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With the perfect harmony of mountains, islands, and emerald waters, Thung Nai brings forth a poetic beauty and moments of serenity.
In recent years, Thung Nai has become a familiar weekend getaway for those who seek tranquility away from the noise and dust. Located in Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, Thung Nai lies within the reservoir of the Da River, approximately 25 km from the city center and 110 km from Hanoi.
The name Thung Nai often conjures up an image of a valley with charming deer leisurely grazing. According to local residents, this place used to be the habitat of various forest deer species. The picturesque sight of golden deer meandering in the evening light on the hillsides, casting shadows on the Da River, inspired the locals to name this land.
Today, though Thung Nai may no longer host forest deer, its poetic and romantic charm of mountains and water seems to remain untouched. To explore this 'golden deer valley,' visitors can either take a boat or hike. Leaving the car on the shore, a motorboat will take tourists on a leisurely tour around the hydroelectric reservoir.
In the gentle breeze blowing from the lake, the scenery of Thung Nai unfolds like a painting. A vast expanse of water surrounded by majestic mountains. Within the lake, hundreds of islands, large and small, dot the landscape like magnificent natural masterpieces. Sailing through the protruding rock formations, the motorboat gives the sensation of witnessing 'Hạ Long on land'.
The perfect fusion of river, mountain, and rock, Thac Bo Cave is an unmissable destination in Thung Nai. Nestled deep within the mountains, the cave, though rugged, boasts exquisite interior scenery. Clusters of stalactites compete to grow upwards and downwards, forming peculiar shapes. After the flood season, visitors can marvel at schools of fish frolicking in the clear, shallow water.
Near the cave lies the Thac Bo Goddess Temple. Despite its small size and perch on a mountain slope, the temple attracts numerous visitors for worship. For many, stopping at the temple is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Thung Nai from a high vantage point, with billowing white clouds revealing glimpses of ethnic villages.
An interesting aspect here is that during the low-water season of the Da River, visitors ascending to the temple must climb up steep rock steps, occasionally stumbling. However, during the high-water season, tourists can simply step off the boat onto the temple's doorstep. If you visit on a Sunday, don't forget to explore the Thac Bo Floating Market. Not too crowded, it showcases the distinctive culture of the Muong people in Thung Nai.
As the slow boat navigates the water, a majestic windmill on a small island captures the attention of passersby. It's like an invitation from the resort in the middle of the lake. Therefore, whether you come for the day or stay overnight, most tourists in Thung Nai want to visit this small island to witness the seemingly unique windmill, reminiscent of those in the Netherlands or the famous novel 'Don Quixote – the talented nobleman of Manta country.'
Not only visually appealing, the windmill here also boasts an excellent vantage point. From here, you can cast your gaze far and wide, capturing the entire Thung Nai panorama within your sight. If you climb the 'windmill' early in the morning, you'll see Thung Nai immersed in misty fog, while as the sun rises, the lake's surface sparkles with golden hues.
In addition to the pristine natural landscapes, the feasts of the Muong people have become a highlight in Thung Nai. These include meals featuring stream fish, hillside chicken, and exotic forest vegetables.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide – Featured on Vnexpress
MytourOctober 14, 2013
