The formation of the modern character of the Quang Ha settlement is inextricably linked to the administrative reforms in Vietnam during the second half of the 20th century. According to official records, the district was established on June 4, 1969. This move was part of a large-scale program to optimize territorial management, which involved the merger of the historical regions of Ha Coi and Dam Ha.
The city's geographical location in Quang Ninh Province, on the country's northeastern coast, played a decisive role in its development. Situated in an area rich in natural resources with access to the sea, the region gradually developed, relying on fishing and local trade. The natural seclusion of the area helped preserve the authentic landscape and the traditional way of life of local communities, whose population remained stable during this period.
The early cultural identity of the region was shaped by the influence of seaside life and interactions with neighboring regions. While no direct evidence of large ancient settlements within the modern boundaries of Quang Ha has survived, the broader history of northeastern Vietnam is closely intertwined with ancient cultural traditions and the trade routes of the Gulf of Tonkin. For decades, the city's economic foundation rested on a combination of agriculture and the harvesting of marine resources.