Nestled amidst the reservoir of Hoa Binh hydroelectricity plant, Thung Nai offers a cool retreat with its azure waters and rugged charm. That's why the 2-day 1-night Thung Nai Hoa Binh tour is becoming a favorite among travelers. Let Mytour take you on a journey through the stunning Thung Nai.
1. About Thung Nai
When people think of the Da River, they often picture a powerful, tumultuous stream. However, few know that the Da River area also boasts an incredibly picturesque destination, capable of captivating anyone's heart, like Thung Nai.
Thung Nai lies amidst the Da River, in Cao Phong district of Hoa Binh province. Formerly known as Muong Thang, Thung Nai was once inhabited by the Muong ethnic people. The name Thung Nai is said to originate from the abundance of deer living in this valley.
Thung Nai - a picturesque spot amidst the Da River.
In the past, Thung Nai resembled many other places in the northern mountainous region, with numerous picturesque hills and mountains. However, since the construction of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric dam on the Da River, a large volume of water from the upstream has caused many hills to be submerged.
Partly due to its limestone hill terrain, the water here boasts a stunning emerald green color. In fact, visitors to Thung Nai can even see numerous islands scattered across the reservoir of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric dam.
Thanks to its romantic beauty, with limestone peaks rising amidst the azure waters, Thung Nai offers travelers relaxation, tranquility, and abundant natural inspiration. That's why tourists often opt for a 2-day 1-night Thung Nai Hoa Binh tour to experience travel beneath the reservoir.
2. Getting to Thung Nai
2.1 From Hanoi to Thung Nai
Although Hoa Binh province isn't adjacent to Hanoi, it's still relatively close. From Hanoi, travelers only need around 2 - 3 hours to cover the 120km distance to Hoa Binh. Due to the short distance, travelers can choose to drive by private vehicle such as car or motorbike.
Starting from Hanoi, travelers can take Thang Long Avenue to reach Hoa Lac. From there, continue along Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh route to reach Hoa Binh City. The next 20km stretch along Tay Tien Road from the city center of Hoa Binh to Thung Nai port.
2.2 From Thung Nai to the island
As Thung Nai tourist destination lies within the Hoa Binh Hydropower Reservoir, visitors need to travel from the mainland to the island. However, with the recent development of Thung Nai tourism, there are now many boats available to transport tourists.
Travelers often go to Thung Nai to enjoy boat rides on the water surface to escape the heat.
Moreover, there are boat rental services available here for leisurely rides or sightseeing tours on the lake. However, it's advisable for tourists to inquire about boat rental prices in Thung Nai before arriving to make the trip more convenient.
3. Accommodation in Thung Nai
3.1 Coi Xay Gio Guesthouse Thung Nai
Coi Xay Gio Guesthouse is a well-known accommodation option in Thung Nai. This guesthouse is distinctive partly because it is designed in the shape of a windmill, and partly because it was built by soldiers who once served at the Military Technical Academy.
Staying here, travelers can relax in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the warmth of the services provided, making it suitable for families, groups of friends, or couples on vacation.
Coi Xay Gio Guesthouse is located right by the shores of Thung Nai Lake, allowing guests to admire the panoramic view of the turquoise Thung Nai area. Not only that, Coi Xay Gio also offers boat rental services to help guests easily explore the lake.
Coi Xay Gio Guesthouse leaves a lasting impression in Thung Nai Hòa Bình.
Travelers embarking on a 2-day, 1-night trip to Thung Nai Hòa Bình should choose Coi Xay Gio Guesthouse for their journey to fully enjoy the beauty of the gem by the Đà River.
3.2 Coconut Island Guesthouse
Coconut Island has only been developed for tourism in recent years. With a total area of up to 10 hectares, Coconut Island provides accommodation services as well as basic recreational activities such as campfires, fishing, etc.
