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Dong Hoi Vietnam

Dong Hoi travel guide: A charming city in Vietnam

15/09/2024 1.818 views
5/5 - (1 vote)

Dong Hoi, the capital city of Quang Binh Province in Vietnam, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, Dong Hoi offers a unique blend of ancient architecture, natural beauty, and local charm.
Dong Hoi Quang Binh

Dong Hoi Quang Binh is definitely worth exploring (Source: Collected)

1. Is Dong Hoi Vietnam worth visiting?

Yes, Dong Hoi is definitely worth a visit for several reasons:

  • Convenient location: Located in Quang Binh, Dong Hoi serves as a convenient gateway to a range of nearby attractions. It is approximately 50 km away from the renowned Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its spectacular caves. In addition, Dong Hoi is about 45 km away from Suoi Bang Tourist Area, another scenic retreat featuring pristine streams, serene forests, and refreshing waterfalls. The city’s accessibility is enhanced by major transport routes including National Road 1A and the North-South Railway. It also has an airport right in the city center.
  • Natural beauty: The city features a long coastline with clear blue waters and white sandy beaches like Nhat Le, Quang Phu, and Bao Ninh, perfect for relaxation and water activities. The abundance of fresh seafood adds to its appeal for food enthusiasts.
  • Cultural sites: Dong Hoi is rich in cultural sites, including Dong Hoi Citadel, Nhat Le Gate, and the Monument of Mother Suot, which all commemorate the local heritage.

2. Best things to do in Dong Hoi City

2.1. Enjoy water activities at stunning beaches

Dong Hoi is home to some beautiful beaches perfect for water activities and relaxation: 

  • Nhat Le Beach, located right in the city center, is listed among the top 10 beaches in Vietnam. It features soft, white sand and gentle waves stretching for about 2 km along Truong Phap Street. You can enjoy fun activities like riding water motorbikes or banana floats here.
  • Next to Nhat Le Beach is Quang Phu Beach, where the sea is very shallow. Thus, it is an ideal place for families with young children to have fun. Here, a green pine forest provides a beautiful background for taking photos, along with the white sand and clear water.
  • Bao Ninh Beach, located a short distance away from the city center across Nhat Le Bridge, is known for its peaceful atmosphere. The beach also has fine sand and gentle waves, making it a great place to swim and unwind.
Nhat Le beach

Nhat Le is the most famous beach in Dong Hoi (Source: Collected)

2.2. Discover Dai Giac Pagoda

Dai Giac Pagoda has an intriguing history. It was originally built in 2010, using mainly bamboo as the primary material. The initial structure was damaged by the Typhoon Wutip in 2013 and later rebuilt. Today, it is the largest pagoda in Dong Hoi, covering 8,000 square meters.

At Dai Giac Pagoda, you can admire a 9-storey stupa, which features a jade statue of Vairocana at the top and several gilded Buddha statues on the lower floors. The top floor houses the statue of Cundi with multiple arms. In addition, there is a marble of Amitabha Buddha in the pagoda, the biggest of its kind in Vietnam, which stands 9 meters tall and weighs 40 tons.

Dai Giac Pagoda

The serene atmosphere at Dai Giac Pagoda (Source: Collected)

2.3. Indulge in the bustling nightlife of Dong Hoi Night Market

Dong Hoi Night Market, located on Nguyen Van Troi Street, is a lively spot for tourists exploring Dong Hoi. As evening approaches, the market transforms into a vibrant hub of activity with many entertainment options and local specialties. Here, visitors can enjoy a food court with very affordable dishes. In addition to food, the market features many souvenir shops where tourists can pick up gifts from Dong Hoi. The market also hosts folk music performances and reenactments of traditional craft villages, adding a cultural touch to the experience. For families visiting the market, the children’s play area offers an enjoyable environment.

Dong Hoi Night Market

Enjoy delectable specialties at Dong Hoi Night Market (Source: Collected)

2.4. Explore Quang Binh Gate

Quang Binh Gate, located in Dong Hai Ward, was originally built in 1631 during the Nguyen Dynasty. It was part of an ancient rampart system designed to protect the citadel. During the Nguyen Lords’ reign, if people from the northern region wanted to enter the citadel, they had to present their papers at the gate.

Quang Binh Gate guarded the waterway from Nhat Le estuary. Therefore, each time the Trinh Lords’ army crossed the Gianh River to head south, they were stopped at this gate. As a painful testament to a time of national conflict, Quang Binh Gate had shown the development of Vietnamese military architecture.

The gate, after restoration efforts, is notable for its unique architectural style, which blends robust defensive features with artistic design. It serves as an ideal site for those interested in military history, offering insights into the construction techniques and defensive strategies of the time.

