2025 Mong Cai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

#springitinerary 🌍 Móng Cai One-Day Tour | Explore Vietnam's Border City 🌍 Budget-friendly adventure at the Vietnam-China border! Móng Cai, a small border town in Vietnam, is perfect for a one-day trip with an affordable budget—just 200+ CNY per person! Here’s a detailed travel guide to explore this charming town: How to Get There: From Guangzhou South → Nanning East → Dongxing City Station, it takes about 4 hours. Stay in a hotel near Dongxing Port for easy access to the border crossing. Crossing the Border: Cross from Dongxing Port to Móng Cai, going through both Chinese and Vietnamese customs (similar to traveling between Hong Kong and Macau). Currency exchange: You can exchange RMB for Vietnamese Dong at a travel agency near the port at a rate of 1 CNY = 3500 VND. Don’t exchange too much since Vietnam is quite affordable, and you can exchange back unused Dong later. Must-See Spots in Móng Cai: Gray Church A beautiful historic site that blends architectural style and culture. Ethnic Square (Dân Tộc Square) Explore this cultural hub where you can witness local heritage. Monument of the Border (0号界碑) Located near the square, it marks the Vietnam-China border. Chagu Beach A serene beach perfect for a relaxing stop. Blue Church A stunning church worth the visit for its charm and tranquility. Winmart and Walking Street Explore the local markets and enjoy a stroll along the walking street. #thingstodo

# **Recommended guide for a one-day trip to Mong Cai, Vietnam** Mong Cai, Vietnam borders Guangxi, China, and attracts tourists with its unique border style, seaside scenery and authentic food. The following is a detailed recommendation based on the latest information: --- ## **I. Recommended must-see attractions** ### **1. Tra Gu Beach (Bãi biển Trà Cổ)** - **Features**: A 17-kilometer-long white sand beach with clear water and fine sand, it is known as the "Romantic Beach of Vietnam". The Casuarina forest along the coast prevents wind and sand, and is occasionally dotted with water spinach flowers, which is suitable for taking pictures, sunbathing and playing in the water. - **Activities**: Barefoot walking, swimming, watching sunrise and sunset. - **Opening hours**: Open all day all year round (Data 6). ### **2. Mong Cai Market** - **Features**: The most lively local market, where you can buy Vietnamese candies, coffee, handicrafts (such as lacquerware, wood carvings) and ointments (such as white tiger ointment). Some stalls accept RMB or WeChat payment (Document 3). - **Tips**: Try to bargain and avoid buying a whole box of medicine to prevent customs inspection (Document 3). ### **3. Religious buildings** - **Chagu Church**: Gothic style, long history, quiet surrounding environment, suitable for taking pictures (Documents 1, 4, 5). - **Tiffany Blue Church**: Free check-in point, fresh and romantic appearance, but not allowed to visit (Document 3). ### **4. Southeast Asian Style Village** - **Highlights**: Enjoy folk song and dance performances from Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and other countries, and learn about Southeast Asian culture (Documents 2, 4). --- ## **II. Special food recommendations** - **Vietnamese Pho**: The soup base is fresh and sweet, served with beef or chicken. - **Vietnamese Spring Roll**: Crispy skin wrapped with shrimp or pork, dipped in fish sauce. - **Shrimp Cake & Fried Chicken**: Popular snacks in the night market, crispy and delicious. - **Drip coffee**: Experience the slow pace of Vietnam, with a unique flavor when paired with condensed milk. --- ## **Three, transportation suggestions** ### **1. Cross-border transportation** - **From China**: - **Fangchenggang/Dongxing Port**: Take a ferry or business car to arrive in about 2-3 hours (Documents 1, 5). - **Beihai/Nanning**: Take the high-speed rail to Dongxing and then transfer, or charter a car directly (Documents 2, 4, 7). - **Visa**: You need to apply for a Vietnamese visa in advance, and your passport must be valid for more than 6 months (Documents 1, 3). ### **2. Transportation in Mong Cai** - **Chartered car**: It is recommended to charter a car for sightseeing (about 150 yuan/day), which can cover farther attractions such as Chagu Beach. Most drivers are Chinese-Vietnamese, and communication is barrier-free (Document 3). - **Walking**: The city attractions are concentrated, and you can walk around the market, church, etc. --- ## **IV. Itinerary reference** | **Time** | **Arrangement** | |----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Morning** | Depart from the Chinese port, go straight to Mong Cai market for shopping and snacks after completing immigration formalities. | | **Noon** | Enjoy Vietnamese rice noodles or spring rolls in Mong Cai city. | | **Afternoon** | Charter a car to Tra Gu Beach (about 30 minutes by car), and return to the city to visit Tra Gu Church and Tiffany Blue Church after the tour. | | **Evening** | Stroll through the Southeast Asian style village and watch ethnic performances. | | **Evening** | Experience Vietnamese fried chicken and shrimp cakes at the night market, buy souvenirs and return. | --- ## **V. Precautions** 1. **Currency**: Exchange about 200 yuan of Vietnamese dong (about 700,000 VND) in advance. Some merchants accept RMB. 2. **Communication**: Buy a Vietnamese data card (about 15 yuan/3 days) on Taobao to avoid high prices at the border (Data 3). 3. **Guide to avoid scams**: - Avoid the "overcharged pedestrian street" recommended by the tour guide and go directly to the three markets frequented by locals (data 3). - Be wary of inferior goods in the market, especially mahogany products. 4. **Safety**: Keep your passport safe and avoid traveling alone; pay attention to sun protection and tides when doing beach activities. --- ## **Sixth, extended recommendations (if you have enough time, you can consider)** - **Beilun River cruise**: The China-Vietnam border river, with beautiful scenery on both sides (data 4). - **Yongde Lighthouse**: The lights are bright at night, suitable for photography (data 4). - **Sheta Temple**: Experience Vietnamese religious culture, exquisite architecture (data 4). --- **Summary**: Mong Cai one-day tour focuses on cultural experience and natural scenery. A reasonable itinerary can fully experience the unique charm of the Vietnam border!

