1. Where is Dong Trieu? Why visit Dong Trieu
1.1. Geographical location, gateway role of Quang Ninh and the economic triangle region.
Dong Trieu is located in the west of Quang Ninh province, about 90-100 km from Hanoi and 60-80 km from Ha Long. The city holds the western gateway position, acting as a junction between Uong Bi to the east, Chi Linh (Hai Phong) to the west, Thuy Nguyen (Hai Phong) to the south, and Son Dong, Luc Nam (Bac Giang) to the north.
This very location has made Dong Trieu a strategic transportation hub within the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh development triangle. As a result, inter-regional tourism is more conveniently connected. The passage of major national highways has created favorable conditions to promote inter-regional tourism. Many routes from the Capital towards prominent attractions such as Ha Long and Yen Tu all pass through Dong Trieu, making the journey more convenient.
On September 28, 2024, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly passed Resolution 1199/NQ-UBTVQH15, establishing Dong Trieu city over an area of 395.95 km², with a population of 248,896 people. This advancement not only marks a milestone on the administrative map but also affirms the important role of Dong Trieu in Quang Ninh's tourism development orientation. The new city is oriented to become a center for economy, culture, and tourism, contributing to the completion of the modern urban system of the entire region.
Dong Trieu boasts a strategic gateway location along with a rich history and culture associated with the Tran Dynasty. (Source: Collection)
1.2. Outstanding cultural and historical characteristics that create Dong Trieu's tourism appeal
Dong Trieu is widely known as a land associated with the Tran Dynasty, highlighted by the Tran Dynasty Historical Site Complex in An Sinh, Trang An, Binh Khe, and Thuy An communes. The relic complex includes mausoleums, pagodas, temples, and the Royal Ancestral Temple, housing most of the tombs of the Tran kings. The Tran Dynasty Historical Site Complex in Dong Trieu was recognized as a Special National Monument by the Prime Minister under Decision 2383/QD-TTg dated December 9, 2013.
The spiritual nature of this land is closely linked to Emperor Tran Nhan Tong and the Truc Lam - Yen Tu space. Since the Emperor came to Yen Tu to practice Buddhism in 1299, the Truc Lam Zen school has spread strongly in this area, and Dong Trieu has become one of the important centers. Here, the system of temples, pagodas, and hermitages such as Ngoa Van Pagoda and Ho Thien Pagoda have become pilgrimage and worship destinations of great value to Truc Lam Buddhism.
Dong Trieu tourism also impresses visitors with its traditional craft villages and characteristic rural cultural beauty. Yen Duc rural village has been developed into a typical experiential tourism product, attracting a large number of international visitors on their journey to explore Quang Ninh. Many communes and wards still preserve well the system of communal houses, temples, pagodas, shrines, and traditional festivals, creating a Northern Vietnamese rural cultural space blended with modern life.
2. Ideal time for Dong Trieu tourism
2.1. Festivals, most beautiful season: the golden time to visit Dong Trieu.
The An Sinh Temple Festival is an important spiritual and cultural occasion of the year in Dong Trieu. An Sinh Temple worships eight emperors of the Tran Dynasty, Prince An Sinh Tran Lieu, and Queen Mother Thien Dao, and is the center of the Tran Dynasty Historical Site Complex. The festival is organized with many solemn traditional rituals, combined with a series of vibrant folk cultural activities. By attending the festival, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy unique artistic performances and feel the sacred atmosphere in the ancestral land of the Tran Dynasty.
The Ngoa Van Festival is also a notable spiritual event, associated with the Ngoa Van hermitage and pagoda area - where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong once practiced Buddhism. This festival bears the strong imprint of Truc Lam Buddhism through activities of worship, praying for peace, and experiencing the Zen cultural space. Quang Ninh Province often organizes major events on Tran Dynasty culture, connecting the Yen Tu, Ngoa Van, and Ho Thien relics.
Regarding the ideal time, Dong Trieu tourism is particularly suitable in spring and autumn when the weather is cool and fresh. In spring, the lush green landscapes and blooming flowers create a poetic scenery for visiting historical sites. Autumn, with its clear skies and pleasant climate, is very suitable for mountain climbing, enjoying nature, and capturing beautiful photos.
Choosing the right time to travel helps visitors fully enjoy the festive atmosphere and natural scenery. (Source: Collection)
2.2. Weather conditions, climate, notes when planning the itinerary.
Dong Trieu is located in a tropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, characteristic of the Northern Vietnam region. Spring (February to April) often has drizzling rain, cool air, very suitable for visiting historical sites and traditional festivals. Summer (May to August) is hot and humid, with a lot of rain, but it is suitable for nature exploration and countryside experiences.
