The province has the shape of an oblique rectangle inclined in a northeast-to-southwest direction. To the west, the province borders an extended forest and mountain region. To the east, it is adjacent to the Gulf of Ton Kin. It features a meandering coastline, numerous estuaries and tidal flats and more than 2,000 large and small islands. Exactly 1,030 of these have been named.

Quang Ninh has a common international border with the People’s Republic of China. Inland, north of province (Binh Lieu, Hai Ha districts and Mong Cai borders Fang Cheng District and Dong Hung Town in Guangxi Province, PRC with the borderline of 170 km. To the east, it adjuncts to Gulf of Tonkin. The province also borders Lang Son, Bac Giang and Hai Duong provinces to the west, and the city of Hai Phong to the south. The coastal line is 250 km. The total area of Quang Ninh is 8,239.243 km², of which 5,938 km² is mainland. The area of islands, bays and sea is a tremendous 2,448.853 km². The total area of the islands is 619.913 km².

There are many beautiful beaches and natural beauty spots such as Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Tra Co Beach, Co To Beach, Dai Beach in Van Don etc. Besides, there are historical and architectural relics enabling the development of tours on land, sea and islands.

1.    Ha Long Bay – World Heritage Site
Situated in the north-east region of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a part of the Gulf of Bac Bo, and comprises Ha Long City, the township of Cam Pha and a part of the island district of Van Don.

Ha Long Bay covers a total area of 1,553 sq. km, including 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the south-east (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the south-west (belonging to Ha Long Bay). The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old.

The densely concentrated zone of stone islands, grottoes and caves, world famous for its spectacular scenery, forms the central zone of Ha Long Bay, which has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This protected site covers an area of 434 sq. km, comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with the Ðầu Gỗ Island (Driftwood Island) to the west; the Ba Hầm Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south; and the Cống Tây Island to the east. The regions immediately surrounding the area were classified as a national site by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1962.

Ha Long Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyễn Trãi: "a wonder of the earth erected towards the high sky.” It is also a place closely linked to Vietnam’s history with such famous geographical names as: Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bach Dang River (the location of three fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors).

This is not all; Ha Long has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gieng…

It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity with many varied ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs and tropical forests, featuring thousands of diverse species of animal and plant life.

The winding route seems to be endless, but the beauty of Ha Long Bay does not consist only in the forms of it’s mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves; concentrated mostly in the middle of the UNESCO-protected area. Thiên Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) bears a modern and refined trait, while Đầu Gỗ (Driftwood Grotto) is ample and grandiose and Sửng Sốt (Surprise Grotto) appears deeply secretive. There are many beautiful examples, closely linked with legends and popular tales, such as: Trinh Nữ and Trống Grottoes (Virgin and Male Grottoes) and the Fairy Grotto Lake (Ðộng Tiên Lake). Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.

The first time, on 17th December, 1994, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO officially recognized Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage Area at its 18th session in Phu Ket, Thailand, because of its universal aesthetic value according to criteria (iii) of the Convention. The second time, on 2nd December, 2000, at the 24th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Cairns, Queensland, Australia, the World Heritage Committee unanimously decided to recognize the universal geological value of Ha Long Bay for the second time according to criteria (i) of the International Convention on the Protection of the World National and Cultural Heritage.

2.    Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island Resort was newly built on a location 8 km from the centre of Ha Long City. It stretches for 220 ha and built of gradual hills.
Many constructions in Tuan Chau are underway or have been finished. From the entrance you will pass a cluster of hills. Investors are accelerating the flattening of this site to build a villa complex whose infrastructure is expected to meet international standards. Further on you will come to a gastronomical street composed of 5 restaurants and round-shaped houses modeled after the royal architecture. They can serve 500 customers at a time with Asian and European and Vietnamese dishes cooked by famous domestic and foreign cooks. Restaurant staff is dressed in traditional costume. In the centre you will be stunned by the club where there are performances of whale, seal and sea lion fashioned after the Sydney theatre in Australia.
The Tuan Chau Beach with 3 km of sand carpet will bring you great comfort while swimming in the turquoise water. Close by the beach is a 50-room international standard villa complex which will bring you great moments of relaxation. You can also participate in water sports such as high-speed motorboat, parachute-pulled canoe, water skiing, rowing, or go fishing, tour around Ha Long Bay on balloon, or other activities such as mountain climbing or camping

