Thanh Hoa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam. Plan your trip with this detailed travel guide.


Vietnam is a country with hidden gems dispersed throughout, and Thanh Hoa is one of them. Thanh Hoa is situated in Central Coast, Vietnam, bordered by magnificent mountains and the deep blue sea. This travel guide is designed to provide an ultimate guide to anyone who is planning to explore Thanh Hoa. We have compiled information about destinations to visit, things to do, where to stay, local customs, safety information and more.

Introduction to Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa is a serene province located in Central Vietnam. It is a blend of historical marvels, scenic beauties, and cultural significances. Thanh Hoa has an impressive history dated back to the Cham Kingdom. Most of the monuments and attractions in Thanh Hoa reflect the rich heritage of Vietnam.

List of Places to Visit in Thanh Hoa

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Thanh Hoa is a hub of several awe-inspiring cultural attractions including temples, museums, pagodas, and more. Some of the must-visit spots in Thanh Hoa are:

  1. Ho Citadel
  2. Cam Luong Fish Stream
  3. Ham Rong Bridge
  4. Spanish Fortress
  5. Ba Trieu Temple
  6. Admiring tower of Than Duy Tu
  7. Sam Son Beach
  8. Ben En National Park

Natural Attractions of Thanh Hoa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Along with the historical richness, Thanh Hoa also flaunts magnificent natural beauty. Below are the natural attractions to explore:

  1. Pu Luong Natural Reserve
  2. Cam Luong Fish Stream
  3. Sam Son Beach
  4. Truong Lam Garden
  5. Beach of Hai Tien
  6. Truong Sinh Beach.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Thanh Hoa

The main attraction of Thanh Hoa is its hiking and biking routes. The province has several trails ideal for adventure enthusiasts. Some of the famous ones are:

  1. Truong Lam Peak
  2. Pu Luong Peak
  3. Ben En National Park

Best Things to Do in Thanh Hoa: Activities and Tours

They say ‘The journey is more important than the destination,” but, when it is Thanh Hoa, the destination and the journey both are equally important. Some of the things to do in Thanh Hoa are:

  1. Visit the Ho Citadel
  2. Attend Nam Giao festival
  3. Explore the Thap Rua Tower

Week-Long Itinerary for Thanh Hoa

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Visit the Ho Citadel.
Day 2 Explore Ben En National Park.
Day 3 Discover the hidden gems of the Cam Luong Fish Stream.
Day 4 Admire the Thap Rua Tower.
Day 5 Go biking on Truong Lam Peak.
Day 6 Relax and unwind at Sam Son Beach.
Day 7 Experience the Nam Giao festival.

Food and Drink Scene of Thanh Hoa

Must-Try Dishes

Thanh Hoa offers an array of dishes, reflecting the indigenous flavor of Vietnam. Don’t forget to try:

  1. Bánh bèo - locally known as Disc Cake, a popular Vietnamese snack.
  2. Ném chua - a fermented beef dish that is grilled and serves with rice paper or bread.
  3. Xiên que - grilled meat sticks on skewers.

Local Beverages

To be precise, Thanh Hoa doesn’t have any local drinks. However, don’t forget to try Vietnamese coffee while you’re in Thanh Hoa.

Where to Stay in Thanh Hoa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Thanh Hoa offers several accommodation options for its guests, including luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, budget guesthouses, and hostels. Some of the options are:

  1. FLC Luxury Resort Sam Son
  2. Thanh Hoa 2 Hotel
  3. Tuan Anh Guesthouse

What to Buy in Thanh Hoa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to buy something that can remind you of Thanh Hoa, consider buying:

  1. Dong Son bronze drums
  2. Embroidered products
  3. Pottery items

Local Culture and Customs of Thanh Hoa

When exploring Thanh Hoa, it is essential to be aware of the local customs. Here are some of the customs you should note:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and temples.
  2. Remove your shoes before entering religious sites.
  3. Be respectful of locals and their customs.

Best Time to Visit Thanh Hoa

The best time to visit Thanh Hoa is during autumn, i.e., September to November, and spring, i.e., February to April. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the rainfall is lower.

Do’s and Don’ts of Thanh Hoa

Do:

  1. Be respectful towards locals and their tradition.
  2. Carry a phrasebook or a translation app to simplify communication.
  3. Bargain while shopping.

Don’t:

  1. Touch or move offerings or religious items.
  2. Wear revealing clothing when visiting religious sites.
  3. Insult Vietnam’s political or religious leaders.

Safety and Health

Safety in Thanh Hoa

Thanh Hoa is a safe destination for tourists, but you should be cautious about scams and petty crimes. Be mindful of your belongings, documents, and valuables.

Health in Thanh Hoa

Before traveling to Thanh Hoa, you should take vaccinations. Medical facilities in Thanh Hoa are limited, so it is essential to carry essential medicines and items for personal use.

Getting to Thanh Hoa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Thanh Hoa

The nearest airport to Thanh Hoa is Vinh Airport, which is approximately 130 km away from Thanh Hoa.

Bus Stations Near Thanh Hoa

National Highway No. 1A connects Thanh Hoa to northern and southern Vietnam. Buses are available from Hanoi and Vinh every hour.

Other Options

If you plan to travel domestically, you can opt for the train.

How to Get Around in Thanh Hoa

The best mode of transportation in Thanh Hoa is by hiring a taxi, bus, or motorbike. The taxis and buses are relatively affordable. However, if you want an adventure, hire a motorbike.

Where to Go Next from Thanh Hoa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Thanh Hoa, you can visit the nearby destinations such as Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, or Nghe An for more adventures.

Conclusion

Thanh Hoa is worth discovering, given that it has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an adventure lover, or a culture explorer, Thanh Hoa will not disappoint you. With the help of this travel guide, we hope you can plan your trip to Thanh Hoa with ease and enjoy its mesmerizing beauty.

Thanh Hoa city center Thanh Hoa city center