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Mong Cai City

Mong Cai City: A traveler’s guide to Vietnam’s border hub

11/04/2025 813 views

Mong Cai City, Vietnam is a border city known for its stunning beaches, cultural sites, and bustling markets. With a blend of natural beauty and modern attractions, it offers a unique travel experience.

1. Overview of Mong Cai, Quang Ninh, Vietnam

Mong Cai City is located in the northeastern part of Quang Ninh, marking the northeasternmost point of Vietnam. It is the only locality in the country that shares both land and sea borders with China. 

Covering an area of over 500 square kilometers, Mong Cai City is divided into three distinct parts: mountainous areas, coastal plains, and islands. It is home to six ethnic groups with approximately 120,000 people. The city captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, artistic architecture, and breathtaking nature.

Mong Cai is a tourist destination rich in culture and natural wonder

Mong Cai is a tourist destination rich in culture and natural wonders (Source: Collected)

Mong Cai City boasts 59 cultural sites such as Xa Tac Temple and Tra Co Communal House. It preserves various forms of intangible heritage, including traditional festivals and folk performances that showcase the rich local culture. 

Nature lovers can explore pristine attractions such as Tra Co Beach, Pa Nai Mountains, and Trang Vinh Lake, making the city an ideal destination for ecotourism. Moreover, Mong Cai City offers unique experiences at Sa Vi Cape and Vinh Thuc Lighthouse. 

With many accommodations, restaurants, walking streets, food courts, shopping centers, and markets, Mong Cai City provides an extensive range of amenities for visitors.

More on: Ha Long Bay map: Top attractions on popular tourist routes

2. Must-see attractions in Mong Cai City

2.1. Sa Vi Cape

Sa Vi Cape is one of Mong Cai City’s most iconic landmarks, representing Vietnam’s sovereignty with its striking monument of three casuarina trees. From this point, visitors can gaze at the vast sea and spot Boundary Marker 1378 – the final boundary marker along Vietnam’s maritime border with China.

A highlight here is Sa Vi Border Information Complex, a large-scale site that features impressive architecture, folk games, delicious dishes, and a dazzling nightscape.

Sa Vi Cape is a must-see landmark on the Mong Cai Vietnam map

Sa Vi Cape is a must-see landmark on the Mong Cai Vietnam map (Source: Collected)

2.2. Mong Cai beaches

Mong Cai City is a paradise for beach lovers, offering pristine shores:

  • Tra Co Beach: Tra Co Beach stretches 17 kilometers with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. Flanked by casuarina forests, this tranquil beach offers relaxing strolls with the sound of the waves, mesmerizing sunrises at Mang Dune, immersive fishing experiences, breathtaking sunsets at Ngoc Cape, and seafood delicacies.
  • Ben Hen Beach: This unspoiled gem in Mong Cai City spans 3 kilometers. Surrounded by towering casuarina trees, cacti, and coastal morning glories, Ben Hen Beach offers an immersive experience amidst nature. Visitors can partake in fishing activities alongside the local fishermen and enjoy freshly caught seafood right on the shore.
  • Dau Dong Beach: Located on Vinh Thuc Island, Dau Dong Beach is a 5.5-kilometer-long stretch of unspoiled beauty. This beach features multicolored sands and clear waters, surrounded by dense casuarina forests and towering cliffs. The area also offers community-based tourism, including cultural immersion with the local islanders.
Unwind with pristine beaches in Mong Cai City

Unwind with pristine beaches in Mong Cai City (Source: Collected)

2.3. Tra Co – Binh Ngoc Crossroad

Tra Co – Binh Ngoc Crossroad was built between 2010 and 2012, spanning 1.65 hectares and including a monument, walking paths, and a lotus pond. The highlight here is the intricately sculpted stone monument.

2.4. Po Hen Historical Site

Po Hen Historical Site in Mong Cai City stands as a tribute to the valiant Vietnamese soldiers who defended the nation during the 1979 Border War. Spanning over 86,000 square meters, this site includes the imposing Po Hen Memorial Tower, altars, stone steles, and a garden. Visitors can explore the historical significance of the site while absorbing the serene yet powerful atmosphere of the surrounding mountains.

