Introduction to Ben En eco-tourism area
Ben En Ecotourism Area has long been compared to "Ha Long on land in Thanh Hoa", outstanding with its wild beauty and rare diverse ecosystem. Established in 1992 with a scale of more than 15,000 hectares spanning two communes Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan.
Ben En National Park
The special highlight of Ben En is the large lake created from the Muc River, the lake surface is blue all year round, as flat as a mirror and dotted with dozens of large and small poetic islands. Looking down from above, the panorama of Ben En appears like a vivid watercolor painting with green vegetation, rolling mountains and clear water, bringing a feeling of peace and overwhelm right from the first sight.
Tourist destinations near Ben En tourist area
Squid River
The Muc River appears like a soft green silk strip embracing the entire ecological core of Ben En, bringing a rare peaceful and pure beauty. The calm, blue water surface all year round reflects the sky and dense forest canopy, creating a scene that is both poetic and relaxing.
Squid River
Experience sitting on a boat down the gentle stream, visitors will fully feel the tranquility of nature, inhale the cool air and watch the two banks covered in green. On autumn days, the river becomes more bustling with boating and swimming activities, bringing a vivid picture of local character.
Jade Cave
Hidden amidst the deep green mountains and forests, Ngoc Cave impresses with its magical beauty and colorful legends. Inside the cave is a system of sparkling stalactites formed over hundreds of years, creating a mysterious and attractive space.
Jade Cave
The stream of water weaving through each cliff brings a cool feeling, making many tourists come to enjoy relaxation and peace. Every step of discovery opens up new perspectives, making the journey fascinating and rich in experiences.
Ben En Museum
Located right at the entrance gate, Ben En Museum is a place to store many artifacts and traces associated with the history and nature of this land. The space is designed to be spacious and airy with a view towards the Muc River, bringing a pleasant feeling when visiting.
Here, visitors have the opportunity to learn more deeply about the forest ecosystem, rare flora and fauna species as well as unique historical stories. Each displayed artifact contributes to recreating a vivid picture of a Ben En that is both wild and rich in cultural value.
Hai Van Blast Furnace Relic Site
Hai Van Blast Furnace relic site located in Dong Muoi mountain cave is a destination rich in historical significance. The project was built in 1949 to serve iron and steel production during the resistance period, associated with important contributions of Vietnamese scientists.
Hai Van Blast Furnace Relic Site
The space of the cave combined with the remains of the blast furnace creates a scene that is both majestic and solemn. This place gives visitors a true perspective on a difficult but also very proud historical period.
Ben En Museum
Located right at the welcome gate of Ben En eco-tourism area, Ben En museum is an ideal stop for those who want to learn more about the history and ecosystem here. The space is designed to be spacious and airy with a surrounding window system, opening up views towards the romantic Muc River.
Inside the museum, many valuable artifacts and antiques are kept, vividly recreating historical markers and natural characteristics of Ben En land. When visiting on a tour, visitors will hear detailed explanations, helping the discovery journey become richer and more meaningful, while clearly feeling the beauty of harmony between nature and culture here.
Len Pot Cave
Len Pot Cave impresses with its unique structure and mysterious beauty. Located on the mountainside and shaped like a wild boar, the cave opens up an interesting space with strangely shaped stalactites.
The deeper you go inside, the wider the cave becomes and reveals many attractive nooks and crannies, stimulating the curiosity of those who love to explore. The light filtering through the rocks combined with the natural beauty creates a scene that is both wild and attractive.
Phu Sung Mother Temple
Phu Sung Mother Temple is a stopover imbued with spiritual and cultural values of Nhu Thanh region. The temple worships Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, associated with many unique folk legends, creating its own mystery. The temple's architecture has an ancient look, in harmony with the green natural space, bringing a feeling of solemnity and serenity. Every festival, this place becomes bustling with pilgrims, creating a rich cultural picture.
