1. Introduction to Tra Co Beach: "The Muse" at the Nation's Frontier
Tra Co Beach has a special geographical location in Mong Cai 1 Ward, Quang Ninh Province. About 9 km southeast of Mong Cai center, this beach is close to the Vietnam-China border and faces the Gulf of Tonkin. Tourists from Ha Long travel about 200 km to set foot on this land at the nation's frontier.
Fine white sand stretches, gentle sea waves, and rows of lush casuarina trees create a poetic, ideal scene for those seeking peace. Not only that, Tra Co also stands out with the Tra Co Communal House Festival, one of the unique traditional festivals attracting many tourists every summer.
Besides swimming, tourists can also enjoy fresh seafood caught by local fishermen themselves. Or visit the coastal fishing villages to experience the simple daily life. This is the perfect place combining resort tourism, cultural experiences, and seafood cuisine.
Tra Co Beach is close to the Vietnam - China border and faces the Gulf of Tonkin. (Source: Collected)
2. How to get to Tra Co Beach
2.1. From Hanoi, Hai Phong to Tra Co Beach
The journey from Hanoi to Tra Co is about 300 km long, taking 6-7 hours by car. Visitors can choose sleeper buses, luxury limousines, or drive their own car. The main route passes through the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Ha Long expressway and then continues to Mong Cai, with a reference cost of 150,000 - 250,000 VND per trip.
Reputable bus companies such as KaLong and Cong Phuong have trips to near Mong Cai border gate, making it convenient for visitors to travel to Tra Co Beach . It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during holidays, to ensure the best seats. Those departing from Hai Phong will shorten travel time by about 1-2 hours compared to those from Hanoi.
2.2. From Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern region to Tra Co Beach
Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces can fly to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) or Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong). From Van Don Airport, the distance to Mong Cai is only about 90 km, while from Cat Bi it is a bit further with about 185 km. After landing, visitors can hire a taxi, a service car, or rent a self-drive car to continue their journey.
For large groups, booking a long-distance service car in advance will be more proactive in terms of time and cost optimization. The reference price is about 600,000 - 800,000 VND per person in the group, depending on the number and type of vehicle. A small tip is to look for airline promotions to save costs.
Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces can fly to Van Don Airport. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Moving from Mong Cai to Tra Co Beach
The distance of 8 - 10 km from the center of Mong Cai to Tra Co beach is quite short and convenient. Visitors can call a taxi for about 100,000 - 150,000 VND per trip or rent a motorbike for independent exploration. Bus route number 07 also goes to Tra Co with a very affordable ticket price, suitable for those who want to experience local public transport.
Electric vehicles and motorbike taxis are quite popular means of transport in this area, especially convenient for small groups. The road to Tra Co is quite beautiful, with peaceful rural scenery on both sides and green fields creating a relaxing feeling right from the start of the exploration journey.
3. Ideal Time and Climate Characteristics of Tra Co Beach
3.1. The best season to travel to Tra Co Beach
You can visit Tra Co at any time of the year, each season offers unique experiences:
Spring: This is when Quang Ninh hosts many attractive festivals. You can combine your Quang Ninh and Tra Co trip at the beginning of the year to make your journey more complete.
Summer: This is the ideal time for a vacation. Coming to Tra Co in this season, you will enjoy swimming, bathing, and participating in outdoor activities to your heart's content.
Festival Season: From the 25th day of the 5th lunar month to the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, many major fishermen's festivals are held here. Visitors will immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere with cultural exchange and traditional art activities.
Regardless of the season, you should regularly check the weather in Tra Co to prepare suitable clothing and belongings, making your trip more comfortable and complete.
Tourists can visit Tra Co Beach at any time of the year. (Source: Collection)
3.2. Discovering sunrise and sunset at Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach is an ideal place to capture beautiful sunrise and sunset moments. The main beach with its flat white sand is the best spot to welcome the country's first sunrise. Tourists should wake up at 5 AM to prepare for the sacred moment when the sun appears from the distant horizon.
In the late afternoon, the Sa Vi Cape area becomes an unmissable sunset check-in spot. The last rays of the day paint the water golden, creating a romantic and poetic scene. This is also the ideal time to organize a picnic by the sea, enjoy light snacks, and savor the fresh sea air.
