the sky high, and the seaside resorts become peaceful and pleasant. Additionally, visitors can visit the nearby Reu Island to experience the winter sea.

The gentle sunlight, the chilly Northeast wind, and the sunset paint an enchanting picture with a soft purple hue that captivates the heart. No more bustling sunbathers, just a few leisurely beachgoers. Sitting on the resort porch, enjoying that moment, your soul will be immersed in an extraordinary sense of peace.

For accommodation, visitors can choose between luxury resorts or seaside homestays, as winter is usually the off-peak season, offering more affordable prices and quieter spaces.

Reu Island attracts visitors with its pristine and romantic beauty (Photo: Traveloka)

Vibrant tourism season

Notably, the Winter tourism season in Quang Ninh is entering its most vibrant phase. A series of large-scale events such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Ethnic Festival, Ha Long Foodtour, and the Ha Long Bay Heritage International Marathon 2025 will take place in the Quang Ninh.

In particular, the Vietnam Travel Day 2025 is expected to be held for the first time in mid-November in Quang Ninh, gathering hundreds of leading travel companies from both home and abroad, opening up opportunities for large-scale tourism cooperation and promotion.

Mr. Nguyen The Hue, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, stated: “This event is not only an occasion to connect hundreds of the nation’s largest travel companies but also to widely promote the image of Quang Ninh tourism to international friends. This is a golden opportunity for Quang Ninh’s tourism industry to make a strong breakthrough in the coming period.”

Along with the province’s events, many localities also organize their own activities with distinctive cultural colors. For example, in Yen Tu ward, the Yen Tu Autumn Festival 2025 with the theme “Autumn meditation colors” runs from October to December, offering a series of unique cultural, spiritual, artistic, and wellness experiences amidst the sacred mountain forest.

Each program is a powerful “push”, contributing to promoting the image of Quang Ninh as dynamic, modern, friendly, and attractive. Not only bringing top-notch cultural, musical, and culinary festivals, this winter tourism season continues to affirm Quang Ninh’s position as a converging, creative destination that constantly innovates to captivate visitors from near and far.

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