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What to do in Thanh Hoa? Where to go, what to eat in Thanh Hoa? Let's find the answers in the independent travel guide to Thanh Hoa compiled by Klook Vietnam.
Thanh Hoa is a large province in North Central Vietnam, famous for its rich history and countless scenic spots. On hot summer days, if you're looking for a cool yet not too crowded destination, Thanh Hoa is a great suggestion for you; because here you'll find a wealth of diverse tourism resources including beaches, primeval forests, cave systems, and limestone mountains spread throughout the province. Let's pocket Thanh Hoa travel experience from A to Z with Klook Vietnam and plan to explore this land of 'spiritual terrain'.
Comprehensive Thanh Hoa Independent Travel Experience
To have a complete Thanh Hoa trip, pay attention to the following points.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Thanh Hoa?
Thanh Hoa is distinctly divided into two seasons: the hot season from May to October, and the cold season from November to April next year.
If you want to visit the beaches in Thanh Hoa, it's best to go from around April to August, but remember to check the weather forecast beforehand to avoid summer storms.
For the mountainous areas bordering the Northwest region, the period from April to June is the best time with beautiful weather and pleasant climate for you to explore and enjoy.
Unmissable Festivals in Thanh Hoa
The festivals in Thanh Hoa are always an exciting experience for many tourists, as well as an opportunity to learn about the cultural life and beliefs of the local people. So, be sure to note down some typical festivals in Thanh land to plan your trip.
1. Bánh Chưng - Bánh Giầy Festival
- Date: May 11th - 13th lunar month
- Location: Sam Son City, Thanh Hoa Province
2. Bà Triệu Festival
- Date: February 20th - 23rd lunar month
- Location: Trieu Loc Commune, Hau Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province
3. Lam Kinh Festival
- Date: August 22nd lunar month
- Location: Xuan Lam Commune, Lam Son Town, Tho Xuan District, Thanh Hoa Province
4. Pôôn Pôông Festival
- Time: Full moon of January, March, and July
- Location: Villages in Ngoc Lac, Lang Chanh, Ba Thuoc districts, Thanh Hoa province
5. Thanh Hoang Festival
- Time: January 10th
- Location: Quan Thanh village, Khuyen Nong commune, Trieu Son district, Thanh Hoa province
Transportation in Thanh Hoa
There are various ways to travel between tourist destinations in Thanh Hoa. You can easily rent a motorbike for convenience. However, not all districts offer this service, so it's best to consider renting a motorbike near Tho Xuan airport or directly contacting hotels.
Electric scooters are also a good option. In coastal areas like Sam Son and Hai Tien, electric scooter rental services are more developed.
If you need a taxi, there are many companies you can call, but the top 3 reputable taxi companies are: Mai Linh Taxi Thanh Hoa, MeKong Taxi, and Taxi 36. Additionally, local buses are also very convenient.
Guide: How to Travel to Thanh Hoa from Hanoi
Thanh Hoa is approximately 157km from Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can travel to Thanh Hoa in several ways:
- By car or motorbike: From Hanoi, take the expressway towards Hanoi – Ninh Binh. Upon reaching Ninh Binh, follow National Highway 1A straight to Thanh Hoa city, then take National Highway 47 to Sam Son city.
- By train: SE1, SE2, SE4 are the fastest trains for the Hanoi – Thanh Hoa route, with ticket prices ranging from 120,000 – 300,000 VND per person.
- By bus: Departing from My Dinh bus station, Giap Bat, with an average ticket price of 120,000 VND per person.
Guide: How to Travel to Thanh Hoa from Ho Chi Minh City
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a bus or train to Thanh Hoa, but flying is the best way to save time and energy.
Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, and Vietjet all offer flights from Saigon to Thanh Hoa with average ticket prices ranging from 500,000 – 1,000,000 VND per person. Upon arrival at Tho Xuan Airport, you can travel to the city center by taxi, airport shuttle, car rental, or bus.
Things to Do in Thanh Hoa? Famous Tourist Attractions in Thanh Hoa
What makes Thanh Hoa an appealing travel destination? Let's explore the most attractive tourist spots here.
1. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Located in the northwest of Thanh Hoa city, Pu Luong Nature Reserve boasts diverse ecosystems with Puluong peak towering over 1700m, the deep Son – Ba – Muoi valley, Kho Muong village valley, and Hiêu waterfall.
You'll encounter numerous wooden water wheels in Thai ethnic villages alongside golden ripe rice fields on the hills in September and October.