Autumn (September to November) is considered the golden time for Dong Trieu tourism because the weather is cool, with little rain and clear skies. This is an ideal season for outdoor activities such as visiting historical sites, conquering Ngoa Van mountain, and taking photos of the scenery. Winter (December to January) is cold and dry, still suitable for spiritual tours but you should prepare enough warm clothing.
When planning Dong Trieu tourism , visitors should choose appropriate clothing for each season. In spring and autumn, wear thin long clothes, a light jacket combined with sports shoes for convenient movement at historical sites. In summer, prioritize cool clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a light raincoat in case of sudden rain. In winter, bring warm clothes, a scarf, and closed shoes to ensure health when visiting mountainous areas.
3. How to get to Dong Trieu
3.1. From Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Giang, Hai Duong to Dong Trieu.
From Hanoi, visitors can choose many means of transport to reach Dong Trieu with a distance of about 90-100 km. Interprovincial buses are a popular option, with high-quality routes operating on the Hanoi - Uong Bi - Ha Long line along National Highway 18, passing through Dong Trieu. Notable bus companies often depart from My Dinh and Gia Lam stations with continuous frequency, taking only about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.
Traveling by private car or motorbike offers flexibility for the Dong Trieu tourism journey. From Hanoi, visitors usually go along National Highway 5 - National Highway 18 or choose the Hanoi - Hai Phong expressway and then connect to National Highway 18 via Uong Bi to Dong Trieu. The route is modernly invested with good quality road surfaces and many convenient rest stops. Fuel costs depend on the vehicle and travel time.
Traveling from Hai Phong, Hai Duong, or Bac Giang to Dong Trieu is also very convenient thanks to the adjacent location of these provinces. The travel distance via national and provincial roads takes only 1 to 2 hours depending on the starting point. Roads 18, 10, and 37 are the main routes chosen by many tourists, and they also offer beautiful roadside scenery.
Convenient transportation system helps visitors easily travel from Hanoi and surrounding provinces to Dong Trieu. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Moving within Dong Trieu city, connecting tourist attractions
In the inner city area of Dong Trieu, visitors have many flexible transportation options to attractions. Taxi and ride-hailing services are increasingly expanding, conveniently connecting with major companies from Quang Ninh, Uong Bi, Ha Long. Popular ride-hailing apps also operate effectively in the city, creating convenience for independent travel.
Renting a motorbike or bicycle is very suitable for those who want to experience Yen Duc village and nearby rural areas. Many local guesthouses and travel agencies offer car rental services at reasonable prices. Thanks to this, visitors can freely cycle through village roads, rice fields, and feel the simple rhythm of life in the Northern countryside.
Dong Trieu's inner-city transportation is modernly built with roads that quickly connect prominent tourist attractions. The distances between places like An Sinh Temple, Ngoa Van Pagoda, and other sites are quite convenient for day trips. Some large tourist areas also arrange internal electric vehicles or small buses to serve visitor transportation.
4. Unmissable experiences when traveling to Dong Trieu
4.1. Visiting outstanding historical - spiritual relics in Dong Trieu.
An Sinh Temple, located in An Sinh commune, is a typical cultural - spiritual destination of Dong Trieu. The temple worships eight emperors of the Tran dynasty, King An Sinh Tran Lieu, and Queen Thien Dao Quoc Mau. The structure features traditional architecture, preserved through many generations. Here, stone steles, mythical creatures, and building materials from the 14th-18th centuries are still preserved. The temple is situated amidst a space of hills and lush green forests, creating a solemn and tranquil atmosphere. This space is suitable for pilgrimage activities and learning about the history of the Tran dynasty.
Ngoa Van Am Pagoda is known as the "temple in the clouds", located on Bao Dai mountain and part of the Tran dynasty relic complex. This site is associated with the spiritual practice of Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong, and is also the spiritual center of the Yen Tu - Truc Lam region. The Ngoa Van complex includes hermitages, pagodas, and stupas scattered on the mountainsides, with paths of stone steps leading through ancient forests. From here, visitors can gaze out at majestic mountain ranges, floating clouds, and feel a special meditative atmosphere.
