Rugged limestone mountains frame the friendly city of Thanh Hoa. It’s set on the Ma River and is a hub for ecotourism and trekking. Explore wildlife-rich nature reserves and learn about traditional Vietnamese customs in rural villages. The lively city centre is packed with cafes, restaurants and street food stalls.
Things to do in Thanh Hoa
Soak in the atmosphere on Ben Ngu Market Street. Instead of street stalls, vendors roam the street on bicycle-pulled carts. You’ll find everything from sizzling street food to handmade souvenirs. It’s a great place to snap photos and enjoy local dishes like “ga luoc” boiled chicken, “com lam” sticky rice cooked in bamboo leaves and sweet “banh dau xanh” mung bean cakes.
Guided trekking tours are the best way to explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Trails wind through the reserve and take you past emerald-green rice fields and pristine forests. You can spend the night at homestays in traditional Vietnamese villages. The overnight stays are a unique opportunity to learn more about how locals farm, fish and prepare food.
Discover picturesque lakes, rugged mountains and hidden caves in Ben En National Park. The park is compared to Ha Long Bay and features jungle-covered islets marooned in milky turquoise water. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Muc River and explore Ngoc Cave, an ancient cavern dripping with stalactites. The park is home to rare and endangered species, including the magnificent great hornbill and black crested gibbon. You can also spot elusive animals like the Tibetan bear and Asian elephant.
Getting around Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Taxis and rickshaws are a fast and affordable way to cover longer distances. Thanh Hoa is in Northern Vietnam, a three-hour drive from Hanoi and Vinh. Vinh International Airport is a three-hour drive away.