In addition, Coconut Island boasts nearly 200 coconut trees providing shade and other fruit trees. The greenery adds a unique touch to Coconut Island's ambiance.
Coconut Island currently has 4 large stilt houses and 8 small stilt houses to accommodate tourists. Each house is spacious, built according to the architecture of the Muong and Thai ethnic groups, and can accommodate a considerable number of guests. Coconut Island Guesthouse also owns boats to serve tourists traveling to the island.
3.3 Giang Mo Village Guesthouse
Apart from Thung Nai Resorts in neighboring areas, tourists can try the homestay accommodation in Giang Mo Village for a fresh experience. Guests will enjoy resort services in the stilt houses of the Muong ethnic people as well as the culinary and cultural lifestyle of the local ethnic people in the village.
Notably, the room rates in Giang Mo Village are extremely affordable, around 20,000 VND/night.
4. What to Do When Traveling to Thung Nai Hòa Bình for 2 Days 1 Night
4.1 Boat Ride on the Lake
When visiting Thung Nai Hòa Bình, tourists must experience the activity of boating on the Đà River. In addition to the captivating blue water appealing to nature lovers, tourists can also admire the majestic mountains surrounding the area.
Tourists mostly paddle boats to enjoy the scenery and the cool atmosphere under the lake.
Thanks to the surrounding mountains and the cool climate throughout the year, the river water here is also cool at many times of the year. Therefore, tourists often choose the Thung Nai 1-day tour as a destination to escape the heat in the summer. Traveling to Thung Nai Hòa Bình for 2 days 1 night is a reasonable time, enough for tourists to experience all the fun activities here.
Rowing a boat in Thung Nai is usually very easy due to the calm water. Tourists without experience in rowing can also manage it.
In addition to rowing boats, tourists often camp at Thung Nai Hòa Bình to chat with each other while enjoying the charming scenery here.
4.2 Trạch Spring in Thung Nai
Trạch Spring in Thung Nai is known as a famous bathing spot not to be missed when visiting Thung Nai. Trạch Spring is about a 20-minute boat ride from the Thung Nai pier and then a further 1km walk to reach the spring.
Trạch Spring, pristine and clear in Thung Nai Hòa Bình.
Tourists visiting Thung Nai, bathing in Trạch Spring, are always impressed by a completely natural bathing spot. The water here is crystal clear, blue, and unexpectedly clean. It's no surprise that many tourists choose Trạch Spring as a refreshing spot in the summer.
4.3 Bờ Waterfall Cave
Entering the Bờ Waterfall Cave, the stalactite space inside the cave will give tourists a sense of sacredness and grandeur.
Bờ Waterfall Cave lies at the Ngọc Pier, on the northern slope of the Chùa mountain range along the banks of the Hòa Bình hydroelectric reservoir. It is associated with the Bà Chúa Thượng shrine, a place of spiritual significance, and serves as a refuge for many merchants seeking shelter from heavy rain and strong winds while navigating the upstream and downstream currents of the Đà River.
Bờ Waterfall Cave with its mesmerizing stalactites.
To reach the cave entrance, tourists must climb about 100 steps if the water level is low. Conversely, during high water season, after disembarking from the boat, tourists need to transfer to a raft before entering the cave. Upon entering the cave, looking out from the entrance, visitors can admire the picturesque scenery of the Đà River winding through the limestone mountains.
Bờ Waterfall Cave has three areas for tourists to explore: the cave chamber with beautiful stalactite formations, the visitor reception area, and the Buddha worship area located approximately 50 meters higher.
4.4 Bản Ngòi Hoa
Visiting Thung Nai Hòa Bình for 2 days and 1 night, Bản Ngòi Hoa is a must-visit destination on the tourist itinerary. It is renowned as the most beautiful ancient village of the Mường people in Hòa Bình province.
Over many years, Bản Ngòi Hoa has retained its simple and poetic beauty. When visiting Bản Ngòi Hoa, tourists can experience the simple life of the villagers here. As Bản Ngòi Hoa is an isolated island in the middle of the Đà River, transportation mainly consists of boats.
