Summary of tourism festivals, tourism events in the year

Overview of Tra Co Beach

Tra Co beach is known as "the most lyrical beach in Vietnam", located at the northeastern tip of the country, in Mong Cai 1 ward, Quang Ninh province. About 8km from the center of Mong Cai border gate and about 200km from Ha Long, Tra Co is the point where the first pen stroke was drawn to draw the letter S on the map of the country. This place possesses wild, open beauty, a harmonious combination of smooth white sand and the fresh, peaceful air of the border waters.

Tra Co Beach

With afternoon Up to 17km long, winding in a crescent shape from Sa Vi Cape to Ngoc Mountain, Tra Co is one of the longest beaches in Vietnam. The east side of the beach faces straight into the vast Gulf of Tonkin, while the north side is adjacent to the international maritime border with China. The landscape here is characterized by high sand dunes, endless green casuarina trees blocking the wind, and blue sea water all year round.

Outstanding attractions at Tra Co Beach

Sa Vi Cape (Sa Vi Border Promotion Information Cluster)

Cape Sa Vi

Located at the northeasternmost point, Sa Vi Cape is the place where the first pen stroke drew the S-shape of the country, featuring a promotional information cluster in the shape of 8 poplars soaring straight into the blue sky, symbolizing the spirit of tenacity clinging to the sea. Standing in the windy square next to the sacred sovereignty milestone, visitors will be filled with national pride and can fully admire the majesty of the East Sea at the tip of the Fatherland, catching the first rays of dawn shining down on the border area.

Tra Co Communal House

Tra Co communal house

Is a "cultural milestone" that affirms its ownership Right on the border, Tra Co Communal House is a massive pure Vietnamese architectural work of the Later Le period with a system of monolithic ironwood columns and a curved roof, still standing firmly against the wind and storms at sea for hundreds of years. The communal house worships the 6 Pioneers who publicly reclaimed this land and is famous for the unique "Elephant Procession" Festival (May 30 - June 3 of the lunar calendar), attracting a large number of tourists to worship and learn about the beauty of the unique spiritual beliefs of coastal residents.

Tra Co Church

Prominent among the border waters is Tra Co Church with its magnificent Gothic architecture, warm tones and soaring bell tower, considered an ancient European mark in the heart of Vietnam. Not only is it an important place for religious activities of local parishioners, this place is also an attractive tourist destination because of its solemn space, sophisticated sculpture art and a beautiful souvenir photo backdrop that many tourists love when coming to Tra Co.

Da Den Beach (Binh Ngoc Beach)

Den Da Beach

Located at the foot of Ngoc Mountain, Da Den Beach has a mysterious beauty with pure black rocks stacked on top of each other stretching out to the water's edge, creating an impressive contrast with the white foam of the waves and fine sand strips. This is an ideal place for those who love wild, quiet beauty to camp, fish or hunt for unique artistic photos, especially in the season when green moss covers the rocks under the bright sunlight.

Mong Cai International Border Gate

Mong International Border Gate The

As the busiest trade gateway between Vietnam and China, this place is always bustling with people passing by and is a check-in point not to be missed with border milestone 1369 and the historic Bac Luan bridge. Coming here, visitors not only feel the vibrant commercial atmosphere but can also easily complete exit procedures to Dong Hung city (China) to visit, shop and experience their country's culture during the day.

Below are suggestions for other attractions in the Tra Co - Mong Cai area in addition to the 6 outstanding places mentioned above:

Mong Cai International Golf Course: Coastal golf course challenging with wind and sand, located right next to Tra Co beach.
Xa Tac Temple: Sacred "cultural milestone" guarding the border on the banks of Ka Long River.
Ka Long Bridge: The only unique stone bridge in Vietnam Nam is completely assembled by hand.
Tran Phu Walking Street: Busy street at night with vibrant culinary and shopping activities.
Vinh Thuc Lighthouse: Ancient lighthouse on Vinh Thuc island, a panoramic view of the vast sea and islands.

