Find Quang Phu Sand Dunes in Quang Binh’s Phong Nha region! Discover how to get there, costs, activities, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your eco-adventure now!
Capture the desert beauty of Quang Binh’s eco-gemPhoto @tiendp - tripzozo.com The Long Bien Bridge - the true icon of Hanoi capital in all senses! Built during the colonial period, the bridge is admired as one of the greatest architecture of the French colony, in both engineering and infrastructure terms.
Photo @tiendp - tripzozo.com Long Bien is the oldest one among the five bridges crossing the Red river of Hanoi. Adjacent to Tran Quang Khai street and close to Hang Dau, Hang Khoai streets, the bridge is located at the gateway of Hanoi's Old Quarter, connecting the old town to suburban areas. Long Bien bridge lies in an important position on the Hanoi - Haiphong railway. In the past, this was the only artery connecting the capital to the port city. Nowadays, though not serving as the main bridge crossing the Red river, Long Bien bridge becomes the famous favorable spot for not only Hanoians but for all tourists coming here.
Experience Quang Binh Tours with sustainable adventures (Source: Internet)Photo @tiendp - tripzozo.com Long Bien Bridge of Hanoi is considered the very showpiece and greatest engineering accomplishments of the French colony. The bridge was built by France from 1898 to 1902, and formerly named the Doumer Bridge - in honour of Paul Domer - the Governor General of French Indochina in 1890s and 1900s. Nowadays there still remains the metal sign on the bridge inscripted with the construction time and name of the contractor: “1899-1902 - Daydé & Pillé - Paris”.
Many people and news have compared Long Bien bridge of Hanoi to the reputable Eiffel tower of France, for the quite similar appearance of the two architectures, and also because many of them believe Gustave Eiffel architect was the one to design the Long Bien bridge. Is that? In fact, Eiffel’s company did join in bidding this project. However, Gustave Eiffel had resigned and withdrew from his company (Compagnie des Etablissements - later renamed as La Société Constructions Levallois - Perret) on February 14th, 1893 - long before the idea of constructing Long Bien Bridge was proposed. Actually Daydé & Pillé was the contractor in charge of building this bridge. Nowadays, you can still see the the design drawings of Long Bien Bridge by Daydé & Pillé at the Vietnam National Archives Center I. On these drawings are still visible the original signatures of Daydé & Pillé engineers and of the Governor General Paul Doumer.
What to see at the Quang Phu Sand Dunes? (Source: Internet)If you wonder what’s special about the bridge that make it so famous, well, there’re tons of titles named for this spectacular that will make you wow! Long Bien Bridge - the pride of architecture in the Far East This bridge is 3,186m long in total, including 896m of the approach spans. It comprises 19 steel girder spans placed on 20 pillars (which are over 40m high) and stone-built paths. In the middle is the single rail, while on both sides are ways for motors and bikes and walkers. Long Bien bridge of Hanoi is designed in a unique scheme resembling to the Tolbiac bridge on the Paris - Orléans railway in France. To build the bridge, it required more than 3,000 indigenous workers and a team of about 40 French directors, engineers, experts and supervisors. The materials used were also huge, with about 30,000m3 of stone and metal, including 5600 tons of rolled steel, 137 tons of iron, 165 tons of iron, 7 tons of lead. The total amount of money actually spent was up to 6,200,000 francs in that time, not much exceeding the estimated number. Long Bien Bridge - the witness of Vietnamese history During the war, Long Bien was the vital connection point on the artery path to transport tons of rice to the Dien Bien Phu battle, which had greatly contributed to the defeat of Vietnam against French army in 1954. But what really make people proud when mentioning the bridge is how it had survived after countless times being bombed by American Air Force in 1967 and 1972, in attempt of destroying the only way connecting the capital and the port city Hai Phong. Long Bien Bridge, hence, is not simply just a traffic construction or a piece of architecture - it’s a living historical witness of Hanoi, and of Vietnam. Long Bien Bridge - the icon of Hanoi with special activities for Hanoians and foreign tourists You may not know that Long Bien is the only bridge in Hanoi where the traffic flow follows the left hand side. It’s the only bridge where you can pleasantly take a walk and try tasty street desserts sold by vendors. And it is the perfect spot to enjoy the splendid sun shining its last gleams over the romantic Red river and golden-like alluvial patch, when the green gardens below sparkling. Especially, many people in including Hanoians, tourists, even brides and grooms choose this bridge as the vintage, romantic background for their photos. In addition, Long Bien bridge looks down to a small yet lively market. And from the bridge, you can walk to the Old Quarter, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake and some other famous destinations in just a few minutes. Together with Long Bien bridge, they create a distinctive Hanoian atmosphere of peace and tranquility. Come here and enjoy the quiet and bustling rhythm of life, in the buzzing cries of the vendors all over the streets, on colorful stalls around the old quarters, in the unforgettable taste of typical dishes in Hanoi. And come here and walk your feet on the bridge to feel the daily breath of life in Hanoi, enjoy peaceful moments of the present and recall the stories of the past.