The Thai Mieu and the tombs of Tran kings in Dong Trieu are rare surviving relic systems, with tombs such as Tu Phuc Tomb worshipping Kings Tran Thai Tong and Tran Thanh Tong, Thai Tomb worshipping King Tran Anh Tong, Muc Tomb worshipping King Tran Minh Tong, and many others. Thai Mieu - the place worshipping the Three Founders of the Tran dynasty, built in the 13th century - has always been an important center of the relic complex. Here, stone animal statues, steles, and ancient architectural foundations are vivid evidence of the historical value of this dynasty.
Journey to discover diversity from spiritual relics of the Tran Dynasty to peaceful rural experiences. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Ecotourism and rural farmer experience in Yen Duc village.
Yen Duc village has become a highlight of Dong Trieu tourism with its community-based tourism model, chosen by many international groups when visiting Quang Ninh. Nestled amidst a rural landscape with terraced rice fields, lush vegetable gardens, and clear blue fish ponds, Yen Duc offers an opportunity to experience authentic Northern Vietnamese rural life. The peaceful village atmosphere with ancient brick houses, small paths, and old banyan trees creates a distinctive mark of the Northern delta region.
The experiential tourism programs in Yen Duc are very rich. Visitors can try their hand at growing vegetables, catching fish, pounding rice with the locals, and preparing traditional dishes themselves. Cycling around the village helps explore every corner, visit ancient houses, and learn about local customs and traditions. In the evening, folk art performances such as Cheo singing, Giam folk singing, and traditional games are organized to bring a joyful atmosphere and community bonding.
Yen Duc is increasingly featured in the itineraries of many international groups traveling to Ha Long - Quang Ninh, thanks to its convenient location and unique experiential activities. Many travel companies combine this destination in their Ha Long tour itineraries, helping visitors gain a comprehensive view of Quang Ninh's culture and nature. When booking a tour, visitors can contact reputable travel companies directly or the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism for accurate information.
4.3. Discover new and outstanding tourist attractions in Dong Trieu
Quang Ninh Gate is currently one of the emerging and popular entertainment centers when visiting Dong Trieu tourism, often appearing in tours connecting Hanoi to Ha Long - Yen Tu. The amusement area integrates many outdoor activities, impressive photo spots, simulating a rural space with many interesting experiences. Visitors can participate in traditional games, enjoy local specialties, and choose souvenirs in a spacious environment.
Quang Ninh province continues to invest in developing tourism infrastructure in the Ngoa Van area with modern projects. Well-planned resort areas aim to maximize the spiritual and ecological tourism potential of the Bao Dai mountain region. To update on new services, visitors should refer to information from the province's electronic portal or contact the destination management units.
Dong Trieu, with its advantage as a gateway location and the investment attention from the local government, is gradually asserting its position on Quang Ninh's tourism map. Many new projects promise diverse experiences, harmoniously combining heritage values with modern tourism. Visitors should regularly follow information from the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism to grasp new and attractive tourism products.
4.4. Night tourism experience and night economy in Dong Trieu.
Aiming to become a young city, a cultural and tourism center of the province, Dong Trieu is continuously developing night services. Modernly designed pedestrian streets create a space for visitors to stroll, enjoy local cuisine, and participate in evening cultural activities. Many cafes and restaurants remain open late, serving diverse entertainment needs of visitors.
Folk art programs are regularly organized at historical sites and cultural centers, helping visitors better understand the Tran Dynasty traditions. Performances of Cheo singing, Giam folk singing, and water puppetry, deeply imbued with the local identity, often take place on weekends and major festivals. For specific schedules, visitors can inquire at their accommodation or the local tourist information center.
Evening cuisine in Dong Trieu is a blend of many delicious Northern Vietnamese dishes, from Pho, Bun Rieu, Cha Ca to traditional cakes, all sold at small eateries and simple stalls. The cool evening air makes the meal even more appealing. Many specialty stores also open late, convenient for souvenir shopping.
5. Dong Trieu Cuisine: Unmissable Specialties
5.1. Traditional dishes and local specialties.
Dong Trieu Banh Gai is a prominent traditional specialty of the Quang Ninh and Hai Duong region that anyone visiting here should try. The cake is made from fragrant sticky rice, fresh ramie leaves for natural green color, and filled with green beans and fresh coconut. The special flavor of Banh Gai comes from the chewiness of the sticky rice, the mild sweetness of green beans combined with the aroma of ramie leaves. The cake is usually wrapped in banana leaves, can be preserved for a long time, and is very suitable as a gift.
