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Thung Nai

Thung Nai Vietnam: A peaceful escape on the Da River

26/07/2025 244 views

Among emerald hills and glistening waters lies Thung Nai, a destination that feels like a whisper from the past and a promise of serenity for the present. With landscapes sculpted by the Da River, Thung Nai invites tourists to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace nature’s calmness.

1. Overview of Thung Nai Vietnam

Thung Nai is a quiet lakeside commune that now belongs to Phu Tho Province, although it was once part of Cao Phong District, Hoa Binh Province. Located about 110 kilometers away from Hanoi, it offers a peaceful getaway near Vietnam’s bustling capital. The name “Thung Nai,” meaning “valley of deer,” recalls a time when wild animals roamed freely through the valley’s forests and hills.

What truly sets Thung Nai apart is its poetic blend of forest-covered hills, mirror-like waters, and countless islets scattered across the surface of Hoa Binh Lake – a manmade reservoir that has become a natural wonder in its own right. From Thung Nai Pier, tourists can glide across the lake to visit Mu Village, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, Thac Bo Floating Market, and Thac Bo Cave. Here, tourists are welcomed into the heart of Muong life, where stilt houses, ancestral customs, and vibrant festivals still thrive.

Thung Nai Vietnam

Thung Nai offers a connection to both nature and heritage (Source: Collected)

2. Must-see tourist attractions in Thung Nai

2.1. Ethnic villages

One of the most authentic ways to experience the soul of Thung Nai is visiting its ethnic villages. Scattered around the lake area, these villages are living snapshots of Muong life.

  • Mu Village: Located in Ngoc Son Commune, Mu Village lies within a pristine forest. Home to the Muong ethnic group, this village is known for its elevated stilt houses that appear among the misty trees.
  • Giang Mo Village: Nestled in a peaceful valley at the foot of Mount Mo, Giang Mo Village is a Muong village where time seems to slow down. What makes it so special is the collection of over 100 wooden stilt houses.
  • Ngoi Village: Located in Muong Hoa Commune, Ngoi Village offers a serene escape into both nature and culture. Surrounded by limestone mountains, it sits beside the emerald waters of Ngoi Hoa Bay.

2.2. Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple

Set against a serene landscape where mountains meet the Da River, Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple is one of Thung Nai’s most sacred sites. From Thung Nai Pier, the temple is easily reached by a 15-minute motorboat ride. It comes alive during its annual festival, which starts on the 7th day of the 1st lunar month and continues until the end of the third lunar month, drawing thousands of pilgrims.

Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple in Thung Nai

Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple stands as a spiritual beacon along the peaceful Da River (Source: Collected)

2.3. Thac Bo Cave

A 10-minute boat ride from Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple leads to the mesmerizing Thac Bo Cave, a hidden gem carved deep into limestone cliffs. As you step inside, a fantastical world unfolds – countless stalactites and stalagmites rise and descend in all shapes and sizes. Some formations resemble dragons, trees, gates, gongs, and even traditional musical instruments.

2.4. Thac Bo Floating Market

Every Sunday morning, the normally still waters of Thung Nai ripple with the activity of Thac Bo Floating Market. From as early as dawn, boats gather in a colorful cluster, selling everything from fresh fish to forest honey. You should arrive early – by 8 AM, when the market starts to thin out.

Thac Bo Floating Market

Thac Bo Floating Market bustles briefly each Sunday morning (Source: Collected)

2.5. Trach Stream

Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Da River basin, Trach Stream offers a gentle escape for those seeking tranquility. To reach it, you will take a scenic 20-minute boat ride from Thung Nai Pier, then continue on foot for about 1 kilometer along a forest trail. It features gentle cascades flowing from rocky cliffs that create a soft, white curtain of water.

Read more: Mai Chau Vietnam: A complete guide for first-time travelers

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3. Must-try experiences in Thung Nai

3.1. Swim in the lake

One of the simplest yet most rewarding activities in Thung Nai is swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Hoa Binh Lake. In summer, the cool, emerald water offers a perfect escape from the heat of northern Vietnam. Surrounded by rolling hills and distant islets, it’s a refreshing way to embrace the natural beauty that defines Thung Nai, Vietnam.

3.2. Enjoy a scenic boat ride

Gliding through the waters of Thung Nai, Hoa Binh by boat is an unforgettable experience. From Thung Nai Pier, hop on a motorboat to explore limestone cliffs, floating markets, and spiritual sites like Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple and Thac Bo Cave. The ride itself is pure serenity – mirror-like waters, cloud reflections, and occasional herons flying overhead.

A boat ride across Thung Nai Lake reveals its peaceful charm

A boat ride across Thung Nai Lake reveals its peaceful charm (Source: Collected)

3.3. Go fishing

Fishing in Thung Nai offers a unique window into the rhythm of the Da River, which changes dramatically with the seasons. During the flood season, when Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant begins storing water, the river swells and turns a dreamy shade of white blossom. The gentle waves and increased water levels attract large schools of fish, making it an exciting time to cast a line. In contrast, the dry season transforms the landscape. As the river recedes by several meters, its lower stretches narrow and flow more calmly. The water turns crystal-clear, revealing shoals of fish swimming just beneath the surface. 