Best time to travel

The most ideal time to fully enjoy the beauty of Tra Co beach is in the summer, from April to July. At this time, the weather is sunny and the sea is beautiful. Smooth, gentle waves and clear blue water, very suitable for swimming activities, walking on the long sandy beach and taking check-in photos at Sa Vi Cape. In particular, if you come here from May 30 to June 6 of the lunar calendar, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the Tra Co Communal House Festival with the unique "Processing the Elephant" ritual rich in coastal cultural identity.

In addition to the peak season of beach tourism, visitors can also visit Tra Co in the fall and early winter (from August to November). Although the weather at this time may be cold and not suitable for swimming, it is ideal for visiting monuments (Communal House, Church), watching the peaceful sunrise and enjoying seafood (especially delicious squid and crab season). This is also a favorable time to combine shopping tourism at Mong Cai border gate in cool weather, avoiding the crowding and jostling of summer.

Transportation information

Flight routes to Quang Ninh (Van Don Airport)

Van Don Airport is the airport closest to Tra Co (distance 50km, 45 minutes on the highway), much more convenient than flying to Hai Phong or Hanoi.

TP. Ho Chi Minh (SGN) - Van Don (VDO)

Departure airport: Tan Son Nhat
Flight time (estimated): 2 hours 10 minutes
There are currently operators such as Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air. After landing, visitors can take a taxi or free bus from the airport to go straight to Mong Cai, then go to Tra Co beach.

Da Nang (DAD) - Van Don (VDO)

Departure airport: Da Nang International
Flight time (estimated): 1 hour 40 minutes
Suitable for tourists in the Central region who want to connect their journey to visit the Mong Cai border area and Tra Co beach. (Note: Need to check the flight schedule because the frequency may change depending on the season).

Train to Quang Ninh

Hanoi - Ha Long (Note: Do not arrive directly at Mong Cai)

Departure station: Yen Vien Station (Hanoi)
Travel time (estimated): 6 – 7 hours
This train line only stops at Ha Long Station. From Ha Long, visitors have to take a bus to travel nearly 150km via the highway to Mong Cai. Therefore, the train is not the optimal choice to go to Tra Co, unless you want to experience slow sightseeing and combine visiting Ha Long first.

Passenger bus to Mong Cai - Tra Co

This is the most popular and fastest means of transportation today thanks to the Van Don - Mong Cai expressway which has opened to traffic on the entire route.

Hanoi - Mong Cai

Departure station: My Dinh bus station, Gia Lam, Nuoc Ngam
Travel time (estimated): 3 - 3.5 hours (according to Hanoi - Hai Phong - Van Don - Mong Cai highway)
High quality Limousine companies such as Ka Long Limousine, Nhat Minh, Duc Trong, Van Don Xanh operate continuously with a frequency of 30 minutes/trip, dropping off passengers at Mong Cai bus station or border gate.

Hai Phong – Mong Cai

Departure station: Thuong Ly bus station, Cau Rao
Travel time (estimated): 2 hours
The route is very convenient and fast, suitable for tourists traveling between Hai Phong and the top region of the country.

TP. Ho Chi Minh - Mong Cai

Departure station: Mien Dong Bus Station
Travel time (estimated): 38 - 40 hours
Mainly serving the journey across Vietnam or transporting goods. Tourists should choose to fly directly to Van Don airport to save health and time.

Moving at Mong Cai & Tra Co

To move from Mong Cai center to Tra Co beach (about 9km) and visit relic sites, visitors can choose:

Taxis and technology vehicles:

In Mong Cai, traditional taxis operate very strongly and professionally. Reputable companies include: Mong Cai Taxi (☎ 0203 3883 883), Mai Linh Taxi (☎ 0203 3766 766). Grab also operates but is less popular than traditional taxis.

Intra-province buses (Route 07):

Bus route number 07 has route: Km15 – Mong Cai Center – Tra Co Beach – Sa Vi Cape. The bus operates from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, with a frequency of 15-20 minutes/trip, which is the most economical way to go to the beach.