4. Unmissable experiences at Tra Co Beach
4.1. Swimming, walking on sand, and taking photos at Tra Co Beach
The smooth, wide, and flat white sand of Tra Co Beach is a paradise for families with young children and groups of young people. The water here gradually gets shallower, creating a safe environment for swimming and playing. Services for renting umbrellas, chairs, and tents are well-developed, providing tourists with a comfortable resting space right by the shore.
The well-managed beaches with rescue teams and clear signage ensure maximum safety for visitors. The fine white sand feels pleasant underfoot, while the cool, clear blue water is a wonderful way to cool off on hot summer days. Tra Co is also a beautiful backdrop for stunning photos with its green casuarina trees and endless stretch of sand.
4.2. Visiting Sa Vi Cape, "the first point of the Vietnamese map"
Sa Vi Cape holds special significance as it is considered "the first point of the Vietnamese map," the northeasternmost point of the country. From Tra Co Beach, tourists can travel by motorbike or taxi to reach this special geographical point. Here, the "pen tip" monument stands solemnly, an essential check-in spot for all visitors.
Climbing up Sa Vi Cape, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the sea from above, with a sweeping vista of the East Sea and across the border. The fresh air, cool sea breeze, and majestic scenery create an unforgettable experience. Around the area, there are many small seafood eateries serving fresh dishes from the sea, suitable for a meal after the visit.
Mui Sa Vi holds special significance as it is considered "the first stroke of Vietnam's map." (Source: Phu Nu Viet Nam Newspaper)
4.3. Exploring Tra Co Fishing Village and Mangrove Forest
Tra Co fishing village still retains the rich traditional lifestyle of the coastal fishing community. Visitors have the opportunity to meet and chat with friendly fishermen to learn more about the fishing profession and coastal life. Experiencing net pulling with fishermen and taking photos beside colorful coracles are interesting memories that visitors will hardly forget.
The mangrove forest along Tra Co coast is a unique ecosystem with many rare plant and animal species. At certain times of the year, this place becomes a stopover for migratory birds, creating a vibrant and diverse natural landscape. Visitors can join mangrove forest exploration tours to learn more about the characteristic coastal ecosystem of the Northern Delta river mouth region.
4.4. Water sports and recreation in the expanded Tra Co sea area
In recent years, Mong Cai has announced a plan to expand the entertainment area in the Tra Co sea to an area of up to 20 hectares. This area is invested with modern water sports activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, and beach games like volleyball. All activities have professional instructors and strict security and order are ensured.
Visitors can participate in kayaking to explore nearshore areas, enjoying the scenery from the water with a completely new perspective. Jet skiing offers a sense of speed and excitement for thrill-seekers. The beach is also equipped with sand volleyball courts, creating opportunities for groups of friends to organize lively team sports activities.
4.5. Visiting Black Stone Beach, the mysterious sea area of Tra Co
Black Stone Beach is one of the most unique destinations of the Tra Co sea, with dark black rocks interspersed with white sand creating an impressively contrasting landscape. The rocks, shaped by nature over millions of years, come in various strange forms, providing a perfect backdrop for artistic and unique photos. When the tide recedes, visitors can explore small pools among the rocks with a rich marine ecosystem.
This area is also home to many marine species such as crabs, mantis shrimp, snails, and various types of seaweed. Lush coastal vegetation creates a complete and balanced ecosystem. Visitors should be careful when moving on potentially slippery rocks and always observe the tides to ensure safety.
5. Festivals and traditional culture of Tra Co sea
5.1. Tra Co Communal House Festival and Boat Procession Ceremony
The Tra Co Communal House Festival usually begins on May 25th with the ritual of processing boats from Tra Co to the ancestral homeland Do Son. On May 30th, the fleet returns to Tra Co. June 1st marks the official opening of the festival. This is a national intangible cultural heritage, organized on a large scale and attracting a large number of people and tourists. The festival deeply embodies the maritime cultural identity, linked with many unique and meaningful traditional rituals.
The highlights of the festival include the rituals of processing fruit trays into the communal house, the procession of the Elephant God, the invitation ceremony, and the deity welcoming ceremony. Particularly impressive is the "Elephant God" competition, a unique ritual expressing the fishing community's wish for a prosperous, peaceful life and a bountiful fishing season. Visitors participating in the festival will witness special folk art performances and feel the sacred spiritual atmosphere of the frontier land.
