Mong Cai tourism does not stop at Mong Cai border gate, Tra Co beach or Vinh Thuc island. In fact, Mong Cai also has countless other interesting destinations that “travel” enthusiasts should visit.
Traveling to Mong Cai is the choice of many young people today (Photo: collected)
Blessed by nature with many beautiful landscapes, Mong Cai tourism is gradually creating a “fever” in the community of those who love to explore. If possible, you should go to Mong Cai to admire the natural beauty and immerse yourself in human life in this top land of the Fatherland.
1. Some details about Mong Cai tourism
Mong Cai is one of four cities in Quang Ninh province – Vietnam. Mong Cai city is located in the Northeast of Quang Ninh province, 178km north of Ha Long city, 316km northeast of Hanoi capital. Mong Cai borders China, with a land and sea border more than 70km long.
Mong Cai – the leading region of the Fatherland (Photo: collected)
Favored by nature, Mong Cai has geographical advantages along the border, along the coast and on islands with many famous landscapes. Traveling to Mong Cai Quang Ninh, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful vacation in island communes, mingle with nature in highland communes or visit famous spiritual and cultural tourist destinations.
2. When should you travel to Mong Cai?
Mong Cai is a bustling city all year round, so if you like, you can visit this “borderline, coastal” city at any time. However, according to Mong Cai travel experiences of those who are passionate about traveling, it is most appropriate to visit here at the following times:
You should travel to Mong Cai in the summer to enjoy cooling off at the beautiful beaches (Photo: collected)
- If you want to travel to Tra Co Mong Cai beach, you should go in May – August every year because this is summer, suitable for swimming. However, this is also the rainy and stormy season so visitors need to carefully monitor the weather before going;
- On April 30 – May 1 every year, Quang Ninh province will organize Ha Long Carnaval festival. Tourists can combine going to Mong Cai on this occasion, after traveling to Ha Long ;
- The squid fishing season in Tra Co beach is around March – June (lunar calendar) , so if you want to experience this hobby, you should arrange a time to travel to Mong Cai;
- Tra Co communal house festival is held on May 30 and June 1 (lunar calendar). If you are interested in cultural – spiritual tourism, you can visit Mong Cai at this time.
3. How to get to Mong Cai Quang Ninh
From Hanoi, to get to Mong Cai – Quang Ninh, visitors can choose the following transportation options:
Traveling by sleeper bus:
- Buses going to Mong Cai gather at My Dinh bus station, usually departing in the evening. Because the distance from Hanoi to Mong Cai is more than 300km, the car usually takes about 1 night. By the next morning, you will be in Mong Cai city. There are 2 buses running directly on this route: Ka Long bus and Duc Phuc bus;
- When arriving in Mong Cai city, to move around the inner city and other tourist destinations, you can rent a taxi or motorbike from local people.
Traveling to Mong Cai by motorbike – the choice of active young people (Photo: collected)
By personal vehicle:
- Motorbike: From Hanoi, you follow the road to Lang Son and then turn onto Highway 18 in Bac Ninh city to go to Pha Lai. Coming to Ha Long, you pass Bai Chay bridge, continue going about 200 km and you will reach Mong Cai;
- Car: In addition to the above road, you can take the Hanoi – Hai Phong highway, turn off at National Highway 10. Just go straight on National Highway 10, turn to the tourist city of Uong Bi and then continue to the National Highway 10. Highway 18 to Mong Cai.
4. Mong Cai tourist destinations you should not miss
If you plan to travel to Mong Cai, please take a look at these attractive destinations that cannot be missed such as:
4.1. Tra Co Mong Cai tourist area
- Address: Tra Co ward, Mong Cai city.
Traveling to Mong Cai Tra Co is definitely one of the first choices of tourists when coming to this beautiful coastal city. This stretch of fine white sand and wide coastline of Quang Ninh beach is ideal for tourists to indulge in bathing, playing water games,…
4.2. Cape Sa Vi – the northernmost tip of Vietnam
- Address: Tra Co ward, Mong Cai city.
