Autumn – winter season is the best time to visit the border district of Binh Lieu in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
Visitors take photos in ripening rice fields in Binh Lieu District (Photo: baoquangninh.vn)
Arriving in Binh Lieu during this period, travellers should not miss visiting reed grass hills, discovering the ‘dinosaur’s spine, exploring the most beautiful endless ripening rice fields, and shopping at local markets.
During the fall and winter seasons, Binh Lieu is coated in the glossy yellow hues of staircase rice fields, as other border areas are dotted with the romantic white colour of reeds blooming along the hillsides and mountainsides and the immense green of anise and cinnamon forests.
Coming to Binh Lieu on this occasion, tourists should not miss visiting the endless ripening terraced fields in Khe O, Cao Thang and Ngan Pat villages in Luc Hon commune.
Then, they can spend time around Huc Dong Commune exploring the Khe Van waterfall, one of the most famous scenic spot in the district.
Khe Van waterfall is one of the most famous scenic spot in Binh Lieu District. (Photo: baodantoc.vn)
The waterfall is 100m high. The water runs from the Khe Van–Thong Chau mountain range 1,000m above sea level, creating three separate water layers.
Each has its unique features. The top one is a large stream of water flowing down the cliff to a large lake. Flowers and grass on the cliff enhance the view. A complex of imposing angled stones scattered under the water creates an amazing natural landscape.
The second layer of water is divided into two smaller waterfalls running beside each other. One flows down to the streams and the wide lake below. The large and flat stones are ideal places to rest and have a sunbath. This lake is a natural swimming pool, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in the cool, fresh water.
Not only can they admire the wonderful natural scenery, but visitors to Binh Lieu district during the autumn-winter season can also take part in a wide range of cultural activities, which are held throughout October and November.
The activities include the new rice celebration of the Tay ethnic people, camping activities on Cao Xiem Mountain, and folk games such as spinning, stick pushing, tug-of-war, and ‘con’ (cloth ball) throwing.
The visitors can try dressing up in traditional ethnic costumes or check in at photo booths, which are set up in terraced fields.
Nguyen Thi Nguyet Anh, a tourist from Nam Tu Liem District in Ha Noi, said that she just visited Binh Lieu District in the early days of November when the terraced fields boasted their most charming look of the year. “The stunning beauty of the rice fields impressed me so much,” she stated.
As it borders China, Binh Lieu District has several border markers, which are situated on a mountain road running along 50 kilometres.
The blooming season of reed grass in Binh Lieu starts in early winter (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)
Of which, marker No. 1297 is the best place to admire white reed grass hills every autumn to winter.
The blooming season of reed grass in Binh Lieu starts in early winter, mostly on the western border belt road, from the district towards Bac Xa Commune in Dinh Lap District, Lang Son Province.
Meanwhile, between markers No. 1302 and 1305, travellers will come across the ‘dinosaur’s spine’: a spectacular ridge from which the vista stretches miles into the distance.
To reach border marker 1305, one must cross the dinosaur’s spine, which can take up to two hours in good weather. As 1305 is one of the two highest landmarks in the province, it offers stunning panoramas of the district.
If visiting Binh Lieu on Sundays, tourists can shop for souvenirs and colourful garments and sample local specialties at Dong Van Market.