If You’re Looking For A Motorbike Journey That’s Just Right — Authentic, Close, Beautiful, And Not Overcrowded — Thanh Hoa Is The Ideal Choice. This Place Offers Not Only The Famous Sam Son Beach But Also Majestic Mountains, The World Heritage Site Ho Dynasty Citadel, And A Ton Of Renowned Local Delicacies. Join James Hanoi Motorbikes To Kick Off Your Adventure Exploring Thanh Hoa By Motorbike — A Destination Where Untouched Beauty Meets Rich Cultural Depth!
Motorbike Route from Hanoi to Thanh Hoa
Total Distance: Approximately 150–170 km, depending on your chosen destination and route.
Suggested Itinerary:
-
Start from Hanoi, follow National Highway 1A — an easy, wide, and convenient route.
-
Pass through Ha Nam, Ninh Binh, and Bim Son, then head into the center of Thanh Hoa City.
-
From there, you can branch off according to your personal plan to explore the beach, mountains, or heritage sites.
For Countryside Lovers:
If you prefer quiet roads filled with rice fields, villages, and roadside forests, consider taking National Highway 45 or combining it with a section of the Ho Chi Minh Road — ideal for riders who love nature and don’t mind sharp curves.
Must-Visit Destinations in Thanh Hoa
Sam Son Beach – The Northern Blue Calling
When it comes to northern beaches, Sam Son is undoubtedly the first name that pops into many minds. It is one of Thanh Hoa’s most famous beaches, attracting millions of visitors each year thanks to a perfect blend of natural beauty and well-developed tourism services.
Sam Son Beach boasts crystal-clear waters, a long stretch of sandy shore, and waves just strong enough to provide a refreshing thrill for swimming or water sports. In the morning, you can take a stroll along the beach, watch the breathtaking sunrise over the sea, and soak in the intoxicatingly fresh air.
Hoang Thanh Ho – A UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in the Heart of Thanh Hoa
If you love history or enjoy snapping photos at unique spots, Hoang Thanh Ho is definitely a must-visit stop when traveling through Thanh Hoa.
Built in 1397, this fortress served as the short-lived capital of the Ho Dynasty but left a profound mark on the flow of national history. What makes it truly special is that the entire fortress is constructed from massive blocks of blue stone, each weighing tens of tons, skillfully fitted together without any mortar — a medieval architectural marvel.
Cam Thuy Sacred Fish Stream – The Mystical Gem Amid Thanh Hoa’s Mountains
Nestled at the foot of Truong Sinh Mountain (Cam Thuy District), the Cam Thuy Sacred Fish Stream is a place of both unique natural beauty and intriguing legends. Though the stream is just a few meters wide, it is home to thousands of fish of various kinds—mainly dốc fish and carp—some measuring up to a meter long and weighing as much as 30 kilograms.
The mysterious part? These fish never stray beyond a few square meters around the rocky cave area, nor are they ever caught. Locals call them “sacred fish,” believing they are spiritual guardians protecting the land’s energy veins, bringing peace and prosperity to the region.
Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Rustic and Majestic Like a Painting
If you’re looking for a true escape from the city—a place to breathe fresh forest air, sleep in a village, listen to flowing streams, and wake up among the clouds—then Pu Luong is the destination for you.
Located in the western part of Thanh Hoa province, Pu Luong is often called the “Little Sapa” of Central Vietnam. Though not widely famous, it boasts a uniquely pristine beauty: vast green terraced fields, Thai ethnic villages nestled on hillsides, and a cool, pleasant climate all year round.
Ben En National Park – “The Halong Bay on Land” of Thanh Hoa
Ben En National Park, located in Nhu Thanh district about 36 km from Thanh Hoa city, is one of the most pristine and striking destinations in northern Vietnam for true nature-loving adventurers. Covering over 16,000 hectares, including more than 4,000 hectares of primary forest and 21 large and small islands scattered across the Muoc River lake, Ben En rightfully earns the nickname “Halong Bay on Land.”
At Ben En, you’ll immerse yourself in a peaceful, fresh world. The vast lake with crystal-clear water reflects the layers of surrounding mountains, while small islands like green jewels dot the water. The sounds of forest birds echo, creating a poetic and rare natural scene.
Beyond its scenic beauty, Ben En is home to over 1,000 plant species and more than 600 rare animal species — many listed in Vietnam’s Red Book — including gray langurs, clouded leopards, white pheasants, and golden orchids.
Tu Thuc Cave – A Legendary Love Tale in the Heart of the Stone Mountains
Tu Thuc Cave, located within the Kim Son scenic complex (Nga Son district, Thanh Hoa), is a destination steeped in spirituality and legend. It’s famously linked to the story of Tu Thuc — a mandarin from the Tran dynasty — who wandered into the fairy realm after rescuing a girl whose peony branch was broken during a temple festival. She was Giang Huong, a celestial fairy, and it was in this cave that they fell in love and lived together in the immortal world.