Don’t forget to check-in at Sa Vi Cape (Photo: collected)
Sa Vi Cape (also known as Got Cape) is the point that marks the northeasternmost tip of the country. At Sa Vi Cape, there is a bas-relief of 3 pine trees standing proudly straight, with a poem by poet To Huu written above. Around the coast are rows of poplar trees that cover the mainland, protecting the land and people here from harsh storms and winds.
4.3. Mong Cai gate
- Address: Hoa Lac ward, Mong Cai city.
Mong Cai Border Gate is a must-visit place when traveling to Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
This is the international border gate connecting to Dong Hung border gate of Dong Hung city, Guangxi province, China. Coming here, visitors can register with comrades at the border station and then enter the border gate area to take check-in photos with milestone 1369.
4.4. Mong Cai Central Market
- Address: Tran Phu street, Mong Cai city.
Enjoy a cool glass of ice cream and then freely explore Mong Cai market (Photo: collected)
The market has a usable area of up to 20,000 square meters. The items at the market are quite diverse, mainly including goods imported from China such as clothes, electronics, shoes, children’s toys, fruits, candy,… In addition, here, visitors can Customers can also buy other Vietnamese products such as seafood, agricultural products (tea, coffee, pepper,…).
4.5. Dongxing city is located in China
- Address: Dongxing city, Guangxi province, China.
Dong Hung city has many cool “virtual living” corners (Photo: collected)
If desired, Mong Cai tourists can complete exit procedures to visit Dong Hung city of China. Dong Hung has electric car service running around the city with prices ranging from 10 – 30 RMB/turn (About 35,000 – 105,000 VND/turn).
Exit procedures are quite simple, usually done in about 1 hour. Visitors need to prepare 2 4×6 photos, identity card/citizen identification card/birth certificate (for children under 15 years old) to make a passport.
4.6. Vinh Trung Island with hundreds of stone dunes
- Address: Vinh Trung commune, Mong Cai city.
Vinh Trung Island is still wild so it is very clean and peaceful (Photo: collected)
Vinh Trung Island is always in the top places and tourist areas in Quang Ninh that many people love. The island has a beach about 2km long, with fine white sand, as beautiful as Tra Co or Quan Lan beaches. The unique feature of the island is that it possesses hundreds of undulating rocky dunes in the sea with diverse shapes, which are ideal for “giving birth” to lifelong photos.
4.7. Cai Chien Island is pristine, with beautiful clear blue sea water
- Address: Hai Ha district, Mong Cai city.
Cai Chien Island is “heart-stopping” beautiful with a long sandy beach and lush green casuarina trees (Photo: collected)
Cai Chien is an attractive tourist destination in Mong Cai, with many wild features with long, smooth white sand beaches and immense green casuarina forests. The area of primary forest on the island reaches over 500 hectares. In the forest there are many rare species of trees and birds. The sea water here is blue and cool, very suitable for soaking and cooling off in the scorching summer heat.
4.8. Vinh Thuc Island
- Address: Vinh Thuc and Vinh Trung communes, Mong Cai city.
When traveling to Mong Cai, tourists should not miss Vinh Thuc island (Photo: collected)
Vinh Thuc Island is still quite wild, without modern tourism services. Perhaps that is what makes this island attractive. The island is isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city, with calm beaches and clean, pristine, charming sand. This place truly brings unique, unforgettable experiences to visitors.
4.9. Da Den Beach – a check-in location in Mong Cai that attracts tourists
- Address: Foot of Ngoc Mountain, Area 1, Binh Ngoc Ward, Mong Cai City.
Taking hasty photos also produces beautiful – unique – strange photos at Da Den beach (Photo: collected)
Da Den Beach has a long sandy beach next to the green casuarina forest in all seasons. The name of Da Den beach comes from the black rocks spread out on the sandy shore. This unique feature of nature has brought a different and attractive beauty to this Mong Cai tourist destination.
4.10. Ka Long Bridge
- Address: Hung Vuong street, Tran Phu ward, Mong Cai city.
Ka Long Bridge at night with shimmering, magical lights (Photo: collected)
Ka Long Stone Bridge was built in 1984, designed by a French female architect. The bridge is made from natural stone slabs, crossing both banks of the romantic Ka Long River. The bridge is also a “witness” to Vietnam – China friendship.
4.11. Hai Son highland commune, Bac Son Mong Cai
- Address: Hai Son and Bac Son communes, Mong Cai city.
