Binh Lieu, an untouched pearl

lan Huong

Remaining off the beaten track until recently, Binh Lieu captivates visitors with its stunning scenes of terraced fields, rolling green hills, and picturesque villages.

Quang Ninh province is best known as the home of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO natural world heritage site that draws throngs of visitors. The province also boasts many other tourist attractions such as Bai Chay Bridge and the islands of Tuan Chau and Co To. As yet, Quang Ninh’s untouched pearl Binh Lieu is still a little visited destination.

Binh Lieu is a mountainous district in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province. In recent years, the district has become popular amongst young travellers seeking a remote and beautiful destination.

Riding across the breath-taking passes is a must-do experience as visitors can admire the immense mountain scenery,

inhale the aroma of anise and cinnamon and listen to the murmuring from the streams below. In autumn, white reed flowers carpet the entire region, gently wafting in the wind and creating an aura of romance.

Though not quite as spectacular as those in the northwest, the terrace rice fields of Binh Lieu stretch under the valleys, hugging the winding hillside. In late October and early November, the terraces shine bright gold against the green mountains.

Binh Lieu is also home to a number of fascinating destinations including an ancient village, Khe

beautiful as popular tourist sites such as Mau Son and Sa Pa.

In spring cultural festivals imbued with the unique features of ethnic minority groups abound in the border highland district. Binh Lieu has a rich, diversified culture with its own characteristics. The district is multi-ethnic, with more than 96 percent of its population being ethnic minority people. Binh Lieu is home to five ethnic groups, Tay, Dao, San Chi, Hoa and Kinh.

Visitors to Binh Lieu this December can participate in the “So” (camellia oleifera) Flower Festival to admire the charming So flowers. Featuring white pistils with yellow spots, these flowers are characteristic of the area.

Van waterfall, Cao Xiem peak, border markers 1300, 1302, 1305 and 1327, and the famous “dinosaur’s spine”.

The climate in Binh Lieu differs from the rest of Quang Ninh. Located 600-800 metres above sea level, the temperature in Binh Lieu is often 2-3 degrees Celsius lower than at the province’s centre.

In summer, the weather is clement, dropping to low temperatures in winter. The mountain peaks are at times covered with white coats of snow and ice, making the border district as