Hear stories of Vietnamese people’s resilience and patriotism at Po Hen Historical Site

Hear stories of Vietnamese people’s resilience and patriotism at Po Hen Historical Site (Source: Collected)

2.5. Sacred sites in Mong Cai City

Beyond natural wonders, Mong Cai City is home to several sacred sites:

  • Xa Tac Temple: Nestled along the Ka Long River, this temple dates back to the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Constructed with traditional materials like ironwood and brick, it houses two ancient stone steles that record its 1879 restoration and the deities worshipped here.
  • Tra Co Communal House: This is one of the largest ancient communal houses in Vietnam, dating back to 1461. With grand architecture, intricately curved roofs, and delicate carvings, it houses invaluable artifacts, including bronze incense burners and wooden altars from the Nguyen Dynasty. The annual Tra Co Communal House Festival is a national intangible heritage with many cultural activities here.
  • Nam Tho Pagoda: Recognized as a national relic in 1999, this nearly 200-year-old temple in Mong Cai City preserves a collection of 53 ancient statues representing Vietnamese Buddhist traditions. Surrounded by lush old-growth trees, Nam Tho Pagoda offers visitors peace of mind.
  • Xuan Lan Pagoda: Constructed in the 18th century on an elevated area, Xuan Lan Pagoda features unique architecture, with stone materials sourced from To Chim Mountain. The temple’s intricate wooden carvings and century-old statues reflect the essence of traditional Vietnamese artistry.
  • Tra Co Cathedral: Built in 1880, this Gothic-style church in Mong Cai City is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful religious sites. Despite multiple renovations, Tra Co Cathedral has preserved its distinctive pointed arches, towering bell towers, and meticulously carved wooden interiors.
Xa Tac Temple stands out on the Mong Cai map for tourists

Xa Tac Temple stands out on the Mong Cai map for tourists (Source: Collected)

2.6. Vinh Thuc Lighthouse

Perched atop Dau Tan Mountain, Vinh Thuc Lighthouse in Mong Cai City is an iconic beacon at Vietnam’s maritime border. Constructed in 1962 with French architectural influences, the lighthouse stands 18 meters tall from its base and 86 meters above sea level. From its summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast ocean and coastal landscapes, accompanied by the fresh breeze and tranquil ambiance.

2.7. Vinh Thuan International Golf Course

For those seeking a unique recreational experience in Mong Cai City, Vinh Thuan International Golf Course is a must-visit. This 18-hole golf course is designed in a links-style layout with a par of 72, spanning a total length of 7,204 yards. Stretching along a 3-kilometer-long coastline, it is Vietnam’s first international-standard golf course near the border. The ever-changing wind pattern and challenging course design offer a thrilling experience for every golf enthusiast.

Don’t miss Vinh Thuan International Golf Course for entertainment

Don’t miss Vinh Thuan International Golf Course for entertainment (Source: Collected)

2.8. Ka Long Bridge

A symbol of Vietnam-China friendship, Ka Long Bridge gracefully spans the Ka Long River in Mong Cai City. Built in 1964, this is the only bridge in Vietnam that is entirely constructed from stone blocks without the use of concrete or steel reinforcements. Featuring four main pillars and three elegantly arched sections, the bridge stands firm yet graceful. At night, its illuminated framework creates a captivating spectacle.

2.9. Mong Cai Highland Area

Mong Cai City boasts a captivating highland area in the western part of the city. This area is home to a variety of attractions that appeal to both nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, including Dang Family Mural Village, Phinh Ho Lake, Pa Nai Mountain, Bat Cave, and ethnic villages.

Developed with a focus on community-based tourism, this area in Mong Cai City allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of the ethnic minority groups. You can wear the traditional costumes of the Dao and San Chi people, participate in folk singing and dancing, and savor a wide range of mountain delicacies such as free-range hill chicken, wormwood leaf cakes, and sim wine.

2.10. Mong Cai International Border Gate

Bordering Dongxing City in China, Mong Cai International Border Gate is one of Vietnam’s first trade hubs at the land border with China. It holds immense significance in facilitating economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges between Vietnam and China. This area in Mong Cai City has four attractions: Bac Luan International Border Gate House, Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, Bac Luan Bridge, and Boundary Marker 1369 – the first boundary marker between Vietnam and China.