Experience the life of indigenous ethnic people in Hai Son and Bac Son when traveling to Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
Traveling to Bac Son Mong Cai and Hai Son commune with rolling mountains and endless green forests is also the choice of many tourists. Here, you can visit and explore the culture of indigenous ethnic groups. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes made from hill chicken, armpit pig, black goose,…
4.12. Five Lakes is a charming landscape
- Address: Northwestern mountainous region, Mong Cai city.
Five Lakes include: Trang Vinh Lake, Doan Tinh Lake, Quat Dong Lake, Kim Tinh Lake and Phinh Ho Lake. The lakes are clear blue, surrounding hundreds of oases, along the lakeside are primeval forests with diverse flora and fauna. The combination of water sources, terrain, climate and creatures here has created a beautiful landscape that captivates visitors.
4.13. Xa Tac Temple – famous Mong Cai tourist destination
- Address: Tue Tinh street, Ka Long ward, Mong Cai city.
Xa Tac Temple is a famous spiritual tourist destination (Photo: collected)
Xa Tac Temple formerly worshiped the god Xa Tac. This is one of the oldest historical relics in Mong Cai city. Today, the temple worships Buddha, Mother Goddess and Tran Dynasty. This place is a spiritual – historical tourist destination that tourists should not miss when visiting Mong Cai.
4.14. Mong Cai entertainment place at night – Tran Phu walking street
- Address: Tran Phu street, Mong Cai city.
Tran Phu Walking Street bustling at night (Photo: collected)
Started to be put into operation at the end of May 2015, Tran Phu walking street is the first walking street of Mong Cai city in particular and Quang Ninh province in general. Every evening from Wednesday to Sunday, this street is crowded with people and tourists.
4.15. Vinh Thuc lighthouse
- Address: Northeast of Vinh Thuc island, Mong Cai city.
Vinh Thuc lighthouse stands tall between heaven and earth in Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse is an international lighthouse of great significance because it is located in the first position on Vietnam’s maritime border. The light tower has a cylindrical shape and is lit by solar energy. From here, visitors looking towards the mainland will see Sa Vi Cape – the S-shaped starting point of Vietnam.
4.16. Children’s play area in Mong Cai – Funny Kids
- Address: Vincom Mong Cai Commercial Center, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai City.
When traveling to Mong Cai, young tourists love the Funny Kids amusement park (Photo: collected)
Funny Kids covers an area of thousands of square meters. This is an attractive destination for children with many interesting activities such as: Kids dance, Hawaiian dance, fun game shows, intellectual quizzes,…
4.17. Con Mang – a place to “escape” the bustle of the city
- Address: Tra Co ward, Mong Cai city.
Con Mang is about 6km from Tra Co Mong Cai beach . This is one of the romantic stops for tourists when traveling to Mong Cai. Coming here, visitors should try sitting on the rocks, listening to the murmuring waves, the bells of Tra Co church,… to have moments of relaxation from deep within the soul.
5. Which hotel should you stay in when traveling to Mong Cai?
Being adjacent to China, Mong Cai has many large and small hotels and motels serving the accommodation needs of tourists. However, because the number of tourists visiting Mong Cai is quite large, you should pay attention to choosing a safe place to stay with good service to book early.
6. What to eat in Mong Cai? Suggestions for delicious restaurants in Mong Cai
When traveling to Mong Cai, there are many delicious dishes waiting for you to discover. That is:
6.1. The surface of Mong Cai
The surface shrimp is also known as mantis shrimp or flap shrimp. The meat is tough, firm and sweet, and can be processed into many delicious dishes such as salt-roasted shrimp, steamed shrimp, roasted tamarind shrimp, vermicelli noodles ,… 
The surface is deliciously steamed, rich in island flavors (Photo: collected)
You can enjoy the surface of Mong Cai at:
- Nam Trung Restaurant – No. 70, Hoa Binh Avenue, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai;
- Tam Mao Restaurant – Tra Co Beach, Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai.
6.2. Tra Co crab
Tra Co crabs are caught naturally, have irregular sizes like farmed crabs but have a very delicious flavor. Tra Co crabs are delicious, sweet, and rich in nutrients thanks to living in clean, high-salinity seawater.
