Chi Linh

Chi Linh (Chí Linh) is a provincial city in the northern part of Hải Dương province, approximately 25 km north of Hải Dương city and 70 km from Hanoi. In 2019 it was officially upgraded from a town to become the second provincial city of Hải Dương province. The city covers 282.91 km² and has a population of about 220,000. Chi Linh is uniquely situated at the confluence of six rivers, with a landscape mixing low hills, forests, and waterways — a rarity in the flat Red River Delta.

The city's history dates back to the 15th century, when it was known as Bang Chau. It became closely associated with national heroes Trần Hưng Đạo, Nguyễn Trãi, and Chu Văn An, whose legacies are preserved at the Côn Sơn–Kiếp Bạc relic area — one of Vietnam's most important historical sites. The climate follows the typical northern pattern: cool dry winters (Nov–Apr, 15–22°C) and hot humid summers (May–Oct, 26–33°C). The city capital is in the Sao Đỏ ward.

By Plane

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), 70 km west, is the closest airport. A taxi takes 1–1.5 hours and costs 450,000–600,000 VND.

By Train

Chi Linh station is served by trains on the Hanoi–Haiphong line, though most services stop at nearby Hải Dương station (25 km south). From Hanoi, take a train to Hải Dương station (1.5 hr, 50,000–90,000 VND), then a bus or taxi north to Chi Linh (30 min, 150,000–200,000 VND by taxi).

By Car / Road

From Hanoi, take National Highway 5 east to Hải Dương, then National Highway 37 north to Chi Linh — about 1.5 hours total. Direct buses run from Hanoi's Gia Lam and Luong Yen bus stations to Chi Linh (2 hr, 60,000–100,000 VND).

Local buses connect the main wards of Sao Đỏ, Phả Lại, and Cổ Thành. Taxis and xe ôm are available in the city centre. The Côn Sơn–Kiếp Bạc sites are best reached by hired car or motorbike — expect a 15–20 minute drive from Sao Đỏ. Grab operates in Chi Linh but with limited coverage.

• Côn Sơn Pagoda (Chùa Côn Sơn) — A 14th-century Buddhist pagoda set on the slopes of Côn Sơn mountain, associated with the monk Huyền Quang and national hero Nguyễn Trãi. The site includes a large statue of Nguyễn Trãi and ancient stone carvings. Entry 30,000 VND. Open daily 07:00–17:30.

• Kiếp Bạc Temple (Đền Kiếp Bạc) — A temple dedicated to General Trần Hưng Đạo, located in a valley about 4 km from Côn Sơn. Hosts the annual Côn Sơn–Kiếp Bạc Festival (8th lunar month). Entry 30,000 VND (combined ticket with Côn Sơn).

• Phả Lại Thermal Power Plant — The largest thermal power plant in northern Vietnam. Not open to tourists, but its massive scale is visible from the surrounding area.

• Star Golf Course — One of the best golf courses in northern Vietnam, opened in 2003 in Sao Đỏ ward. 18 holes, green fees from 800,000–1,500,000 VND.

• Đền Chu Văn An — A temple on An Phụ mountain honouring the revered Confucian scholar Chu Văn An. Free entry.

• Hồ Bến Tắm (Ben Tam Lake) — A scenic reservoir popular for weekend picnics and relaxation.

• Attend the Côn Sơn–Kiếp Bạc Festival — Held annually from the 15th to the 20th day of the 8th lunar month, featuring processions, water puppetry, martial arts demonstrations, and a floral offering ceremony.

• Play a round at Star Golf Course — The premier golf destination in Hải Dương province.

• Hike Côn Sơn Mountain — A gentle 30-minute climb to the summit pagoda offers views over the surrounding hills.

• Visit the Chi Linh industrial zone — Several factories offer factory-outlet shopping for textiles and consumer goods.

• Nhà Hàng Côn Sơn — Near the Côn Sơn pagoda entrance. Specialises in traditional northern Vietnamese dishes. Mains 50,000–100,000 VND.
• Bánh Cuốn Chi Linh — Street stalls near Sao Đỏ market. Fresh rice rolls with minced pork and mushrooms. 20,000–35,000 VND.
• Quán Lẩu Cua Đồng — 12 Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Sao Đỏ. A popular spot for crab hotpot, a local favourite. Hotpot from 120,000 VND for two.
• Nhà Hàng Phả Lại Phố — Near the power plant. Serves fresh seafood and grilled meats. Mains 60,000–150,000 VND.

Tropical fruit smoothies (sinh tố) made from local longan and lychee are a refreshing choice in summer. Bia hơi outlets are scattered along the main roads in Sao Đỏ. Vietnamese tea houses serve trà sen (lotus tea).

• Budget: Nhà Nghỉ Sao Đỏ — 28 Đường Hồ Chí Minh, Sao Đỏ. Basic but clean. 200,000–300,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range: Khách sạn Công Đoàn Chí Linh — 5 Đường Nguyễn Văn Linh, Sao Đỏ. Comfortable rooms with restaurant. 350,000–500,000 VND/night.
• Upscale: Khách sạn Sài Gòn Chí Linh — QL37, Phả Lại. The best option in town with modern rooms, pool, and function facilities. 600,000–1,200,000 VND/night.

Chi Linh is known for its locally produced fruits, especially longan and lychee in season (May–July), sold at roadside stalls on QL37. The central market in Sao Đỏ sells everyday goods and local snacks.

• Hải Dương (25 km south, 30 min) — Provincial capital with museums and food specialities.
• Côn Sơn–Kiếp Bạc (4 km) — The main historical complex you may have partially visited.
• Kinh Môn (20 km east, 30 min) — A district-level town with coastal seafood and the An Phụ temple.
• Đông Triều, Quảng Ninh (30 km northeast) — Gateway to the temples and pagodas of Quảng Ninh province.
• Hanoi (70 km west, 1.5 hr) — The national capital.
• Halong Bay (120 km east, 2 hr) — UNESCO World Heritage site.