Binh Lieu

Binh Lieu sits on the Chinese border in the north-east of Quang Ninh, and the country there is different from the rest of the province - grass and reed ridges rather than karst, with Tay, Dao and San Chi villages in the valleys. A road runs along the boundary itself past the numbered markers, and the stretch known as the dinosaur spine follows a narrow crest with the border on one side; marker 1305 at the top of a long stair is the usual objective. In late autumn the co lau, the reed grass, flowers white across the ridges, which is the season most visitors time for.

What's there

• Grass and reed ridges - not the karst of the rest of the province.
• A road along the border markers - with numbered stones.
• The dinosaur spine crest - and marker 1305 at the top of a stair.
• White reed flower in late autumn - the season people come for.

When to go

October to December for the reeds; March to May otherwise. Two days.

Before you go

This is a border zone and some areas require permission or are closed - checking locally matters. The stairs to the markers are long and steep. Fog is frequent. Accommodation is basic and limited.

Nearby

Tien Yen is south; Mong Cai and the Chinese border crossing are east.

Key facts