Mongkai doesn't have any fancy buildings yet, but it's really nice.

Blue Church A beautiful work of art, Solemn and mysterious. The blue walls, Like the color of the sky, Stand quietly, giving a sense of tranquility. It is like a kind old man, Witnessing the traces of time. I stand before this church, Full of awe. The Vietnam Blue Church is located in Mong Cai, Vietnam. This church is known for its Tiffany blue exterior and white decorations, showcasing French romantic style. Built in 1926, it combines Western and Vietnamese architectural elements, with exquisite interior decoration, and is a place for believers to pray and gather.

Cha Co Church: Gothic architecture towering into the clouds, delicate carvings tell stories of the past. Standing in front of it, I feel like I've traveled through time. Its unique style, is a testament to Vietnam's history. I look up at it, filled with awe. On this land, I feel the unique charm of Vietnam. Ticket: CNY 3

【Introduction】🚀 Hey, friends! Today, let's talk about the hidden gem of Mong Cai. It is located in Hai Ninh County, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, very close to Dongxing City, China, separated by a river 🌊. Mong Cai is not only a place of stunning beauty 🏞️, but also has a rich history and culture, as well as a lot of delicious food and great shopping, making it a paradise for tourists to check in ✨! 🛬【Must-see Attractions】 Mong Cai Port 🚪 - A must-see! This is the official entry point into Vietnam, so be sure to take a photo to commemorate your visit! Tra Co Beach 🏖️ - The sand is soft and the sea breeze is gentle, perfect for sunbathing and playing in the water. Van Don Beach Scenic Area 🏞️ - The natural scenery is beautiful, and you can experience the Vietnamese fishing culture. Mong Cai Market 🛒 - Want to buy some Vietnamese specialties? This place has it all, so be sure to haggle! 🕘【Opening Hours】 Most attractions are open all day, but Mong Cai Port has fixed opening hours, so be sure to check in advance. It is recommended to spend at least half a day to a day, and don't forget to bring sunscreen and water 💧. ⛺【Things to Do】 Beach BBQ 🍖: On Tra Co Beach, you can grill your own seafood, which is delicious! Vietnamese Massage 💆‍♀️: Relax and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese massage. Swimming Pool/Hot Spring 🏊‍♂️: Some hotels have facilities for swimming and hot springs, so you can enjoy a relaxing time. 🍩【Restaurant Features】 Vietnamese Pho 🍜: The broth is refreshing and the rice noodles are chewy, a must-try! Spring Rolls 🥟: Thin skin and lots of filling, delicious with dipping sauce. Recommended restaurant: "Vietnamese Bistro", cozy environment, attentive service, and affordable prices. 👩【Restaurant Service】 The waiters are warm and friendly, with a smile 😊, and the food is served quickly, and they will recommend special dishes. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Cross-border Bus 🚌: From Dongxing to Mong Cai, convenient and fast. Taxi 🚕: In Mong Cai, taxis are also convenient, so be sure to use a mobile map to confirm the route. 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 Seaview Hotel 🏨: Close to Tra Co Beach, enjoy a seaview room, the price is slightly higher but worth it. Homestay 🏡: Experience the local culture, affordable, suitable for backpackers. 