Stepping into Tu Thuc Cave feels like passing through a gateway in time. The cave stretches deep and wide, adorned with thousands of stalactites hanging down, forming countless shapes — dragons soaring, fairies dancing, palaces, and even a fairy chessboard. Light filtering through the rock walls creates a mystical, ethereal atmosphere that leaves every visitor awestruck.
The air inside remains cool year-round, offering a refreshing escape from the Central Vietnam heat. Every step deeper into the cave is a step closer to a fairy tale — both surreal and serene.
Thac May – A Natural Masterpiece Amidst Thanh Hoa’s Vast Forests
Located in Thach Lam Commune, Thach Thanh District, Thac May is renowned as one of the most beautiful and poetic waterfalls in Thanh Hoa. This waterfall stands out not only for its pristine natural beauty but also for the legend tied to the “9 layers of clouds,” symbolizing luck and fulfillment in local folklore.
Thac May boasts a uniquely natural structure, with nine layers of rocks stacked atop each other. Water cascades down like soft white silk ribbons flowing through the forested mountains. During the rainy season (June to October), the waterfall roars fiercely, creating a magnificent and poetic spectacle with white foam splashing everywhere. In the dry season, the water is calm and crystal clear, perfect for cooling off and relaxing amidst nature.
Surrounded by dense, year-round cool forest, the melody of birdsong blends harmoniously with the gentle sound of flowing water. Visitors can climb the rocky tiers, immerse themselves in the refreshing water, or simply sit and admire the falls while taking deep breaths — letting all worries drift away.
Thanh Hoa – Culinary Paradise That Keeps Travelers Coming Back
Not only captivating with its majestic landscapes and stunning routes, Thanh Hoa is also a food lover’s paradise, boasting rich, distinctive dishes that leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries them. If you’re a fan of “food tours” combined with “road trips,” don’t miss this list of local specialties on your journey through Thanh Hoa!
Thanh Hoa Nem Chua – The Famous Delicacy
One of Thanh Hoa’s greatest culinary prides is nem chua. Unlike versions from other regions, Thanh Hoa’s nem chua offers a mild sourness, gentle spiciness, and crispy pork skin strands. It’s perfectly enjoyed wrapped in leaves like Vietnamese ginseng or guava. You can also buy pre-packaged nem as a neat and addictive souvenir.
Cha Tom Thanh Hoa – A Rustic Yet Flavorful Dish
At first glance, this dish looks simple, but once you taste it, you’ll keep nodding in approval. Finely pounded shrimp mixed with pork, wrapped in rice noodle sheets, then grilled over charcoal until golden and fragrant. When eaten, it’s dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce mixed with garlic and chili — one bite and you’ll want more!
Banh Gai Tu Tru – The Sweet Taste of Homeland
Soft, fragrant, and rich — these three words perfectly describe the famous Banh Gai from Tu Tru. The cake’s outer layer is made from glutinous rice flour mixed with ramie leaves, filled with mung beans, shredded coconut, and pork fat. Wrapped in dried banana leaves, it stays fresh and chewy for a long time, making it an ideal gift souvenir.
Banh Rang Bua – A Unique Traditional Cake from Thanh Hoa
The name might sound unusual, but this cake has won the hearts of many locals in Thanh Hoa for generations. Made from soft glutinous rice flour wrapped around a filling of minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, and fragrant dried shallots, then steamed until hot and tender. This cake is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light snack on long journeys – convenient, filling, and delicious. If you have the chance, try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s considered an unforgettable specialty!
Thanh Hoa Steamed Rice Rolls – A Unique Spicy Flavor
Unlike northern-style steamed rice rolls with fillings, Thanh Hoa’s version stands out for its simplicity and quality: thin, soft rice sheets served without filling, but perfectly complemented by savory pork sausage and a rich, spicy dipping sauce. If you’re cruising along countryside roads, don’t hesitate to stop by a small roadside stall and savor this distinctive dish – guaranteed to offer a delightful and surprising culinary experience!
Banh Duc with Sauce – “Simple yet Melt-in-Your-Mouth”
Unlike other places where banh duc is eaten cold, here it’s served hot with a savory minced pork sauce, sprinkled with crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs — creating a rich, fragrant, and smooth harmony of flavors. Enjoying this dish on a cool afternoon, just after stopping your bike to rest, is an experience you won’t easily forget.
Banh Nhe – Gentle as a Rainy Afternoon in Thanh Hoa
If you visit Thanh Hoa on a light rainy day, don’t miss trying banh nhe — a sweet dessert made from small glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste, cooked in creamy coconut milk. The mildly sweet, creamy taste is perfect to “soothe” your long motorbike journey through the region.
Che Lam Phu Quang – Childhood Memory in a Candy Bite
The famous Che Lam in the Phu Quang area is made from molasses, roasted sticky rice, peanuts, and ginger. Its flavor is mildly sweet, slightly spicy, chewy and fragrant – perfect to carry along on your adventure trip, eating on the road to both fill and warm your stomach.