Discover: Ha Long attractions: Must-see spots for every traveler

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3. Top foods to try in Mong Cai City

Mong Cai City’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of Vietnamese flavors and Chinese influences. To kickstart your morning, try a bowl of crab noodle soup or seafood noodles featuring mantis shrimp and stone crabs. Recommended eateries include Co Hau (54 Ly Tu Trong Street), Anh Quyen (34 Tran Quoc Toan Street), Hung Van (23 Tran Quoc Toan Street), and Bun Ca (67 Hoa Binh Boulevard). You can also enjoy duck porridge and sticky rice with savory toppings made from free-range ducks.

Seafood is the highlight of Mong Cai City’s cuisine

Seafood is the highlight of Mong Cai City’s cuisine (Source: Collected)

For lunch, stop by Binh Mam – Mong Cai (10A Hai Xuan Street) for a taste of the region’s famous grilled pork, along with a variety of delicious seafood and poultry dishes. Come dinnertime, you should indulge in Mong Cai City’s seafood, including crabs, prawns, mantis shrimp, and sea worms. Some top-rated seafood restaurants include Vuong Lan, Nam Trung, Tam Mao, and Ba Niem.

Visitors can also explore the vibrant Hong Van food street in Ka Long Ward and the food court in Tran Phu Ward, where a wide selection of grilled dishes, seafood dishes, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as street food delights like banh duc (plain rice flan), roasted duck, and Pin Luo Xiang spicy noodles await. 

For an unforgettable experience, you can enjoy fresh seafood by the beach, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of the waves and a warm cup of clam wine.

Explore: Things to do in Ha Long Bay: 27 incredible ideas to include in your trip

4. Guide for first-time visitors to Mong Cai, Quang Ninh

4.1. When to visit?

Mong Cai weather experiences a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions and frequent rainfall. Thanks to its diverse attractions, visitors can explore Mong Cai City at any time of the year.

For those looking to enjoy the beaches, the ideal time to visit is from May to August, when the summer weather is warm with minimal storms. If you are a festival enthusiast, consider visiting Mong Cai City during national holidays such as April 30th when numerous festivals take place. A highlight is the Tra Co Communal House Festival held on the 30th day of the 5th lunar month, featuring a variety of cultural traditions.

The Tra Co Communal House Festival attracts visitors from all over

The Tra Co Communal House Festival attracts visitors from all over (Source: Collected)

4.2. How to get there?

The journey to Mong Cai City often starts from Ha Long City (approximately 140 kilometers away), which takes about 2.5 hours by limousine bus. If you have rented a motorbike or car, you can follow National Road 18 (for motorbikes) or Highway CT06 (for cars) to reach Mong Cai.

 

4.3. Where to stay?

Mong Cai City offers a wide range of accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses. Currently, the city has nearly 300 lodging establishments, with around 30 hotels ranging from 1 to 5 stars.

After exploring Mong Cai, you can go back to Ha Long and spend the night there. For a stay in Ha Long, consider Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long, which offers breathtaking bay views and world-class amenities, including a luxurious spa, a sparkling swimming pool, fine dining, conference centers, and more.

Choose Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay

Choose Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

 

4.4. Where to shop?

For a memorable shopping experience and to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, you can explore Mong Cai City’s shopping centers and markets. Malls such as Vincom Plaza Mong Cai and Vinh Co Plaza offer a variety of goods. At bustling markets like Mong Cai Market and Togi Market, a wide range of products are available at reasonable prices. In particular, Mong Cai Market is home to nearly 1,000 stalls selling everything, from souvenirs to clothes, making it a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

Mong Cai City offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Whether exploring its stunning beaches, cultural sites, or vibrant markets, visitors will find unforgettable experiences. With diverse offerings, Mong Cai City is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Besides Mong Cai, Quang Ninh, Vietnam is home to numerous other destinations including Hanoi, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc. In these dynamic destinations, don’t miss VinWonders, a chain of exciting entertainment complexes. VinWonders offers adrenaline-pumping games, expansive water parks, mesmerizing aquariums, lush botanical gardens, safaris, and captivating live shows. 

To elevate your travel experience in Vietnam, unwind at the luxurious hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where top-tier amenities and exceptional hospitality ensure an unforgettable stay.

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VinWonders Phu Quoc – the largest theme park in Vietnam

 

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VinWonders Nha Trang offers various exciting activities for visitors of all ages

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