Dong Hoi, a charming city of Quang Binh Province, has recently become one of favorite destinations in Vietnam because of its captivating landscapes and gorgeous specialties. From Dong Hoi, it is convenient to visit the world natural heritage Phong Nha Ke Bang and other magnificent caves of Vietnam such as Son Doong, Tu Lan, and Paradise.

Location

Dong Hoi is the provincial city of Quang Binh Province, which belongs to the Northern Central Vietnam. The city is located between Highway 1A and Ho Chi Minh City Street. It shares borders with Bo Trach District to the north, Quang Ninh District to the south, Bo Trach Province and Quang Ninh District to the west, and East Sea to the east. Especially, the World Heritage – Phong Nha Ke Bang is only 40 km to the northwest of Dong Hoi City.
Regarding to the weather, the annual average temperature and humidity of Quang Binh province are about 24.40C and 84% respectively. The average rainfall is from 1,300 – 4,000 mm, meanwhile, the total number of sunny hours is around 1,786 hours per year. The city is influenced by the monsoon including Southeast wind, Southwest wind, and Northeast wind. The weather in Quang Binh Province in general and Dong Hoi City in particular often fluctuate with the vagaries. There will be harsh sunny days as well as profusely rainy days. For that reason, travelers should bring necessary items such as jacket, hat, scarf, raincoat, sunblock, mosquito repellent, etc.

Attractions

Being endowed by the nature, DongHoi has been likened to “white pigeon on the East Sea coast” or “beautiful rose in the early morning”. When it comes to the beauty of this city, it will be a big mistake without mentioning the charming Nhat Le River. The city also owns 12 km long and beautiful coastline. Dong Hoi beaches are pretty clean and lovely. The most well-known beaches in the city are Nhat Le Beach with blue and crystal-like water, peaceful Quang Phu Beach nestled under the endless Casuariana groves, and unspoiled Bao Ninh Beach.
Especially, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – the World Natural Heritage – is only 40 km from Dong Hoi. In addition to the values of geology, topography, and geomorphology, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park is endowed by majestic landscapes and mysterious caves. The most outstanding caves in Dong Hoi cannot fail to mention including Paradise Cave, Son Doong Cave, and Tu Lan Cave.
Except from natural landscapes, Dong Hoi has well-preserved historical vestiges such as Tam Toa Church, Me Suot Statue, Luy Thay Rampart, Dong Hoi Rampart, etc. Visiting the city, tourists have a wonderful opportunity to explore Bau Tro Culture, engage in traditional festivals, and participate in regional folk games.

Cuisines

Rice Dumpling Cake (“bánh bột lọc” in Vietnamese) is the most well-known specialty in this beach City. Still made from familiar ingredients, Rice Dumpling Cake is more flavorsome and leaves people distinctively unforgettable tastes. To enjoy the most delicious Rice Dumpling Cake, travelers should come to Le Thanh Dong Street and Dong Hai Street.
In addition to Rice Dumpling Cake, a special type of noodles named “cháo canh” is another favorite delicacy. Tourists are highly recommended to head to Nguyen Trai Street or Hai Ba Trung Street to sample the most traditional flavor of this special local noodles. Besides, having several beaches, Dong Hoi is also a paradise for those loving seafood.
Transportation
It is easy to travel from big cities in Vietnam like Hanoi Capital, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang City to Dong Hoi because the major national routes such as Highway 1A, Ho Chi Minh Highway, Vietnam North-South Railway run through the city.
By air: Currently, Vietnam Airlines has operated daily roundtrip flights: Ho Chi Minh City – Dong Hoi and Hanoi – Dong Hoi. Besides, other airlines such as Jetstar Parcific, Air Mekong and VietJet also offer flights connecting Dong Hoi to these cities.
By train: Dong Hoi Railway Station is an important stopover of Vietnam Reunification Express, therefore, travelling by train to Dong Hoi is also pretty convenient and easy. From mainline railway stations in Vietnam such as Da Nang Railway Station, Hanoi Railway Station, or Saigon Railway Station, tourists can buy tickets to travel to Dong Hoi.
By road: By road (Highway 1A), Dong Hoi is far from Hanoi 486km, from Vinh 195km, from Hue 172km, and from Ho Chi Minh City 1238km. Travelers can catch high-quality buses, which will depart from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi Capital at 5:00 – 6:00pm and arriving in Dong Hoi in the following morning.

Other attractions in Phong Nha: Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Paradise cave, Phong Nha Cave, Dark Cave, Son Doong cave, Swallow cave.