Phu Sung Mother Temple
Phu Na Temple
Phu Na Temple is famous as a sacred place amidst charming mountain scenery, where the beauty of nature and folk beliefs converge. The complex of temples and shrines has traditional architecture, associated with many historical and legendary figures such as Ba Trieu, Ba Mau Thuong Ngan... Surrounded by cool green mountains and forests and clear underground water, creating a peaceful and vibrant space. Visiting this place, visitors can easily feel the peace and at the same time discover the depth of Thanh's unique culture.
Phu Na Temple
The most beautiful time to visit Ben En eco-tourism area
Ben En has its own beauty depending on the season, but the ideal time is from March to May. This is the time of dry weather, mild sunshine and fresh air, very suitable for walking in the green forest, rowing on the Muc River or enjoying relaxing moments in peaceful nature. The scenery at this time is harmonious between the green of the mountains and the calm water surface, bringing a pleasant and complete feeling to the journey of discovery.
From April to October, Ben En enters the season of lush vegetation growth, the lake rises, creating a green scene full of vitality. Summer sunlight highlights the splendor of nature, suitable for vacations and outdoor experiences. However, you should consider your itinerary around July and August because the weather can have heavy rain, affecting travel and sightseeing.
The period from November to February brings a quieter Ben En with cold weather and a light mist on the lake surface. The scene becomes magical and tranquil, suitable for those who love peace, but sometimes high humidity and thick fog can limit visibility.
When is the ideal time to travel to Ben En eco-tourism area?
Information for traveling to Ben En eco-tourism area
The journey to Ben En is quite convenient with many flexible travel options, suitable for both light vacation trips and experiential journeys of discovery. Depending on your starting point and time budget, you can choose the optimal way to travel to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Thanh Hoa.
Travel by plane
For tourists from far away, flying is a significant time-saver. You can land at Tho Xuan Airport, about 40–50 km from Ben En. From here, the journey continues by taxi or car for about 1 hour through open roads, with peaceful countryside on both sides. This is the right choice if you want to start your trip gently and quickly.
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 500,000 to 1,500,000 VND round trip
Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa about 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 VND
Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 450,000 to 2,000,000 VND
Tho Xuan Thanh Hoa Airport
Travel by train
The train offers a relaxing experience, especially suitable for those who love sightseeing along the Central region. You can stop at Thanh Hoa Station, then continue traveling by taxi or technology car to Ben En. The slow pace of the train and the changing natural scenery through the window will make the journey more interesting than ever.
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 200,000 to 400,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa about 700,000 to 1,500,000 VND
Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 400,000 to 900,000 VND
Thanh Hoa Station
Travel by bus
Passenger cars are a popular choice with reasonable costs and flexible schedules. From big cities like Hanoi, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City, you can easily catch a bus to Nhu Thanh area or Thanh Hoa City. Then, continue moving a short way to Ben En. This itinerary is suitable for those who want to optimize costs but still ensure convenience.
Hanoi to Thanh Hoa about 150,000 to 250,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa about 600,000 to 900,000 VND
Da Nang to Thanh Hoa about 300,000 to 500,000 VND
Some other reputable inter-provincial bus companies to Thanh Hoa: Phuong Trang, Hoang Long, Hai Van, Tien Phuong, Van Anh, Duc Phat...
Travel by motorbike or personal car
If you love the feeling of freedom on each road, traveling by motorbike or personal car will bring a memorable experience. From Hanoi, you can follow Highway 1A and then turn onto Highway 45 to get to Ben En or choose the Ho Chi Minh trail to admire many wild and beautiful landscapes. The road is quite easy to follow, alternating between hills and villages, very suitable for inspiring road trips.
Travel to Ben En National Park by motorbike
Move from Thanh Hoa center
From the city center, it only takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to get to Ben En. Taxis, technology vehicles or motorbike rentals are all convenient options. The journey is short but enough for you to clearly feel the transition from the bustling city to the fresh, green natural space.
Taxi: fast, convenient
Taxi Mai Linh Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 75 75 75
Green Taxi SM Thanh Hoa - 1900 2088
Taxi 36 Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 636 66
Rang Dong Taxi Thanh Hoa - 0237 2 858 585
Taxi North Central South Thanh Hoa - 0237 3 888 999.
