1. Overview of Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
1.1. Prime Location and Flexible Connectivity
Tien Yen is located in the Northeast region of Quang Ninh, serving as a transit point between Ha Long – Mong Cai – Binh Lieu. The center of Tien Yen town is about 80km from Ha Long City, easily accessible via the Ha Long – Van Don – Mong Cai expressway. With its "gateway to the Northeast region" location, it is considered a convenient stopover for tourists wishing to combine visits to Bai Tu Long Bay, Binh Lieu, or Tra Co – Mong Cai.
1.2. A Tapestry of Nature and Unique Culture
Tien Yen is a land where mountains, forests, and the sea converge, with diverse terrain creating a landscape that is both majestic and poetic. Over 10 ethnic groups reside here, notably the Tay, Dao, San Chi, and Kinh, each bringing its own cultural colors through festivals, costumes, languages, and traditional cuisine. Particularly, the over 200-year-old Tien Yen ancient town, with its rows of French-Chinese style wooden houses, preserves the cultural soul of the Northeast region.
1.3. Unforgettable Culinary Flavors
Tien Yen's cuisine is the pride of Quang Ninh's people. The "famous specialties" you must try include:
- Tien Yen hill chicken: crispy skin, sweet meat, once known as "royal tribute chicken".
- Tien Yen Khau Nhu: an elaborate traditional dish of the Tay, Nung, Ngai people.
- Banh Gat Gu: a rustic specialty eaten with braised pork dipping sauce.
- Additionally, there is fish noodle soup with snakehead fish, Tien Yen squid cake, and Dong Rui seafood, fresh year-round.
Tien Yen: A region of cultural heritage. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
2. How to get to Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
To get to Tien Yen, Quang Ninh, visitors can choose various means of transport depending on their preferences and departure point.
Bus: From Hanoi, you can easily catch a bus at My Dinh, Gia Lam, or Giap Bat bus stations with direct routes to Tien Yen bus station. Alternatively, another option is to travel by bus to Ha Long, then continue by taxi or bus to reach Tien Yen. The journey time ranges from about 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions.
Motorbike or private car: If you enjoy adventure travel, the route to Tien Yen will offer you an interesting journey. You can choose National Highway 18, about 80 km long from Ha Long, or follow the Noi Bai – Ha Long Expressway (about 130 km) then turn towards Tien Yen. This route has many beautiful mountain passes and winding turns, suitable for those who love exploration. However, you should prepare all necessary documents, wear protective gear, and check your vehicle thoroughly before departing to ensure safety.
The road to Tien Yen is picturesque. (Source: Vietnamnet Newspaper)
3. Top unmissable experiences and destinations in Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
3.1. Pac Sui Waterfall
Pac Sui Waterfall, located in Yen Than commune, is considered a green jewel amidst the mountainous region of Tien Yen. The waterfall winds through 16 rocky tiers, creating a series of cascading falls like a white silk ribbon pouring down amidst the vast forest.
In the rainy season, Pac Sui Waterfall becomes majestic with its powerful water flow; in the dry season, the water is clear blue, revealing every pebble at the bottom. The area around the waterfall is quite cool, suitable for trekking, stream bathing, or short picnics. Visitors often stop at the 3rd or 4th tier – where there is a small pool, with pristine and tranquil scenery.
The path to the waterfall is mainly a forest path, with some steep sections and pebbles, so it's advisable to wear sports shoes and prepare sufficient drinking water.
“16 tiers of water” Pac Sui waterfall in the heart of Yen Than forest (Source: Collected).
3.2. Dong Rui Mangrove Forest
About 40km from the district center, Dong Rui mangrove forest is one of the typical mangrove forests of the North, possessing a large area and rich biodiversity.
The entire forest is covered by old mangrove trees, creating a lush green picture all year round. Visitors can travel by small wooden boats winding through the canals, admiring the characteristic ecosystem of the coastal area. Many species of migratory birds, fish, and shrimp live in the forest, making this an ideal destination for ecotourism and nature photography.
Early morning or sunset is the ideal time to admire Dong Rui mangrove forest. At that time, the light reflects on the water surface, and the quiet and fresh atmosphere creates a beautiful scene.
The ecosystem harmonizing between forest and sea at Dong Rui mangrove forest. (Source: Collected).
3.3. Long Vang Cape
Long Vang Cape is located near the Tien Yen estuary, an ideal spot to admire the sunrise and enjoy the fresh air of the Northeast coastal region.
The long golden sandy beach, the clear blue sea, and gentle waves create a poetic scene, especially in the early morning when the sun reflects on the sea surface. Many tourists choose to come here to swim, take photos, or participate in fishing experiences with local fishermen.
This area is still quite pristine, with few tourist services, suitable for those who love tranquility. Tourists should prepare personal belongings, bring drinking water, and protective gear when traveling.
Sunrise blazes on the golden sand at Mui Long Vang. (Source:VnExpress).
3.4. Tien Yen Walking Street
Tien Yen Walking Street was launched in 2017 with the theme “Old Soul, Old Features, Tien Yen Town”. Located right in the town center, the street has become a vibrant cultural meeting point every weekend.