2. Cẩm Lương Fairy Fish Stream
Cẩm Lương Fairy Fish Stream, also known as the Fairy Fish Stream in Ngoc village, lies to the north of the Ma River. This 100m-long stream is home to thousands of densely populated fish, preserved by the local Muong and Thai people who never catch them. Every January, the Fairy Fish Stream attracts tourists to attend the Muong people's ritual fish procession festival.
Besides the fairy fish stream, Cẩm Lương is famous for its limestone mountain ranges along the Ma River banks and pristine forests.
3. Ben En National Park
Ben En National Park, situated southwest of Thanh Hoa city, is dubbed as the 'Halong Bay on land' with its picturesque landscapes of mountains and water.
It features dense primeval forests, streams, majestic mountains, mysterious caves, and the Muc River that flows quietly all year round. Ben En National Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers to admire the wilderness and rare species of animals.
4. Cuc Phuong National Park
Another stunning nature reserve not to miss in Thanh Hoa is Cuc Phuong National Park – Vietnam's first national park. With its tropical rainforest ecosystem, home to many rare plant and animal species, Cuc Phuong has become a hot spot on the ecotourism map.
Especially, if you visit Cuc Phuong National Park around April and May, you will have the opportunity to witness the forest filled with fluttering butterflies, resembling a fairyland.
On the way to the national park, you can visit May Waterfall and Elephant Waterfall. These are two famous beautiful waterfalls located in Thach Thanh district, within the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong forest.
5. Tien Son Cave
Tien Son Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Thanh Hoa, penetrates deep into Mount Muon, creating a vast space.
The cave complex is a perfect combination of 3 main caves, capable of accommodating thousands of people, connected by small pathways. As you venture deeper, you'll see various rock formations creating fascinating shapes, including 'the underwater palace,' 'peach garden,' 'dragon yard,' 'gate to the sky,' and 'fairy well.'
6. Sam Son Beach
Located on the eastern side of Thanh Hoa City, Sam Son Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in North Central Vietnam, known as the “most ideal resort destination in Indochina.” During the summer, Sam Son Beach attracts numerous tourists and locals for swimming, outdoor activities, and beachside fun. Moreover, in late April, there are beach festivals and events held at Sam Son Beach.
7. Hai Tien Beach
Apart from Sam Son, Hai Tien is also gaining attention with its clean beach and minimal rubbish due to the absence of silt deposition. Additionally, the waste management system in the area directs waste inland instead of into the sea. Not only clean, but this beach also stretches for 12km, offering ample space for leisure and enjoyment of the pristine environment.
Around the Hai Tien beach area, there are increasing options for accommodation, entertainment, and convenient dining services.
8. Bai Dong Beach
Located within the Nghi Son Eco Island tourist area, Bai Dong Beach is a tranquil destination, free from the hustle and bustle of other famous beaches. The space at Bai Dong is perfect for those seeking a relatively quiet place to immerse themselves in nature.
The rocky cliffs and small boulders along Bai Dong Beach are unique check-in spots for many young people, especially in the afternoon when the beach is quiet, the sun is beautiful, and the sky is clear.
9. Historical and Cultural Monument Area - Ham Rong
Ham Rong is a landmark that has made its mark in the history of Thanh Hoa land. Situated by the Ma River, it is also known for its natural landscapes, including rivers, mountains, and caves.
In the Ham Rong historical site, there are many fascinating attractions such as Ham Rong Mountain, Dragon Eye Cave, Ham Rong Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Ngoc Mountain, and Canh Tien Mountain. Especially noteworthy is the Ham Rong Bridge spanning the Ma River, which has been in existence since the early 20th century and witnessed the historical struggles of the people of Thanh Hoa.
Also within the Ham Rong area, on the southern bank of the Ma River, lies the ancient village of Dong Son, surrounded by small rocky mountains and low hills nestled together. This is also an attractive destination for those who love the peaceful rural scenery typical of the North.
10. Ha Ho Citadel
The Thanh Hoa Citadel heritage site is a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site. Formerly the capital of Dai Ngu, it boasts sturdy architecture on a large scale in Vietnam, unique in Southeast Asia and one of the few remaining stone citadels in the world.
Here, you can also admire artifacts from the Hồ Dynasty, explore history, and discover fascinating archaeological relics.
11. Golden Cow Educational Farm Thanh Hoa
Located about 60km from the center of Thanh Hoa city, Golden Cow is a trendy virtual living space captivating the youth of Thanh Hoa. This eco-tourism area, also known as the Educational Farm, is often chosen as a venue for outdoor activities and recreational events for children.
