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| Home » Vietnam Travel Guide »
Quang Ninh
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| DESTINATION VIETNAM |
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QUANG NINH
GUIDE |
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 ATRACTIONS IN
QUANG NINH |
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| HIGHLIGHTS IN
QUANG NINH |
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| QUICK GUIDANCE |
| The breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastlines, cultural delights and historical significance, make Vietnam an enjoyable stop in Asia travel map. To help you plan a trip in Quang Ninh - Vietnam, we provide the useful guide of hotel options, package tours, transport, attractions, shopping and entertainment. You just click the sections below for helpful information. |
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QUANG NINH PROVINCE OVERVIEW |
| Geography |
Demographics |
Telephone |
Capital: Ha Long
Region: Northeast
Area: 5,899.6 km2
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Population: 1,067,300
Density: 180.91/km2
Ethnicities: Viet , Tay, Dao, San Chay, San Diu, Hoa... |
Calling code: 033 |
| Town and Districts |
| Towns: Cam Pha, Mong Cai, Uong Bi; Districts: Ba Che, Binh Lieu, Hai Ha, Dam Ha, Tien Yen, Van Don, Hoanh Bo, Dong |
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| General Information
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Quang Ninh is a province in northern Vietnam. This province has the shape of an oblique rectangle inclined in a north-east to south-west direction. To the west, the province borders an extended forest and mountain region. To the east, it is adjacent to the Gulf of Bac Bo. It features a meandering coastline, numerous estuaries and tidal flats and more than 2,000 large and small islands. Exactly 1,030 of these have been named. Quang Ninh's coordinates are longitude 106o25' to 108o25' east and latitude 20o40' to 21040' north. Its width from east to west is 195 km (at the widest part).
The total length from north to south is 102 km. The northernmost point is in mountain range at Mo Toòng village (Hoanh Mo Commune, Binh Lieu District). The southernmost point is in Hạ Mai Island (Ngoc Vung Commune, Van Don District). The westernmost point is in Vang Chua River (Binh Du?ng and Nguyen Hue communes, Dong Trieu District). The easternmost point is inland at Got Cape, northeast of Tra Co Commune, Mong Cai Town.
Quang Ninh has a common national border with the People's Republic of China. Inland, north of province (Binh Lieu, Hai Ha districts and Mong Cai borders Fang Cheng District and Dong Hung Town in Guangxi Province, PRC with the borderline of 170 km. To the east, it adjuncts to Bac Bo Gulf. The province also borders Lạng S?n, Bac Giang and Hai Du?ng provinces to the west, and the city of Hai Phòng to the south. The coastal line is 250 km. The total area of Quang Ninh is 8,239.243
km2, of which 5,938 km2 is mainland. The area of islands, bays and sea is a tremendous 2,448.853
km2. The total area of the islands is 619.913 km2.
Quang Ninh is a mountainous and coastal province, with more than 80% of its area being made up of mountains and hills. The 2,000 some islands are also considered mountains. The mountainous zone can be divided into two parts: the eastern mountainous region extending from Tien Yen through Binh Lieu, Hai Ha, Dam Ha and Mong Cai; and the western zone ranging from Tien Yen through Ba Che and Hoanh Bo, north of Uong Bi Town. The former is a continuation of the Thap Van Dai Son range in China. There are two main chains: Quang Nam Chau 1,507 m and Cao Xiem 1,330 m. The western zone features smooth and curved mountains called Dong Trieu with Yen Tu Mount 1,068 m in Uong Bi region and Am Vap Mount 1,094 m in Hoanh Bo District.
The midland and coastal plains include a low range of hills weathered by both wind and water; forming fields and river basins. They include the zones of Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, northern Yen Hung, southern Tien Yen, Hai Ha and some of Mong Cai. In the estuaries, alluvial soil is deposited, creating low tidal flats. This can be found in the areas of southern Uong Bi, southern Yen Hung (Ha Nam Island), eastern Yen Hung, Dong Rui (Tien Yen), southern Dam Ha and Mong Cai, southeastern Hai Ha. The midlands and plains of the coastline are extremely favourable for agriculture and transport. It has become a densely populated area of the province.
