Thung Nai is a commune in the Hoa Bih reservoir area, belongs to Cao Phong district, Hoa Binh province, formerly Muong Thang, one of the four large old Muong regions of the province.

But why is it Thung Nai? Was there a lot of deer living here? The answer is correct, my friend. According to local people, this place used to be a valley with a lot of wild deer living, which is why people gave this place a lovely name, Thung Nai (the valley of deers). In the 80s of the last century, when the Hoa Binh hydroelectric plant began construction, Thung Nai became a giant reservoir, the high mountains of the past became undulating islands, creating a charming landscape. 

A corner of the lake in Thung Nai (Photo: Collected)

So what is interesting about coming to Thung Nai? First of all, you will admire an extremely poetic landscape, like a "Ha Long bay on the mountain". The water in Thung Nai is especially clear in the fall, the whole lake surface is like a large mirror, flat, clear, reflecting the clouds and sky extremely beautifully.

On the journey to admire the beautiful scenery of Thung Nai, you can stop by Coconut Island or Windmill Guesthouse, sip a cool drink and relax in nature, there are also countless sparkling corners for you to take photos and check in. Both of these locations currently serve cuisine to tourists with dishes imbued with local flavors such as local pigs, hill chickens, lake fish, etc. In particular, Coconut Island, with a very large area of ​​about 10 hectares, has currently exploited about two hectares, interspersed between coconut trees and fruit gardens is an open space overlooking the lake. The island also designed many folk game clusters to serve tourists to visit and experience. On the island, there are a total of 8 small stilt houses, 4 large stilt houses, each large house can accommodate about 50 people, very convenient for recreational activities and group activities.

Windmill House from afar (Photo: Collected)

Another favorite experience in Thung Nai is rowing a boat on the lake. Relax and let go of the oars, while enjoying the natural scenery, in the distance are low, undulating hills, or somewhere are fish cages or small fishing villages, like a very peaceful natural painting. If you do not have experience rowing a boat, do not worry, because there will always be local people accompanying you.

On the same tourist route, not far from there, visitors can visit Mo hamlet - A village that still preserves more than 100 traditional stilt houses and a unique and distinctive system of customs and practices of the Muong ethnic group. Or further away, visitors can make a pilgrimage to the sacred temple - Thac Bo Temple. The main festival of Bo Temple is held on the 7th day of the first lunar month, and lasts until the end of January, February, and March. Coming here during the festival, in addition to performing rituals and burning incense to pray for health and peace for the family, visitors can also enjoy the majestic mountains and rivers, as well as enjoy the joyful and bustling atmosphere of Bo Temple during the festival season.

Tourists traveling on Hoa Binh Lake Tourist Area