Buzz
Kho Muong, an unspoiled valley within Pù Luông Nature Reserve's buffer zone, is situated less than 150km from the urban heart of Thanh Hóa.
Thanh Hóa's Alluring Kho Muong Valley Adventure
Our venture into Kho Muong on a glorious morning took us across nearly a dozen kilometers of smooth roads from La Han bridge to the Thanh Lam junction, then onto a path leading to Thanh Son, weaving through forests and over mountains. Situated in a realm of pristine nature, Kho Muong cave evokes the aura of a tranquil land, a forgotten cavern of mystery. The journey's serpentine paths, bordered by mountain cliffs on one side and deep valleys with lush terraced fields on the other, offer a beloved challenge to the adventurous.
As visitors navigate the sleek stone trails, the towering limestone formations of Kho Muong cave, ancient beyond millions of years, unfold in awe. Spanning more than 2.5km, the cave's interior is a labyrinth of deep crevices and dark corners. Delving into its enigmatic shadows, feeling the chill that emanates from the stone, and hearing the distant echo of water dripping from stalactites only adds to the thrill of each step.
The cave's most magical feature is the 'silver cave', a chamber adorned with stalactites that shimmer with a silver radiance under the light. Guests tread softly along narrow, moist paths, immersed in the silent wonder of creation, careful not to disturb the bats and rare birds nesting nearby.
From a bird's-eye view, Kho Muong unveils its rustic charm with stilt houses nestled at the foot of the mountains, featuring traditional thatched roofs. The village is encircled by terraced fields and ancient forests, creating a protective embrace around the community.
Kho Muong, blessed by nature, enjoys cool summers and warm winters. It's a White Thai village that preserves many traditional aspects. A handful of families offer eco-tourism services, with their attractive, well-maintained stilt houses open to visitors year-round.
The hospitable homeowners treat guests as family, offering neat accommodations and clean cooking facilities. Visitors to Kho Muong can savor unique mountain delicacies such as bamboo-tube rice, wild banana flower salad, bitter soup, corn wine, steamed sticky rice, grilled chicken with Zanthoxylum rhetsa, and boiled duck.
The Pho Doan weekend market is a hub for trading unique highland products like handwoven textiles, homemade wine, wild vegetables, insects, and fresh fruits. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying traditional Thai dances performed by the village's women.
Source: Doanh Nhan Sai Gon
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJuly 26, 2016
