Following the merger of Hoanh Mo and Dong Van communes on July 1, 2025, the new Hoanh Mo commune has become a destination that perfectly combines stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and borderland charm.
“Dinosaur spine” ridge and many other magnificent landscapes rich in cultural colors make Hoanh Mo an exceptional destination that draws a growing number of visitors.
Covering more than 137km² and home to over 9,000 residents, Hoanh Mo is often described as a “miniature tourism hub” of the frontier, offering travelers a journey that stretches from international border gates and scenic mountain roads to pristine forests, waterfalls, and traditional ethnic villages.
With over 30 kilometers of border shared with China and the Hoanh Mo-Dong Zhong International Border Gate operating since June 2024, the area is not only a vital trade link but also a new highlight for border tourism. Visitors can check in at Milestone 1317, take part in cross-border festivals, shop for highland specialties, or join cultural exchange events celebrating Vietnam-China friendship. Activities such as cross-border cycling and the Kieng Gio Festival with the participation of Chinese tourists showcase the growing vitality of border tourism.
From the border, the journey unfolds along winding scenic roads, featuring the breathtaking “Dinosaur Spine” ridge, a paradise for trekking and photography enthusiasts. The Cao Ly and Cao Ba Lanh mountain ranges, rising over 1,000 meters, offer ideal spots for camping, cloud-hunting, and stargazing. Particularly, Cao Ba Lanh, a site tied to revolutionary history, is being developed into a patriotic and spiritual tourism destination that blends natural beauty with cultural meaning.
Beyond the majestic mountains, Khe Tien waterfall, surrounded by a pristine bamboo forest, provides a tranquil retreat for trekking or swimming, while Song Mooc village of the Dao people charms visitors with its terraced fields, rustic homestays, traditional cuisine, and the sound of folk melodies echoing through the valley.
Adding a burst of color to the highlands, the Cao Son flower garden, perched 1,000 meters above sea level, captivates visitors with hundreds of flower species blooming year-round in a cool climate. Building on its success, the commune is expanding eco-tourism tied to cinnamon forests, anise hills, and terraced rice fields, forming a sustainable chain of borderland agricultural tourism products.
Instead of promoting isolated sites, Hoanh Mo is now focusing on thematic tourism routes such as the “Border heritage route” (Hoanh Mo Border Gate - Dinosaur Spine - Cao Ba Lanh Mountain) and the “Eco-cultural journey” (Cao Son flower garden - Khe Tien waterfall - Song Mooc village). This approach encourages longer stays, coherent experiences, and professional tour development. Meanwhile, the upcoming Cao Ly wind power project opens up opportunities for green energy tourism, combining education, exploration, and environmental awareness.
With its diverse terrain, unspoiled landscapes, and deep cultural identity, Hoanh Mo is emerging as a rising star in Quang Ninh’s highland tourism map. Yet, challenges remain rugged terrain, limited infrastructure, and uneven service quality call for continued investment, skilled workforce development, and stronger regional linkages to ensure sustainable growth in the years ahead.