Pack your fun itinerary for Ben En, Thanh Hoa.

1. General introduction to Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area

Located amidst the mountains and forests of Thanh Hoa, the Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area spans an area of over 15,000 hectares in the former districts of Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan. Established in 1992, this national park has long been an important ecological conservation site for the country.

The heart of the area is the Song Muc Lake, 4,000 hectares wide with a depth of up to 25-30 meters, formed by four large streams flowing into it, creating a jade-green water surface year-round. What captivates visitors is the system of 24 large and small islands emerging like precious gems amidst the clear lake.

Majestic natural scenery at Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area. (Source: Collected)

The climate in Ben En Thanh Hoa averages around 23°C, bringing a cool and pleasant feeling all year round. The diverse ecosystem here is home to thousands of plant and animal species, among which many rare species are listed in the Vietnam Red Book, such as langurs, tigers, leopards, and precious types of wood.

2. Experience traveling to Ben En

2.1 How to get from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa (bus, motorbike, private car)

Departing from Hanoi, visitors can choose buses from Giap Bat or My Dinh stations with reputable companies like Hoa Dung, Nam Quynh Anh, Vinh Quang. Ticket prices range from 150,000-200,000 VND/trip for a journey of about 200 km to the former Nhu Xuan district. Afterwards, guests may be transferred or take a motorbike taxi/taxi to the entrance of the Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area.

Those who love trains can depart from Hanoi station to Thanh Hoa city, then continue the journey by local bus or taxi. This option is suitable for tourists who prioritize relaxation and want to enjoy the scenery throughout the long trip.

With a private vehicle, the ideal route is to follow National Highway 1A to Thanh Hoa, then turn onto National Highway 45 towards the Ho Chi Minh Road. This route is particularly convenient for tourists who enjoy sightseeing and stopping to explore along the way.

Starting from Thanh Hoa city, the 45-50 km distance can be covered by motorbike or car following National Highway 45 towards Nhu Xuan, then turn at the Ben En intersection to the main gate. The travel time is about 1-1.5 hours with a relatively smooth route.

2.2 Entrance ticket prices, boat rental fees, accompanying services

The entrance ticket to the Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area is currently 20,000 VND for adults at all times of the year. This is considered a very reasonable price compared to the wonderful natural experiences the area offers.

The boat tour service on Song Muc Lake costs 60,000-100,000 VND per person, with large boats accommodating up to 10 guests at a time. The most ideal time to experience this is in the afternoon to admire the beautiful sunset reflected on the lake surface.

In addition, the area also provides additional services such as hiring local guides, booking overnight camping tours, organizing bonfires, cave entrance tickets, and group picnic packages with flexible pricing.

3. Ideal time to visit Ben En tourist area

Ben En tourist area is located in the northern part of Thanh Hoa province. It belongs to the tropical monsoon climate zone, with distinct seasonal variations. However, thanks to being covered by vast primeval forests, the climate in the area is always cooler and more pleasant than outside.

Ben En is considered beautiful and attractive year-round. Each season here brings changing scenery, offering visitors a new experience. In spring, trees bud and flowers bloom. Autumn is characterized by forests turning vibrant red and yellow. Winter brings a tranquil atmosphere, suitable for those seeking peace. This very transformation makes Ben En an attractive destination at any time of the year.

Cool climate at Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area. (Source: Collected)

However, the ideal time to explore Ben En is from late April to early September. This is also considered the busiest tourist season. Amidst the harsh summer sun, stepping into Ben En, visitors feel like they've entered a cool green land. It is always cool year-round with tall ancient trees reaching high, shading the paths. Golden sunlight filters through the leaves, reflecting on the clear blue lake, creating a shimmering, poetic scene.

4. Unmissable experiences at Ben En

4.1 Cruising on the boat right in the middle of Song Muc Lake

Song Muc Lake has an area of up to 4,000 hectares, considered one of the "must-try" spots in the famous Thanh tourist area. Not only does it possess majestic beauty, but the lake system also contributes to the diversity and richness of the ecosystem of the Ben En tourist area.

Tourists experience boating on Song Muc Lake. (Source: Collected)

According to local legend, long ago, there was a giant squid, the son of the Dragon King. Enchanted by the beautiful scenery of the Ben En mountains and forests, it played so much that it forgot the way home. When the water receded, the squid was stranded, struggled violently, and left behind traces to this day. People believe that where the squid lay down, it turned into a lake, and its tentacles became streams winding around the area. From that story, the name Song Muc was born. Currently, this lake has an area of up to 4,000 hectares and a depth of tens of meters. The lake is divided into two parts: Ho Thuong, covering over 3,000 hectares, and Ho Ha, about 800 hectares.

One of the experiences most loved by tourists is boating on Song Muc Lake. Amidst the clear blue water, you can admire over 20 large and small islands emerging from the water surface, each island with its own unique appearance. The vast, peaceful scenery of the water and mountains creates a rare, poetic natural picture.

Not only for sightseeing, Song Muc Lake also hosts many attractive recreational activities. Active tourists can try kayaking, floating with swim rings, or diving to see the lakebed. The clear, gentle, and safe water allows you to fully enjoy every moment of relaxation with peace of mind.

4.2 Discover the diverse ecosystem at Ben En National Park

Ben En Tourist Area is home to one of the richest flora and fauna ecosystems in Thanh Hoa. It records up to 50 orders, 177 families, 216 genera with over 1,000 animal species. Among them are 91 species of mammals, 261 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles, 31 species of amphibians, 68 species of fish, and nearly 500 species of insects – a colorful biological picture waiting for tourists to explore.