Renting motorbikes and self-driving cars:

Renting a motorbike in Binh Thuy - 169 Tran Phu| ☎ 0947 568 999 | Price from 150,000 - 200,000 VND/day.
Hong Van motorbike rental – Ka Long area| ☎ 0386 669 996 | Price is about 150,000 VND/day.
Rent a self-driving car: You can contact the transportation units at the center or rent a car with a driver to visit the attractions.

Tourist electric car:

In the area of Tra Co Beach, Tra Co Communal House and Sa Vi Cape, there is electric car service Carrying tourists along the coast. Ticket prices are calculated by route or hourly car rental, very airy and suitable for large groups.

Accommodation information

Luxury

Majestic Mong Cai Hotel - No. 5 Hoa Binh Avenue, Tran Phu Ward - price from 1,200,000 VND/night.

Majestic Mong Cai Hotel

Majestic Mong Cai Hotel is the most luxurious hotel in the border city, located right in the center of the international border gate. This high-rise building is a symbol of Mong Cai with a panoramic view of the entire city and the border of your country. The hotel owns a system of luxurious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant serving diverse Asian and European cuisine and accompanying entertainment services. This location is very convenient for tourists who want to combine relaxation and shopping, and visit the border gate before moving to Tra Co beach (about 9km away).

Viktor Legends Hotel - No. 39 Hung Vuong Avenue, Ka Long Ward - price from 1,000,000 VND/night.

Viktor Legends makes a strong impression with its magnificent European neoclassical architecture right in the heart of the city. This is one of the newest and most modern hotels in Mong Cai, providing 5-star rooms with sophisticated interiors. Guests can enjoy professional service, sky bar for night view and convenient location right on the main road to move to Tra Co beach or to commercial centers.

Resort

Tra Co tourist area (Tra Co Resort) -Trang Vi area, Tra Co ward (Mong Cai 1) - price from 800,000 VND/night.

Hidden under the green canopy of casuarina forests right next to the beach, Tra Co tourist area offers a peaceful resort space and close to nature. Not high-rise buildings, this place includes low-rise suites and villas scattered across a large, airy campus. Guests only take a few steps to reach the private beach, enjoying the fresh air of the sea and rare tranquility.

Other experiences

Kim Hoang Hotel - Dong Thinh area, Tra Co ward (Mong Cai 1) - price from 500,000 VND/night.

Kim Hoang Hotel is one of the largest accommodation locations and has the most beautiful location on Tra Co beach. Just cross the road surrounding the sea and visitors will touch their feet on the sand. The hotel is suitable for large groups of guests with a large number of rooms, many with balconies facing the sea. The first floor is a famous seafood restaurant, very convenient for dining and swimming.

Binh Minh Hotel Tra Co - Lac Long Quan Street, Tra Co Ward (Mong Cai 1) - price from 400,000 VND/night.

Located near Sa Vi Cape area and Golf course, Binh Minh Hotel offers a stay experience quiet and comfortable. New hotel, clean, affordable price but very attentive service. From here, visitors can easily move to catch the sunrise at the northeasternmost point of Sa Vi or visit the neighboring mangrove forests. This is a "delicious - nutritious - cheap" option for tourists who want to fully explore Tra Co.

In addition, if you want more options for your stay in Mong Cai - Tra Co, here are a few other accommodation suggestions worth considering:

Bien Bac Hotel (4 stars): Commercial center, Mong Cai ward 1 – Price from 900,000 - 1,500,000 VND/night.
Sunshine Hotel: Hung Vuong Street, Mong Cai 2 Ward (old Ka Long area) - Price from 500,000 - 800,000 VND/night.
Huu Nghi Hotel: Nguyen Du Street, Mong Cai 1 Ward (Near the market and border gate) - Price from 400,000 - 700,000 VND/night.
Tra Co Xanh Guesthouse: Near Tra Co beach, Mong Cai 1 ward (Cheap price, suitable for backpackers) - Price from 300,000 - 500,000 VND/night.
Ka Long Hotel: Located on the banks of the romantic Ka Long River, Mong Cai 2 Ward - Price from 500,000 - 900,000 VND/night.