The sea and island zone of Quang Ninh has a unique terrain. There are more than 2,000 islands, making up two thirds of the country’s islands. They extend along the coast for more than 250 km and divide into numerous layers. The largest islands are Cai Bau and Ban Sen, while the smallest are just like rocks in a garden. Van Don and Co To are island districts. There are thousand of islands on Hạ Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, many of which contain caves. Besides areas of alluvial deposits, there are also white sand zones which have built up from tidal action. Some places have formed white sand mines producing materials for the glass industry (Van Hai), or have developed into wonderful tourism spots (Tra Co, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung).
The sea bottom terrain of Quang Ninh isn't smooth, and has an average depth of 20 m. There are the remnants of ancient streams and underwater rocky banks. The streams from the mainland connect to deep drains along the sea-floor; creating a series of waterways, canals and harbours along the coast.
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QUANG NINH PROVINCE PEOPLE |
| According to 2001 census, the Quang Ninh population exceeds about 1,029,900, which is the average population for Vietnamese provinces. In 1997, the province was inhabited by 950,000 people.
The population growth rate in Quang Ninh is under the national growth rate. It does differ substantially through different regions in the province: in Ha Long City the rate is lower, while in some mountainous areas it reaches higher (Tien Yen, Ba Che, Co To)
Composition-wise, Quang Ninh shows some peculiarities. First of all, 37.6% of the population is younger than 15, while senior citizens make up 7.1%. In mountainous areas, 45% of the population is younger than the working age. As well, in Quang Ninh there are more men than women.
Ethnologically, Quang Ninh is made up of 21 ethnic groups, but only 6 have a population of over 1,000. These groups live in their own communities, and have their own dialects and particular ethnic features. They include the Viet (Kinh), Dao, Tay, San Diu, San Chi and Hoa. After these, there are two ethnic groups with populations of several hundred: the Nung and Muong. The remaining 14 have populations of less than 100: the Thai, Khmer, Hre, H'Mong, E De, Co Tu, Gia Rai, Ngai, Xo Dang, Co Ho, Ha Nhi, Lao. These originate from remote centres in the Central Highlands.
Among the major ethnic groups, the Kinh make up 89.2% of the ethnic population. The Dao have two main branches: the Thanh Y and Thanh Phan. They conserve their particular ethnic features such as dialect, clothing and traditional festivals, and some continue practices of nomadic farming. The Tay, San Diu and San Chi live in low mountainous areas, chiefly relying on agriculture, in particular the production of wet rice. The Hoa include many ethnic minorities, having immigrated from China many years ago. A small portion is Chinese residents who come to deal in commerce and handicrafts and live in townlets in eastern areas. Most live in the country, relying on agriculture, fishing and forestry.
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GETTING IN - OUT
QUANG NINH PROVINCE |
The shortest land route from Hanoi to Halong is via Bac Ninh. The alternative way is Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong. The distance from Mong Cai - Halong is 180km. From Mong Cai go along National Highway No. 4B via Hai Ha, Dam Ha then take National Highway No.18B through Cua Ong, Cam Pha, Hon Gai to Bai Chay.
The train departs from Yen Vien Railway Station (Gia Lam District, Hanoi) for Halong at 4.50am and arrive at 11.40am every day. The helicopter flight every Saturday from Gia Lam Airport (Hanoi), departing at 8 am and returning at 3 pm. This is also convenient for visitors to travel to Halong Bay. Hon Gai Port and the boat system in Halong Bay have the capacity to serve many visitors.
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GETTING AROUND
QUANG NINH PROVINCE |
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QUANG NINH PROVINCE RESOURCES |
Fauna and Flora
Quang Ninh, because of its varied terrain, climate and soil, features a diversified and abundant environmental system.
