Discover Thung Nai’s stunning lake and islands in Phu Tho, Vietnam! Explore boat tours, costs, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable eco-tours. Book your adventure now!
Capture the natural beauty of Phu Tho’s eco-tourism haven (Source: Internet)Thung Nai, located in Cao Phong Ward, Phu Tho Province, is a breathtaking eco-tourism destination 110 km west of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Nestled along the Da River, this 8,000-hectare lake, dotted with lush green islands and Muong villages, offers a serene escape with stunning mountain and water vistas. With boat tours starting at $5 (125,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural immersion in Phu Tho, just 25 km from Mai Chau Ward.
Thung Nai, once a deer-filled valley, transformed into a vast lake after the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant’s construction in the 1980s, creating a poetic landscape of floating islands. Sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly homestays and local-guided tours, align with Phu Tho’s green tourism goals, set in a temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F). Legend Travel Group’s sustainable eco-tours guide you through this tranquil haven, ensuring an immersive, eco-conscious journey. Book via the links below or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Following Vietnam’s administrative restructuring, Hoa Binh Province merged into Phu Tho Province, with Cao Phong reclassified as Cao Phong Ward and Mai Chau as Mai Chau Ward. This simplifies navigation using ward-based maps, while Thung Nai remains a premier eco-tourism destination near Mai Chau, a celebrated cultural hub in Phu Tho.
Legend Travel Group leads in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism, offering curated eco-tours in Phu Tho for travelers seeking authentic natural and cultural experiences. Our tours use low-impact transport like boats or electric vans, led by English-speaking guides who share Muong traditions, ecological insights, and green practices, ensuring a safe, enriching adventure. Supporting local communities and conservation efforts, we align with Phu Tho’s eco-tourism initiatives. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links below and explore Thung Nai responsibly!
Start your Phu Tho Travel with tranquil vistas (Source: Internet)Located in Cao Phong Ward, 110 km from Hanoi and 25 km from Mai Chau, Thung Nai is an eco-tourism gem formed by the Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant’s reservoir. Its 8,000-hectare lake, surrounded by 50+ forested islands and limestone peaks, hosts 150 plant species, many in Vietnam’s Red Book. Once called “Deer Valley” for its wildlife, Thung Nai now features attractions like Ba Chua Thac Bo Temple, Thac Bo Grotto, and Ngoi Hoa Muong Village, accessible by boat from Binh Thanh Marina. Eco-friendly homestays, like those on Friends Island, and sustainable boat tours preserve its pristine beauty, offering a tranquil retreat with cultural depth near Mai Chau.
Thung Nai captivates with its serene lake, emerald islands, and vibrant Muong culture, making it an ideal weekend escape from Hanoi. Boat tours reveal hidden grottoes and temples, while the Sunday Thac Bo floating market offers fresh river fish and local crafts. The Windmill Guesthouse on Friends Island, with its stilt houses and scenic views, provides a cozy base to savor Muong pork and Da River fish. The lake’s calm waters and misty mornings create a poetic ambiance, perfect for kayaking or sunrise photography. Sustainable practices, like local-guided tours and minimal-waste homestays, support Phu Tho’s eco-tourism, ensuring Thung Nai’s charm endures for future visitors.
Seize the flavorful spirit of Phu Tho Travel (Source: Internet)These eco-friendly activities, costing $0–$18, immerse you in Thung Nai’s natural and cultural wonders:
Cruise the lake to Thac Bo Grotto, best at 9:00 AM, for $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) per boat (4–6 people). Explore stalactites and Muong legends. Year-round, with eco-friendly boats. Supports local boatmen.
Cost: $5–$8; entry $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Thung Nai Lake Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Sleep in a stilt house on Friends Island, best at 6:00 PM, for $15–$18 (375,000–450,000 VND). Enjoy lake views and Muong pork. Year-round, using sustainable materials. Supports local families.
Cost: $15–$18; entry free.
