Before setting out, I also took time to learn about the administrative geography to avoid getting confused when checking maps or asking for directions. Following the 2025 administrative merger, the new Dam Ha Commune was formed by merging the entire natural area and population of Dam Ha Town along with the communes of Tan Binh, Dai Binh, Tan Lap, and the former Dam Ha Commune into a single administrative unit named Dam Ha Commune.
In simple terms, since 2025, the central area of the former Dam Ha District has been consolidated into the new Dam Ha Commune. However, throughout this article, I share my experiences and travel destinations within the scope of the former Dam Ha District, as that was the actual area I explored during my trip to Quang Ninh.
Dam Ha is a former coastal district in Quang Ninh Province. It borders Hai Ha District to the east and north, the sea area of Van Don District to the south, and the two districts of Binh Lieu and Tien Yen to the west.
Situated along the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin, Dam Ha covers a total area of about 414.36 km² with a population of around 47,060 people, predominantly Kinh ethnic people residing in the lowland communes. Meanwhile, the highland mountain communes are home to various ethnic minority communities, mainly the Dao people.
It is precisely this geographical diversity stretching from sea to mountain that endows Dam Ha with a rich variety of travel experiences: island adventures, mountain climbing, waterfalls, historical relics, and more, all packed into a short itinerary without feeling repetitive or dull.
Da Dung Island is a prominent travel destination in Dam Ha, Quang Ninh, renowned for its pristine beauty nestled in the waters of Bai Tu Long. The island impresses visitors with natural rock formations emerging from the sea, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and a remarkably intact marine ecosystem.
Its wild, magnificent allure is embraced by transparent seawater, fine white sandy stretches across the island, and unique rock formations boasting intriguing shapes.
What I loved most about Da Dung was the sensation of stepping foot in a place that has not been commercialized by tourism. Free from mass tourism exploitation, Da Dung offers a peaceful ambiance ideal for nature explorations. Visitors often tour the island by small boats, sightsee, and take photos, which is especially breathtaking on calm, clear days.
Hua Mountain is a familiar natural getaway for locals, located not too far from the center of Dam Ha District. The mountain features gentle slopes, lush greenery, and fresh air, making it well-suited for light trekking and picnic outings.
Visiting Hua Mountain allows you to immerse yourself in gorgeous natural landscapes, admire the colorful rural scenery, and watch flocks of egrets circling in the afternoon sunlight. In addition, Hua Mountain is an ideal stop to learn more about revolutionary history and the tradition of patriotic education.
I hiked up in the late afternoon as golden rays blanketed the valley below, looking down upon patchwork rice fields and modest rooftops. It was the kind of beauty that required no filter at all.
This was the spot I was most excited about before arriving, simply because the name alone sounded so poetic.
Bach Van Waterfall features 5 tiers of cascading water standing nearly 70 meters high. The landscape here still preserves its wild, natural beauty, largely untouched by human interference.
To reach the highest tier of the waterfall, I had to hike for about 35 to 40 minutes. Along the trail, I enjoyed picturesque views of lush green fields and pure white clouds drifting across the mountain ridges like silk scarves. The higher I climbed, the more magnificent and breathtaking the scenery became.
I made the ascent early in the morning while mist still lingered throughout the forest. My shoes were soaked through, but the moment I stood watching the topmost tier cascade down, all fatigue vanished instantly.
The Dam Ha Dong irrigation dam is situated on the Dam Ha River and represents one of the largest engineering projects in Dam Ha District to date. With a total investment of over 500 billion VND, the reservoir supplies irrigation water for nearly 3,500 hectares of farmland, provides domestic water, controls floods, and helps regulate the local climate.
The vast surface, crystal-clear water, and surrounding hills blanketed in refreshing greenery create an airy and soothing atmosphere.
I paused here for about an hour, simply sitting to watch the lake surface shift colors as sunlight broke through the clouds. It was nothing extraordinary, yet remarkably hard to leave. This is the exact type of place I often call a 'true mid-journey resting stop.'
Don Den Historical Relic is a destination rich in cultural and historical significance for Dam Ha District, closely linked with the defense and development of the northeastern borderlands. The historical site is set in a quiet environment and remains relatively well-preserved.
From what I gathered, Dam Ha is home to numerous remarkable historical landmarks, including the Hua Mountain Flagpole—which played a pivotal role in establishing the district's first Party cell—and Don Den, the site of fierce battles fought by local soldiers and civilians during the liberation campaign of Dam Ha.
Visiting Don Den gave me the opportunity to understand more about local history and the significant milestones of this land. I found it to be a worthwhile stop if you want your journey to go beyond sightseeing and gain deeper cultural depth about your destination.
Sau Pagoda is a spiritual destination familiar to local residents, situated within the serene mountain forest setting of Dam Ha. The temple features modest architecture—not overly grand, yet evoking a peaceful and intimate ambiance.
Many visitors stop by the pagoda to admire the scenery, pray for peace, and find inner tranquility during their journey of exploration. Sau Pagoda is often visited in combination with nearby natural attractions, bringing a well-rounded balance of scenic appreciation and spiritual reflection to a trip to Dam Ha.
I arrived mid-morning when outside visitors were sparse. The stillness here was completely unlike the bustling temples found in big cities.
Dam Ha remains a relatively fresh name on Quang Ninh's tourism map, making it ideal for those who cherish nature exploration and serene environments. When planning your trip, prioritize a compact itinerary by grouping nearby attractions together to optimize travel time.
Because tourism services are not yet heavily developed, travelers should arrange transportation and personal gear in advance, and monitor weather forecasts before departure. For self-guided trips, researching routes and sightseeing spots beforehand will ensure a smoother, safer, and more fulfilling adventure.
I traveled by rented motorbike, which proved to be the best choice since destinations are not too far apart, yet there is no convenient public transit connecting them. Getting around the district is fairly straightforward thanks to good road conditions, and locals are always ready to guide you if you ask.
Far from the fame of Ha Long or Co To, Dam Ha offers a slow-paced travel experience closely connected to nature and authentic local life. Pristine islands, waterfalls hidden deep in lush forests, and historical sites make exploring Dam Ha diverse while keeping its raw authenticity intact.
Few places still preserve such rustic countryside charm and storied historical landmarks like Dam Ha. I returned with the feeling that I had just uncovered a corner of Quang Ninh that most travelers have yet to notice. And in truth, I wouldn't want Dam Ha to become famous too soon, for its greatest charm is this unbroken tranquility.
My trip to Dam Ha was light on luggage, getting around mainly by motorbike, yet having a durable backpack was still essential to carry essentials through mountain hikes, waterfall trails, and island visits. If you're looking for a durable, compact backpack with ample room for a 2-to-3-day getaway like this, visit MIA.vn to browse travel backpack lines that keep your hands free to savor every moment.
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