Fauna: There are the regular domestic animals: cattle, pigs, poultry, cats, dogs, and rabbits. Cattle breeding has developed well in the mountainous regions, while the Móng Cái pig is now famous for its especially lean meat. In eastern districts, swans hybridized with ducks, called cà sáy by locals, are also becoming popular. Numerous foreign cattle are imported as well: buffaloes from India, milk cows from the Netherlands and India and horses, sheep and goats from Mongolia.
Wild animals: Formerly, as with the rest of Vietnam, there were once numerous wild animals. In more remote times, there were elephants, rhinoceros, tigers, leopards and bears roaming the area. Today, there are monkeys, deer, pheasants, eagles, wild boars, various birds and tortoises (which unfortunately are less abundant than they once were).
Aquatic fauna: In Qu?ng Ninh aquatic fauna is very abundant, both fresh and sea water. There are large schools of fish swimming in the Gulf of B?c B?. In addition, there are special products such as pearl mussels, stockfish, sea turtles and lobsters, while along the coastline, oysters and edible seaweed abound. These numerous fruits of the sea have always been an important source of income for the residents of Qu?ng Ninh.
Flora: Qu?ng Ninh’s floral strong point has always been forestry. Agricultural land is narrow and unfertilized, so the production of rice, maize and sweet potatoes is poor. Making up for this is high productivity from fruit trees, lumber trees and industrial plants. The area for fruit trees in the Đông Tri?u District totals around 30 km². Formerly in Qu?ng Ninh, there was diverse and high-quality wood available, in particular ironwood and teak trees. Presently, there are mainly pine trees. In mountainous areas, there are some very diverse trees and plants, providing spices and traditional medicines.
In general, Qu?ng Ninh is a province having good and abundant geography which create great potentials to develop the economy in all fields. Because of its great tourism potentials, Qu?ng Ninh now becomes a centre, one of the important locations of the master plan in developing the economy of the whole country.
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TRAVEL TIPS |
Climate
The climate of Quang Ninh province is symbolic of the climate in the North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer, it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter, it's cold, dry, and sometime rainly.
The average heat radiating during a year is 115.4 Kcal/sq. cm. The average temperature is over 21oC, while the average humidity is 84%. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400mm, and there can be between 90 to 170 rainy days in a year. These are mainly concentrated in the summer (more than 85%), and especially in the months of July and August. In winter, rainfall only reaches between 150 and 400mm.
In comparison to other provinces in the north, Quang Ninh has been more under the influences of north-eastern monsoons. The wind blows strongly and the temperature drops to between 1 and 3ºC. During a north-eastern monsoon, high mountainous regions such as Binh Lieu and Hai Ha, Dam Ha sometimes see the temperature drop below 0ºC. Storms have a large influence on the province, mainly in June, July and August. The intensity can be extremely strong, especially in island and coastal regions.
Due to differences in terrain, the climate of sub-regions vary. The border area of the Mong Cai Town is colder and rainy, with an average temperature of around 22oC and rainfall reaching 2,751mm. In the Yen Hung District, the most southern area, the average temperature is 24oC and sees an average rainfall of 1,700mm. The high mountainous region of Hoanh Bo, and Ba Che Districts, is victim to 20 days of frost a year, and is subject to little rainfall. In the Binh Lieu District there is heavy rain (2,400mm) and winter lasts for six months. The offshore island region is not the wettest area, with only 1,700 to 1,800mm of rainfall per year, but winter is often accompanied by thick mists.
HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTRES
Quang Ninh Provincial Hospital
Add: Bach Dang Ward
Tel: (84-33) 825 486, Emergency telephone: (84-33) 825 505
This is the largest hospital in Quang Ninh Province, with many wards.
Telephone for medical emergency: 115
Bai Chay Hospital
Add: Gieng Day Ward ,Telephone for ambulance: (84-33) 846 566
National Medicine Hospital
Add: Hong Ha Ward, Hon Gai ,Tel: (84-33) 838 112
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QUANG NINH PROVINCE ECONOMY |
Tourism Potential
There are many beautiful beaches and natural beauty spots such as Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Tra Co Beach, Co To Beach, Dai Beach in Van ?on etc. Besides, there are historical and architectural relics enabling the development of tourist tours on land, sea and islands.