3.4. Explore the local cuisine

No journey to Thung Nai, Vietnam is complete without indulging in its rich, mountain-inspired cuisine. Meals are often served at homestays in Thung Nai, where the hosts prepare food with love and authenticity, turning each meal into a cultural experience. You should try these must-eat dishes:

  • Grilled Da River fish: Caught fresh and roasted over an open fire, often seasoned with local herbs.
  • Free-range chicken: Raised naturally and served roasted or in soups.
  • “Co la”: A Muong feast served on banana leaves, featuring sticky rice, pork, bamboo shoots, and forest vegetables.
Thung Nai cuisine

Grilled river fish and traditional Muong dishes make Thung Nai a true haven for food lovers (Source: Collected)

3.5. Camp by the lake

For a more immersive adventure, consider camping by the lake in Thung Nai. Popular near islands and coves, camping lets you enjoy starry skies, misty mornings, and the soothing sounds of nature. If you are not up for setting up your own tent, several Thung Nai resorts and eco-lodges offer semi-outdoor options that blend comfort with the wild.

Explore: Top 15 unique things to do in Mai Chau for first-time visitors

4. Tips for first-time visitors to Thung Nai

4.1. Getting there

Thung Nai is located about 110 kilometers away from Hanoi, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway. There are several ways to reach this lakeside retreat. If you prefer public transport, there are intercity buses from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. You can catch a ride with reputable companies like Hai Van Xuan Trang, which offers 9-seat limousine buses and 24-seat coaches to Cao Phong Commune, with ticket prices starting from 100,000 VND. Once you arrive in Cao Phong Commune, it is about a 20-kilometer ride by taxi or motorbike to Thung Nai Pier.

Traveling by car or motorbike is a flexible option. For cars, take Thang Long Boulevard to Hoa Lac Road, then follow the new Hoa Lac – Hoa Binh Expressway. Motorbikes can follow the frontage road parallel to the expressway. Simply follow signs along Tay Tien Road, which will lead you straight to Thung Nai.

Getting to Thung Nai from Hanoi is easy

Getting to Thung Nai from Hanoi is easy (Source: Collected)

4.2. Best time to visit

The best time to visit Thung Nai is the summer months (May – August), when the weather is warm and ideal for swimming in the cool waters of Hoa Binh Lake. If your trip coincides with a full moon, you will be treated to tranquil nights where moonlight shimmers across the lake. Spring (February – April) is another great time to explore Thung Nai, Hoa Binh, especially if you’re interested in local culture. This is when the Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple Festival takes place, offering a chance to witness traditional rituals in a beautiful lakeside setting.

4.3. Travel essentials

To make the most of your trip to Thung Nai, be sure to pack wisely for the changing weather and outdoor activities:

  • Warm clothing: The mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night, so bring a jacket or sweater.
  • Swimwear: If you plan to swim in the lake, don’t forget your bathing suit.
  • Comfortable shoes: A pair of sport shoes or trekking sneakers will make it easier to explore villages and natural attractions.
  • Camping gear: If you are camping instead of staying at a Thung Nai hotel or homestay, bring a tent, tarp, blankets, mosquito net, and insect repellent.
  • Sun protection: Pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to stay comfortable during sunny boat trips or hikes.
  • Modest clothing: Long pants and sleeves are recommended if you plan to visit spiritual sites like Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple.
  • Food arrangements: As local dining options are limited, consider ordering meals in advance at your accommodation or packing your own food.
Thung Nai in summer

Visit Thung Nai in summer to swim or in spring to join colorful local festivals (Source: Collected)

5. FAQs about Thung Nai Hoa Binh

5.1. What is Thung Nai famous for?

Thung Nai is famous for breathtaking lake scenery, cultural experiences with ethnic minorities, sacred temples, and tranquil boat rides.

5.2. Is Thung Nai suitable for a day trip from Hanoi?

Yes, Thung Nai is suitable for day trips from Hanoi, with a travel time of about 2.5 hours. For a more relaxed experience, an overnight trip is better to fully enjoy what Thung Nai has to offer.

5.3. How much does a boat trip in Thung Nai cost?

A standard boat trip costs around 499,000 VND per person for a full-day tour. Prices may vary based on the route, boat size, and group size.

Whether you are cruising between floating temples, camping under the stars, or savoring grilled Da River fish with the locals, every moment in Thung Nai feels both grounded and magical.

When you are ready to turn your peaceful mountain escape into an exhilarating adventure, why not explore beyond? Consider the vibrant coasts of Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, or the ancient charm of Hoi An. At the heart of these destinations lies VinWonders, a world of thrills, shows, and family-friendly attractions. For a perfect balance of tranquility and excitement, pair your trip with a stay at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, where luxury and comfort come together.

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A world of thrills and shows await at VinWonders Nha Trang

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Have a splashing good time at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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