Border tourism in Quang Ninh is entering the summer of 2026 with a renewed profile, moving beyond its traditional reliance on border-gate advantages toward more diverse tourism offerings, enhanced visitor experiences, and deeper cultural value.
Mong Cai 1 Ward, home to the Mong Cai International Border Gate with direct connectivity to Dongxing, is gradually evolving from a transit hub into a vibrant destination of Viet Nam–China cultural convergence. The area is becoming a dynamic crossroads of trade, culture, and cross-border tourism. Mong Cai 1 sets its target of pursuing a green and sustainable tourism model, closely linked with preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, while ensuring border security and social order. In 2026, it targets to welcome approximately 3.92 million tourist arrivals, with total tourism revenue projected to exceed VND 11.5 trillion.
To achieve these goals, a wide range of coordinated measures is being implemented, from raising community awareness to promoting a “civilized, friendly, and modern” destination image. Notably, the locality is focusing on the effective implementation of a pilot smart border gate project at the Mong Cai - Dongxing International Border Gate, while also developing a “day-and-night economy” model to create a 24-hour chain of experiences spanning shopping, cuisine, and entertainment.
Leveraging the unique advantages of border gateways, localities are shaping distinctive tourism offerings. In Hoanh Mo commune, the Hoanh Mo – Dong Van border economic zone is being positioned as a starting point for exploration journeys. The locality will launch its summer tourism season with the traditional Wind-Restraint Festival of the Dao Thanh Phan ethnic community, along with a series of indigenous cultural experiences. Hoanh Mo targets to welcome more than 150,000 visitors.
By 2027, the locality aims to develop 25 homestays and one ecolodge, secure at least one nationally recognized cultural heritage, and complete community-based tourism villages for the Dao and San Chi ethnic group.
By Dao Linh