Cuisine and culture festival food

Famous restaurants

Tam Mao (Tra Co) Restaurant

Tam Mao (Tra Co) Restaurant

Address: Trang Vi area, Tra Co Beach, Mong Cai 1 ward (Located right next to the sea).

This is the most famous restaurant located right in the Tra Co beach area. If you stay at the beach and want to eat fresh seafood "swimming" with a direct view of the sea, this is the number 1 choice. The restaurant has an open, airy space, specializing in serving Tra Co specialties such as crab, shrimp, snails, and grouper. The quality of fresh food and prime location make the restaurant always crowded during the tourist season.

Reference price: 200,000 - 450,000 VND/person.

Sen Restaurant

Address: No. 23 Hung Vuong Avenue, Tran Ward Phu.

Sen Restaurant is the largest culinary and conference center in Mong Cai. This place impresses with its modern, luxurious architecture and "huge" capacity, suitable for large groups of guests or formal family parties. The menu at Sen is very diverse, from premium seafood dishes (lobster, king crab) to forest specialties and Chinese cuisine. Professional service and cool air-conditioned space are big pluses.

Reference price: 250,000 - 600,000 VND/person.

Local cuisine

Tra Co crab (Regional specialty beach), to Tra Co, the "must try" dish is crab. Tra Co crabs are famous for being natural, not farmed, moderate in size but extremely firm, sweet and fragrant meat rich in sea flavor.

Tra Co crab

Places to enjoy: Tra Co coastal restaurants (like Tam Mao, Hoa Thanh) or buy fresh at Mui Ngoc wharf.
Reference price: 500,000 – 800,000 VND/kg (depending on time and type of crab).

Mong Cai roast pig is a precious pig breed, famous for its thin skin, fragrant meat, and perfect lean-fat ratio. Whole roasted pig (or pieces) with golden, crispy skin and dipped in secret sauce is a famous specialty of the border region.

Places to enjoy: Wedding restaurants or roast pig restaurants in the center of Mong Cai (such as Dac Loc Roast Pig).
Reference price: 300,000 - 400,000 VND/kg of roasted meat.

Cuisine discovery experience

Banh Duc "Lai" (Chinese Banh Duc)

Address: No. 34 Ly Tu Street Trong, Hoa Lac ward.

The "legendary" snack represents the interference of Vietnamese - Chinese culinary culture. Banh Duc is cut into squares, served with minced meat, dried shrimp, stir-fried wood ear fungus and served with sweet and sour chili vinegar fish sauce. The restaurant on Ly Tu Trong street is the most famous address, always crowded with tourists coming to experience this strange flavor.

Reference price: 20,000 - 30,000 VND/bowl.

Night grilled seafood Tran Phu Walking Street

Address: Walking street, Tran Phu ward.

In the evening, this area becomes a street food paradise. Tourists can sit on the sidewalk and enjoy grilled dishes on the spot such as grilled oysters with onion grease, grilled sim squid, grilled geoduck... in the bustling atmosphere of the border streets.

Reference price: 150,000 - 250,000 VND/person.

In addition to the above places, you can refer to other places. Some other reputable restaurants:

Nam Trung Restaurant - 70 Hoa Binh Avenue, Mong Cai Ward 1 (Long-standing reputable seafood) - Price about 200,000 - 400,000 VND/person.
Hoa Thanh Restaurant - Area 1, Mong Cai Ward 1 (Specializing in seafood, airy garden space) - Price about 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person.
Bun Cu Ky Ba Hau - No. 33 Tran Phu, Mong Cai ward 1 (Buntain famous for its fried noodles) - Price from 40,000 - 60,000 VND/bowl.
Beijing Roast Duck Restaurant - Hung Vuong Street, Mong Cai 2 Ward (old Ka Long area) (Famous for crispy-skinned roast duck with strong Chinese flavor) - Price about 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person.
Binh Mam Restaurant - No. 63 Hung Vuong, Mong Cai 2 ward (old Ka Long area) (Specializing in milk hotpot and quality fresh seafood) - Price about 200,000 - 450,000 VND/person.

