New Quang Tri was formed by the merger of the former Quang Binh and Quang Tri provinces. This creates a larger travel area with a wider range of destinations.
From beaches, caves, and forests to historic sites, each area offers a different experience. These destinations can also be combined into different types of itineraries.
For a short trip, many travelers may wonder which route to choose. Where can you go to spend less time traveling while still enjoying memorable experiences?
This article suggests several itineraries for a 3-day, 2-night trip.
Getting to Know New Quang Tri
New Quang Tri covers a fairly large area, with destinations stretching from the coast to the western mountains.
In the north are Dong Hoi, Phong Nha, and coastal destinations. Along the western side are nature-based destinations such as Bang Onsen, Cha Loi Cave, Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong, and Pa Thien – Voi Mep.
To the east and south is Dong Ha, along with destinations associated with history, culture, and the coast. Highlights include Quang Tri Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River, Vinh Moc Tunnels, and Cua Tung Beach.
These areas have different characteristics and travel times. So, it is better to decide on your main direction before choosing where to go.
For a 3-day, 2-night trip, a more practical approach is to choose one main route and then combine it with destinations along the same direction.
Here are three options to consider.
Option 1: Dong Hoi – Phong Nha – Beach
This is a suitable choice if you want to combine city sightseeing, caves, and the beach in a 3-day, 2-night trip. This route is also convenient if you arrive in and depart from Dong Hoi.
Day 1: Explore Dong Hoi and Local Food
On the first day, you can explore some of the highlights in Dong Hoi, such as Mother Suot Monument, Tam Toa Church Bell Tower, Quang Binh Gate, and Dong Hoi Citadel.
After sightseeing, spend some time trying local food. If you enjoy seafood, the Nhat Le Beach area is a good choice for the afternoon or dinner.
Stay overnight in Dong Hoi before heading to Phong Nha the next day.
>> Read more: When Dong Hoi Comes Alive at Night: Discover the City Through Local Food
Day 2: Explore Phong Nha
Spend the second day in the Phong Nha area.
You can visit Phong Nha Cave. If you want more activities, you can choose a kayaking experience or one of the nature-based programs in the area.
Return to Dong Hoi in the evening for an overnight stay before the next day’s journey.
>> Read more: Can Phong Nha Cave Be Explored by Kayak — and There’s More to It?
Day 3: Quang Phu Sand Dunes – Da Nhay Beach – Dong Hoi
Start the final day early with sunrise and sandboarding at Quang Phu Sand Dunes.
Then continue north to Da Nhay Beach. The beach is known for its naturally shaped rock formations along the coast. Over time, waves and weathering have created a distinctive landscape.
You can walk along the beach, enjoy the scenery, and take photos before returning to Dong Hoi for lunch.
The trip ends in Dong Hoi in the afternoon.
This route suits: first-time visitors to New Quang Tri, families, groups of friends, and travelers who want to combine local culture, nature, beaches, and food in one trip.
Option 2: Western Truong Son
If you enjoy nature and outdoor activities, you can follow a route through western Quang Tri.
This route stretches along the Truong Son Range, with destinations offering different types of experiences.
You should not try to combine Cha Loi Cave, Duong Cam Waterfall in Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong, and Pa Thien – Voi Mep in the same 3-day, 2-night trip.
Each destination offers a different experience. Choose a suitable combination based on your group’s fitness and available time.
Option A: Cha Loi Cave – Bang Onsen
You can spend the first one or two days exploring Cha Loi Cave, then continue to Bang Onsen to relax.
The second day can be spent relaxing at Bang Onsen. On the third day, you can continue to another suitable destination along the route or rest before heading back.
This combination is suitable for travelers who want some outdoor activities while still having time to relax.
>> Read more:
- Is Chà Lòi Cave Difficult? What to Know Before Your Trip
- Kim Ngan in the Mist: A Quiet Escape at Bang Onsen
Option B: Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong – Bang Onsen
If you want to spend more time in nature, you can choose the Dong Chau – Khe Nuoc Trong area with canyoning at Duong Cam Waterfall and Cong Troi Waterfall.
