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Ben En National Park

Ben En National Park in Thanh Hoa: Info & tips for your first visit

16/10/2024 770 views

Ben En National Park, located in Thanh Hoa Province, is a stunning natural wonder renowned for its diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes. Home to 300 valuable medicinal plant species and rare animals, Ben En is a top destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This article will cover all the essential information and tips for your visit to this wonderful site.

1. Is Ben En National Park worth visiting?

Is Ben En National Park worth visiting? Definitely. Located between Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan districts, approximately 45 kilometers southwest of Thanh Hoa City, this park is often likened to a “Halong Bay on land” in Thanh Hoa Province. Renowned as one of the most beautiful national parks in Vietnam, Ben En provides visitors with a captivating combination of scenic beauty and rich biodiversity.

Ben En National Park features several standout features that make it a must-visit destination:

  • Ecosystem diversity: Ben En boasts three main ecosystems: tropical rainforest on land, limestone forest, and a system of lakes and islands, featuring 21 large and small islands. This variety of habitats supports a wide variety of wildlife and plant life.
  • Biodiversity: The park is home to a wealth of rare and precious flora and fauna. It hosts over 1,000 animal species, including 91 mammal species, 201 bird species, 54 reptile species, 31 amphibian species, 68 fish species, and 499 insect species. Notable species in the Red Data Book include elephants, gaurs, sun bears, fire leopards, red-faced monkeys, and silvered langurs. Ben En also features 462 plant species, including 300 medicinal plants and 125 plant families, with impressive examples like the centuries-old green limber tree with a trunk diameter of nearly 3 meters. Other rare plant species include golden heartwood, limber, lychee, and fragrant ebony.
  • Cultural experiences: Surrounding the park are the Thai and Muong ethnic communities, who preserve a rich array of traditional customs and cultural practices. Visitors to Ben En can delve into the vibrant local culture and explore the distinctive heritage of these indigenous groups.
The captivating scenery at Ben En National Park

The captivating scenery at Ben En National Park (Source: Collected)

2. Amazing travel experiences in Ben En National Park

Ben En National Park is a hidden gem in Vietnam, offering a rich combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and outdoor adventure. Whether you are seeking serene lakes, fascinating caves, or cultural encounters, this national park has something for everyone.

2.1. Take a boat ride on Song Muc Lake

Nestled in the heart of the park, Song Muc Lake is a tranquil gem renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. This lake is divided into two parts: the Upper Lake and the Lower Lake and features 21 islands with a variety of flora and fauna, as well as fascinating caves. Visitors can set up tents for overnight stays on select islands and enjoy activities such as fishing and cooking on-site.

A boat ride on Song Muc Lake is a quintessential experience for any visitor. As you glide across the tranquil waters, you will be immersed in the sounds of nature, with birds chirping and water gently lapping against the boat. This scenic journey is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

To make the most of their visit, it is advisable to visit between July and September. During this time, the vibrant green foliage is at its peak, and you can enjoy activities like hiking to the newly discovered Thu Lon Cave, fishing along the lake, and camping under the stars. Additionally, the period from February to April is also a great time to visit, as it falls within the dry season at the national park.

Embarking on a boat ride on Song Muc Lake

Embarking on a boat ride on Song Muc Lake is one of the must-do experiences in the park (Source: Collected)

2.2. Explore beautiful caves

Beyond the lake, Ben En National Park is home to limestone mountain ranges in the Hai Van, Xuan Khang, and Xuan Thai communes, where several caves maintain their natural charm. Among these, the most notable is Ngoc Cave, stretching 80 meters in length, 8 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height. Inside, you will encounter a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites, with a particularly impressive stalactite in the center that glistens like a gem, earning it the name “Hon Ngoc” or “Jewel Rock”. Adjacent to Ngoc Cave is Can Cave, where visitors can climb to the top and gaze through the opening to take in the panoramic views of the entire Ben En area.

Additionally, the park features Xuan Thai Cave, recently discovered and extending over 1 kilometer, with many beautiful formations to admire. Visitors can also explore the high-resistance kiln in Hai Van, situated within Dong Muoi Cave, celebrated for its unique structure. With a mild climate averaging 23°C year-round, Ben En is a great destination for both relaxation and exploration.

2.3. Visit Ben En Museum

For those interested in learning about the park’s biodiversity and cultural heritage, a visit to Ben En Museum is a must. The museum exhibits a rich collection of artifacts, documents, and displays related to the park and its surrounding area. It is an enriching stop that deepens your understanding of both the natural environment and the cultural significance of Ben En National Park.

