Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hóa – The Land of History and Nature

Overview

• Location: North Central Coast of Vietnam, about 150 km south of Hanoi.

• Size: One of the largest provinces in Vietnam.

• Population: Over 3.6 million people.

• Known as a land of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty — often called “the land of talented people and sacred geography.”

Top Attractions in Thanh Hóa

1. Sầm Sơn Beach

• One of the most famous beaches in northern Vietnam.

• Long sandy shoreline with strong waves, perfect for summer vacations.

• Nearby attractions: Trống Mái Rock, Độc Cước Temple, Cô Tiên Mountain.

2. Pù Luông Nature Reserve

• Located in the western highlands of the province.

• Known for its rice terraces, mountains, ethnic Thai and Muong villages.

• Ideal for trekking, eco-tourism, and cultural experiences.

3. Hồ Dynasty Citadel (Thành Nhà Hồ)

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

• Ancient stone citadel built in 1397 under the Hồ dynasty.

• Notable for its impressive stone architecture and historical value.

4. Cẩm Lương God Fish Stream

• Home to thousands of sacred fish that locals do not catch or eat.

• Surrounded by myths and spiritual significance.

5. Bến En National Park

• Often dubbed the “Inland Ha Long Bay.”

• Features a large freshwater lake with over 20 small islands.

• Activities include boating, camping, and exploring the forest.

Local Cuisine

• Nem Chua (fermented pork roll) – a famous specialty nationwide.

• Shrimp patties (Chả tôm), Thanh Hóa steamed rice rolls, and Tứ Trụ black leaf cake (Bánh gai).

• In the mountains: bitter leaf soup, mountain chicken, grilled stream fish.

How to Get to Thanh Hóa

• From Hanoi:

  • By bus: 3–4 hours.

  • By train: Several daily trains to Thanh Hóa station.

  • By car: Via National Route 1A or the Ninh Bình – Thanh Hóa Expressway.

• From Ho Chi Minh City or the South:

  • Fly to Tho Xuan Airport (Thanh Hóa) and then travel ~45 km to the city.

Where to Stay

• Thanh Hóa City: Mid-range and upscale hotels.

• Sầm Sơn Beach: Seaside resorts, hotels, and guesthouses.

• Pù Luông: Homestays, eco-lodges, and stilt houses with mountain views.

Best Time to Visit

• Sầm Sơn Beach: May to August – sunny and warm for swimming.

• Pù Luông and highlands: March to May & September to November – pleasant weather, green rice fields.

• Avoid flood season: Late September to early November in some areas.