Dong Hoi

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Dong Hoi Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 - 2 Days

Best Time: April to September Read More

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Dong Hoi Tourism

A pleasant seaside city, with easy access to the Phong Nha Ke Bang caves, Dong Hoi is a rapidly rising tourist destination. Apart from its proximity to the Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Dong Hoi has its own tourist attractions, authentic cuisine and unique history that beckon people to explore and unearth its mysteries.

As the Capital of the Quang Binh province and the city closest to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, Dong Hoi is rapidly gaining popularity as a calming tourist retreat. The sun-kissed beaches of Dong Hoi have the capability to hold your attention especially in the summer months of April to September. The Nhat Le Beach houses a number of residences, hotels and charming villas that will definitely persuade you to extend your beach holiday. The beach itself paints a striking picture of serenity with the sun-kissed sand, glistening waves and the numerous stalls selling pineapples, shrimp and mushrooms along the seaside. Apart from the beaches, Dong Hoi’s historical remains aren’t to be missed. The ruins of the Tam Toa Church and the Quang Binh gate are a painful reminder of the destruction brought upon the city. Dong Hoi is also a great place to cycle around and explore owing to the great number of beach promenades and cycling lanes present. Cycling through Dong hoi wet market will give you a unique insight into local life. Dong Hoi is the best place to unwind for a day or two before starting the arduous trek into Phong Nha Ke Bang.

Things to do in Dong Hoi

1. Dong Hoi Citadel Gates

Dong Hoi Citadel Gates
The Dong Hoi citadel gates stand tall as a testament to the destruction brought upon Vietnam by war.

2. Tam Toa Church

Tam Toa Church
The ancient Tam Toa church is still in operation despite being victim to the fatal bombing of Dong Hoi.

3. Nhat Le Beach

Nhat Le Beach
The gorgeous Nhat Le Beach, located at the junction where the Nhat Le river empties into the sea is indeed a sight to behold. The beach is generally quite deserted with the occasional local trudging p (Read More)ast and is scattered with hotels, hostels, restaurants and cafes at odd locations and a children's play area. The quietness of the beach is perfect for you to enjoy the soft sand and to revel in the inviting waves. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset and to catch a beer at a seaside pub after.

4. Paradise Cave

Paradise Cave
Paradise cave is one of the longest caves in Asia and offers some breathtaking stone formations.

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Shopping in Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi is a beachside town and so it does not have a lot of large malls or shopping complexes. Most of the shopping include beachside artefacts and beachside local cuisine which you can enjoy.

Nightlife in Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi is a fairly rural city and lacks flashy nightclubs. It, however, does have a number of pubs where you can grab a bite and enjoy a beer with family or friends. The Buffalo Hostel and Pub has a great place to sit down and enjoy a relaxing beer. 36 Beer is a relatively new pub and it is definitely quite raucous and not suitable for those who wish for some peace. 27 cm Pub and Cafe is a beachside pub where you can relax with your drink and play pool. Tree Hugger cafe and AE Pub and Coffee open in the afternoons but remain open until midnight. Overall, Dong Hoi has a relatively laid-back and chill vibe.

History of Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi has played an important role in history owing to its central location. In pre-united Vietnam, Dong Hoi belonged to South Vietnam and was considered an important millitary location as it provided protection to the southern Nguyen Lords from the northern Trinh family. During the Indochina War, the Dong Hoi airbase was used by the French to attack both the Viet Minh in north-central Vietnam and the Laotian Pathet Lao Army in central and southern Laos. During the Vietnam War, Dong Hoi was heavily devastated by bombardments from US B-52s due to its location near the demilitarized zone between North and South Vietnam. The only remnants after the bombing were the Tam Toa Church, Quang Binh gates and a single palm tree.

Language of Dong Hoi

Vietnamese is the most commonly spoken language in Dong Hoi. English is fairly common but do not expect every shopkeeper to learn English.

Dong Hoi Customs

Dong Hoi does not have particular separate customs.

Religion of Dong Hoi

Dong Hoi doesn't have any separate religious affiliations apart from those prevalent in Vietnam.

Wet market of Dong Hoi

Every city in Vietnam has its own market, but a wet market is special, it's different and a whole new world out there! The most impressive thing about the Dong Hoi wet market is its perfect segregation. The locals have adapted in such a way that there is a perfect segregation between the different stalls of the wet market. The fish stalls are located on the outside and sell the freshest fish caught from the Nhat Le river. Moving inside, you will find freshly grown fruits and vegetables being sold and the locals bargaining with the shopkeepers over their wares. The innermost areas are reserved for spice sellers. A wet market visit is a unique experience. Though you may not buy anything, a wet market is a real treat for the eyes.