Newly caught Tra Co crabs are still fresh (Photo: collected)
Tourists should visit the following restaurants to taste Tra Co crab:
- Sen Restaurant – 23 Hung Vuong, Mong Cai;
- Tam Mao Restaurant – Tra Co Beach, Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai.
6.3. Peking roast duck
Peking roast duck is a dish originating from Guangdong province (China) and then gradually popular in Mong Cai, Vietnam. The type of duck chosen must be large, fat, firm, and roasted over high heat. After roasting, the duck has a thin, shiny, golden-brown skin that is very crispy when eaten.
Beijing roast duck is a dish you must try when traveling to Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
There are 2 famous restaurants with Peking duck in Mong Cai:
- Nam Trung Restaurant – No. 70, Hoa Binh Avenue, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai;
- Vuon Cau Restaurant – Area 3, Hai Hoa Ward, Mong Cai.
6.4. Lamprey
Steamed eel with soy sauce, combined with typical Chinese spices, is a very popular dish among Mong Cai tourists. You can enjoy this dish with rice or noodles, both are delicious.
Steamed eel with soy sauce – a dish that makes diners unable to “stay” (Photo: collected)
Places in Mong Cai that have delicious eel dishes:
- Hoa Van Restaurant – Trang Vi, Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai;
- Sen Restaurant – 23 Hung Vuong, Mong Cai.
6.5. Sa Sung
Sung sea worm is a rare seafood species with high economic value but has quite complicated fishing and processing techniques. This is a famous Mong Cai specialty, attractive to diners.
Famous sea worm porridge dish in Mong Cai region – Quang Ninh (Photo: collected)
You should eat Mong Cai sea worms at:
- Nam Trung Restaurant – No. 70, Hoa Binh Avenue, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai;
- Tam Mao Restaurant – Tra Co Beach, Tra Co Ward, Mong Cai.
6.6. “hybrid” cast cake
“Hybrid” Banh Duc is a must-try dish for diners when coming to the border region of Mong Cai, Quang Ninh. The cake is prepared in a “hybrid” style between Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine with an attractive filling of minced meat, dried shrimp, wood ear mushrooms, herbs, etc. When enjoying, diners add chili vinegar fish sauce to the cake.
Mong Cai banh duc mixed with sweet and sour fish sauce is super delicious (Photo: collected)
- Address to taste “hybrid” Banh Duc: 34 Tran Quoc Toan, Tran Phu Ward, Mong Cai.
7. Mong Cai specialties as gifts
When traveling to Mong Cai, don’t forget to buy Quang Ninh specialties as gifts for friends and relatives at home! Some suggestions include:
7.1. dried seafood
In Mong Cai, tourists often buy dried squid and dried sea worms as gifts. Dried squid brought home is often prepared by grilling and drinking with beer is very “tasteful”. As for dried sea worms, you can fry them crispy or soak them and stir-fry them.
Dried squid is a specialty gift that many tourists choose when traveling to Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
- Purchase address: Market 3 Mong Cai, Tran Phu ward, Mong Cai city.
7.2. Mong Cai shrimp floss
Shrimp floss is a Mong Cai specialty that you should choose if you are wondering what to buy as a gift. Shrimp floss is loved by both adults and children. It is delicious eaten with rice, sticky rice or rice rolls.
Shrimp floss – a specialty that everyone loves as a gift (Photo: collected)
- Purchase address: Market 3 Mong Cai, Tran Phu ward, Mong Cai city.
8.1. Mong Cai 1 day travel itinerary
If you travel to Mong Cai city for 1 day, you should only focus on two main activities: tourism and swimming. Suggested schedule is as follows:
Don’t forget to enjoy a bowl of noodle soup in Mong Cai (Photo: collected)
- 7:00: Enjoy Cu Ky vermicelli or vermicelli, Cu Ky rice paper depending on your preference;
- 8:00: Shopping at Mong Cai central market in Tran Phu ward. Tourists often buy ready-made clothes and household items;
- 10:00: Explore Mong Cai 2 and 3 markets in Hoa Lac ward;
- 12:00: Lunch. Visitors can try the famous Peking duck, spicy tofu and pork belly;
- 13:00: Explore relics in Tra Co such as Van Linh Khanh pagoda, Tra Co communal house;
- 15:00: Swimming at Tra Co beach;
- 17:00: Visit and watch the sunset at Sa Vi cape;
- 19:00: Eat seafood at Tra Co beach with delicious dishes from eels, snails, shrimp, crabs, shrimp,…;
- 20:00: Return to Mong Cai night market to buy groceries, souvenirs, household items and enjoy Chinese-flavored night food;
- 22:00: See Mong Cai city at night on Ka Long bridge;
- 23:00: Rest.