Ha Long Bay covers an area of 1,553 sq. km including 1,969 islands, of which an area of over 434 sq. km including 788 islands has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage due to its cultural, aesthetic, bio-geological and economic value. There are in the bay many soil islands, caves, grottoes, beaches, beautiful landscapes enabling the development of attractive tourist sites of various types.
Tuan Chau Island belonging to Ha Long Bay has an area of 220 ha. It is 8 km from Ha Long City and 2 km offshore. This is an ideal spot to develop a super tourist complex. There are 100 hotels around the province all together with 3,000 rooms (1,200 rooms are international standard), e.g., Heritage (4-star, 101 rooms), Ha Long Plaza (4-star, 192 rooms), Ha Long Bay, Ha Long 1, 2, and 3, etc. Moreover, there are also hundreds of mini-hotels and guesthouses owned by the private sector. This kind of accommodation is supported by joint venture hotels in medium size, namely Hoàng Gia (Royal) (5-star, 360 rooms), Ha Long - Dream (4-star, 200 rooms), etc. There will be many modern international hotels, recreation areas in Ha Long and Mong Cai in the future.
Bai Chay Beach developed by Royal Joint Venture Co. is a wonderful spot and provides full range of services. Tourist boat unit is being enlarged and upgraded to enable service 5,000 guests visiting Ha Long Bay at the same time. With around 500 historical, cultural and arts relics etc., attached with many traditional festivals; such as Yen Tu Pagoda, Cua Ong Temple, Bach Dang historical relic, Long Tien Pagoda, Quan Lan Communal House etc. which attract a large number of visitors, especially during festivals. Coming to Quang Ninh, tourists can have good chance of enjoying seafood, including holothurians, abalone, shrimp, crab, arca, shellfish, glacilaria, etc.
Coal exploitation
Quang Ninh is famous all around the country for coal. Coal mines chain is 150 km long extending from Ke Bao Island (Van Đon) to Mao Khe (Dong Trieu). An amount of 3.8 billion tons is investigated enabling an yearly production of 30 - 40 mil. tons. Quang Ninh pit-coal belongs to the anthracite type, which is hardened with stable carbon content of 80-90%, and high calorie of 7,350-8,200 Kcal/ kg.
Quang Ninh’s 3 main coal exploitation areas are Hon Gai, Cam Pha – Duong Huy and Uong Bi – Mao Khe which reach a capacity of 12 mil. tons a year. The amount exploited in 2002 was over 15 mil. tons including more than 5 mil. tons for export.
In Quang Ninh alone, in the coming years with the establishments of a series of big industrial bases (cement, thermal power generation, fertiliser, chemical and fire-brick plants etc.), the demand for coal as fuel and for processed coal will certainly increases (estimated around 7 mil. tons/ year) that miners need to equip new machines and technology, and adopt advanced management. Coal industry is in good position to co-operate with foreign partners to exploit and process coal.
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| Northern Vietnam |
| Hanoi, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Hai Phong -Cat Ba Island, Ha Tay, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Lang Son,
Ninh Binh, Lao Cai - Sapa, Quang Ninh - Ha Long, Son La, Thai Binh |
| Central Vietnam and Highland Region |
| Binh Dinh, Binh Thuan - Mui Ne, Da Nang, Hue, Khanh Hoa - Nha Trang, Ninh Thuan, Quang Binh, Quang Nam - Hoi An, Quang Ngai ,Quang Tri, Daklak, Gia Lai, Daknong, Kontum, Lam Dong - Da Lat |
| Southern Vietnam |
| Ho Chi Minh, Ba Ria -Vung Tau -Con Dao Island, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Kien Giang -Ha Tien -Phu Quoc Island,
Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, An Giang |
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