Technology cars: reasonable cost
Motorbike rental: about 120,000 - 200,000 VND/day
Accommodation information at Ben En eco-tourism area
To make your journey to explore Ben En more complete, choosing the right place to stay plays a very important role. Here, visitors can easily find many diverse forms of rest, from spaces close to nature to comfortable accommodations, bringing a sense of relaxation amid peaceful mountain and forest scenery.
Luxury accommodation (4-5 stars)
Anh Phat Resort
Address: Population group, Hai Binh ward, Thanh Hoa
Reference price: 750,000 VND/night
Anh Phat Resort
Anh Phat Resort is a 4-star hotel located near Ben En eco-tourism area, providing a modern resort space amidst green nature. This place impresses with its luxurious architecture, comfortable rooms and spacious grounds, suitable for both family vacations and groups of friends. From the resort, visitors can easily move to Ben En to explore the mountain scenery and enjoy moments of complete relaxation.
Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection
Address: Village 2, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa
Reference price: 2,100,000 VND/night
Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection
Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection is a 5-star hotel offering a classy resort experience with a luxurious and sophisticated space by the beach. The resort stands out with a system of high-class rooms and villas, modern design blending with nature, creating a feeling of complete relaxation. From here, visitors can easily combine exploring Ben En Ecotourism Area in a diverse journey of experiences from the blue sea to the green mountains and forests.
In addition, people can refer to other quality 4-5 star hotels near Ben En Thanh Hoa eco-tourism area such as:
Dragon Sea Hotel Sam Son - 43 Ho Xuan Huong, Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa - price from 800,000 VND/night
Ngoc Trai NT50 Bamboo Villa - Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - price from 6,000,000 VND/night
THC Holiday Hotel Sam Son - Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa - price from 800,000 VND/night
Resort (Resort, Villa)
Ngoc Linh Villas hotel
Address: Dong Hai residence, Tinh Gia ward, Thanh Hoa
Reference room price: 1,080,000 VND/room
Ngoc Linh Villas hotel
Ngoc Linh Villas Hotel offers a private, quiet villa accommodation space, very suitable for those who want to rest close to nature when visiting Ben En eco-tourism area. Airy space, cozy design and full amenities help visitors easily enjoy complete relaxation.
The Victoria Resort
Address: Xuan Huong Lake, Sam Son Ward, Thanh Hoa
Reference price: 900,000 VND/night
The Victoria Resort
The Victoria Resort is a resort with a close-to-nature style, conveniently located to connect to the Ben En eco-tourism area. The space here is designed to be airy with many green areas, creating a feeling of peace and relaxation. Comfortable rooms and attentive service help visitors enjoy a relaxing vacation, separate from the noisy daily life.
Other famous resorts and villas in Thanh Hoa you can refer to:
Flc grand villa sam son - Sam Son ward, Thanh Hoa - Price from 1,000,000 VND/night
Paracel Resort - Hai Tien Beach, Hoang Thanh Commune, Thanh Hoa - price from 800,000 VND/room
Tigon Villa - Hai Tien beach, Hoang Hoa commune, Thanh Hoa - Reference price 500,000 VND/night
Thien Duong Xu Thanh Resort - Village 3, Hoang Tien commune, Thanh Hoa - reference price 600,000 VND/night
Experience (2-3 star hotel, Homestay, Co hotel…)
Semec Hotel
Address: Quoc Lo 1A Rd, Truc Lam Ward, Thanh Hoa
Reference price: 280,000 VND/night
Semec Hotel
Semec Hotel is a 3-star hotel with a modern style, suitable for travelers looking for comfortable accommodation at a reasonable cost. The rooms are neatly designed, fully equipped with basic amenities, creating a comfortable feeling after a day of exploration. With a convenient location, from here you can easily move to Ben En eco-tourism area and many outstanding attractions in the area.
Long An Hotel
Address: Behind the gas station, Truong Van commune, Thanh Hoa
Reference price: 400,000 VND/night
Long An Hotel
Long An Hotel is a suitable accommodation for travelers looking for a comfortable resting space at a reasonable price. Rooms are arranged neatly and cleanly, fully meeting basic needs throughout the journey. From here, you can easily move to Ben En eco-tourism area to explore the green natural beauty and fully enjoy the trip.