At Bản Ngòi Hoa, tourists can take picturesque photos to capture memorable moments in this serene and charming setting.
4.5 Water Park at Bản Ngòi
The floating water park is located at Bản Ngòi, Ngòi Hoa commune, Tân Lạc district, Hòa Bình province. All activities at the floating water park are made with exciting floats.
The floating water park attracts many tourists at Bản Ngòi.
The floating water park promises to be a thrilling amusement destination for tourists with a collection of 34 float-based games and adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing, floating pool cluster, canoe fishing, boat racing, and more.
4.6 Mường Giang Mỗ Village
Located in Bình Thanh commune, Cao Phong district, about 10km from Hòa Bình city, Mường Giang Mỗ Village is the home to Mường ethnic families living at the foot of Mount Mỗ.
Mường Giang exudes tranquility with its simple stilt houses.
For travelers seeking relaxation and the serene life of ethnic minorities, Mường Giang Mỗ Village is undoubtedly an excellent destination. With only about a hundred households, the village attracts tourists who appreciate the cultural lifestyle of ethnic minorities in the highlands.
4.7 Floating Market
For travelers on a 2-day 1-night Thung Nai Hòa Bình tour, experiencing the floating market on the river on Sunday mornings is a must. The market usually gathers early in the morning to exchange goods caught the previous day by locals.
Visitors to the floating market will find plenty of fresh produce. However, as the market assembles early, it disperses early as well, so visitors should be mindful of the time to avoid arriving late.
5. Must-Try Cuisine When Traveling to Thung Nai Hòa Bình
5.1 Free-Range Chicken
Surely everyone has heard of the famous free-range chicken dish. This might just be the birthplace of that delicacy. All the chickens in Thung Nai roam freely, running around a lot. That's why the chicken meat here is often very firm, chewy, and robust compared to industrially raised chickens.
Free-range chicken is a specialty of Thung Nai Hòa Bình.
Visitors here often fall in love with the grilled free-range chicken dish. Not only that, but the chicken meat after grilling is also very flavorful.
5.2 Mường Pork
If you're tired of the fatty pork from elsewhere, Mường pork offers a completely different culinary experience. The Mường pigs here are native breeds, mostly allowed to roam freely and forage. That's why Mường pork doesn't grow as large as regular pigs.
Grilled Mường pork will enchant visitors with its distinct deliciousness.
Visitors on Thung Nai tourism should try grilled Mường pork to experience its sweetness and tenderness without feeling greasy.
5.3 Grilled River Fish
In the Đà River basin, renowned for its various fish species like black carp, carp, and catfish, there's nothing better than relishing freshly caught fish from the Đà River. Grilled fish from the Đà River is usually available at tourist spots.
6. Things to Remember When Traveling to Thung Nai Hòa Bình for 2 Days 1 Night
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As the area remains cool year-round, weather changes can make it colder than usual. Travelers should bring a jacket for chilly weather and the typical mountain cold.
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Besides boating on the Đà River, some travelers also enjoy swimming in the Thung Nai area. If intending to swim here, remember to bring swimwear.
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It's advisable to bring blankets, insect repellent spray, and mosquito repellent cream as mountainous areas have many mosquitoes at night.
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Travelers should prepare cash when visiting Thung Nai Hòa Bình as ATMs or places accepting card or e-wallet payments are scarce in mountainous regions.
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In case food options are limited or don't suit your taste, it's recommended to bring your own food.
Few know that within the heart of the Đà River, inside the reservoir of Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant, lies a peaceful place amidst the emerald green waters. A 2-day-1-night trip to Thung Nai Hòa Bình promises to be a perfect getaway for travelers seeking to escape the heat and unwind. For more detailed information about Thung Nai tours, please contact the Mytour hotline Mytour.