Binh Lieu is a mountainous district of Quang Ninh province, bordering Guangxi province, China. Around October and November every year, Binh Lieu is likened to a reed paradise with mountain slopes covered with beautiful white reeds.
Binh Lieu is about 108km from Ha Long city center, about 270km from Hanoi, visitors can come here on their own or on a tour. If traveling on their own, from Hanoi, visitors can take a Limousine bus straight to Binh Lieu, then rent a motorbike in Binh Lieu town to go out.
On the journey to explore Binh Lieu, there are two must-see places: milestone 1305 and the dinosaur spine.
Landmark 1305 is located on the highest mountain peak in Quang Ninh province, on the border patrol road in Hoanh Mo commune, about 1 hour from Binh Lieu town center.
To reach milestone 1305, visitors must travel about 2.5km, with 2,000 steps and 50 gentle slopes. The steps get higher and higher, so they will quickly get tired and use a lot of energy.
The area of milestone 1305 may not be the place with the most reeds, but the road that is likened to a dinosaur's spine leading to milestone 1305 is extremely beautiful. Walking on this road, visitors can take in the majestic beauty of nature and the towering mountains in their sight. The total time to go up and down this milestone, to walk the entire dinosaur's spine will take about more than 2 hours, depending on each person's strength.
Ms. Aki Lan, a tourist from Hanoi who had a 2-day-1-night trip to Binh Lieu, shared: “I find the mountain road to milestone 1305 very beautiful. After the recent storm Yagi, there will probably be less reed grass than in previous years. However, going up to the milestone area, trekking along the dinosaur's back to see the green mountains is also great. Especially, there are many roads connecting from one peak to the next, taking pictures looks like the 'Great Wall'. I find 1305 to be the most majestic of the milestones I have been to."
Early morning is the best time to conquer the 1305 milestone, if you are lucky you can also see the sea of floating clouds. The weather in the morning is also cooler than in the afternoon, giving you more time to sightsee and take photos, capturing beautiful moments.
Standing at this border landmark, you can see the majestic mountains and forests, feel the cool breeze, breathe the fresh air, it is truly an indescribable feeling.
Traveling to Binh Lieu for 2 days, visitors can also check in at milestone 1297, admire Khe Van waterfall, visit Hoanh Mo border gate, explore cuisine at Binh Lieu town market, camp in Cao Ly mountain...
It should be noted that when climbing the border markers, the distance is quite long and tiring, so visitors should wear neat and comfortable clothes. If you go early in the morning and return late at night, remember to bring a thin jacket to wear outside to keep warm.
Also, prepare extra cash, because not all places in Binh Lieu accept bank transfers. You should fill up the tank and check the vehicle before renting. There are almost no gas stations on the way to the milestones, so you have to fill up in town or near the Hoanh Mo Border Gate.
“At each destination, you should walk slowly to ensure your health. Especially those who are in normal health and not used to trekking should walk slowly. Remember to bring some bread, milk, and water to eat along the way to have the strength to climb. There are shelters and food services at the parking lot, mainly selling only instant noodles,” Ms. Lan reminded.
When choosing a room, you should choose one in the center of Binh Lieu town for convenience of travel, and the food and accommodation services will be better. If you go on the weekend, you should book a room or homestay in advance, because it is the reed season so rooms are quickly sold out.
Ms. Lan said: “From 6pm it gets dark very quickly, it is quite dangerous to travel on the road. There is little food around Binh Lieu town, mostly hot pot restaurants, grilled chicken, black duck, stream fish restaurants... there are few noodle shops, pho shops or cheap eateries along the road.”
The cost of the female tourist's trip is about 1,500,000 VND/person, including 2-way Limousine ticket 800,000 VND, 2-day motorbike rental 350,000 VND/vehicle, accommodation 250,000 VND/person, food and drink according to needs...
