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 you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

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.