Hours: Check-in 2:00 PM; check-out 12:00 PM.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group’s Thung Nai Overnight Eco-Tour ($90–$140).
Explore the Sunday market, best at 7:00 AM, for $0–$2 (0–50,000 VND) for snacks. Buy fresh fish and crafts by boat (rental: $3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND). Seasonal, supporting Muong vendors.
Cost: Free–$2; boat $3–$5.
Hours: Sundays, 6:00 AM–10:00 AM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Thung Nai Market Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Kayak around islands, best at 8:00 AM, for $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) per hour. Enjoy serene waters and karst views. May–October for calm conditions. Eco-friendly rentals minimize impact.
Cost: $3–$5; entry free.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Thung Nai Adventure Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Experience Muong dances and “rượu cần” (rice wine) at a homestay, best at 7:00 PM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND). Enjoy campfire gatherings. Year-round, with community-led performances.
Cost: $2–$4; entry free.
Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, 7:00–9:00 PM.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Thung Nai Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Visit from September to November for autumn’s high water levels, creating a romantic, lake-filled valley with lush greenery (23–33°C or 73.4–91.4°F). The dry season (November–April) offers clear skies and cool weather (16–26°C or 60.8–78.8°F), ideal for boat tours and kayaking. The rainy season (May–August) enhances island vibrancy but may cause muddy trails, requiring rain gear. Weekends see more visitors (300–600 daily vs. 100–200 on weekdays), especially during Tet (January/February), when cultural events peak. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) are best for boat tours and market visits; evenings (7:00–9:00 PM) suit cultural performances and stilt house relaxation.
Capture the authentic charm of Phu Tho’s landscapes (Source: Internet)Thung Nai is 110 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward (2.5–3 hours) and 25 km from Mai Chau Ward’s center (30–45 minutes):
From Hanoi to Thung Nai:
Private Car: Drive via QL6 to Hoa Binh, then 20 km to Binh Thanh Marina, $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND) round-trip, 2.5–3 hours. Use Xanh SM app.
Public Bus: From My Dinh to Cao Phong (2.5 hours, $1.50–$2.50 or 40,000–60,000 VND), then motorbike taxi to marina ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND). Departs 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM.
Private Motorcycle: Ride via QL6, $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) fuel round-trip; rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): $20–$30 (500,000–750,000 VND)/person round-trip, 7:00 AM.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($40–$55 or 1,000,000–1,375,000 VND, 3 hours); Xanh SM taxi ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).
From Mai Chau to Thung Nai:
Motorbike: Rent a scooter ($5–$10/day or 125,000–250,000 VND), 30–45 minutes. Fuel: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND). Park at marina ($0.40 or 10,000 VND).
Taxi: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) round-trip, 30 minutes.
Motorbike Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) round-trip from Mai Chau’s market.
Boat from Binh Thanh Marina to Thung Nai: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) per boat (4–6 people), 15–20 minutes to Friends Island or Thac Bo. Book at marina or via homestays. Navigation Tip: Save “Thung Nai, Cao Phong Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps (Maps.me). From Hanoi, follow QL6 to Hoa Binh, then signs to Binh Thanh Marina. From Mai Chau, head toward Cao Phong. Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Group boats or buses reduce emissions; book eco-tours for sustainable travel.
Safety: Check boat safety (life jackets mandatory); drive cautiously on QL6 curves. Confirm fares upfront.
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for island trails; waterproof jacket ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND); swimsuit for kayaking; modest attire for villages (cover shoulders/knees).
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, hat.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), compact umbrella ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Maps.me, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for lake shots, towel for kayaking.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for boat rides; cash for vendors; basic first-aid kit ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND).
Begin your Phu Tho Tours with a scenic adventure (Source: Internet)Entry to Thung Nai Sites (e.g., Thac Bo Grotto): $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) adult; $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) child under 1.3m.
Boat Tour: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) per boat (4–6 people).
Homestay Stay: $15–$18 (375,000–450,000 VND).
