Qionghai to Hai Phong: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The Qionghai–Hai Phong route crosses the Qiongzhou Strait and follows the newly upgraded G75 highway in China and QL10 in Vietnam, a journey that starts on Hainan Island's east coast and ends at Vietnam's third-largest port city. The drive covers roughly 650 km and takes about 12 hours of pure driving time, but border crossings and ferry waits can add 3–4 hours.

This route uniquely combines tropical island scenery, karst landscapes, and the bustle of a major Vietnamese industrial hub. Whether you're drawn by the allure of Ha Long Bay or the authentic flavors of Hainan's Wenchang chicken, this guide covers everything from fuel stops to family-friendly breaks.

Road quality is generally good on main highways, but expect construction zones on QL18 and narrow sections near border areas. Drive defensively, especially with motorbikes and livestock crossings.

For families, the drive offers several safe attractions: the Yangpu Ancient Salt Field on Hainan's west coast (a short detour), the Bach Dang Giang historical site near Ha Long, and the Cat Ba National Park accessible by ferry from Hai Phong. The trip suits children over 4 years; plan for frequent breaks.

Pet-friendly options are limited but exist: many guesthouses in Ha Long and Hai Phong accept pets, and rest stops with green areas are common.

To combat fatigue, stop every 2 hours; ideal rest points are Danzhou in China and Uong Bi in Vietnam, both with adequate parking and dining. Safety-wise, keep your fuel above half, as gas stations become sparse in mountainous sections.

Discover more about planning spontaneous stops: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Plan for the border formalities: you'll pass through Chinese customs at Dongxing and Vietnamese customs at Mong Cai if you take the coastal route, or via Lang Son if entering from Guangxi. Have your vehicle's registration and an International Driving Permit ready; temporary importation requires a carnet de passage for some nationalities.

• From Qionghai, take G98 ring road to Haikou and catch the ferry to Hai'an or Xuwen (about 1.5 hours crossing).
• In China, follow G75 from Xuwen to Nanning, then S60 to Dongxing border.
• In Vietnam, use QL18 from Mong Cai to Ha Long, then QL10 to Hai Phong.
• Fuel costs: China (~$1.2/L), Vietnam (~$0.9/L); budget ~$80 for the trip.

Check border crossing times, as they can be congested on weekends; leave early to avoid queues.

Soon after leaving Qionghai, the route skirts the coconut groves of Wenchang and the volcanic basalt fields of Leiqiong, a UNESCO Global Geopark. The ferry crossing offers views of the strait's fishing boats, while the Chinese side's karst peaks near Dongxing hint at the famous Lang Son scenery in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the drive between Mong Cai and Ha Long reveals the dramatic limestone karsts of the Ha Long Bay area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Local commerce thrives here: roadside stalls sell fresh seafood and handmade ceramics in China, while Vietnam's markets overflow with tropical fruit and the iconic ''bánh mì'' sandwiches.

The climate shifts subtly: Hainan's humid tropical air gives way to northern Vietnam's temperate winters, with a drier, cooler feel from November to February.