The cuisine of Dong Trieu also leaves an impression with dishes made from local agricultural products such as nem chua, ruou nep, and canh ca dong. Nem chua is processed from fresh pork, rice powder, and characteristic spices, with a light sour taste of the Northern region. Ruou nep uses black sticky rice and forest leaves, bringing a characteristic aroma and pure strong taste. Canh rieu ca ro dong has a clear broth, combined with fatty field crabs and herbs, creating a rich flavor of the countryside.
The delicious dishes of Dong Trieu tourism are not only appealing to the taste buds but also carry deep spiritual and cultural values. Many dishes appear during traditional festivals, especially during worship ceremonies at temples. Visitors can enjoy pure vegetarian dishes, prepared by the pagodas, which are both delicious and meaningful. Xoi ngu sac, Banh Chung, Banh Day are common dishes in festivals, symbolizing community solidarity.
Enjoy rustic delicacies with the traditional flavors of the Dong Trieu land. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Dining experience when traveling to Dong Trieu.
When exploring the cuisine of Dong Trieu, visitors should prioritize long-standing eateries, often recommended by locals. The affordable rice eateries and sidewalk pho stalls here often retain traditional flavors and reasonable prices. To find delicious and clean dining spots, visitors should ask their homestay hosts, taxi drivers, or local residents.
Traveling to Dong Trieu is also an opportunity to enjoy many other specialties of Quang Ninh such as fresh seafood, squid cake, sea clam, horseshoe crab. Thanks to its proximity to the sea and convenient transportation, restaurants in Dong Trieu can provide fresh seafood transported directly from Ha Long, Cam Pha. Thus, in just one meal, visitors can enjoy both mountain specialties and sea seafood.
When buying specialties as gifts when traveling to Dong Trieu, pay attention to choosing products with clear origin, labels, and careful packaging. Reputable stores will have certification stamps from functional agencies and specific preservation instructions. Visitors should prioritize purchasing from cooperatives and production facilities with transparent addresses to ensure quality and easy contact when needed.
6. Cultural festivals and special activities in Dong Trieu
6.1. An Sinh Temple Festival - a major festival of the Tran Dynasty land.
The An Sinh Temple Festival is one of the biggest spiritual cultural activities of the year in Dong Trieu, attracting thousands of visitors and people from all over. The event takes place with solemn traditional ceremonies to commemorate the merits of the Tran kings towards the country. The ceremony includes traditional incense offering and worship rituals with the participation of elders, local government representatives.
The festival part is rich in folk cultural colors with many traditional games such as shuttlecock, O An Quan, tug of war, along with special artistic performances. Local artists often perform traditional Vietnamese opera, folk singing, water puppetry, creating an exciting atmosphere and conveying messages about national cultural traditions. The fair within the festival sells many specialties, handicrafts, and unique souvenirs.
The important meaning of the An Sinh Temple festival is not only to honor ancestors but also an opportunity to educate the younger generation about patriotism. The festival contributes to honoring the values of national cultural heritage, affirming the special role of Dong Trieu in the flow of Vietnamese history. By participating in the festival, visitors can immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and history of this land.
Immerse yourself in a solemn spiritual and cultural space through unique traditional festivals. (Source: Collection)
6.2. Ngoa Van Festival and typical spiritual events.
The Ngoa Van Festival bears the strong imprint of Truc Lam Buddhism, associated with the spiritual space where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong once practiced. The event is held at the Ngoa Van hermitage and pagoda amidst majestic mountains and forests, creating a sacred and serene atmosphere. Festival activities include praying for peace, releasing lanterns, chanting scriptures, and performing Buddhist rituals. Visitors can participate in meditation, listen to dharma talks, and immerse themselves in a peaceful spiritual life.
Additionally, Quang Ninh province organizes the Yen Tu - Ngoa Van - Ho Thien festival series or large-scale Tran Dynasty cultural events, linking the region's prominent historical sites. The festival program is designed harmoniously between spiritual elements and cultural experiences, offering visitors meaningful moments. Photo exhibitions, specialty product stalls, art performances, and parallel activities help widely introduce the Truc Lam culture and the Tran Dynasty's heritage.
Throughout the year, many communes in Dong Trieu also organize traditional village festivals associated with the harvest season, carrying meanings of praying for luck and peace for the community. Visitors can stop by, immerse themselves in the friendly atmosphere, and experience the characteristic spiritual lifestyle of the local people.
Dong Trieu tourism promises to bring unique experiences with a harmonious combination of cultural heritage, spirituality, and modern tourism products. This gateway city of Quang Ninh is asserting its position with increasingly improved service quality and strong infrastructure investment. Plan your exploration of Dong Trieu today to feel the charm of this historic land and the exciting surprises awaiting you!