👉【Itinerary】 Morning: Enter Mong Cai Port and visit the market. Afternoon: Sunbathe on Tra Co Beach and try a BBQ in the evening. Day 2: Walk around Van Don Beach and find a comfortable place to relax with a massage. 🧡【Preparation】 Passport and visa 📄, sunscreen 🧴, swimsuit 👙, cash 💰 (some places may not accept credit cards). ⛲【Tips】 Take care of your personal belongings 👜, especially in crowded places. When trying local food, pay attention to food safety 🚫. Respect local customs and communicate in a friendly manner 🤝. Well, that's all for the Mong Cai Day Trip Guide, have a great trip! 🎉

Where to go this winter~ If you want to travel to Vietnam but don't want to go too far, take a day trip to Mong Cai! A border city in Vietnam~ Just across from Dongxing, Fangchenggang in Guangxi It's very convenient for a same-day round trip~~~ 【Procedure】: You only need a passport to handle it, with a small group tour costing around ¥280. You can choose a private tour package, and there are also private car tours available. 【Data】: You can activate one-day international data on your phone or enable international roaming (many places in Mong Cai can receive Chinese networks, so if you don't use much data, you might not need to activate it). 【Currency Exchange】: There are many places near the border to exchange Vietnamese Dong. It's recommended to find a reputable store to exchange, and 100-300 yuan per person should be enough depending on personal needs. 【Border Crossing】: It's very convenient to cross the Chinese border, just swipe your passport to pass. The Vietnamese border has a green fast track to avoid long queues. The visa will be collected at the Vietnamese customs, so you can't take it with you. Remember to take photos on the section of the Friendship Pass Bridge. 🛬【Travel Guide】: Recommended City Walk route: Gather at Dongxing Port to exit—Take a car at the Vietnamese port—Cha Gu Ethnic Square—0 Kilometer Coastline (border area)—Cha Gu Church—Cha Gu Beach—Blue Church ❥(^_-) Private tours are super convenient and flexible. You can communicate with the guide about the gathering time and return time, making it very convenient to plan your time. 🍩【Must-Eat Food】: Vietnamese Chicken Pho Balut Drip Coffee Avocado Juice Vietnamese Spring Rolls Fruits (Rambutan, Durian, Mangosteen, and other Southeast Asian fruits, note that you can't bring them back to China, so you need to eat them before crossing the border) 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: If you arrive in Dongxing the night before, it is recommended to stay at the Ramada Hotel or Vienna Hotel near the border. 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Driving to Dongxing: There are parking lots near the border, marked with a P sign, ¥20/day Nanning—Dongxing: Direct high-speed train Mong Cai—Cha Gu District: About a dozen kilometers, a ten-minute drive. Friends who like to take photos can choose a private car tour. 🧡【Tips】: Vietnam time is one hour behind China time. Dongxing Port closes at 21:00 China time, so you need to return to the port by 20:00 Vietnam time. There are staff at the Vietnamese port to guide you through the border. The process of returning to China is very quick, but it's still necessary to allow extra time to prevent any unexpected situations.