Experience Tra Co culture

Ceremony Tra Co Communal House Festival (Processing the Elephant)

Tra Co Communal House Festival

Takes place: From May 30 to June 3 of the lunar calendar every year, at Tra Co Communal House (Mong Cai 1 ward).
This is an intangible cultural heritage National body, famous for its unique ritual: Procession of "Mr. Elephant". "Mr. Elephant" is essentially a pig that is carefully cared for and raised by the "Chairmen" throughout the year to offer sacrifices to the gods. The festival is imbued with spiritual colors, praying for favorable weather and is an opportunity for visitors to learn deeply about coastal village culture.

Check-in Milestone 1369 & Border Gate

Location: Mong Cai International Border Gate.
Experience the feeling of standing at the intersection between two countries, touching the sacred sovereignty milestone and watching the Ka Long River. Tourists can also go to Dong Hung (China) for a day trip to experience their country's culture.

Some other cultural experiences:

Welcome the sunrise at Cape Sa Vi: The place to welcome the first sunlight in the North.
Visit Tra Co Church: Ancient Gothic architecture, a place for religious activities of parishioners.

Amusement area

Tran Phu Walking Street

Tran Phu Walking Street

Located in Mong Cai ward, Tran Phu Walking Street is the most vibrant and attractive nightlife spot in the border region. When the street lights up, this street becomes bustling with hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of things, from clothes, electronics, souvenirs to street food paradise. The atmosphere here is always filled with music, laughter of tourists and local people, creating a unique community cultural space. This is the ideal place for you to stroll, enjoy sidewalk barbecue, shop for snacks and immerse yourself in the youthful rhythm of the border city.

Reference ticket price:

Entrance ticket: Free.
Street food: Ranging from 20,000 - 150,000 VND/dish (lemon tea, grilled meat skewers, grilled seafood...).
Shopping: Depending on the item and bargaining ability of visitors.

Some other amusement parks in the Mong Cai - Tra Co area:

Mong Cai International Golf Course: Located right next to Tra Co beach (Mong Cai ward 1), is a challenging and classy coastal golf course for sports lovers.
Sa Vi Sports Information Cluster: Large square area at Mui Sa Vi (Mong Cai ward 1), suitable for check-in and kite flying and admire the border scenery.
Ka Long Park: Located on the banks of the Ka Long River, it is a green space with walking paths and gentle outdoor play areas.

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Tour Hanoi - Mong Cai - Tra Co - Dong Hung 3 days 2 nights

Itinerary: Hanoi - Van Don Expressway - Mong Cai - Swimming at Tra Co beach - Visit Sa Vi Cape - Complete exit procedures to Dong Hung (China) sightseeing, shopping - Hanoi.
Transportation: New Limousine car.
Reference tour price: 2,680,000 - 3,200,000 VND/person (Including passport procedures).
Group unit Organizer: PYS Travel / Cattour

Adventure tour - discovery

Vinh Thuc Island Discovery Tour - Easternmost tip of the country 2 days 1 night

Itinerary: Mong Cai – Mui Ngoc wharf – Canoe to Vinh Thuc island – Trekking to Vinh Thuc Lighthouse (panoramic view of the sea and islands) – Bathing at Dau Dong beach – Camping/Homestay – Back to Tra Co.
Transportation: Car + Speedboat + Vehicle Motorbike/Electric vehicle.
Reference tour price: 1,800,000 - 2,200,000 VND/person.
Organization unit: Cinvestra Travel / Local travel agencies in Mong Cai.