3.     Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Thơ (Poem) Mountain lies at the heart of Halong City. From a far, the 106-meter-limestone mountain looks like a huge castle with three imposing towers. Its past name Truyen Dang means Light Projecting. This mountain has inspired many poets. In 1468, during his inspection tour to the eastern region, King Le Thanh Tong stopped here. Inspired by the stunning beauty of Halong, the King wrote a poem and had it carved into the southern side of the mountain and he named it Bai Tho (Poem). In 1729, Lord Trinh Cuong composed a poem in response to that of King Le Thanh Tong and also had it carved near the former. The mountain features other poems by Nguyen Can and some other poets.
Atop Bai Tho Mountain, you feel surprised at the magnificent landscape of Halong Bay. In the background of immense emerald waters, of rock bobbing, of high sky, of surrounding flowers and trees, you can figure out the tiny images of boats. Bai Tho makes up one of the beauty spots of Halong

4.     Yen Tu - the sacred mountain
The area of Yen Tu is made up of a system of pagodas, shrines, towers and forests, belonging to the village of Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi Town. It is about 40 km from Ha Long City and 14 km from Uong Bi Town.

Situated within the immense arched mountain range of north-eastern Vietnam, Yen Tu Mountain bears at its peak the Ðong Pagoda: at an altitude of 1,068 m above sea level. The beauty of Yen Tu consists in the majesty of its mountains mingling with the ancient and solemn quietness of its pagodas, shrines and towers.

You can get to Hoa Yen Pagoda at the altitude of 534 m by the cable car system recently put into operation and will see on this peak two 700-year-old frangipane trees. From there, you will continue walking up stairs to pagodas of minor note lined up along the path leading to Dong Pagoda. There you will feel like walking on clouds. If the weather is agreeable, from this summit you can admire the dramatic landscape of the northeast of Vietnam.

In spring, Yen Tu attracts a large number of tourists going on pilgrimage and sightseeing. Yen Tu festival begins on the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts until the end of third lunar month.

Passing through to the Le and Nguyen Dynasties, Yen Tu became the focal point of Vietnamese Buddhism, and was often subject to restorations. It is a meeting place of different styles from various historic periods: visible in the many different designs and decorations that ornate its constructions

5.    Ha Long City
Ha Long City is not likely to win prizes for its architecture or facilities, but it is by no means the hell-hole portrayed in the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel guide.

The city is the provincial capital of Quang Ninh province, and was created in the nineties by amalgamating Bai Chay, a tourist area, with the much larger industrial and commercial area of Hong Gai. The considerable differences between the two elements, and their separation by a busy vehicle ferry crossing the Cua Luc estuary, made them uneasy bedfellows at first, but time and the imminent construction of a bridge is bringing them together.

Surprisingly, the tourist area of Bai Chai is the less attractive area for the serious traveller. The long seafront suffers from uncontrolled and inappropriate development, and apart from the hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops (mostly poor quality), and the Royal Park, a long seafront development with few distinctive attractions, there is little reason to spend much time there. Almost invariably, we recommend our clients to spend the night on a well-equipped boat on Ha Long Bay

Of course, Ha Long City’s fame is its location facing the World Heritage Area of Ha Long Bay. The main access point is a purpose built wharf to the west of Bai Chai. Its location means that the large numbers of day-trip visitors by-pass Ha Long City altogether, thus depriving the local community of much-needed income. If time permits, a visit to Hong Gai is worthwhile.

Although some of the coal mines and associated heavy industries have been moved further east, the commercial nature of Hong Gai is immediately evident.

Unlike Bai Chay, there has been no attempt to ‘internationalise’ Hong Gai. Nearly all the buildings are comparatively new: almost the entire area was flattened by blanket bombing during the war.

Fortunately, a small area in the south of Hong Gai escaped the destruction. In its centre is Bai Tho (‘Poem’) Mountain, the name derived from the several verses carved into its almost vertical seaward face by famous kings and poets. The limestone peak is unexpectedly rich in bio-diversity and offers stunning views of the bay and the red backs of sea eagles swooping below.

It's also steeped in Vietnamese culture, not only for its role in wars and conflicts through the ages, but also for its religious associations. Two attractive temples, one on each side of the mountain, are worth a visit.