Quang Binh Gate

The impressive architecture of Quang Binh Gate (Source: Collected)

2.5. Take amazing photos at Dong Hoi Citadel

Dong Hoi Citadel is the only remaining citadel in Quang Binh. Located in Hai Dinh Ward and Dong Phu Ward of Dong Hoi City, it has stood for over 200 years. Originally built in 1812 and later reconstructed with bricks in 1824, the citadel features a unique star-shaped design.

Today, parts of the citadel still stretch approximately 1,087 meters, with 15 sections. Two-thirds of the southern wall remains relatively intact, while the eastern wall features three gates. However, the two bridges – one to the south and one to the north of the wall – have completely collapsed. Another highlight is the ancient moat surrounding the citadel.

Restoration efforts have preserved the citadel’s historical charm, including the moat and an impressive gate overlooking the Nhat Le River. This site attracts tourists and researchers and is a great spot for photography, offering picturesque views of Dong Hoi Vietnam.

Dong Hoi Citadel

Dong Hoi Citadel has a long-standing history (Source: Collected)

2.6. Experience sand sledding at Quang Phu Sand Dunes

Next to Nhat Le Beach is Quang Phu Sand Dunes, also located on Truong Phap Street. It is a very popular attraction in Dong Hoi, standing out because its color changes throughout the day. The dunes start out white in the morning, turn yellow at noon, and shift to a gray-white hue in the afternoon, creating a beautiful, ever-changing landscape.

Quang Phu Sand Dunes offer stunning views of the vast ocean and small villages visible from the highest points. The best times to visit are early morning or late evening, when visitors can enjoy the sunrise or sunset over the dunes. A must-try activity here is sand sledding. For just 80,000 VND, visitors can rent a sled and slide down the dunes from the highest points, enjoying the thrill of this unique activity.

Quang Phu Sand Dunes

Quang Phu Sand Dunes is one of the most popular attraction in Dong Hoi Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.7. Visit the Monument of Mother Suot

The Monument of Mother Suot is located on Quach Xuan Ky Street, along the banks of the picturesque Nhat Le River in Dong Hoi City. Inaugurated in 2003, this monument was erected to honor the bravery and dedication of Mother Suot during the Second Indochina War.

Designed by sculptor Phan Dinh Tien, the monument stands 7 meters tall. It vividly depicts the image of Mother Suot holding a paddle with determination, her head held high, and her shoulder adorned with a fluttering parachute. The base of the monument features images that represent the harsh conditions that Mother Suot endured – one side portrays storms and bombs, while the other illustrates the wounded soldiers, young volunteers, and civil servants she helped ferry across the river.

Monument of Mother Suot

The Monument of Mother Suot is an iconic landmark of Dong Hoi (Source: Collected)

2.8. Marvel at the architecture of Tam Toa Church

Tam Toa Church, located in Nam Ly Ward, stands out as a significant landmark with its striking architecture. What sets this church apart from other churches in Quang Binh is that its construction primarily used stone materials, including granite and marble. The church is built from approximately 1,000 stone blocks. The architecture features Roman design elements, which are evident in the door frames and domes.

One of the church’s most notable features is its three spires, each housing a bell imported from France. These bells, with a total weight of about 1 ton, add to the church’s grandeur. The impressive construction and elegant design make Tam Toa Church a must-see for those interested in architecture and heritage.

Tam Toa Church

Tam Toa Church attracts both foreign and domestic tourists (Source: Collected)

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3. Useful tips for first-time travelers to Dong Hoi

3.1. Transport

You can travel to Dong Hoi Vietnam from other cities and provinces by:

  • Air: There are direct flights to Dong Hoi from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Hanoi to Dong Hoi Airport, while both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air offer flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi Airport.
  • Train: Dong Hoi is a stop on the North-South railway, so travelers can go there by train for a more scenic journey. However, you should check whether the city or province you are in has a train station or not. Then, you can book tickets via the official website of Vietnam Railways.
  • Coach: Traveling to Dong Hoi by coach is the most cost-effective option, with numerous coach companies operating departures from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or nearby cities and provinces. The travel time from Hanoi to Dong Hoi is about 9 hours, while the travel time from Ho Chi Minh City to Dong Hoi is about 20 hours. Some reputable coach companies are Tan Kim Chi, Hoang Long, Anh Khuyen, etc.