Thac Bo Market Snacks: Free–$2 (0–50,000 VND).
Kayak Rental: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND)/hour.
Muong Cultural Evening: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Local Snacks (e.g., Grilled Muong Pork): $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Tea, Rượu Cần): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Muong Textiles): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
From Hanoi: Private car: $30–$45 (750,000–1,125,000 VND); electric taxi: $50–$70 (1,250,000–1,750,000 VND); bus + motorbike taxi: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND); motorcycle: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) fuel, rental $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).
From Mai Chau: Motorbike: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) fuel, rental $5–$10/day; taxi: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND); motorbike taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).
Boat to Thung Nai: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) per boat.
Parking: $0.40–$0.80 (10,000–20,000 VND).
Budget: $10–$15 (boat tour, snacks).
Mid-range: $20–$30 (homestay, kayak).
Luxury: $40–$60 (taxi, premium guided tour).
Tip: Budget $10–$30 for activities and transport; carry small VND notes for vendors (no cards accepted).
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Thung Nai’s lake and Muong culture, supporting local communities and sustainable practices:
Thung Nai Lake & Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Travel from Hanoi to Thung Nai for a boat tour to Thac Bo Grotto, Muong lunch ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND), and market visit. Includes eco-friendly transport, guide, and entry fees. Promotes local boatmen and vendors.
Thung Nai & Mai Chau Eco-Adventure ($90–$140/person, 2 days): Explore Thung Nai’s lake and a Muong homestay ($15–$25/night or 375,000–450,000 VND), plus Mai Chau’s rice fields. Includes meals, low-impact transport, and cultural performances, supporting sustainable tourism.
Phu Tho & Ninh Binh Eco-Immersion ($220–$350/person, 4 days): Combine Thung Nai’s lake with Mai Chau’s stilt houses and Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc, including homestays and culinary workshops. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and entry fees, fostering Phu Tho’s green initiatives.
Pricing Details: All tours include eco-friendly transport, English-speaking guides, entry fees, and meals as specified. Enjoy a 15% discount for groups of 8 or more, with flexible cancellations up to 48 hours prior. Book now via the links throughout this guide to experience Thung Nai sustainably!
Timing: September–November for high water levels; November–April for clear skies. Weekdays for fewer crowds (100–200 vs. 300–600 on weekends). Book early for Tet (January/February). Sundays for Thac Bo market.
Booking: Reserve homestays and boat tours 24–48 hours ahead via Legend Travel Group or marina staff. Book eco-tours for guided visits. No entry tickets for the lake; pay grotto fees on-site.
Sustainability: Respect island trails; use reusable bottles to reduce plastic. Support Muong vendors for snacks ($0.50–$3 or 12,500–75,000 VND).
Navigation: Save “Thung Nai, Cao Phong Ward, Phu Tho” in offline maps; follow QL6 to Binh Thanh Marina. Ask locals for boat directions.
Safety: Wear life jackets on boats (mandatory); secure valuables in homestays. Confirm boat and transport fares upfront.
Weather: Dry season for safe boating; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$6 or 75,000–150,000 VND) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in Muong villages (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Respect cultural evening traditions.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); carry mosquito repellent; bring sunscreen for boat tours.
Thung Nai in Phu Tho’s Cao Phong Ward, accessible via a $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) boat ride, is a natural eco-tourism haven 110 km from Hanoi, enchanting visitors with its 8,000-hectare lake and Muong culture near Mai Chau. Its emerald islands, grottoes, and floating markets, paired with sustainable practices like eco-homestays, offer a serene escape. Legend Travel Group’s Phu Tho Tours guide you through this poetic landscape, ensuring a sustainable Phu Tho Travel experience filled with green, immersive adventures. Whether boating to Thac Bo or dining on Friends Island, Thung Nai promises an unforgettable Phu Tho experience. Don’t miss out—browse our featured eco-tours and book your lake journey today!
Ready to explore Thung Nai in Phu Tho? Reserve your sustainable eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
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