🌍On the border between China and Vietnam, there is a charming place—Mong Cai. It is like a shining gem, emitting a unique light, attracting countless tourists to explore. 💎 🏞️Natural scenery: Mong Cai has intoxicating natural scenery. The clear river flows slowly, and the green trees on both sides form a beautiful picture. 🌳The mountains in the distance are undulating, and the clouds are misty, as if in a fairyland. 🌄In Mong Cai, you can stroll by the river, feel the breeze, enjoy the beauty of nature, and let your mind be quiet for a moment. 💆‍♂️ 🛕History and culture: Mong Cai has a long history and rich cultural heritage. The ancient buildings have witnessed the changes of the times and tell the stories of the past. 🛕The unique geographical location of the Sino-Vietnamese border makes Mong Cai a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese cultural characteristics. Here, you can visit historical sites, understand the development history of Mong Cai, and feel the integration and collision of Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. 🎊 🥘Food paradise: Mong Cai is also a paradise for food lovers. There are various delicious snacks and seafood feasts here, allowing your taste buds to enjoy a feast. 😋Vietnamese spring rolls, river powder, barbecue and other traditional foods are memorable, and fresh seafood is even more mouth-watering. In the streets and alleys of Mong Cai, you can taste authentic Vietnamese food and feel the charm of exotic customs. 🍜 🛍️Shopping paradise: Mong Cai is also a good place for shopping. There are lively markets and shopping malls here, where you can buy various characteristic goods and souvenirs. 🎁From Vietnamese handicrafts to characteristic products of China and Vietnam, everything is available. In the process of shopping, you can also communicate with local vendors and experience the local customs of Mong Cai. 🛍️ 🏨Comfortable accommodation: Mong Cai has various types of accommodation options to meet the needs of different tourists. 🛏️From luxury hotels to cozy homestays, you can find suitable accommodation. Some hotels also provide beautiful scenery and quality services to make your stay more comfortable and pleasant. 🏡 🎉Featured activities: In Mong Cai, you can also participate in various featured activities. Take a boat tour of the Beilun River and enjoy the beauty of China and Vietnam. 🚢Or go shopping in the border market and feel the prosperity of Sino-Vietnamese trade. 🛍️In addition, you can also participate in some cultural activities to understand Vietnamese traditional culture and customs. 🎭 🌈Mong Cai, this charming place, is waiting for you. Come to Mong Cai and start an unforgettable journey! 💖