Ben En Museum

Ben En Museum presents many traditional tools, cultural relics, and historical documents (Source: Collected)

2.4. Go camping

Camping in Ben En National Park provides a unique opportunity for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the park’s serene wilderness. Its gentle hills create the perfect setting for a picnic or an overnight tent stay. Visitors can camp for free, and the park provides rentals for tents, tarps, and food supplies, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you choose to camp by the lakeside or within the forest, the surrounding dense forests and tranquil waters offer a perfect retreat from everyday stresses.

Campers can opt for traditional outdoor camping with their own gear or enjoy a more luxurious glamping experience. For something truly special, consider spending the night on Botanical Island, where tent rentals and cooking equipment are available at affordable rates.

2.5. Experience ethnic culture

A visit to Ben En National Park isn’t complete without exploring the cultural heritage of the local ethnic communities. The park’s location provides easy access to community tourism sites in villages like Cay Nghia and Lung (Xuan Thai), offering visitors the chance to experience the pristine natural beauty of terraced rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and a refreshing, cool climate. 

Additionally, you can venture into H’Mong, Thai or Tho villages to experience local customs, such as drinking traditional rice wine. Participating in their festivals and traditions, including those held at temples like Phu Sung and Khe Rong, will give you a deeper appreciation of the cultural practices and beliefs of these ethnic groups.

2.6. Pay a visit to religious sites

The Ben En area features several notable temples and shrines worth visiting. These include Phu Na Temple in Xuan Du, Khe Rong Temple in Hai Long, and Phu Sung Temple in Hai Van. Khe Rong Temple is dedicated to Duc Ong, a general who played a crucial role in the Lam Son Uprising against the Ming Dynasty in the early 15th century, while Phu Sung Temple honors Saint Lieu Hanh, a revered figure in Vietnamese spirituality. These sites offer a glimpse into local religious practices and a deeper understanding of the region’s historical and cultural heritage.

Phu Na Temple

Visitors to Phu Na Temple can admire its traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and tranquil courtyards, showcasing the region’s religious practices and artistic heritage (Source: Collected)

Consult this detailed map of Thanh Hoa for a comprehensive overview of the region!

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3. Frequently asked questions about Ben En National Park

3.1. How to get to Ben En?

Getting to Ben En is straightforward, with several routes available depending on your starting point. Here is how you can reach the park:

  • From Hanoi: You have two main routes to choose from:
    • Via National Route 1A (206 kilometers): Begin by heading south from Hanoi, taking the Phap Van – Cau Giay Expressway, then the Cau Giay – Ninh Binh Expressway. Once you reach Ninh Binh City, turn left onto National Route 1 towards Hoang Quy in Thanh Hoa. Follow the new national route, crossing the Nguyet Vien Bridge and passing BigC. Continue along Le Loi Avenue to the Thanh Hoa Post Office intersection, then turn left onto Tran Phu Street. At the Voi intersection, turn right onto National Route 47 and proceed to the Ben Sung roundabout in Như Thanh District, Thanh Hoa. From there, follow the signs for 9 km to arrive at Ben En National Park.
    • Via Ho Chi Minh Road (224 kilometers): Head west from Hanoi to the Xuan Mai Post Office in Chuong My, then turn left onto Ho Chi Minh Road. Continue straight until you reach the junction near Yen Cat in Nhu Xuan, Thanh Hoa, where you will turn left onto National Route 47. Follow this road for 21 km until you reach the Ben Sung roundabout in Nhu Thanh District, Thanh Hoa. From the roundabout, follow the signs for 9 km to Ben En National Park.
  • From Thanh Hoa City: If you are traveling from Thanh Hoa City, follow Tran Phu Street to the Voi intersection. Turn right onto National Route 47 and continue to the Ben Sung roundabout in Nhu Thanh District, Thanh Hoa. Follow the signs for 9 kilometers, and you will reach Ben En National Park.

3.2. When is the best time to visit?

The ideal time to visit Ben En is at the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season, specifically in April or May. During this period, visitors can enjoy the beauty of both seasons: lush green rice fields, vibrant forests, clear rivers, and blooming flowers. Activities such as hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, and wildlife observation are enjoyable. Additionally, visiting in April or May helps avoid the challenges of the dry season, like water shortages and fires, and the rainy season’s flooding, landslides, and insects.

Check the weather in Thanh Hoa to ensure a comfortable experience during your visit!