See more cheap hotels and homestays near Ben En eco-tourism area where you can choose to stay:
Hong Quang Guesthouse - My Re Quarter, Nhu Xuan Commune, Thanh Hoa - price from 400,000 VND/night
Nghi Son Hotel - Bac Hai Residential Group, Nghi Son Ward, Thanh Hoa - Price from 700,000 VND/night
An Phuc Hotel - Hong Phong Village, Tien Trang Commune, Thanh Hoa - price from 600,000 VND/night
…
Local festival cuisine and culture
High-class restaurant
Ba Suu Cuisine Restaurant
Address: Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
Ba Suu Cuisine Restaurant
Ba Suu Cuisine Restaurant is a familiar stop for those who want to enjoy the rich flavors of Thanh cuisine. A cozy, intimate space combined with a friendly service style brings a comfortable feeling to diners. A diverse menu with many rustic dishes, prepared from fresh ingredients, helps you have a complete experience after your journey to explore Ben En eco-tourism area.
Tai Beo Restaurant
Address: Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
Tai Beo Restaurant
Tai Beo Restaurant is a culinary address chosen by many tourists when visiting the area near Ben En eco-tourism area. The spacious, airy space and agile service style create a pleasant feeling right from the moment you enter. The menu is rich with many deliciously prepared local specialties, bringing an attractive and well-rounded culinary experience for the journey to explore Thanh Hoa.
Other high-end restaurants:
Nhat De Quan - Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
Cay Lim Restaurant - Ben Sung City - TT. Ben Sung, Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
Kieu Nhung Restaurant - Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
Lao Girl Restaurant - Nhu Thanh commune, Thanh Hoa
…
Local cuisine
Ben En cuisine has a strong impression of the mountains and forests with fresh local ingredients and rustic preparation, preserving all the natural flavors. Each dish evokes authenticity and intimacy but is strong enough to make diners remember forever.
Lam rice: Fragrant upland sticky rice is grilled in a bamboo tube, spreading a characteristic forest scent, light sweetness and nutty taste.
Grilled stream fish: Fresh fish caught from the stream, grilled over charcoal for crispy skin, firm meat and rich aroma.
Grilled chicken with Mac Khen: Natural free-range chicken, marinated with Mac Khen, creates a mildly spicy, fragrant and very attractive flavor.
Stir-fried wild vegetables with garlic: Vegetables such as mandarin, beefsteak, and cassava are crispy, sweet, refreshing, and eaten together very harmoniously.
Kitchen meat: The meat is naturally smoked, mildly chewy, fragrant and rich in mountain and forest flavor.
Upland sticky rice: Fragrant, smooth sticky rice grains, often eaten with sesame salt or grilled meat, very attractive.
Bitter leaf soup: A typical soup with a slightly bitter taste at first and a sweet aftertaste, very good for health.
Can wine: Traditional drink with a mild, warm spicy taste, often used in happy gatherings.
…
Cambodia
Experience Culture and festivals
Not only captivated by its pristine nature, Ben En is also a place that preserves many unique cultural values of the Thai and Muong communities. The experiences below will help your journey become more profound and memorable.
Special cultural experiences
Visit the Thai and Muong villages: Walking through the simple stilt houses, you will clearly feel the slow pace of life, listen to folk stories and discover the lifestyle rich in highland identity.
Enjoy traditional cuisine: Experience gathering around the fire, sipping wine, enjoying bamboo-tube rice or rustic dishes with mountain and forest flavors, creating a feeling of warmth and closeness.
Participate in community activities: Visitors can immerse themselves in daily activities such as weaving, cooking, cultural exchanges, and clearly feel the authentic indigenous cultural life.
Visit Thai and Muong villages
Traditional festivals and activities
Spring village festivals: At the beginning of the year, many villages organize festivals to pray for rain and new rice festivals with a bustling atmosphere, bamboo dances, flute sounds, and drums creating a vibrant cultural space.