The story of Mother Suot

Mother Nguyen Thi Suot was a labourer who lived in Dong Hoi on the banks of the Nhat Le river. She is considered a national War hero due to the service she provided to the Vietnamese army during times of war. The 60-year-old woman risked her life every day, ferrying soldiers and artillery in a small wooden boat across the Nhat Le river. When the American Army bombed the wharf, all the ferrymen fled but only Mother Suot remained, ferrying soldiers across in her wooden boat no matter how hard the bombs rained. She was killed on 11th October 1968 by a US bomb pellet. Even to this day, she is recognized as a Vietnamese War hero. Her statue was erected next to the Nhat LE river and her story is told in the villages and cities along the Nhat Le even to this day.

Best Time to Visit Dong Hoi

How to Reach Dong Hoi

How to Reach Overview

Dong Hoi is well connected owing to its central location. Dong Hoi has its own airport, the Dong Hoi Airport, located just 6 kilometres from the city. It is also well connected by rail with both northbound and southbound trains stopping at Dong Hoi. The Highway 1A also passes through Dong Hoi, giving it great road connectivity too.

How to reach Dong Hoi by flight

Dong Hoi has its own airport - the Dong Hoi airport, located six kilometres from the city centre. The airport has frequent flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The airport also has a few flights to Thailand and Laos. The main city can be reached by means of Xe Om or Taxi from the airport.

How to reach Dong Hoi by road

Dong Hoi has the National Route 1A (QL1A) passing through it and so it is accessible by road from Hanoi and Hue. It is 11 hours from Hanoi and 4 hours from Hue. There are no standard taxis running to Dong Hoi, but Tour and Travels agencies or your hotel may be able to book you a car to travel.

How to reach Dong Hoi by train

Dong Hoi is a popular stop on both the Northbound and the Southbound rail lines of Vietnam, and so there are frequent trains from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. Hanoi is 10 hours away, Hue is 3 hours away and Ho Chi Minh City is 23 hours away by train. The railway station is located three kilometres from the city centre and can be easily accessed by Xe Om or taxi.

How to reach Dong Hoi by bus

Most Bus companies going either North or South Vietnam stop at Dong Hoi on request, but do not have a designated stop. The buses that commonly stop on request include buses to Hanoi (VND 250,000), Hue (VND 150,000), Da Nang (VND 200,000) and Nha Trang (VND 500,000). Dong Hoi also has its own bus station, located one kilometre away from the city, but this station is rarely used. Minivans ply from this station to seperate locations such as Hue (VND 75,000), Da Nang (VND 140,000), Hanoi (VND 200,000) and Dong Nai (VND 750,000) as and when they are full.

Local transport in Dong Hoi

Getting around in Dong Hoi is fairly simple. Motorbikes can be rented at VND 150,000 - VND 2,000,000  and bicycles at VND 40,000 per day. Metered Taxis are available at VND 3,900 for the first kilometre and VND 9,900 for every kilometre after that can be pre-booked. A local bus to Phong Nha Ke Bang Caves departs every hour.

Dong Hoi Photos

Dong Hoi
Dong Hoi - Capital of Quang Binh Province
Tam Toa Church Ruins in Dong Hoi
Dong Hoi Citadel Gates - Located in the Centre of Dong Hoi City

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FAQs on Dong Hoi

What is famous about Dong hoi?

Beachside town, Quiet Atmosphere, Easily accessible, Great Vibes

What are the places near Dong hoi?

The top places near to Dong hoi are Hue which is 152 km from Dong hoi, Halong bay which is located 387 km from Dong hoi, Hoi an which is located 255 km from Dong hoi, Phong nha ke bang national park which is located 36 km from Dong hoi, Hanoi which is located 404 km from Dong hoi

What is the best way to reach Dong hoi?

Dong Hoi is well connected owing to its central location. Dong Hoi has its own airport, the Dong Hoi Airport, located just 6 kilometres from the city. It is also well connected by rail with both northbound and southbound trains stopping at Dong Hoi. The Highway 1A also passes through Dong Hoi, giving it great road connectivity too.
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What is the local food in Dong hoi?

Dong Hoi local cuisine has a unique spin to it – it is a medley of the North, South and Central Vietnamese cuisines which have combined in a tasteful manner to yield the mouthwatering cuisine of Dong Hoi. Some well-known dishes include Banh Canh, a thick noodle made from a combination of tapioca flour and rice , Nem Lui, grilled pork, fresh herbs, lettuce, unripe green banana slices wrapped in rice paper sheets then served with nuoc leo, a spicy peanut dipping sauce and Banh Loc, tapioca cake stuffed with shrimp, pork and mushrooms. Some must visit restaurants in Dong Hoi include Hoa Mi Café for the best coffee in Dong Hoi, Pho Bien Floating restaurant for an ethereal experience of eating on a makeshift 'island'.
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What is the best time to visit Dong hoi?

April - September: The summer season is definitely the best time to visit Dong Hoi. The warm temperatures ensure that the water is warm enough to go swimming and for other beach activities. The fog is nil during this time and this increased visibility makes it the best time to frequent the beaches of Dong Hoi.
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What is not so good about Dong hoi?

Suspected Drug Hub, Rural area

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