3.3. What to eat in Ben En?

When visiting Ben En, there are two local delicacies you shouldn’t miss. The first is Bitter Soup (Canh Dang), a regional specialty from Thanh Hoa’s mountainous areas. This unique soup is crafted from forest herbs and can include ingredients such as chicken, beef, or pig organs. Its distinct flavor profile features a harmonious blend of bitterness, richness, spiciness, sourness, and sweetness, making it both nourishing and refreshing.

Another must-try is the Giant Catfish (Ca Me) from the Muc River. This impressive fish, weighing between 20 and 30 kilograms, is prepared in a variety of dishes. The catfish porridge is particularly notable for its delicious and nutritious qualities. Additionally, the giant catfish is often used in sour soups and other flavorful preparations, showcasing its versatility and rich taste.

Canh la dang

Be sure to enjoy a bowl of bitter soup to experience an authentic taste of Ben En (Source: Collected)

3.4. How much does a Ben En National Park tour cost?

The cost of a tour at Ben En National Park varies depending on the type and duration of the tour you choose. Please refer to the table below for detailed pricing information:

Type of tour Cost
Day trip Lake excursion:

  • Boat to the island: 400,000 VND/hour/trip (1 – 10 people)
  • Travel insurance: 2,500 VND/person

Explore the Ecosystems and walk on the Botanical Island:

  • Boat to the island: 350,000 VND/trip (1 – 10 people)
2-day, 1-night (Botanical Garden – Lake Area – Dong Tho – Suoi Tien Cave – High-resistance Kiln Cave – Duc Ong Temple – Phu Sung – Ancient Lim Tree)
  • Breakfast: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/meal
  • Main meal: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/meal
  • Boat to the island: 350,000 VND/trip (1 – 10 people)
  • Boat for lake excursion: 400,000 VND for 60 minutes (1 – 10 people)
  • Travel insurance: 2,500 VND/person
  • Guesthouse: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/room (2 – 4 people)
  • Campfire at the Visitor Center: 1,000,000 VND/night (includes 2.5 steres of firewood and site fee)
  • Campfire at the Plant Island: 1,400,000 VND/night (includes 2.5 steres of firewood and site fee)
  • Guide fee: 250,000 VND/person/day
3-day, 2-night (Indigenous Culture of Lang Von – Suoi Tien Cave – High-resistance Kiln Cave – Botanical Garden – Lake Area – Dong Tho  – Duc Ong Temple – Phu Sung)
  • Breakfast: 20,000 – 30,000 VND/meal
  • Main meal: 100,000 – 150,000 VND/meal
  • Boat to the island: 350,000 VND/trip (1 – 10 people)
  • Boat for lake excursion: 400,000 VND for 60 minutes (1 – 10 people)
  • Travel insurance: 2,500 VND/person
  • Guesthouse: 200,000 – 300,000 VND/room (2 – 4 people)
  • Campfire at the Visitor Center: 1,000,000 VND/night (includes 2.5 steres of firewood and site fee)
  • Campfire at the Plant Island: 1,400,000 VND/night (includes 2.5 steres of firewood and site fee)
  • Guide fee: 250,000 VND/person/day

 

Besides, the Center offers several tours for visitors interested in exploring the old-growth forest, bird watching, and nocturnal wildlife viewing. Transportation for these tours is provided by tourist boats (maximum capacity of 10 people), with a fee of 400,000 VND/boat/hour, plus 2,500 VND/person for insurance, and 250,000 VND/day/person for the guide.

The Center also provides services with a passenger boat for trips to Botanical Island and lake excursions, accommodating 30–40 people per boat (with one available boat). The ticket price is 40,000 VND per person per hour, plus 2,500 VND per person for insurance. Please note that the boat has seating for approximately 20 people in the cabin, while the rest will need to sit on mats on the deck.

*Note: Visitors are kindly advised to contact the Head of the Ben En National Park Conservation and Environmental Services Center or Deputy Director of Ben En National Park for the most up-to-date information on schedules and tour prices.

In summary, Ben En National Park is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil lakes make it a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Whether you are exploring its rich biodiversity or enjoying a serene boat ride, Ben En promises an unforgettable experience.

For a well-rounded trip, consider combining your visit with a stop in Nghe An. Here, you can enjoy the vibrant entertainment and leisure options at VinWonders Cua Hoi, the largest tourism and entertainment complex in North Central Vietnam. This vibrant destination offers a range of exciting activities and attractions, including thrilling amusement rides, water parks, and interactive exhibits, providing a perfect complement to your adventure in Ben En National Park.

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