I. City Overview Mong Cai is located in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, across the river from Dongxing City, Guangxi, China😉. It combines the unique charm of Vietnam with the diverse culture of the Sino-Vietnamese border, exuding a fascinating charm. Mong Cai has a warm and humid climate with abundant sunshine, making it a desirable tourist destination with a spring-like climate all year round. II. Recommended Attractions 1. Tra Co Beach 🏖️ A pearl of Mong Cai, with fine sand and clear water😎. Here, you can enjoy the romance of the sun and sand and feel the sea breeze. There is also an ancient Tra Co Church by the beach, adding a sense of tranquility and solemnity to this beautiful landscape. 2. Mong Cai Market 🛍️ A great place to experience local life and culture😜. The market is full of various characteristic products, from traditional Vietnamese handicrafts to fresh fruits and seafood. You can bargain with the enthusiastic stall owners here and experience the local atmosphere of Mong Cai. 3. Bac Luan River Scenery 🌊 An important river on the Sino-Vietnamese border, with clear water and picturesque scenery on both sides🥰. You can take a cruise to enjoy the beauty of the Bac Luan River and experience the unique charm of both China and Vietnam. On the riverbank, you can also see the China-Vietnam Friendship Bridge, a testament to the friendly exchanges between the two countries. 4. Vietnamese Style Street 🏘️ A street full of Vietnamese characteristics, with unique and colorful architecture😉. Here, you can taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine and buy various Vietnamese souvenirs. Walking on the Vietnamese Style Street is like being in a Vietnamese town. 5. Ca Long Church 🕍 A historic church with exquisite architecture and artistic charm. The surroundings of the church are beautiful, making it a great place to take photos. III. Food Experience 1. Vietnamese Spring Rolls 🌯 Rice paper as thin as a cicada's wing wrapped in various fresh vegetables and meats, served with special sauces, refreshing and delicious😋. 2. Chicken Noodle 🍜 One of Vietnam's traditional dishes, with tender chicken, smooth rice noodles, and delicious soup😍. 3. Drip Coffee ☕ Vietnamese specialty coffee, with a slow drip process full of ritual. The coffee is fragrant and rich, with condensed milk, sweet but not greasy😉. 4. Fruit Salad 🍉 A variety of fruits with coconut milk and other ingredients, nutritious and sweet, a great way to beat the heat and quench your thirst. IV. Culture and Customs Mong Cai is a multi-ethnic area, with cultural elements of Vietnamese Kinh, Tay, etc.🤗. The people here are hospitable, respectful of tradition, and pay attention to etiquette. In Mong Cai, you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese music, dance, and handicraft making, and experience the unique charm of Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese people have a unique clothing culture, with Ao Dai as the traditional Vietnamese dress, which makes women graceful and charming😉. On some important occasions, people will wear traditional costumes to show their national characteristics. V. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Mong Cai International Hotel 🌟 A luxurious and comfortable hotel with complete facilities and attentive service😎. The hotel rooms are spacious and bright, with exquisite decoration, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality accommodation experience during your trip. 2. Mong Cai Characteristic Homestay 🏰 A good choice to experience local life, with hospitable homestay owners who will provide you with attentive service🥰. Here, you can experience the local customs and culture of Mong Cai. 3. Mong Cai Business Hotel 🏨 With a prime location and convenient transportation, suitable for business trips and leisure vacations. The hotel offers a variety of comfortable rooms and suites, as well as restaurants, conference rooms, etc. VI. Shopping and Entertainment Mong Cai has many shopping malls and markets, where you can buy various Vietnamese handicrafts, souvenirs, and fashion items😉. Among them, Mong Cai Market is one of the most popular shopping places, with a wide variety of products for you to choose from. In Mong Cai, you can also participate in various entertainment activities, such as watching traditional Vietnamese song and dance performances, and experiencing traditional Vietnamese massage😎. In addition, Mong Cai's nightlife is also very rich, with many bars, cafes, and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy food and entertainment at night.

Cha Co Beach in Mong Cai, Vietnam, is a very pristine beach, stretching for dozens of kilometers with clear blue water. The tranquil beach is not noisy, and across the sea is Dongxing Wanwei Golden Beach in China. Nearby is the century-old Cha Co Cathedral, built in the Gothic style during the French colonial period in Vietnam. The cathedral has a history of over a hundred years, with a unique architectural style. On both sides, there are twelve life-sized, finely carved marble statues depicting the stories of Jesus. The overall design is unique, old and mottled, and full of historical charm. When crossing the border, you can take the opportunity to visit. The zero-kilometer marker of Vietnam's national highway is also here. Attraction address: Located on the Cha Co Peninsula in Mong Cai City, Quang Ninh Province, in the northeastern coastal region of Vietnam. Other tips: It is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft, making it very suitable for photography and avoiding strong sunlight. The restroom at the century-old Cha Co Cathedral charges 3 RMB. Ticket fee: Free

Mong Cai is a very small beach town in northern Vietnam, bordering China. However, it is a very peaceful and clean place because it has a high income level. People don't speak English, but they are all friendly and kind. This is what I ate there! Seafood you love♥️

Holy land

The most important trip in the afternoon went to the city's Mang Street on the Vietnamese border. Dongxing's tourist shopping center and the permit hall are all here. You need to take a 2-inch photo on the spot and make a border pass in the Public Security Bureau. Usually the time is around an hour. The border certificate is valid for 3 months and can only be used once during the validity period. After crossing the border of China, as long as you cross the Sino-Vietnamese Friendship Bridge, you will come to the Vietnamese border. Vietnam is also one of the few socialist countries in the world, and it always has the shadow of us 20 years ago. From the national flag of Vietnam, you will see similarities with China. The difference is that the Chinese flag is five five-pointed stars and the Vietnamese flag is a five-pointed star. The national emblem looks very much like it. When I first went to Hanoi, I never felt that I had arrived in Southeast Asia, but I walked into the ancient city. Come to Mang Street, naturally you can't let go of this net red church, but unfortunately, this century-old church is now being repaired, and the inside is not accessible.