Quang Phu Sand Dunes, 8 km from Dong Hoi, are easily accessible:
By Private Car: Drive 15–20 min from Dong Hoi via Tran Hung Dao St., Nguyen Du St., and Truong Phap St., costing $10–$15 round-trip (250,000–375,000 VND) for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 15 min, $5–$8 one-way (125,000–200,000 VND); $10–$15 round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 1A, 15–20 min, $1–$2 fuel (25,000–50,000 VND); rental $5–$8/day (125,000–200,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Bicycle: Rent in Dong Hoi ($2–$5/day or 50,000–125,000 VND), 30–40 min, for fit travelers.
By Public Bus: Bus from Dong Hoi to Quang Phu (20 min, $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), then 1-km walk to dunes.
From Phong Nha: Taxi or car from Phong Nha (60 km, 1 hour, $20–$30 round-trip); motorbike (1 hour, $3–$5 fuel).
From Hanoi: Train to Dong Hoi (9–11 hours, $15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND) + taxi ($5–$8); flight to Dong Hoi (1 hour, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND) + taxi. Navigation Tip: Save “Quang Phu Sand Dunes, Quang Tri” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs at Truong Phap St. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or bicycles reduce emissions; guided tours minimize dune impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorbikes; confirm taxi fares.
Start your Quang Binh Travel with serene vistas (Source: Internet)Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light, breathable layers; closed shoes for sandboarding; scarf for wind; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), small towel for sand.
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for gear ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for hikes; cash for rentals or guides; first-aid kit for scrapes.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for entry ($2–$3), rentals ($3–$5), or snacks ($0.50–$2); secure valuables in a sealed bag.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND) adult; $1–$1.50 (25,000–37,500 VND) child under 1.3m.
Sandboard Rental: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Guided Dune Tour: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
ATV Rental: $12–$20 (300,000–500,000 VND) for 15–30 min.
Stargazing Tour: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Bánh Lọc): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Sugarcane Juice): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Tai Crafts): $2–$6 (50,000–150,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Dong Hoi)
Private Car: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).
Motorcycle: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel; rental $5–$8/day.
Public Bus: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
From Phong Nha: Taxi $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND); motorbike $3–$5 fuel.
Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $10–$20 (bus, entry, snacks).
Mid-range: $20–$40 (motorbike, sandboarding, tours).
Luxury: $50–$80 (taxi, ATV, guided tours).
Tip: Budget for entry ($2–$3), activities ($3–$20), and transport ($1–$30); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Quang Phu Sand Dunes Quang Binh, Quang Tri Province (Source: Internet)Timing: Visit 5:30–10:00 AM for cool weather; April–July for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–100 vs. 200–500 on weekends). Avoid Tet for quieter visits.
Activities: Start with gentle slopes for sand-sliding; book guided tours for safe exploration. Arrive at sunrise (5:30 AM) for photos.
Sustainability: Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion; bring reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support local vendors for snacks ($0.50–$2).
Navigation: Save “Quang Phu Sand Dunes, Quang Tri” in offline maps; ask locals for Truong Phap St. Avoid night travel due to unlit roads.
Safety: Wear closed shoes for sliding; secure valuables against sand. Confirm rental fares; carry first-aid kit for minor scrapes.
Weather: Dry season for clear access; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Say “xin chào” to guides; respect nearby Tai villages. Avoid littering; tip guides $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); apply sunscreen and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours elevate your Quang Phu adventure:
Adventure Combo Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Electric taxi to Quang Phu for sand-sliding, Nhat Le Beach lunch ($1–$3). Includes guide, transport, board rental.
Quang Binh Explorer ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Motorbike to Quang Phu, Phong Nha caves, Tai homestay. Includes meals, guide.
Central Vietnam Journey ($250–$400/person, 4 days): Private car to Quang Binh, Hue, Hoi An, homestays. Includes meals, eco-transfers. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Quang Phu Sand Dunes, located just 8 km from Dong Hoi in Quang Binh Region, Quang Tri Province’s Phong Nha region, offer a desert escape with activities like sandboarding and guided trails ($2–$20, 50,000–500,000 VND), enchanting visitors near the UNESCO-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which draws 1.5 million yearly. The shimmering sands and sustainable guided trails create a unique adventure. Legend Travel Group’s Quang Binh Tours ensure a sustainable Quang Binh Travel experience, blending eco-friendly practices like low-impact tours and local support with visits to Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave. Don’t miss out—contact Legend Travel Group to browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Quang Phu Sand Dunes near Phong Nha? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Quang Phu Sand Dunes Information: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group
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