Phu Tho, the ancestral land of the Vietnamese people, is not only famous for its sacred historical sites like the Hung Temple but also a potential ecotourism destination, especially attractive to visitors from Hanoi and neighboring provinces. With its geographical advantages, Phu Tho boasts diverse ecotourism areas, from relaxing hot springs to pristine lagoons and majestic waterfalls. If you are looking for a destination to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy fresh air, and experience exciting outdoor activities on weekends, Phu Tho is the perfect choice. Let “Travel Around The World” explore the 3 most outstanding ecotourism areas in Phu Tho, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace in your soul.
1. Thanh Thuy Hot Spring: A Paradise for Relaxation and Health Care
Thanh Thuy Hot Spring, a resort for ecotourism and health in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Thanh Thuy Hot Spring has long been a familiar destination for those who love ecotourism combined with relaxation and health care. This place not only possesses a precious hot mineral spring but has also been invested and developed into a modern ecotourism area, meeting the diverse needs of visitors.
1.1 Location and Highlights
Located in La Phu commune, Thanh Thuy district, Phu Tho province, Thanh Thuy Hot Spring is about 65km from the center of Hanoi, very convenient for weekend trips. What makes Thanh Thuy Hot Spring famous is its unique natural hot mineral water source in the North containing precious radon. Radon is known for its wonderful health benefits, helping to enhance blood circulation, reduce joint pain, relax muscles, and improve skin.
The hot spring area covers about 1km², stretching along the banks of the Da River and uniquely shaped like a gourd. The water temperature at the source ranges from 37°C to 54°C, ensuring it is always warm enough for visitors to relax in any season of the year. The mineral water here is very clean, odorless, and treated according to strict procedures to ensure safety and quality.
1.2 Unique Ecotourism Experiences at Thanh Thuy Hot Spring
Natural mineral mud bath experience at an ecotourism site in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Coming to Thanh Thuy Hot Spring ecotourism area, visitors will enjoy a series of diverse and interesting experiences:
- Spacious playground and swimming pool: The resort is invested in modern facilities with indoor and outdoor hot mineral pools, a playground for children and adults. You can freely swim, play in the warm water, or relax on the long chairs by the pool.
- Natural mineral mud bath: Experiencing a mineral mud bath is one of the most popular activities at Thanh Thuy Hot Spring. The mineral mud here is formed from the biological transformation of organic and inorganic substances, originating from plants and soil. Mud bathing not only helps to cleanse the skin and remove toxins but also provides essential nutrients, making the skin softer and firmer.
- Spa and massage services: To enhance the relaxation experience, the resort also provides professional spa and massage services. You can choose hot stone massage, Thai massage, or special skin care treatments to restore energy and rejuvenate your body.
- Local cuisine: The resort has a restaurant serving Phu Tho specialties and diverse European and Asian dishes. You can enjoy delicious meals in the luxurious restaurant space or choose a spacious outdoor area.
- Sports and entertainment activities: In addition, the resort also has tennis courts, karaoke rooms, and other entertainment activities for visitors to have more relaxing and fun options.
1.3 Detailed Suggested Itinerary for 2 Days 1 Night at Thanh Thuy Hot Spring
To have a complete and meaningful trip to Thanh Thuy Hot Spring, you can refer to the suggested 2-day 1-night itinerary below:
Day 1: Hanoi – Thanh Thuy – Discover Hot Springs
- Morning (7:00 AM – 9:30 AM): Depart from Hanoi to Thanh Thuy Hot Spring by car or bus. Travel time is about 2.5 – 3 hours.
- Noon (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM): Arrive at Thanh Thuy Hot Spring, check into a hotel or bungalow, and rest.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM): Have lunch at the resort’s restaurant and enjoy Phu Tho specialties such as hill chicken, Da River fish, cassava vegetables, etc.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Enjoy hot mineral bath services, mineral mud baths, and saunas at the spa area.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Have dinner at the restaurant, participate in cultural exchange activities or karaoke (if available).
Day 2: Thanh Thuy – Visit the Vicinity – Hanoi
- Morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Wake up early, do light exercise, and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Then, continue to relax in the mineral bath or experience other spa services.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Check out of the hotel and move to nearby attractions such as Van Mo Waterfall, Ao Vua tourist area, or Ba Vi National Park (depending on preferences and time).
- Noon (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Have lunch at a restaurant in the visiting area.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Continue visiting and exploring tourist attractions.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Depart from Phu Tho back to Hanoi.