The Tra Co Communal House Festival usually begins on May 25th with the ritual of parading boats from Tra Co to the ancestral land of Do Son. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Experiencing the Culture of the Tra Co Fishing Community
The Tra Co fishing community still maintains many beautiful cultural traditions, creating opportunities for tourists to experience authentic local cultural life. The fish season festival usually takes place when fishermen go out to sea and return to the harbor, creating a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Tourists can participate in these activities to gain a deeper understanding of the fishing profession and the people's love for their homeland's sea.
Campfire nights by the sea with the participation of local people offer a truly authentic cultural experience. Tourists will hear historical stories about the land at the forefront of the motherland, folk legends, and learn about the life and customs of the fishing community. This is a great opportunity to make friends with the locals and have deep, meaningful cultural experiences.
6. Accommodation: Hotels and Homestays Near Tra Co Beach 2025
6.1. New and Notable Hotels and Resorts Near Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach currently offers many high-quality accommodation options with beautiful sea views. Tra Co Luxury Hotel stands out with its modern design, airy rooms, and professional service, suitable for families and couples. Majestic Mong Cai Hotel offers a high-class resort style with a private pool and relaxing spa area. Sunshine Mong Cai Hotel is popular for its prime location right next to the beach and diverse entertainment facilities.
Green Bay Mong Cai Hotel and Hai Au Tra Co Hotel are also worth considering with prices ranging from 700,000 - 2,000,000 VND per night depending on the room type and tourist season. These hotels are fully equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, free wifi, and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Most have balconies or windows overlooking the sea, providing the best conditions for tourists to enjoy the natural scenery.
6.2. Cheap Homestays and Guesthouses for Backpackers and Budget Travelers
Tourists who love the backpacking style and want to experience closeness with local people can choose homestays in Tra Co. Phuc Son Homestay is known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly hosts, willing to share travel tips and interesting stories about the region. Royal Homestay has a simple but clean and airy design style with prices suitable for students' budgets.
Homestay prices usually range from 250,000 - 400,000 VND per night, including a simple breakfast with local dishes. Guests will experience the daily life of coastal residents.
7. Tra Co Seafood Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes
7.1. Specialty Dishes from Tra Co Beach
Tra Co Beach is blessed by nature with abundant and fresh seafood.
Tra Co Tuhai has sweet, chewy, and crispy meat, processed into many attractive dishes such as grilled tuhai with scallion oil, steamed tuhai with ginger, or sweet and sour stir-fried tuhai.
Horseshoe crab is a must-try specialty with its unique horseshoe crab blood pudding and flavorful sweet and sour stir-fried horseshoe crab.
Razor clams, with their hard, shiny black shells and sweet white meat, are boiled and dipped in spicy ginger fish sauce.
Tra Co giant clams are large, with naturally sweet and firm meat, often grilled with scallions or cooked in sour soup.
Fresh green crabs are stir-fried with salt and pepper or cooked in a spicy sour hot pot, a favorite dish for many tourists.
Female crabs with roe, grouper, ca dua fish, and other sea snails are also prepared according to unique traditional recipes of the local people.
Seafood prices in Tra Co are quite reasonable, ranging from 150,000 - 500,000 VND per dish depending on the type and preparation method.
Tra Co Beach is favored by nature with abundant and fresh seafood. (Source: Collected)
7.2. Addresses of eateries and restaurants with sea views in Tra Co
Tra Co Restaurant is located right in the central area of Tra Co with a direct sea view, highly rated by tourists for fresh seafood quality and enthusiastic service.
Long Phung Restaurant is famous for dishes prepared in the traditional style of fishermen, especially charcoal-grilled dishes.
Bien Xanh Seafood has a spacious area, suitable for large groups and parties.
Co Duong Restaurant is frequented by many regular customers thanks to its family-style service, affordable prices, and rich flavors.
Cuong Loan Seafood has a diverse menu, catering to the tastes of tourists.
Most restaurants in Tra Co have open, airy spaces with sea views, creating an ideal setting for a relaxing meal and watching the sunset over the sea.
