The Complete Guide to Traveling Eo Ken Village, Thanh Hoa, From A to Z

1. Eo Ken Village – Golden rice valley amidst the Pu Luong mountains and forests

1.1 Basin-shaped terraced fields – rare scenery in Pu Luong

When setting foot in Eo Ken Village , visitors will be overwhelmed by the scene of layered terraced fields embracing the valley. Unlike other places in Pu Luong, the terraced fields here form a giant basin shape, with small plots of land stacked on top of each other like stairs leading to the sky.

Visiting Eo Ken village, tourists cannot miss the terraced rice fields. (Source: Collected)

1.2 The challenging but worthwhile journey to Eo Ken village

The road leading to Eo Ken village only allows motorcycles, creating an exciting adventure for those who love exploration. Cars must be parked at a lot about 3km from the village; tourists continue their journey by motorcycle or walk along winding trails. The final stretch down to the valley is quite steep, but each turn reveals new, wild natural scenery.

On this approximately 45-minute journey, the Pu Luong mountain range appears with cascading bamboo groves, babbling streams, and chirping birds. Especially in the early morning, the mist creates a stunning watercolor painting, making all the difficulties on the road worthwhile.

2. Guide to traveling to Eo Ken village

The journey to Eo Ken village is also the route that all tourists will take when visiting Pu Luong. From Hanoi, the journey to Pu Luong is now quite convenient with many travel options suitable for different needs and budgets. To save costs, tourists can take a bus for about 250,000–350,000 VND per trip. Buses depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat stations, taking passengers to Canh Nang town, which is now Ba Thuoc commune. From here, you can continue to hire a taxi or a motorbike taxi to the center of Pu Luong.

There are two main routes to choose from: National Highway 6 or National Highway 15C. Besides, limousine buses are also an ideal option, with ticket prices ranging from 350,000–400,000 VND per trip. Currently, many transport companies offer door-to-door pick-up services along the route Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Canh Nang – Pu Luong, providing a more convenient and complete travel experience.

3. When is the best time to visit Eo Ken village?

3.1 The rice ripening season

May-June and September-October are the times when Eo Ken village attracts the most tourists. At this time, the entire valley is immersed in the golden hue of ripe rice, creating one of the most beautiful Vietnamese countryside scenes. In the early morning, as the first rays of sunlight shine down, the whole valley seems to be covered in a layer of gold, with mist clinging to the heavy rice stalks, making the scenery magical.

Pu Luong is dyed yellow every rice harvest season. (Source: Collected)

This is also the time when tourists can witness the traditional rice harvesting of the Thai people. The cheerful laughter and chatter of the people during the harvest days, the singing of the girls while harvesting rice create a bustling atmosphere characteristic of the harvest season.

3.2 Other times of the year

Outside the rice harvest season, Eo Ken village offers a different beauty - serene and peaceful. From December to February, when the fields are planted with young rice seedlings, the young green color of the rice creates a lush green carpet spread across the valley. This is the ideal time for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of life, seeking tranquility for contemplation.

During this time, Eo Ken village is often covered in a thick mist, creating a feeling of being lost in a fairyland. Quick showers make the air fresher, the smell of damp earth blends with the fragrance of forest grass and leaves.

3. Unforgettable experiences in Eo Ken village

3.1 Trekking through villages and endless terraced fields

The famous trekking route of Pu Luong often passes through the itinerary of Hang village - Eo Ken - Pa Ban - Kho Muong. This is a journey that many tourists rate as beautiful and diverse. Starting from Hang Village, the path goes through enchanting terraced rice field scenery, ancient green trees hundreds of years old before leading down to the Eo Ken valley.

Foreign tourists experience trekking in Pu Luong. (Source: Collected)

The road from Eo Ken to Pa Ban passes through Bo Muoi cave - a natural cave with fascinating stalactite formations. Inside the cave, light shines through the rock crevices, creating magical beams of light. Continuing the journey, visitors will cross clear streams, passing through primeval forests with rich flora and fauna.

3.2 Immerse yourself in the simple life of the Thai people

The Black Thai people in Eo Ken village are famous for their hospitality and preservation of traditional culture. Visitors can participate in cooking Com Lam - a signature dish cooked in fresh bamboo tubes, creating a special delicious flavor. The preparation process, from selecting bamboo tubes, washing rice, seasoning, to grilling over charcoal, is meticulously guided by the locals.