Mang Street not only has rich humanistic feelings, but also beautiful island scenery. The first to be considered is the ancient tea beach on the Chagu Peninsula. It is said that it is the starting point of the most northern zero-kilometer road in Vietnam. Self-driving friends must not miss it. From the road to the beach, you will pass through a small fishing village, and the fishermen who wear the hats are working hard on the seafood. Teko Ancient Beach is 17 kilometers long. It stretches from the northern end of the sand-tailed corner to the southern end of the jade corner. The sea is blue and looks like a mirror under the blue sky. It shows the most beautiful picture in the world. This kind of scenery makes Chagu Beach get a lot of "most", Vietnam's most northern, most border, most original ecological and other reputation, even if abandoned wooden boats, we are also loved.

Chagu Beach is located on the Chagu Peninsula. It takes about half an hour to drive from Mang Street. It is also the starting point of Vietnam's northern zero-kilometer road. It can be said that it is the North Pole of Vietnam. There is a 0km boundary pillar. Visitors will come here to punch in. Listening to the waves and looking at the endless sea, the mood at this time is quiet and joyful. The mangrove wave-breaking belt is the first line of defense for constructing a coastal shelter forest system. It has the title of Coast Guardian. In the prime time, it is a beautiful The scenery, when it comes to the big storm at sea, plays a role in protecting the coastline.

Chagu Beach is located on the Chagu Peninsula. It takes about half an hour to drive from Mang Street. It is also the starting point of Vietnam's northern zero-kilometer road. It can be said that it is the North Pole of Vietnam. There is a 0km boundary pillar. Visitors will come here to punch in. Listening to the waves and looking at the endless sea, the mood at this time is quiet and joyful. The mangrove wave-breaking belt is the first line of defense for constructing a coastal shelter forest system. It has the title of Coast Guardian. In the prime time, it is a beautiful The scenery, when it comes to the big storm at sea, plays a role in protecting the coastline.

When I arrived at Mang Street, the sky began to rain, and I took a few street scenes on the road. At noon, I just met the local primary school students. They saw my camera play a nice gesture, and travel without borders. We are strangers. The country, sometimes, smile is the best language.

Tekogu Beach is the northernmost beach in Vietnam and is considered to be the most romantic beach in Vietnam. Tekogu Beach is not far from Mang Street, so here is also the first seaside tourist spot we arrived in Vietnam. Unlike the beaches where the domestic population is surging, there are not many tourists on Chagu Beach, even with a little bit of cold. When I came here, the temperature was over 20 degrees, and the temperature was exceptionally pleasant. On the beach, there was no heat and pain in the sun and the sun. The sand on the beach is very fine and white, there is no rubbish, stepping on the sand, the fine sand is scattered under the feet, the sea water is clear, you can see the fishing boat sailing, the white sail, and the white sand of the white waves. Contrary to interest. There are no vendors selling, there are no kinds of noisy water projects, with a cold and a little original, with the original face in front of us.

Chagu Beach, 10 km from Mang Street, is the northernmost, most primitive and longest beach in Vietnam. The beach here is fine and the sea is clear and blue. On the beach, there are occasional live fish that the local fishermen process and fish. A very quiet beach, maybe the sun at noon is too strong, and few tourists walk by the sea. An old cow is leisurely licking the young grass. It is also because of the big noon that we can see the whole beach. A humble wooden boat has become a good place for our concave shape! Take a photo, we are serious! Photos Tip: If you want to stand in front, you should avoid standing on the heights, otherwise the visual effect will be very strange! The cool photos are just left to look at the right ~ the way to capture the model is more natural! Specific address: Vietnam Mang Market Wanzhu Island - Chagu Beach beach 4 hours away from Halong City, Vietnam!