Elsewhere, Hong Gai bustles with life, and is a good example of Vietnam’s emerging industrial cities. A stroll around the market and port is pleasant and informative.

Ha Long City is already growing rapidly. However, it’s inevitable that the rate of growth will accelerate as it lies upon the main road to southern China. At present, the heavy lorries have to use the ferry - once the bridge is built, and the road to the border gate is upgraded, goods traffic will escalate.

The 160km journey to Ha Long City takes about 2½ hrs. Nearly all accommodation is in Bai Chai. At present, there are five good quality hotels but, although comfortable, none is up to deluxe standard. There is a limited number of reasonable mid-range hotels and an abundance of budget accommodation, much of it poor quality.

Restaurant menus are quite limited, but the seafood is excellent, especially that served on the boats we use. A good alternative is the floating restaurant near Bai Tho mountain. Apart from the ubiquitous karaoke establishments and various shows and entertainment in the Royal Park, there’s not much to do in the evenings apart from strolling among the prom or around Hong Gai.
On the western outskirts of the city, Tuan Chau is a small soil island close to the mainland that has been converted to a large resort area. Although well done, and boasting some of the best accommodation in Ha Long City, it has been designed to attract Vietnamese and Chinese visitors and is unlikely to appeal to those from developed countries elsewhere.

6.    Cam Pha and coal mining
Cam Pha, 20 km east of Ha Long City, has one of the largest open cast coal mines in the world. It's far from beautiful, but the scale of operation (and pollution!) is impressive. A visit needs careful planning, though – we have to negotiate access with the mine authorities.

In the Cua Ong district of Cam Pha, the Cua Ong Temple is a rewarding visit, particularly during the festival period in the three lunar months of spring. Its classic architecture and striking engravings are noteworthy.

7.    Deserted beaches
Beyond Cam Pha, there are several ‘soil’ large islands created by alluvial deposits from the Red River. Their sea-facing shorelines are long sandy beaches, and their remote location means that few people visit them, and these is virtually no development of any kind. A boat takes several hours to reach them.

The best of these is Quan Lan, a peaceful island with a small population. There's a three places to stay. Two are very basic but a recently-built small resort is a possibility.

Closer to the shore, and thus more developed, Van Don Island’s beach is long and sandy, and overlooks the eastern extreme of the limestone towers of Ha Long Bay. There are a few local hotels and restaurant. A more up-market ‘resort’ is being developed.
8.    Mong Cai and Tra Co Beach

In the extreme northeast of the area is the large border town of Mong Cai, devastated during the abortive Chinese invasion of Vietnam in 1979 and now re-built. Not far away, and best reached by hydrofoil from Ha Long City, is Tra Co Island. It has a long beach of hard sand – wide and practically deserted. There is also a village with an interesting commune house and pagoda. Accommodation is available in Mong Cai. A new five-star hotel with a casino has opened in the town, but it is mainly aimed at providing overnight accommodation for people passing though the border gate to and from China.

9.    Quan Lan Island
Quan Lan Island is in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province and 45km from the northeast of Halong City. It's the first commercial sea-port of Vietnam built by Ly Dynasty.

Quan Lan has an age-¬long history, formerly well-known by seaport of Van Don since Ly Dynasty. lt's also reputed with a resounding victory by national hero Tran Khanh Du in 1288. Under his leadership, the Tran naval forces defeated a fleet of food-boat, led by Truong Quang Ho. The battle was a contribution to the 3rd victory of the nation over the Mongolian invaders. Every year, on 18th of the sixth lunar month, the islanders open boat-race to celebrate the heroic Bach Dang victory and the battle on Mang River. Communal house on the island was built in 18th century, protected and preserved as it was in the past and it's famous for its architectural arts with sculptural masterpieces.

Quan Lan is on an area of about 300km². Natural scenes on the island is very beautiful and attractive, there are sand dunes sparkling in the sunshine, endless greenery on 2km-long beach. Sea water is very clean and clear. Sunset is a must to enjoy in the western side of the island where there is a nice bridge made of mangrove plants. Quan Lan is famous for its seafood: crabs, squids, snails, sea gherkins... and ideal spot for eco¬-tourism and camping.