You can spend one or two days on the canyoning experience, crossing Duong Cam Waterfall and Cong Troi Waterfall. After that, you can combine the trip with Bang Onsen for some relaxation.
>> Xem thêm:
- What to Prepare for Dương Cầm Waterfall Canyoning: A Pre-Trip Guide
- Canyoning in Vietnam: What First-Time Travelers Should Know
Option C: Pa Thien – Voi Mep
If trekking is your main goal, Pa Thien – Voi Mep should be the main route for the entire trip.
This is a 3-day, 2-night journey from Dong Hoi. The second day is dedicated to reaching Voi Mep Peak at 1,707 meters. The third day is the return journey.
For this route, you should not combine Phong Nha or Cha Loi in the same trip. The time should be spent trekking, resting, and experiencing the western mountains.
This route suits: travelers who love nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and want to dedicate their trip to a trekking experience.
>> Xem thêm:
- Pa Thien – Voi Mep Trekking: Route, Best Time to Go and What to Know
- Before Trekking Pa Thiên – Voi Mẹp: 10 Things to Know
- Responsible Nature Tourism – What Does It Really Mean?
Option 3: Dong Ha – DMZ – Cua Tung Beach
If you are interested in history, you can use Dong Ha as a base for exploring destinations in the east and south.
Day 1: Dong Ha – Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery – Quang Tri Citadel
The first day can start in Dong Ha.
From there, the journey continues to Truong Son Martyrs Cemetery and Quang Tri Citadel. These are places closely associated with wartime history and are suitable for trips focused on learning about history.
Day 2: Hien Luong – Vinh Moc – Cua Tung
Visit Hien Luong Bridge – Ben Hai River and Vinh Moc Tunnels, then continue to Cua Tung Beach.
Day 3: Cua Tung – La Vang – End of the Trip
Spend the morning at Cua Tung Beach before returning to Dong Ha or continuing to Hue.
If your schedule allows, you can visit La Vang before ending the trip.
This route suits: travelers interested in history, families, and groups who want to combine historical sites with a beach experience.
Choose a Route That Fits Your Trip
Your arrival and departure points have a significant impact on a 3-day, 2-night itinerary.
If you arrive in and depart from Dong Hoi and want a relaxed trip or are visiting New Quang Tri for the first time, you can prioritize Phong Nha, the beach, or one of the western routes.
If you enjoy nature, you can choose Cha Loi – Bang Onsen, Duong Cam Waterfall, or dedicate the entire trip to Pa Thien – Voi Mep. This route can be arranged from Dong Hoi or from Hue by heritage train.
If you arrive from Hue and are interested in history, the Dong Ha – DMZ route may be more convenient.
If your arrival and departure times are not fixed yet, you should decide on these two details before choosing your destinations. Simply changing your arrival or departure point can also change the order of destinations in your itinerary.
Avoid an Overpacked Itinerary
One common mistake is trying to fit too many destinations into a 3-day, 2-night trip.
New Quang Tri covers a large area, so choosing destinations in different directions can significantly increase your time on the road.
For example, combining Cha Loi Cave, Phong Nha, Duong Cam Waterfall, and Pa Thien – Voi Mep in one 3-day, 2-night trip will leave much more time for traveling.
In addition to travel time, you also need time for meals, check-in, rest, and preparation.
Cave and trekking activities require preparation and recovery time. It is better not to schedule demanding activities immediately after a long journey.
A good itinerary is not about visiting as many places as possible. It is about choosing destinations in the same direction and making the most of the time you have.
Trip Costs to Consider
The total cost depends on your route, group size, travel dates, and services.
Common expenses include:
- Transportation
- Hotel or homestay
- Meals
- Entrance fees
- Tour guide
- Travel insurance
- Equipment and support services for cave, trekking, and outdoor tours
At Bang Onsen, costs may vary depending on your room type and services.
Before finalizing your itinerary, consider your group size, travel dates, arrival and departure points, and preferred activity level.
If you are ready to plan your trip, send Netin Travel your arrival and departure times and group size. We can help you choose a suitable itinerary for your 3-day, 2-night journey in New Quang Tri.
