Chasing Ice and Frost in Northern Vietnam: A Winter Guide to Binh Lieu and Lang Son

A powerful cold wave has swept through Northern Vietnam, sending temperatures plummeting below 0 degrees Celsius and transforming the high-altitude mountainous regions into a breathtaking winter wonderland. In late January, areas like Cao Ly, Cao Siem in Binh Lieu District (Quang Ninh Province) and the border marker 1297 area in Dinh Lap District (Lang Son Province) experienced severe frost and ice accumulation, drawing hundreds of adventurous travelers and photographers eager to witness this rare natural phenomenon.

Border marker 1297, situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, is famous as a "reed grass paradise" during autumn when the hillsides are covered in white blooms. However, the winter cold has completely redefined this landscape. A thick layer of ice has coated the grass, pine needles, and safety railings, creating a surreal, frozen scene. According to local photographer La Hoang, the ice layer on the vegetation at marker 1297 reached thicknesses of 3 to 10 centimeters, resembling frozen icicles that show no signs of melting.

For travelers planning to hunt for ice in this region, there are two main routes. If starting from Lang Son City, the journey to border marker 1297 is over 100 kilometers. However, local guides recommend starting from the center of Binh Lieu District, which is only about 20 kilometers away. The hike up to the milestone is a relatively short 1.5-kilometer round trip, featuring concrete steps and metal handrails. Because this is a sensitive border area, visitors must declare their personal information with the local border guard station before heading up.

Another prime location for ice hunting is the Cao Ly mountain range in Binh Lieu. Tour guide Chu Xuan Cuong noted that while the ice on Cao Ly is thin, delicate, and crystal clear, the ice at border marker 1297 is much denser and thicker, looking like heavy frost. Along the winding mountain roads, early-blooming peach blossoms have been encased in clear ice, offering a stunning visual contrast between the arrival of spring and the grip of winter.

With temperatures hovering between 2 and 9 degrees Celsius on the mountains, travelers should prepare warm clothing, thermal wear, and sturdy non-slip footwear. The mountain roads can be extremely foggy and slippery, making driving conditions hazardous. Travelers are advised to navigate the mountain passes with extreme caution and check local weather forecasts before embarking on their winter adventure.

#BinhLieu, #LangSon, #VietnamWinter, #IceHunting, #CaoLyMountain, #TravelVietnam