1.4 Reference Costs and Savings Tips
The cost for a 2-day 1-night trip to Thanh Thuy Hot Spring can vary depending on service choices and personal needs. However, you can refer to the average cost below:
- Accommodation: From VND 500,000 – VND 1,500,000/night (depending on room type and hotel)
- Transportation: About VND 200,000 – VND 300,000/person (bus or private car)
- Dining: About VND 500,000 – VND 700,000/person (2 days)
- Mineral bath, mud bath, spa: From VND 300,000 – VND 1,000,000/person (depending on service package)
- Other expenses: About VND 200,000 – VND 300,000
Estimated total cost: About VND 1,700,000 – VND 3,800,000/person for a 2-day 1-night trip.
Savings tips:
- Book rooms and services in advance to get the best deals.
- Go on weekdays or off-peak season to avoid high prices and crowds.
- Choose combo service packages (room + dining + spa) to save costs.
- Bring snacks and drinks to reduce dining costs.
- Use public transport or personal motorbike to save on transportation costs.
2. Ao Chau Lagoon: Phu Tho’s Inland Ha Long Bay
Scenic view of Ao Chau Lagoon, an ecotourism destination in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Dubbed “Inland Ha Long Bay” of Phu Tho, Ao Chau Lagoon is a unique and charming ecotourism destination. With its pristine, poetic beauty and diverse ecosystem, Ao Chau Lagoon promises to bring visitors wonderful nature exploration experiences.
2.1 Pristine Beauty and Diverse Ecosystem
Ao Chau Lagoon stretches across Ha Hoa town and communes of Y Son, Am Ha, Phu Khanh in Ha Hoa district, Phu Tho province. With a water surface area of about 2km², the lagoon is surrounded by nearly 100 large and small islands, creating a rare picturesque landscape. The islands are covered with rich and diverse vegetation with many rare plants and birds living there.
The special feature of Ao Chau Lagoon is the system of 99 water branches weaving into the ravines, creating a magical water maze. The lagoon water is clear and unpolluted, an ideal habitat for many rare aquatic species such as yellow turtles, soft-shell turtles, and Trionychidae turtles. The air in Ao Chau Lagoon is always fresh and cool, bringing a feeling of relaxation and comfort to visitors.
2.2 Exploration and Experiences at Ao Chau Lagoon
Boat tour experience on Ao Chau Lagoon in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Coming to Ao Chau Lagoon, visitors can participate in many attractive ecotourism activities:
- Boating on the lagoon: Taking a boat ride around the lagoon is an unmissable experience when coming to Ao Chau Lagoon. You will admire the pristine beauty of the islands, see the clear blue water, and enjoy the fresh air.
- Fishing and enjoying specialties: Ao Chau Lagoon has many natural fish ponds, an ideal place for you to try your fishing skills. If you are lucky, you can catch fresh fish and enjoy them on the spot or take them home as gifts.
- Exploring the islands: Each island in Ao Chau Lagoon has its own unique beauty. You can explore mysterious caves, climb mountains to see the scenery, or learn about the rich flora on the islands.
- Camping and picnicking: Ao Chau Lagoon has many vacant lots and lakeside areas suitable for camping and picnicking. You can organize an outdoor picnic with family and friends, enjoying the peaceful natural space.
- Visiting fishing villages: Around Ao Chau Lagoon, there are several traditional fishing villages. You can visit the fishing villages to learn about the lives of local people and enjoy fresh seafood dishes.
2.3 Suggested Itinerary and Costs for Exploring Ao Chau Lagoon
To explore Ao Chau Lagoon in a complete way, you can spend one or two days on the trip. Below are suggested itineraries and reference costs:
1-day itinerary:
- Morning: Depart from Hanoi or neighboring provinces to Ao Chau Lagoon (about 2-3 hours of travel). Arrive at Ao Chau Lagoon, rent a boat and start your journey to explore the lagoon.
- Noon: Have lunch at a lakeside restaurant or prepare a picnic lunch to bring along.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the islands, participate in fishing activities, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Late afternoon: End the tour and return.
2-day 1-night itinerary:
- Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary. In the evening, camp overnight in the permitted area or stay at a guesthouse or hotel in Ha Hoa town.
- Day 2: In the morning, continue exploring other areas of Ao Chau Lagoon, visit fishing villages or nearby tourist attractions. In the afternoon, return.