Golden Cow is built on a very large area and divided into many different zones to serve the sightseeing needs of tourists.
What to Eat in Thanh Hoa? Enjoy the Delicious Cuisine of Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa's specialties are as enticing as its famous landscapes, familiar yet still attractive. Let's explore the most beloved dishes in Thanh Hoa.
1. Seafood in Thanh Hoa
When visiting Thanh Hoa, don't forget about the delicious seafood with famous dishes ranging from crabs, mantis shrimps, prawns, to oysters. You can enjoy Thanh Hoa seafood at restaurants or buy directly from fishermen in coastal fishing villages.
2. Thanh Hoa Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua)
Nem chua is available everywhere, but Thanh Hoa's nem chua has its own brand. Thanh Hoa nem chua is crispy, lightly sour, sweet to the teeth, enjoyed with dipping sauce, and a sip of cold beer makes it truly unforgettable.
3. Thanh Hoa Steamed Rice Rolls
Thanh Hoa steamed rice rolls are made with a secret recipe found nowhere else. The filling is made from fresh shrimp, pork belly, and dried onions, wrapped attractively, especially with the dipping sauce made from local fish sauce.
4. Thanh Hoa Shrimp Paste Cake
Shrimp paste cake is the sacred snack of Thanh Hoa and can only be found here. Thanh Hoa shrimp paste cake is small rolls, containing shrimp paste and pork belly, grilled on a charcoal stove. Shrimp paste cake is often eaten with pickled vegetables, creating a sweet, fragrant, and spicy taste that is hard to forget.
5. Thanh Hoa Tapioca Shrimp Pancake
Thanh Hoa savory pancake is made from simple ingredients such as rice flour, coriander, cabbage, and fresh shrimp, thinly spread on a deep iron pan. This cake is eaten with pickled figs and sweet and sour fish sauce, very rich in flavor.
6. Nga Son Mudfish Salad
Mudfish salad is a specialty of Nga Son, Thanh Hoa. Fresh mudfish meat is served with various northern vegetables and a special dipping sauce made from fish bones. This dish not only has high nutritional value and delicious taste but also creates a sensation due to its high price caused by the difficult process of catching mudfish and the complex processing ingredients.
7. Mudflat Carp
One of the must-try dishes when visiting Thanh Hoa is the Mudflat Carp. You can enjoy Mudflat Carp all year round, but it's best in the summer. Crispy fried carp, dipped in spicy chili sauce or soybean paste, will make you remember it forever.
What to Buy When Traveling to Thanh Hoa as Souvenirs?
You can visit local markets or supermarkets to buy Thanh Hoa specialties for your family and friends. Some outstanding and easy-to-pack dishes include: fermented pork roll (nem chua), prickly water lily cake (bánh gai Tứ Trụ), lam sweet soup (chè lam Phù Quảng), crunchy rice cake (bánh răng bừa), Chòm rice cake (bánh đa Chòm), Luận Văn pomelo, or Hà Yên shrimp paste.
Famous Resorts and Hotels in Thanh Hoa
So where to rest after a long day of exploring and enjoying in Thanh Hoa?
1. Vinpearl Hotel Thanh Hoa
- Address: 27 Tran Phu, Dien Bien Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province
- Price: from 1,196,000 VND/night
2. Mường Thanh Grand Thanh Hoa Hotel
- Address: Elephant Intersection, Nam Urban Area, Dong Ve Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province
- Price: from 887,000 VND/night
3. Dai Viet Hotel
- Address: 19 Phan Chu Trinh, Dien Bien Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province
- Price: from 515,000 VND/night
4. FLC Luxury Hotel Sam Son
- Address: Ho Xuan Huong Street, Quang Cu Ward, Sam Son City, Thanh Hoa Province
- Price: from 1,778,000 VND/night
5. Central Hotel
- Address: Lot 1, Nguyen Hoang Boulevard, Dong Hai Ward, Thanh Hoa City, Thanh Hoa Province
- Price: from 808,000 VND/night
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Hope the Klook information shared above will help you have the best experiences when traveling to Thanh Hoa. Don't forget to visit Klook Blog Vietnam to gather more travel experiences at famous destinations in the North such as Ninh Binh Travel Experience, Mua Cave Ninh Binh, Tam Coc Ninh Binh, Hanoi - Sapa self-sufficient travel experience, interesting places near Hanoi, exploring fun activities in Hanoi,...
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