The space is decorated with lanterns, old tiled roofs, and food stalls selling banh gat gu, khau nhuc, wild berry wine... Besides, many folk performances such as bamboo pole dancing, Hat Then, Nhay Sap by the Dao and Tay ethnic groups are regularly organized, creating a cheerful atmosphere rich in the identity of the Northeast region.
Tien Yen Walking Street is a place where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and experience ethnic cultural activities in a space that blends ancient and modern.
Tien Yen walking street becomes a vibrant cultural space every weekend. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper).
3.5. Tien Yen Market
Tien Yen Market is the district's trading center, a place where goods from the mountains to the sea converge. Sunday morning market sessions are the busiest, when people from communes like Dai Duc, Ha Lau, Dien Xa bring their characteristic products for sale.
Visitors can find famous specialties here such as banh gat gu, khau nhuc, Tien Yen hill chicken, wild honey, wild rose myrtle, or stream fish. The market atmosphere is lively, friendly, and strongly reflects the mountain region's identity.
This is not just a shopping place but also a cultural space reflecting the lifestyle and customs of the local residents – a place where the people of Tien Yen preserve their traditional way of life amidst modern development.
Tien Yen Market is a convergence of products from the Northeast region. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper).
4. Unique Festivals and Culture in Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
4.1. Traditional Festivals of Ethnic Groups
Tien Yen is home to many ethnic communities such as Tay, Dao, San Chi, San Diu, Hoa, Thai, Cao Lan... Each ethnic group has its own festivals, contributing to the colorful cultural tapestry of the Northeast region of Quang Ninh.
The Dong Dinh Communal House Festival is a major festival for the Tay people in Dong Ngu commune, held in early spring. The ceremony includes processions of offerings, incense burning, and the Long Tong Festival – a ritual for good harvests. The festival features folk games such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, con throwing, Then singing contests, and local product displays.
The Cultural and Sports Festival of Ethnic Groups in Tien Yen District is a district-wide event, bringing together Tay, Dao, San Diu, San Chi people... Activities include folk art performances, traditional sports competitions, agricultural product exhibitions, and regional cuisine.
The Dao people in Ha Lau commune organize the Dao Ethnic Cultural and Sports Festival associated with the highland market, recreating characteristic rituals such as the Cap Sac ceremony, bell dancing, along with folk games like tug-of-war, crossbow shooting, and raft racing. This is an occasion for the community to express gratitude to their ancestors, pray for peace, and favorable weather.
The San Chi people in Dai Duc commune have the Golden Season Festival, held during the rice harvest. The festival signifies gratitude to heaven and earth, praying for abundant harvests and community solidarity. In the bustling atmosphere, people sing Soong Co love duets, perform group dances, compete in stick pushing, con throwing, and showcase traditional costumes.
4.2. Unique Identity Values
The festivals in Tien Yen are opportunities for ethnic communities to express their reverence for ancestors, strengthen neighborhood bonds, and preserve traditional cultural heritage. Each ritual, dance, and folk melody deeply reflects the spiritual life, beliefs, and aspirations of the mountain and coastal residents.
The blend of Tay's Then singing, San Chi's Soong Co, Dao's bell dancing, and folk games creates a distinctive cultural space, leaving a deep impression on visitors to Tien Yen.
Each year, thousands of locals and tourists gather in the highland district to participate in the golden season festival in Tien Yen. (Source: Dan Toc va Phat Trien Newspaper).
5. Travel Tips for Tien Yen, Quang Ninh
5.1. Prepare Suitable Clothing and Personal Items
Wear sports shoes or sandals with good grip for easy movement in forests and by the sea.
Wear light and comfortable clothing, avoid overly thick items when hiking, but bring a light jacket for the evenings.
Always bring water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent, especially if participating in trekking or visiting waterfalls.
5.2. Notes on Customs and Communication
Tien Yen, Quang Ninh is home to the Dao and San Chi ethnic communities. When visiting the villages, tourists should note a few small things to make the trip more complete and memorable.
Respect worship spaces: Avoid touching or going near the altars and worship items of the locals if not permitted by the host. For them, it is a sacred space, showing reverence for ancestors.
Ask for permission before taking photos: The people here are very friendly but still maintain traditional ways of life. A small request for permission before taking a photo will show politeness and be received more warmly by them.
Maintain a friendly and amiable attitude: When entering a home, smile and greet the host. Gentle and respectful behavior not only helps you make a good impression but also makes the locals more open to sharing more interesting stories about their lives and culture.
The San Chi people in Dai Duc still maintain their traditional ways of life. (Source: Binh Phuoc Newspaper).
Tien Yen, Quang Ninh is a novel destination, harmoniously blending nature, culture, and people of the Northeast region. This place is suitable for tourists who love local experiences, exploring pristine nature, and seeking traditional cultural values.
After leaving Tien Yen, don't forget to combine your visit with Sun World Ha Long to enjoy the modern entertainment space and admire the full view of Ha Long Bay from the Queen Cable Car – a perfect ending for your exploration journey in Quang Ninh.