Phu Na Festival: This is an outstanding spiritual festival that takes place from the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year and lasts for many lunar months. Tourists come here to pray for peace, fortune and immerse themselves in the sacred atmosphere amidst the pure mountains and forests.
Phu Na Festival
Amusement and experience area
Coming to Ben En eco-tourism area, the journey does not stop at sightseeing but also opens up a series of experiences close to nature and rich in emotions, suitable for both those who love to explore and relax.
Explore the primeval forest: The trekking journey through the forest brings you closer to the diverse ecosystem, where hundreds of species of plants and many rare animals converge, bringing a feeling of both excitement and vitality.
Visit Ngoc Ky Cave: The cave with sparkling stalactites and a small gurgling stream creates a magical space, stimulating curiosity and passion for discovery.
Camping and picnic along the lake: Flat lands near rivers and forests are ideal places to set up tents, organize picnics, and enjoy peaceful evenings in the vast nature.
Experience local life: Visit villages like Ban Von, you can immerse yourself in daily activities, participate in interesting activities and feel the unique culture of the people here.
…
Cruising on the Muc River
Suggested tours
Thanh Hoa Lam Kinh – Ben En National Park – Day Tour
Itinerary: Lam Kinh relic area - Le Lai Temple - Ben En National Park
Transportation: Tourist car
Reference tour price: 649,000 VND/person
Organizing unit: voucherkhachsan.net
Ben En National Park Thanh Hoa Tour
Schedule:
Day 1: Historical site of Cao Cao resistance war - Ngoc Cave
Day 2: Ben En National Park - Boating on Song Muc Lake
Transportation: Tourist car
Reference tour price: 1,800,000 VND/person
Organizer: tour.dulichtute.com
Ba Trieu Temple - Ho Dynasty Citadel - Lam Kinh 1 Day Tour, Travel Experience Review
Itinerary: Ba Trieu Temple - Ho Dynasty Citadel - Lam Kinh relic site
Transportation: Tourist car
Reference tour price: 650,000 VND/person
Organizer: tourdatviet.vn
Shopping and Souvenirs
At the end of your journey to explore Ben En, choosing to buy gifts with local flavor and imprint will help you preserve more complete memories. Below are suggestions for souvenirs that are both meaningful and easy to find in the Thanh Hoa area:
Thanh Hoa spring rolls: A "national" gift with a characteristic sour and spicy taste, easy to carry and very popular.
Four Pillars Gai Cake: Sweet flavor, fragrant of hemp leaves, suitable as a traditional gift.
Phu Quang Lam sweet soup: The fragrant taste of molasses, ginger and roasted peanuts, very suitable to enjoy with tea.
Shrimp sauce: Bold flavor, typical of the North Central countryside, suitable for people who like traditional cuisine.
Cam Thuy arrowroot vermicelli: Tough, clean vermicelli noodles, convenient to bring home as gifts for family
Kitchen meat: A specialty dish with a strong smoky flavor, bearing the impression of the mountains and forests, suitable as a unique gift.
Wild honey: Pure, mildly fragrant, good for health and easy to preserve.
Can wine: A gift imbued with local culture, suitable for gatherings.
…
Thanh Hoa Nem chua
Support and other information
In order for your trip to explore Ben En eco-tourism area to go smoothly and completely, understanding the necessary support information will help you be more proactive in all situations. From contacting the service, preparing luggage to small notes during the tour, all contribute to a smooth and memorable experience amidst green nature.
Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: 74 Le Loi Avenue, City. Thanh Hoa
Thanh Hoa Tourism Promotion Center: 0237.385.2222
Nhu Thanh Commune Police: 0237 3880 389
>Thanh Hoa Provincial Police: 0237 3852 697
Emergency number:
113 – Police
114 – Firefighting
115 – Medical emergency
Ben En eco-tourism area appears as a green destination, where nature and culture blend attractively. Hopefully, the shares in Thanh Hoa travel guide from Travelviet will help you have more inspiration to plan to explore this peaceful land and fully enjoy every precious moment. remember.