Reference costs:
- Transportation: About VND 200,000 – VND 300,000/person (bus or private car)
- Boat rental: About VND 200,000 – VND 500,000/boat (depending on boat type and rental time)
- Dining: About VND 200,000 – VND 400,000/person/day
- Camping (if applicable): About VND 50,000 – VND 100,000/person/night
- Guesthouse, hotel (if applicable): From VND 300,000 – VND 800,000/night
Estimated total cost: About VND 750,000 – VND 2,100,000/person for a 1-2 day trip.
3. Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien: Nature’s Symphony in the Mountains
Picturesque landscape of Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien ecotourism area in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien is an ecotourism area with pristine, majestic beauty, hidden in the mountains of Phu Tho. This place is likened to a “symphony” of nature with the harmonious combination of majestic mountains, clear waterfalls, and beautiful natural lakes.
3.1 Legend of Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien and Natural Beauty
Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien originates from the top of Na mountain, 1,200m high, flowing through rocky crevices and forming a white silk strip across the mountainside. Amidst the green of the forest and the blue of the sky, Suoi Tien waterfall appears like a vivid and magical watercolor painting.
The Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien area is surrounded by hundreds of large and small mountain peaks, with an average height of 500m to 600m above sea level. Na Mountain, with its towering peak, is covered by primary tropical forests with many precious tree species such as Dinh, Lim, Gu, and Vang Tam… In the forest, there are also many wild animals such as monkeys, deer, muntjacs, wild boars, and civets.
3.2 Ecotourism Activities and Exploration
Visitors enjoying swimming in the stream at Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien ecotourism area in Phu Tho, Vietnam
Coming to Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien, visitors will have the opportunity to experience many interesting ecotourism activities:
- Swimming in streams and waterfalls: Suoi Tien has many waterfalls and natural lakes that are clear and cool. You can freely swim in the fresh water, dispelling the fatigue and stress of life.
- Mountain climbing and trekking: With a majestic mountain system, Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien is an ideal destination for those who love mountain climbing and trekking. You can conquer Na mountain peak or explore forest trails to see the scenery and discover nature.
- Camping and picnicking: The area along the stream and at the foot of the mountain has many flat grounds, suitable for camping and picnicking. You can set up tents, camps, organize outdoor barbecues, and enjoy the pristine natural space.
- Learning about the ecosystem: Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien is a place to preserve a diverse primary forest ecosystem. You can join ecotourism tours to learn about rare plant species, wild animals, and the cultural and historical values of this land.
3.3 Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien Travel Experiences
- Ideal time: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien. The weather at this time is cool and fresh, very suitable for outdoor activities.
- Preparation: You should prepare comfortable clothes, hiking shoes or sports shoes, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, and enough drinking water.
- Transportation: The road to Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien is quite difficult, so choose suitable means of transportation (motorbike or high-clearance car) and drive carefully.
- Accommodation: The Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien area does not have many developed accommodation services. You can choose to camp overnight or stay at guesthouses or hotels in Thanh Son town or nearby areas.
- Dining: You should bring snacks and drinks when visiting Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien. If you want to enjoy local cuisine, you can find restaurants in Thanh Son town or nearby areas.
4. Transportation to Phu Tho and Useful Advice
To get to Phu Tho from Hanoi or other provinces, you have many transportation options:
- Bus: Buses are the most popular and cost-effective means of transportation. You can catch a bus from My Dinh, Giap Bat, Yen Nghia bus stations (Hanoi) to Phu Tho. Travel time is about 2-3 hours.
- Limousine: Limousines are a more comfortable and convenient option. Many limousine operators operate the Hanoi – Phu Tho route with good service quality and reasonable prices.
- Motorbike, private car: If you want to freely explore Phu Tho, a motorbike or private car is a suitable choice. The road to Phu Tho is quite easy and convenient.
Useful advice:
- Plan and book rooms and services in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
- Learn carefully about ecotourism destinations to choose a destination suitable for your interests and health.
- Prepare all necessary personal items for the trip.
- Maintain environmental hygiene and protect the natural landscape.
- Respect the culture and customs of local people.
Conclusion: Phu Tho – An Ideal Ecotourism Destination For Every Journey
Phu Tho is not only a historical land but also an attractive ecotourism destination with many untapped potentials. With 3 outstanding ecotourism areas: Thanh Thuy Hot Spring, Ao Chau Lagoon, and Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien, Phu Tho promises to bring visitors diverse tourism experiences, from relaxation, health care to exploring pristine nature and learning about local culture. Plan your Phu Tho ecotourism trip today to enjoy memorable and meaningful moments with family and friends!