8. Itinerary for exploring Tra Co Beach for 2 days 1 night / 3 days 2 nights
8.1. Suggested 2D1N itinerary to "get your vitamin sea" in Tra Co
Day 1:
On the first day, visitors depart early in the morning to arrive at Tra Co around 10-11 AM. After checking into accommodation and a short rest.
Lunch with specialty seafood dishes will be a great way to get acquainted with the local cuisine.
The afternoon is spent visiting fishing villages, chatting with fishermen and learning about mangrove forests with diverse ecosystems. Late afternoon is the ideal time for swimming, relaxing on the white sand, and capturing beautiful sunset photos.
Day 2:
Start with a visit to Sa Vi Cape early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun and crowds. After exploring the "first pen-point on the map of Vietnam", tourists can visit specialty stores to buy dried seafood, fish sauce, and souvenirs for relatives.
The last lunch at Tra Co Beach should feature Cà Sáy grilled specialty dishes, then pack luggage and depart for the starting point.
8.2. 3D2N Itinerary combining entertainment and cultural exploration
The 3-day, 2-night itinerary allows visitors to experience Tra Co and its surrounding areas more deeply. If it coincides with the Tra Co communal house festival, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals and feel the spiritual atmosphere of the local people. The third day can be spent experiencing sea sports activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, or organizing a picnic at Bai Da Den (Black Stone Beach) with its unique scenery.
Shopping trips to Mong Cai city center or the international border gate will offer interesting experiences of border trade culture. Tourists can find quality duty-free items at attractive prices. Evening entertainment activities such as walking on the beach under the moonlight, listening to the gentle sound of waves, or joining bonfires with locals will create unforgettable beautiful memories.
Additionally, on this itinerary, you can combine a visit to Sun World Ha Long to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of one of the leading entertainment complexes. Here, visitors can experience the Queen Cable Car system, the giant Sun Wheel, and many modern thrilling games. This will be an interesting highlight, adding many new experiences alongside the peaceful sea and sky scenery of Tra Co.
On this journey, you can combine your visit to Sun World Ha Long to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
9. Tra Co Beach Travel Experience and Necessary Notes
9.1. Notes on Security and Conservation of Tra Co Beach Nature
Visitors to Tra Co Beach must strictly comply with the regulations of the Tourist Area Management Board to ensure security, order, and environmental protection.
Maintaining general hygiene, not littering into the sea or on the sand, is everyone's responsibility.
When swimming, visitors should choose areas with lifeguards and comply with warning signs regarding depth and currents to ensure absolute safety.
Preserving the pristine natural landscape of Tra Co requires the awareness of each visitor.
Do not pick leaves, break casuarina branches, harm the mangrove ecosystem, or take marine life out of its natural habitat.
When visiting the black rock areas, move carefully to avoid damaging coral reefs and marine life living in the crevices.
9.2. Preparing for Tra Co Beach Travel
Light, airy clothing and swimwear are essential items when visiting Tra Co Beach.
Sunscreen with a high SPF is an indispensable item to protect the skin from UV rays, especially when active under the sun for long periods.
Non-slip beach sandals will help you move safely on wet sand and rocky areas.
A wide-brimmed hat not only provides effective sun protection but also adds a fashionable touch to travel photos.
Photography equipment should be carefully prepared with spare batteries and waterproof bags to protect the device from sand and seawater.
Mosquito and insect repellent is essential, especially in the evening when many insects are active around the casuarina forest area.
Additionally, visitors should bring a light jacket for cool evenings and basic first-aid supplies if needed.
9.3. Tips for Getting Around, Shopping, and Local Experiences
Carrying small change will be more convenient when shopping at small markets and paying for local services at Tra Co Beach.
At the Mong Cai border gate area, visitors can inquire about exchange rates to shop for duty-free items most reasonably.
Negotiation and bargaining skills will help save a considerable amount, especially when buying seafood at local markets.
Learning about the culture of the Tra Co people beforehand will help visitors have deeper and more meaningful experiences.
Don't hesitate to participate in community activities, chat with fishermen, or attend local cultural events.
Tra Co Beach is an ideal destination for those seeking peace amidst pristine nature and unique coastal cultural experiences. This destination promises to offer visitors many attractive activities and unforgettable moments. Let your trip become a memorable keepsake, preserved and shared in your own way.
