Tra Co Mong Cai beach - The the most beautiful Quang Ninh island [Full guide]

When people talk about vacationing in Quang Ninh, they usually think of famous spots like Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Tuan Chau Island, or Bai Chay. But there’s a hidden gem not too far away - the incredibly beautiful and romantic Tra Co beach. It’s a place full of fun and exciting things to discover. So, what makes Tra Co beach so special, how do you get there, and where can you stay? Uncover everything about Tra Co beach!

About Tra Co beach, Quang Ninh

Tra Co beach is in Quang Ninh and it’s one of the prettiest beaches there. It’s really long - about 15km! It’s located just 8km from the city of Mong Cai and about 200km from Ha Long city. What makes Tra Co stand out is its stunning natural beauty, cool blue water, and golden sand.

People love visiting Tra Co beach because it’s still very natural and untouched by humans. It’s like a “country girl” - simple and charming. The waves are gentle and peaceful. If you ever visit Mong Cai, make sure to stop by Tra Co beach. It’s definitely a place you don’t want to miss!

When is the best time to visit Tra Co beach in Quang Ninh?

The best time to visit any beach, including Tra Co, is during the summer. Specifically, from April to July, Tra Co beach is at its most beautiful with clear water and gentle waves, perfect for swimming.

If you’re interested in experiencing the local festivals at Tra Co beach, make sure to visit between May 25 and June 6 of the lunar calendar. During this time, there are lots of fun activities like the God Procession Ceremony, the Boat Procession Ceremony, and the Elephant Procession Ceremony.

How do you get to Tra Co beach in Quang Ninh? 

Getting to Tra Co beach is pretty easy. If you’re coming from Ha Long city, you can ride a motorbike to enjoy the scenery along the way. Cars are a great option for large groups or families, and buses are a budget-friendly choice.

If you’re starting your journey from Hanoi, the best way to get to Tra Co beach is by bus. You can catch a bus to Mong Cai from My Dinh, Luong Yen, or Bat Giap bus station. Bus tickets usually cost between 120,000 VND and 150,000 VND per person. Once you reach Mong Cai bus station, you can take a motorbike taxi, a regular taxi, or a bus to get to Tra Co beach.

If you’re traveling from Hai Phong, you can take a hydrofoil (a type of fast boat) to Tra Co beach. The distance is about 206km. If you’re in Bai Chay Ha Long, you can also take a hydrofoil to Tra Co beach, which is about 132km away. Just remember, the hydrofoil only runs twice a day - once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

What can you do at Tra Co beach? 

Swimming at Tra Co beach is awesome. When you visit Tra Co beach, the first thing you’ll want to do is jump into the clear blue water. The beach is really pretty with its untouched scenery, blue sea, and gentle waves all year round. It’s a sight you’ll remember forever. The beach is even more beautiful under the water, with fine white sand, green trees, and blue morning glory flowers making it look like a picture.

Watch the sunrise and sunset In the early morning or late afternoon, Tra Co beach gives you a stunning view of the sunrise and sunset. During these times, Tra Co beach looks like it’s wearing a brand new outfit. The sunset is especially beautiful and leaves you feeling a little sad when it’s over.

Check out Da Den beach Da Den Beach, also known as Ngoc Son beach, is another beach close to Tra Co beach. As the name suggests, Da Den beach has lots of black rocks of different sizes. They’re scattered on the sandy shore, creating a scene that’s both mysterious and cool. Besides, Da Den beach also has a smooth white sand beach, blue water, and beautiful wild scenery. When you’re here, you’ll find lots of great spots for photos.

What are some cool places to visit in Tra Co? 

After you’ve had fun at Tra Co beach, don’t forget to check out some other awesome places nearby. Here are a few suggestions:

Cape Sa Vi: This is a really important landmark that marks the easternmost point of Quang Ninh province. It was built in 2013 and has a unique and grand design that shows off the country’s culture.

Mong Cai Central Market: This is a huge market in Quang Ninh province. It’s on Tran Phu Street and sells all kinds of stuff, from cheap to expensive, like shoes, wallets, jewelry, and food.

Tra Co Temple: This is one of the oldest buildings in Quang Ninh province. It was built during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century, which means it’s over 600 years old! They hold a lot of famous festivals here from May 30 to June 6 of the lunar calendar. Don’t miss it!

Tra Co Church: This church was built in the late 19th century and is one of the oldest churches in the Northeast region of Vietnam. It’s not just a place for worship, but also a popular tourist spot.

What’s good to eat at Tra Co beach?

Mong Cai black tiger oyster porridge: This is a famous dish in Mong Cai. It’s a porridge made with fresh black tiger oysters caught from Quang Ninh waters. It’s sweet, filling, and packed with nutrients.

Cu Ky Mong Cai: This is a local dish in Mong Cai. Cu Ky is a type of seafood that’s a lot like crab. The meat is tasty and firm, and it’s really good for you. You can have it in many dishes like vermicelli, hot pot, and wing cake.

Grilled Ca Say: Ca Say is a popular type of duck and goose in Quang Ninh. The meat is juicy, soft, and doesn’t have a fishy taste. You can have it steamed, grilled, boiled, dried, and more. But the best way to have it is grilled.

Can you recommend a good hotel near Tra Co beach? 

Tra Co beach is a popular tourist spot, so there are lots of great places to stay nearby. Here is a top hotel in Quang Ninh close to Tra Co beach for your trip:

Hai Au Hostel Tra Co is one of the best hotels in Mong Cai. Many visitors choose Hai Au because it’s in a great location, has a variety of rooms, and offers a rich selection of services.