Dong Hoi is a picturesque coastal town located in the Quang Binh province of Vietnam. This charming town boasts of stunning beaches, quaint fishing villages, and breathtaking national parks. Dong Hoi is the perfect destination for adventure travelers and beachgoers alike. You can go on stunning hikes, explore hidden caves, and relax on untouched beaches. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is perfect for nature enthusiasts. If you're thinking of getting off the beaten path and getting closer to the natural beauty of Vietnam, Dong Hoi is the place for you.
You can get to Dong Hoi via Dong Hoi Airport which is only 6 km from the town center. Taxis and buses are available from the airport. You can also take a train to Dong Hoi. The train station is located in the city center and connects to most major cities in Vietnam.
The best time to visit Dong Hoi is between February to August when the weather is dry and temperate. It's recommended to avoid visiting from September to November when the region experiences heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
The weather in Dong Hoi is tropical with a monsoon season from September to November. The average temperature throughout the year is around 25°C with a high of 30°C during the summer months. The humidity is relatively high and can reach up to 90% during the rainy season.
Accommodation costs in Dong Hoi can range anywhere from $5 a night for hostels to $50 for mid-range hotels. High-end resorts can cost around $100 and above. You can also opt for homestays at local villages for a more authentic experience.
Food is very affordable in Dong Hoi. Street food can cost as low as $1 per meal while restaurant meals can costs around $5 to $10. You'll find a lot of seafood, rice, and noodle dishes in Dong Hoi.
Vietnam is generally safe for tourists, including Dong Hoi. However, petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common, especially in crowded tourist areas. The region is fairly safe for women and has good LGBTQ tolerance but can have some racial tension due to the different ethnic groups in the region.
Dong Hoi has a population of around 157,000 people. The majority of the population is Vietnamese and speaks the language fluently. There are some ethnic minorities such as the Ma Coong, Chut, and Ruc peoples. Vietnamese is the primary language spoken in Dong Hoi, but some locals also speak English.
There are plenty of activities to do in Dong Hoi such as visiting national parks, exploring caves like Phong Nha Cave and the Paradise Cave, going on river and ocean cruises, visiting fishing villages, hiking, and sunbathing on secluded beaches.