As a small commune beside Da River, of Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, Thung Nai is about 25 km far from Hoa Binh city and about 110 km from Hanoi. Once upon a time, Thung Nai was a great valley covered by the vast forest, which is home to numerous deer. Hence, the local people call it “Thung Nai” means “the Valley of Deer.”
Thung Nai has become a huge lake containing the water served for the operation of the hydropower plant on Da River since the 1980s when this hydropower plant was constructed. All initial surrounding high mountains become floating green islands and create poetic and magnificent scenery which can enchant any tourist in Vietnam travel. Thung Nai is also considered the inland Ha Long Bay in the North of Vietnam (the first position was taken by Tam Coc- Bich Dong in Ninh Binh province.)
As a commune of Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, Thung Nai is known with Ba Chua Temple, Thac Bo cave, Bo Grotto, Mu village and floating island… This is the place of many village with the mainly people is the Muong. The main vehicle is boat or canoe. People here exchange at Bo Market. The market is only opening in the morning. Thung Nai has Thac Ba temple, the queen governs area of northwest, and the upper back is the Muong-Hoa Binh, the Thai-Son La… When finishing hydropower, water of Da river floods valleys, which creates small islands, is very beautiful. Here, residents are mostly the Muong. This is one of the famous lands of the Muong in Hoa Binh- Muong Thang.
The way to Thung Nai following the port of Binh Thanh, along the Da River, winding up and down with more than 10 kilometers, tourists will come to center of town and there has a large marina. In Thung Nai, there have a lot of spots to explore and relax. If tourists want to hike forest, they will discover Mu village- village of the Muong in the valley between the lush forests. Besides, they can visit wilderness caves in Da River or float on the waves in La Vong. Thung Nai eco-tourism is invested and managed by Vinashin- Hoa Binh Corporation, located in the port of marina to visit Bo waterfall. From the port to Ba Chua Temple, it only takes 30 minutes. Sitting on the boat, you will lose in the stone islands of natural gift. There have many strange shapes in this island.
From Thac Bo Temple, tourists can go to Ngoi Hoa temple, there has quite pristine Muong; due to the terrain the villages separate from the outside, the only way to travel is boat. Although, it is far about 20 kilometers from Da River, there has not electricity. Especially, tourists can stay home with the Muong and enjoy Muong pork. Thung Nai eco-tourism zone hopes to give you a memorable holiday with the interesting activities and services.
It is said that Thung Nai to be most beautiful in the autumn, when the water level reaches the highest and the valley is filled with the romantic lake water.
Try visiting Thung Nai one time, tourists joining tours in Vietnam can enjoy the beauty of wild nature and witness the life of ethnic minority people living on the mountainous areas. Thung Nai promises to bring great tourism potential to Hoa Binh Province in the near future.