Thai ethnic group and brocade weaving. (Source: Collected)

The women in the village still maintain the brocade weaving craft with traditional patterns of the Thai people. Visitors can experience the process of creating small products such as scarves, phone bags with characteristic vibrant colors. In the evening, around the warm fire, locals often tell fairy tales and local legends, allowing visitors to understand more about the rich culture of the Thai ethnic group.

3.3 Mountain cuisine with rich Pu Luong flavors

The cuisine at Ban Eo Ken is rich with mountain flavors, using fresh ingredients picked and caught locally. Grilled stream fish with banana leaves is a must-try specialty - fish caught from clear streams, marinated with spices, then grilled over charcoal, served with wild vegetables.

Vit Co Luong duck is a famous specialty of the Thanh Hoa highlands. (Source: Collected)

Vit Co Luong duck - a famous specialty of the Thanh Hoa highlands - is also a beloved dish here. The duck meat is firm, low in fat, with a natural sweetness, often prepared as grilled or boiled dishes dipped with spicy fish sauce. Wild vegetables such as water celery, la lep greens, and wild bamboo shoots are boiled or grilled, retaining the natural flavor of the mountains.

Especially, there is also traditional ruou can wine made from glutinous rice fermented with natural yeast, with a moderate alcohol content and a sweet, refreshing taste. The way of drinking ruou can wine is also very special: people sit around the wine jar, using bamboo straws to drink, while chatting in an intimate atmosphere.

5. Combined Destinations for Exploring Thanh Hoa

5.1 Sun World Sam Son

Only about 3 hours travel from Eo Ken village, Sun World Sam Son is located on Nam Song Ma Avenue, 13-17 km from Thanh Hoa center and only 1.5-2 km from Sam Son beach. This entertainment area of over 33 hectares offers a completely different experience from the quiet mountainous space of Pu Luong.

Sun World Sam Son is an entertainment complex suitable for all ages. (Source: Collected)

The highlight of Sun World Sam Son is the water park with thrilling games inspired by the legend of Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh. Here, there are many games and areas suitable for families with children, and groups of young people who want to have fun after days of exploring nature. Besides, the culinary, shopping, and sightseeing services here are also very diverse and high-quality.

5.2 An Tiem – Nui Chua

The An Tiem - Nui Chua relic site is associated with the legend of Lady Trieu, one of the most famous female heroes in Vietnamese history. This place is famous for the sacred Nua Temple and the mysterious Am Tien underground tunnel, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.

The “Am Tien Legend” project is invested by Sun Group. (Source: Collected)

Notably, the "Am Tien Legend" project, with a scale of up to 350 hectares, includes a spiritual area, a modern cable car system, and a 167.5m tall Mahavairocana Buddha statue. Upon completion, this project promises to become an important cultural and spiritual highlight of Thanh Hoa, creating a colorful tourist journey when combined with the natural experience at Ban Eo Ken .

6. Tips for a more complete Eo Ken trip

Don't forget to prepare necessary clothing and accessories for travel. High-top trekking shoes with non-slip soles are essential items when exploring Ban Eo Ken , especially during the rainy season when the roads are slippery. A 15-20 liter backpack can hold enough necessary items such as drinking water, a raincoat, mosquito repellent spray, and basic medicines. A wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen SPF 30 or higher are also essential when trekking under the mountain sun.

Community-based tourism and tips for civilized behavior. When visiting Ban Eo Ken , visitors should respect the life and culture of the Thai people. Before taking photos of residents or entering houses, it is advisable to ask for permission politely. Keep your voice at a moderate level, especially in the early morning and evening. Absolutely do not litter, please bring a trash bag to protect the pristine natural environment of the village.

Ban Eo Ken is truly one of the unmissable destinations when exploring the natural beauty of Pu Luong. From the golden terraced fields to the rich cultural lifestyle of the Thai people, this place offers visitors a journey that is both relaxing and rich in experience. A trip to Ban Eo Ken is an opportunity to find peace and fully immerse yourself in the harmonious life with nature in Thanh Hoa.