Diverse vegetation at Ben En tourist area. (Source: Collected)

Not only diverse in animals, Ben En also stands out with its tropical humid soil forest ecosystem. This is the distribution center of the endemic green lim species – a famous precious wood of Vietnam, with trees that have lived for several hundred years. Besides, the forest also has many rare precious wood species such as bu huong, sen mat, vang tam, lim… Additionally, there are species of rattan, bamboo, and trees from the oil-producing family such as trau, sen. Particularly, this place is also known as a "green medicinal repository" with over 300 species of precious medicinal plants.

Amidst the ancient forest canopy, visitors will feel the majesty, mystery, and strong vitality of nature. This is truly an ideal destination for nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, or simply those who want to return to a pure green space.

4.3 Ngoc Cave - A mysterious natural wonder

Not only boasting vast lakes and immense green forests, Ben En tourist area also possesses a limestone mountain range in Hai Van commune with many caves that still retain their pristine beauty. Among them, Ngoc Cave is a prominent destination, attracting many tourists.

Jade Cave with unique rock formations. (Source: Collected)

Jade Cave is about 80 m long, 8 m wide, and 2.5 m high. Inside, the system of shimmering stalactites in myriad colors and forms creates a sparkling, mysterious space. The most impressive is the large stalactite in the center of the cave – sparkling like a giant gem, so the locals call it Hon Ngoc (Gemstone). From the rock walls, clear water flows out, forming a small stream murmuring day and night, making the space even more lively.

If you have enough strength to conquer the cave's peak and gaze through the natural opening, visitors will admire the panoramic view of Ben En from above. With a cool climate year-round, this place is truly ideal for an exploration of fascinating nature.

4.4 Camping and picnicking amidst nature

Upon arriving at Ben En tourist area, one of the most popular activities for many visitors is camping and picnicking amidst the green forest. On some islands, the management has skillfully arranged resting huts, stilt houses, and trails winding through the forest. This helps create a space that is both convenient and retains its characteristic wildness. This is an ideal destination for groups of guests who want to enjoy a vacation away from the city, fully immersing themselves in nature.

Camping at is an unmissable experience at Ben En tourist area. (Source: Collected)

As night falls, sitting by the campfire, visitors will clearly feel the tranquility of the mountains and forests, with only the sounds of insects and the wind rustling through the leaves. During the day, you can breathe the fresh air, listen to the cheerful chirping of birds, or challenge yourself with exciting exploration activities such as mountain climbing, forest trekking, exploring the wildness of Thanh Hoa's mountains and forests.

4.5 Cultural experiences of the local people

The villages of the Thai and Muong ethnic groups around Ben En Thanh Hoa tourist area still maintain their rich traditional cultural identity. Visitors have the opportunity to visit traditional stilt houses, learn about daily living customs, and enjoy specialty dishes prepared in traditional ways.

Cultural exchange with ethnic minorities at Ben En. (Source: Collected)

Cultural and artistic exchange activities often take place in the evening with folk dances, melodious khen tunes, and the singing of Thai girls. Visitors can participate in learning to knit, weave brocade, or join in preparing traditional dishes such as bitter soup, lam rice, and grilled meat. The most famous here is Vơn village of the Thai people. Thanks to preserving the ancient cultural beauty intact, Vơn village offers visitors unforgettable experiences. This is a place where every dance, dish, or scene tells a story about the life and soul of the Thai people in the Thanh Hoa mountains.

5. Notes when visiting Ben En tourist area

With rich and diverse flora and fauna, your exploration of Ben En will be more complete if you prepare thoroughly. First, don't forget to bring insect repellent and some basic medical supplies to prepare for unexpected situations. Suitable attire for the trip includes soft, non-slip sports shoes, comfortable clothing suitable for trekking, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bringing enough drinking water and some snacks is also essential for long exploration trips.

Environmental protection awareness should be prioritized when visiting. Visitors must absolutely not litter, pick flowers or branches in the forest, or disturb or harm wild animals. Contacting and booking services in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, helps ensure availability and the best service.

Strictly adhering to the instructions of the tourist area management is mandatory to ensure safety for yourself, your property, and to contribute to protecting this precious ecosystem for future generations.

In addition, besides Ben En tourist area, visitors can also consider Sun World Sam Son when planning a trip to Thanh Hoa. Located right in the center of the beach, Sun World Sam Son is a large-scale entertainment complex. The most prominent here is the leading modern water park in the North Central region, covering 33.5 hectares with over 30 attractive games.

Sun World Sam Son is an entertainment destination for every family. (Source: Compilation)

Visitors can conquer giant water slides, have fun at the artificial wave pool, multi-lane slides, or a play area specifically for young children. Inspired by the epic “De Dat De Nuoc” (Giving Birth to the Land, Giving Birth to Water) of the Muong people, the park features vibrant festival colors and evokes unique cultural features, promising a dynamic entertainment journey and artistic check-in experiences in Sam Son.

Ben En Thanh Hoa Tourist Area promises unforgettable experiences amidst pristine nature with its emerald lake, vast primeval forest, and distinctive cultural values. For every visitor, a journey at Ben En is a perfect blend of exploration, relaxation, and a return to the original values of nature. Pack your bags today to discover the hidden gem nestled amidst the Thanh Hoa mountains and forests!