Family tour

>Tra Co Beach Resort Tour 3 days 2 nights

Itinerary:
- Day 1: Hanoi – Mong Cai – Check in hotel in Tra Co – Swimming.
- Day 2: Visit Tra Co Communal House, Tra Co Church - Take photos at Sa Vi Cape - Free to play, eat seafood.
- Day 3: Go shopping at Mong Cai market - Return to Hanoi.
Transportation: High quality tourist car.
Reference tour price: 2,350,000 - 2,900,000 VND/person (Depending on 3-4 star hotel class).
Organization unit: Khat Tourism Vong Viet (Kavo Travel) / Vietravel.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Mong Cai Central Market (Market 1)

Nail Central Market The

Located on Tran Phu street, this is the busiest and most famous border market in the border area. Mong Cai 1 Market is a shopping paradise for items originating from China with diverse designs and extremely competitive prices. Visitors can find everything here, from clothes, fabrics, fashionable handbags to electronic devices and smart home appliances. This is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs for friends or import goods in bulk.

Note: The market is usually open from early morning to about 12:00 - 1:00 pm for visitors, the afternoon is mainly for wholesale. Tourists should go in the morning and remember to bargain to buy the most satisfactory item.

Tra Co crab (Buy at Mui Ngoc wharf or Mong Cai Market)

Tra Co crab is the most valuable sea gift that tourists often buy to take home. Unlike crabs in other seas, Tra Co crabs are caught completely naturally, are moderate in size but have very firm meat, hard shells and a characteristic sweet taste. To buy the freshest crabs at original prices, visitors can go to Mui Ngoc wharf early in the morning when the fishing boats have just arrived, or visit the fresh produce area at Mong Cai 3 Market (Tran Phu ward).

Reference price: Ranges from 500,000 - 800,000 VND/kg (depending on time and crab size). Small businesses often help pack foam boxes, ice and pump oxygen so that tourists can bring them back from long distances to ensure freshness.

In addition to the above two main options, visitors can refer to other specialties and shopping locations:

Dried sea worms (Dai ginseng): High-class and rare specialty of the Mong Cai sea area, has high nutritional value, used to make pho broth or soak in wine. The price is very high, from 4,000,000 - 5,500,000 VND/kg.
Chinese domestic confectionery: All kinds of snacks, candies, canned milk tea, spicy chicken feet... with eye-catching packaging and strange flavors. Can be easily purchased at Chinese supermarkets or Togi Market (night market).
Mong Cai Night Market (Tran Phu Walking Street): Opens in the evening, specializing in selling souvenirs, clothes, shoes and street food, the atmosphere is very bustling.
Mong Cai roast pork: Famous specialty dish with crispy skin and soft, fragrant meat. Visitors can order whole chickens or by weight at reputable rotisserie kilns in the city.

Support information and other information

Tra Co Tourist Area Management Board

Address: Trang Vi area, Mong Cai 1 ward (Tra area Co), Quang Ninh.
Function: Unit directly manages tourism activities at the beach, communal house, Tra Co church and Sa Vi Cape.
Phone number: 0203 3780 118

Mong Cai Medical Center

Address: No. 01 Tue Tinh street, Mong Cai 2 ward (old Ninh Duong area), Quang Ninh (about 9km from Tra Co beach).
Function: A large-scale class II hospital in the Eastern region of Quang Ninh province. The center is fully equipped with modern equipment to receive first aid and treat health problems for visitors 24/7.
Emergency phone number: 0203 3881 216

Mong Cai Police

Address: Hoa Binh Avenue, Tran Phu Ward, Quang Ninh.
Emergency phone number: 113
On-duty phone: 0203 3881 230
Function: Ensuring security and order throughout the locality and border areas. Support tourists in cases of property loss, administrative procedures or emergency incidents.

Market Management Team No. 4 (In charge of Mong Cai area)

Address: Huu Nghi Street, Tran Phu Ward, Quang Ninh.
Function: Protecting consumer rights, handling commercial fraud, selling fake and counterfeit goods or price gouging, especially important when tourists shop at border markets.
Phone number: 0203 3881 333

With the "lyrical" beauty of the long stretch of fine white sand, the sacred ancient features of the village communal house and the proud position at the head of the Fatherland, Tra Co Beach is not only a peaceful resort but also a place to preserve sustainable cultural and historical values, worthy of being an unforgettable emotional touchpoint in the journey to explore the frontier land.