Off the beaten path, this beach in Quang Tri offers rugged cliffs, emerald waters, and affordable travel.
After walking over 100 meters through a dense forest trail, Hanoi traveler Oanh Do was overwhelmed when a pristine coastal view suddenly unfolded before her: turquoise waters glittering under the sunlight, a long stretch of white sand curving beneath majestic cliffs. The sea breeze, the expansive blue, and the tranquil atmosphere made her family forget the long journey.
The view from the peak of Mui Treo left Oanh Do in awe. Photo: Oanh Do
“I had never heard of Mui Treo before. We only found it after a friend recommended it during our trip to Quang Tri. The scenery was like a painting – perfect for camping,” Oanh Do shared.
Traveling along the coastal route from Ha Tinh to Quang Tri, Oanh and her family discovered many beautiful beaches, each with its own rustic charm. But Mui Treo, she said, felt like a hidden world tucked behind a forest.
Mui Treo is located in Vinh Kim Commune, Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province, about 40km north of Dong Ha City. It remains largely untouched by tourism, boasting a poetic landscape where forest-covered mountains meet the vast sea. White sandy shores stretch beneath jagged cliffs and curious rock formations shaped by nature.
The untouched beauty of Mui Treo – a less-visited gem in Quang Tri. Photo: Oanh Do
The site once featured a massive rock ledge jutting over the sea, creating a breathtaking and daring check-in spot. Unfortunately, this landmark broke off due to weather conditions in 2020, leaving many visitors saddened by the loss.
To reach Mui Treo, visitors travel along National Highway 1A to Ho Xa (Vinh Linh District), then drive through Vinh Kim Commune, followed by a winding forest trail. The road is narrow and best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Those with low-clearance cars are advised to park outside and walk. The shaded 100-meter trail remains cool, even on hot days.
Emerging from the forest, visitors are greeted by a breathtaking scene - like stepping into a dreamscape, untouched by commercial development. There are no resorts or shops here, just raw, natural beauty.
A small clearing after the forest trail reveals a panoramic view of the coast. Photo: Oanh Do
From a cliffside viewpoint, visitors can descend a narrow trail to the beach, walk along soft white sand, feel the cool seawater, and explore moss-covered rocks.
Le Thu Hang, a travel professional currently living in Vinh Linh, was also captivated by her first visit to Mui Treo. She now frequently shares photos of the area online.
“In nearby Cua Tung town, you can find camping gear rentals starting from 150,000 VND per tent (about $5.90), motorbikes for 100,000 VND ($3.90), and bicycles for just 20,000 VND ($0.80). Lodging options and other amenities are also available for travelers, especially backpackers,” Hang said.
Mui Treo is a dream camping destination for nature lovers. Photo: Thu Hang
Green moss-covered rocks at Mui Treo. Photo: Thu Hang
Travelers can pitch a tent atop Mui Treo or right on the beach. Activities include swimming, grilling food by the sea, watching the stars, catching the sunrise, or collecting sea snails and exploring mossy reefs.
Roughly 1km from Mui Treo is a small area with food stalls, freshwater baths, and free parking.
Hang also noted that local seafood like scallops, oysters, and clams is especially fresh and reasonably priced. Local food stalls offer dishes at bargain prices - turmeric noodles for 10,000 VND ($0.39), grilled pork noodles for 20,000 VND ($0.78), and more.
From Hanoi, travelers can take a bus to Cua Tung for around 400,000 VND per person (about $15.70), then rent vehicles and gear to explore Mui Treo and nearby attractions like the Truong Son Cemetery, Quang Tri Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge, and Vinh Moc Tunnels.