8.2. Mong Cai tour itinerary 2 days 1 night
8.2.1. Day 1 – Mong Cai – Tra Co tourist area – Ka Long bridge
Admiring Mong Cai city at night – an unforgettable experience for tourists (Photo: collected)
- 5:00: Return to hotel, check in;
- 7:00: Have breakfast at the noodle shop, Cu Ky rice cake;
- 8:00: Go shopping, visit markets in Mong Cai;
- 12:00: Eat and drink at 3 Mong Cai market or at restaurants around the city with specialties such as fish, crab, sea worms, eel, shrimp, sam, squid, Tien Yen chicken, nodding cake , coffee,…;
- 13:00: Visit Tra Co beach, Con Mang, Tra Co church, Tra Co communal house, Sa Vi cape;
- 19:00: Eat seafood at Tra Co or return to Mong Cai city for dinner (eat snails, eat grilled food,…);
- 20:00: Drink coffee at a high-rise restaurant, see Mong Cai from above or go shopping at Mong Cai night market;
- 22:00: Go to Ka Long bridge to admire Mong Cai city at night;
- 23:00: Return to the hotel to rest.
8.2.2. Day 2 – Vinh Thuc Island – Mong Cai market
Day 2, visitors should visit Vinh Thuc island (Photo: collected)
- 7:00: Have breakfast at the hotel or sample popular breakfasts at street restaurants;
- 9:00: Go to Mui Ngoc, rent a canoe to Vinh Thuc island. After arriving on the island, you can rent a car to visit Van Gia port, Vinh Thuc lighthouse,…;
- 12:00: Lunch at the island;
- 13:00: Return to the city, go to Mong Cai market;
- 19:00: Dinner;
- 21:00: Get on the bus back to Hanoi.
8.3. Mong Cai tour itinerary 3 days 2 nights
8.3.1. Day 1 – Mong Cai – Sa Vi cape – Tra Co beach
Tra Co Beach is a must-have place in Mong Cai travel itinerary (Photo: collected)
- 6:00: From Hanoi depart for Tra Co;
- 12:00: Have dinner, check in to hotel in Mong Cai, rest;
- 14:00: Visit Sa Vi Cape and then go to Tra Co to swim;
- 18:00: Return to Mong Cai city, have dinner and rest.
8.3.2. Day 2 – Mong Cai – Dong Hung
Check-in with tired hands at attractive tourist destinations in Dong Hung city (Photo: collected)
- 6:00: Breakfast;
- 7:00: Depart for Mong Cai International Border Gate, complete exit procedures to Dong Hung (China). Tourists take souvenir photos at border marker 1369, Bac Luan Friendship Bridge, visit Quan Am Pagoda, Dong Hung city center, Bac Luan Avenue,…;
- 12:00: Lunch at Chinese restaurant;
- 14:00: Continue to visit Dong Hung city and then return to complete immigration procedures to return to Vietnam;
- 17:00: Return to hotel, have dinner and rest.
8.3.3. Day 3 – Mong Cai Central Market – goodbye Mong Cai
Stop by Mong Cai market to buy souvenirs for your loved ones and end your Mong Cai travel journey (Photo: collected)
- 8:00: Breakfast;
- 9:00: Visit Mong Cai commercial center, Mong Cai market,…;
- 11:00: Check out, have lunch, then get on the bus back to Hanoi;
- 19:00: Return to Hanoi, ending the 3-day, 2-night Mong Cai tour.
With pristine beaches and bustling markets, Mong Cai tourists truly have unforgettable experiences. Please visit this land at the heart of the Fatherland to fully experience the natural beauty and people here!