Whether you are in search of beautiful beaches or towering mountains, tranquil countryside, or lively cities that never sleep, Thanh Hoa has it all. As a confident traveler, you’ll find yourself captivated by the diverse and exciting experiences that await you in Thanh Hoa. So, let’s explore Thanh Hoa travel guide together with Asia Legend Travel and get ready for your upcoming trip!
Thanh Hoa Travel Guide: Overview of Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa is a province situated in the North Central Coast of Vietnam. It is a sizable province in the country, with the third-largest population and the fifth-largest area. The terrain of Thanh Hoa is remarkably diverse, with a natural area of over 11,000 km² divided into three regions: the coastal plain, midland, and mountainous region, resulting in numerous breathtaking and captivating natural landscapes.
The history of this land dates back over 6,000 years to the Van Lang – Au Lac states. Throughout its long and storied past, Thanh Hoa has consistently held a strategic position with a tradition of heroic history and culture. In every historical period, Thanh Hoa has seen heroes emerge to fight for sovereignty, exemplifying the unwavering spirit of independence and self-reliance of the Vietnamese people.
The population of Thanh Hoa is known for its diversity, with over 7 ethnic groups living in the area, including the Kinh, Muong, Thai, Tho, Dao, Mong, and Kho Mu. This diverse population adds to the richness of the cultural heritage with different forms of traditional culture, many of which are still practiced and actively promoted. This offers great advantages for the development of tourism in the region.
Thanh Hoa Travel Guide: Must-Visit Destinations
Below are some amazing destinations that you don’t want to miss on your journey to Thanh Hoa. However, this list curated by Thanh Hoa Travel Guide only scratches the surface, as there are many more fascinating tourist spots in Thanh Hoa just waiting for you to explore!
Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Pu Luong Nature Reserve has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in recent times. With its serene atmosphere, this destination is a perfect choice to escape the chaos of city life and reconnect with nature, providing an unparalleled sense of tranquility.
Sam Son Beach
This is one of the most stunning beaches in Vietnam, attracting large crowds, particularly in the northern region. The seawater at Sam Son Beach has a perfect balance of salinity and temperature, providing numerous health benefits and making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking relaxation and enjoyment. The French scholar Le Breton once said: “Sam Son is the best beach to restore health.”
Lam Kinh Relic Site
Lam Kinh Relic Site is in Tho Xuan district, Thanh Hoa, with an area stretching over 140 hectares. This site has not only preserved the intact works of the Later Le Dynasty but has also retained the legendary stories full of mysterious colors of a feudal dynasty considered the most prosperous in Vietnam’s history.
Cam Luong Fish Stream
Located in the picturesque Ngoc village, Cam Luong commune, Cam Thuy district, just 80 kilometers west of Thanh Hoa city, lies a stunning natural fish stream teeming with thousands of fish. Each fish weighs an impressive 2 to 8 kilos, with some kingfish weighing in at a whopping 30 kilos.
Ben En National Park
Ben En National Park, also known as “Halong Bay on land,” is a source of great pride for the locals and draws millions of tourists annually. Situated in the Nhu Thanh district, this national park spans over 16,000 hectares, home to some of the most unique and beautiful features of the Asian region, including thousand-year-old trees and a diverse array of wildlife, such as elephants, bears, tigers, and monkeys.
Elephant Waterfall
Compared to many other waterfalls, Elephant Waterfall is not too high, only about 5 meters, but the purity of the water flowing through the sedimentary rock layer creates a unique and picturesque view. It is worth noting that this location was once the resting place of King Quang Trung during his journey to the north to fight against the invading Qing army.
Thanh Hoa Travel Guide: Must-try Local Food
When you travel to Thanh Hoa, be sure to treat yourself to the delicious local cuisine. You won’t want to miss out on these mouthwatering dishes:
Nem chua (Fermented pork)
A popular snack made from ground pork that is fermented and seasoned with garlic, chili, and spices, giving it a tangy and slightly sour flavor.
Cha tom (Grilled chopped shrimp)
Skewered grilled shrimp paste wrapped around sugarcane, creating a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Goi ca nhech (Rice paddy eel salad)
A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced rice paddy eel, herbs, and a tangy dressing.
Banh rang bua (Rice cakes)
Steamed rice cakes topped with a mixture of ground pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fried shallots.
Banh gai Tho Xuan (Tho Xuan thorn leaf cake)
A specialty dessert made from glutinous rice, black beans, and thorn leaves, giving it a striking purple color.
These are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that await you in Thanh Hoa. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the local culinary scene and savor the unique flavors of the region.
Thanh Hoa Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
There are plenty of exciting and unforgettable activities to experience in Thanh Hoa, ensuring that your trip will be truly memorable. Check out some of them with Thanh Hoa Travel Guide now! Firstly, you can fully enjoy the awe-inspiring and stunning beauty of Sam Son beach, which is widely known as a heavenly destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Moreover, you can embark on thrilling adventures by hiking and exploring the mesmerizing landscapes in Thanh Hoa. For instance, the Pu Luong Nature Reserve showcases captivating beauty with its lush greenery and diverse wildlife. The breathtaking Elephant Waterfall is another must-visit spot where you can witness the power and grandeur of nature. And these are just a few examples of the many attractions in the region waiting for you to explore.
Additionally, immersing yourself in a cultural expedition in Thanh Hoa is also a wonderful choice. With its rich history and vibrant culture influenced by various ethnic groups, you will find yourself fascinated and enchanted at every turn. With so many captivating attractions and activities, Thanh Hoa promises to provide you with a remarkable and fulfilling travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Thanh Hoa
The best time to visit Thanh Hoa is during the summer season, from June to September, as coastal tourism is the main attraction. However, if you’re not specifically looking for a beach vacation, you can plan your trip to Thanh Hoa during other times of the year when the weather is pleasant and the average temperature is moderate.
How Long to Spend in Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa offers a variety of attractions and experiences, including natural beauty and cultural heritage. To truly immerse yourself in all the attractions, you need to spend at least three days exploring. However, if you have limited time, two days or less, you can select key highlights to explore in-depth and make the most of your visit to this enchanting area.
Hopefully, the information in the Thanh Hoa Travel Guide is helpful for you. Thanh Hoa is a destination that offers a variety of experiences for travelers. Whether you love nature, history, or food, Thanh Hoa has something to captivate your heart. So why wait? Start your journey to Thanh Hoa today and discover the wonders that await you in this enchanting area!
