THUNG NAI

"They usually live along the lake and valley, so it creates a beautiful and fabulous picture of Hoa Binh. With humid subtropical climate and and many strange highlands, Hoa Binh has typical climate of Viet Nam mountainous area and diverse traditional sights.
The best period to view the mystery and captivating beauty of Hoa Binh is between January and February. In these period of time, all mountains in Hoa Binh are covered with cherry blossom and plum blossom hiding among the moist fog."

Muong Village

          Thung Nai - is not suitable for frantic and noisy activities. Visitors should share relaxing moments with their families and friends, look at amazing natural scenery and forget sadness or worries about busy daily lives.
Thung Nai used to be Thang Muong region, a rich and famous home to Muong people namely Muong Bi, Vang, Thang and Dong. According to the local people, in the past Thung Nai was a large alpine valley, surrounded by dense forest with innumerable deers. Therefore, local residents called it Thung Nai. So they called the valley Thung Nai. “Thung” is the valley and “Nai” is deer. Therefore, Thung Nai means the valley of deers.
Nowadays, there is no deer roaming around streams, or hillside. However, it still captivates people by its pristine beauty and fresh atmosphere.
In the 1980s when Da River hydropower plant was constructed, Thung Nai has become a huge lake containing water serving for the operation of this hydropower plant. All initial surrounding high mountains become floating green islands and create poetic and magnificent scenery which can enchant any tourist. Therefore, Thung Nai is called “the second Ha Long Bay on land” in the Northern Vietnam.
Thung Nai impresses anyone who sees it from the very first time with the harmonious combination of mountains, lakes and charming houses nestled in between the high hills.
It is said that the best time to visit Thung Nai in the autumn, when the water level reaches the highest and the valley is filled with the romantic lake water.

Today, Muong people in Thung Nai are trying to rebuild and preserve their traditional culture, which makes this place so special that it has become an attractive tourist attraction for everyone in everywhere. In fact, Thung Nai is located about 25km from Hoa Binh town. Visitors have to cross winding roads along beautiful and green Da River, stop at Binh Thanh station and they will come to Thung Nai. It is considered as Halong Bay on high. As a village belonging to Cao Phong district, Thung Nai is famous for Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, Thac Bo Cavern, Bo Cave, Mu mountain village or nameless islands floating on the water.

Vehicles mostly are boats and canoes. Local people mainly purchase at Bo market. This market only opens in the morning and closes early about 8 am. Besides, Thac Bo floating market opens Sunday. You only take about 20 minutes from this market to Windmill hotel. In addition to, this market is neither too noisy nor crowded. It is a place that businesses sold their products harvested from the night before.
Besides, visitors can move from Thac Bo floating market to Song mountain village and visit Thac Bo temple to enjoy unique spiritual activities. From Thac Bo Temple to Ngoi Hoa mountain village there is a rural village of Muong people. A small island is called Crow Island because it is a destination of crows.

The Lake

In the afternoon, the sun sets gradually, Thung Nai Lake is covered by a magical purple. Sun rays are reflected and turn the lake into a flat mirror. A few boat run, which makes Thung Nai more romantic and peaceful.

It is interesting when visitors move across spectacular Da Giang River, see beautiful and natural sights, eat at Windmill hotel and visit Dao people’s villages. However, tourism in Thung Nai has been developed much. Most visitors come here and they only stay at Windmill motel, Coconut Island or local people’s houses. The types of tourism have not been exploited yet. However, Thung Nai is an attractive destination because it is peaceful and natural. If you have a chance to Hoa Binh, you should not miss Thung Nai – the heaven of peace.

The Windmill