For traveling around Dong Hoi City, you can choose either:

  • Motorbike: Motorbikes are the most popular means for getting around Dong Hoi city. It offers flexibility and ease of access to various attractions. Motorbike rentals are readily available in Dong Hoi, with daily fees of about 150,000 VND. 
  • Taxi: If you are traveling in a large group or prefer not to ride motorbikes, taxis are an excellent option for getting around Dong Hoi. The city is served by several taxi companies, including Mai Linh Taxi, Tien Sa Taxi, Phong Nha Taxi, and Sun Taxi.
Hanoi to Dong Hoi by plane

There are direct flights to Dong Hoi from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

3.2. Ideal time to visit

The weather in Dong Hoi is characterized by two distinct seasons: the rainy season, from September to March and the dry season from April to August. Additionally, from November to March, the temperature in Dong Hoi City can fluctuate between 17-22 degrees Celsius, making it cooler than the rest of the year. 

The ideal time to visit Dong Hoi is the dry season. It offers favorable weather conditions, with warm days perfect for enjoying the city’s beaches and outdoor activities. Traveling during the rainy season presents certain challenges, such as difficulty in activities like swimming and cave exploration. 

3.3. Cuisine

Visiting Dong Hoi, be sure to try local dishes such as:

  • Quang Binh porridge noodles: This flavorful dish features a fragrant porridge with a rich broth. The noodles, made from a mix of rice and wheat flour, are chewy and soft. To taste this dish, visit Suong Hong (46 Le Van Huu Street), Ba Hong (51 Nguyen Huu Canh Street), and Gia Bao Quan (8 Ly Thuong Kiet Street).
  • Snakehead fish porridge: This hearty dish features tender snakehead fish simmered with brown rice flour. It is a local favorite for its rich taste and nourishing qualities. For a delicious serving of snakehead fish porridge, visit 76 Ton Duc Thang Street.
  • Loc cake: These tapioca dumplings are made from fresh tapioca flour mixed with shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, green beans, and meat, all wrapped in banana leaves. You can try them at Di Thai (13 Dong Hai Street), Me Xuan (5 Le Thanh Dong Street), and Di Thuy (11 Thanh Nien Street).
  • Water fern cake: These round, thin, and chewy cakes are served with meat, minced shrimp, and shrimp chips, all blending with a unique broth for a distinct flavor. Some recommended places to try water fern cakes include Co Van (82 Le Thanh Dong Street), Son Ly (115 Ly Thuong Kiet Street), and Tu Quy (17 Co Tam Street).
  • Khoai cake: Made from rice flour, tapioca flour, and egg yolk, this cake is filled with bean sprouts, meat, and shrimp. It is often enjoyed with raw vegetables and herbs, accompanied by a rich dipping sauce made from pork liver, crushed peanuts, and sliced chili. For a taste of khoai cakes, visit Tu Quy (17 Co Tam Street) and Ly Ly (11A Co Tam Street).
  • Seafood: Dong Hoi is known for fresh seafood thanks to its unique salt concentration. Seafood lovers will find the city a culinary paradise. Popular spots to taste seafood in Dong Hoi Vietnam include Chang Chang (Pham Van Dong Street), Binh Yen (Huong Giang Street), and La Co (Pham Van Dong Street).
Dong Hoi Cuisine

These restaurants in Dong Hoi offer the traditional cuisine of Quang Binh (Source: Collected)

3.4. Accommodation

There are many hotels in Dong Hoi City, ranging from budget ones to more high-end options. For those who prefer staying in the city center, come to Ly Thuong Kiet Street and Tran Hung Dao Street. For a more scenic stay, consider hotels near Nhat Le Beach on Truong Phap Street. Prices can vary, typically ranging from 600,000 VND to 2,000,000 VND per night.

All in all, Dong Hoi is a charming tourist destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here, visitors can explore historical landmarks, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the local traditions. As a gateway to the natural wonders of Quang Binh, Dong Hoi provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking adventure.

When you are in Dong Hoi, don’t miss out on other famous attractions, including Son Doong Cave, En Cave, Phong Nha Cave, Paradise Cave, Tu Lan Cave, Pygmy Cave, Bong Lai Valley, etc.

Beyond Dong Hoi, Vietnam offers a rich tapestry of other destinations to explore, from Hanoi and Hoi An to Nha Trang and Phu Quoc. If you are seeking some fun during your Vietnam travel, come to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders. VinWonders features an impressive range of offerings, including exhilarating games, captivating shows, and interactive activities that cater to all ages. 

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After a day of excitement at VinWonders, you can unwind in the luxurious comfort of Vinpearl’s hotels and resorts. These premier accommodations are known for their world-class amenities, stunning locations, and exceptional services. At Vinpearl, guests can also indulge in spa treatments, fine dining, and even golf courses that provide a perfect escape from the busy everyday life.

 

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