Canh La Dang – “Strange but Healthy” Dish
A traditional dish of the Muong people, Canh La Dang is cooked from special forest leaves combined with pig’s innards or minced meat. The bitterness is mild and pleasant, with a sweet aftertaste, making it increasingly appetizing – especially useful when you have just finished a long tiring journey and need to recover.
Goi Nhech – The “Addictive” Specialty of the Coastal Area
If you visit Nga Son – a peaceful coastal area in northern Thanh Hoa, don’t forget to try Goi Nhech. The snakehead fish is carefully prepared and mixed with roasted rice powder, served with fresh herbs and fermented shrimp paste sauce. The rich, sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors blend in every bite – once you try it, you’ll never forget!
Motorbike Travel Tips for Thanh Hoa
Exploring Thanh Hoa by motorbike is an exhilarating experience, combining diverse natural landscapes, rich local cuisine, and ideal roads for travel enthusiasts. But to make your trip truly complete, you need to prepare carefully regarding timing, your bike, and itinerary. Here are some useful tips to help you “ride hard, chill harder.”
Best Time to Hit the Road
Thanh Hoa’s weather has two distinct seasons: hot summer and cold winter. To fully enjoy the natural scenery and travel comfortably by motorbike, the ideal periods are March–May and September–November:
-
March–May: Beautiful sunny days, not too harsh, perfect for crossing mountain passes, exploring caves, and hiking. This is also when the terraced fields in Pu Luong begin to turn green.
-
September–November: Cooler weather, less crowded Sam Son Beach, fewer tourists, perfect for those who want to explore in their own way without the crowds.
Suggested Route – Scenic and Convenient
A motorbike trip around Thanh Hoa can follow this route:
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ho Citadel – Pu Luong – Ben En National Park – Sam Son – back to Hanoi
-
Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Stop to admire Trang An and have a light lunch.
-
Ninh Binh – Ho Citadel: Visit the world heritage site — an impressive stone architectural marvel.
-
Ho Citadel – Pu Luong: Winding mountain roads, not too difficult but requires good riding skills.
-
Pu Luong – Ben En: Dense forest, lakes, and wildlife — ideal for light trekking.
-
Ben En – Sam Son: Head to the coast, enjoy seafood, and relax before returning to the city.
The total distance is about 450–500 km. You can split it into 4–5 days to ensure enough time for a full experience without feeling exhausted.
Vehicle – Your Unmissable Companion
Whether you ride a big displacement motorbike, a dirt bike, or an adventure touring bike, make sure your vehicle is in the best condition:
-
Prioritize off-road or dual-sport bikes if you plan to explore mountainous areas like Pu Luong and Ben En.
-
Thoroughly check before departure:
-
Tires have enough tread, not overly worn
-
Brakes are responsive, no slipping
-
Chain tension is correct, oil level is sufficient
-
Headlight, horn, and turn signals all work properly
-
Bring along a tire repair kit, hand pump, spare spark plug, and basic tools — just in case of breakdowns on deserted roads.
Accommodation – Relax and Reconnect with Nature
Thanh Hoa offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to upscale, allowing you to enjoy each region in its own unique way:
-
Pu Luong: Plenty of homestays with stunning terraced rice field views. Spots like Pu Luong Retreat, Jungle Lodge, and Hieu Garden offer rustic yet comfortable stays, where you can chill by the fire at night, with the soothing sounds of streams around.
-
Ben En: A few homestays run by the Thai ethnic people – perfect for those seeking cultural immersion, tasting local dishes like bamboo rice and stream fish.
-
Sam Son: Abundant hotel options from 2 to 5 stars, close to the beach or city center. If traveling during peak season, be sure to book in advance to avoid running out of rooms.
Motorbike Travel Tips in Thanh Hoa
-
Choose the right bike: Dirt bikes, ADV160, Winner X, or XR150 depending on the route. For Pu Luong – Thac May, go for a powerful bike with high ground clearance.
-
Fuel up wisely: Fill up in Bim Son, Thanh Hoa City, Cam Thuy, or Ba Thuoc — gas stations are scarce in the mountains.
-
Essential gear: Carry an offline map, full-face helmet, gloves, raincoat, and insect repellent.
-
Avoid night riding: Do not ride Pu Luong – Thac May after dark due to fog, slippery roads, and dangerous curves.
With solid preparation and safe riding, your Thanh Hoa motorbike trip will be an unforgettable, chill adventure!
Rent a Quality Motorbike in Hanoi – James Hanoi Motorbikes
Looking for a true companion for your motorbike trip to Thanh Hoa?
Head to James Hanoi Motorbikes – your trusted destination for:
-
High-quality touring bikes: from manual clutch, scooters to adventure models
-
Regular maintenance, protective gear included, and door-to-door delivery
-
24/7 route advice and technical support
📍 Website: jamesmotorbikes.com
📞 Hotline: +84.915.010.817
📧 Email: jameshanoimotorbikes@gmail.com
Final Note: Return to Thanh Hoa – Return to the Soul of Vietnam
Traveling to Thanh Hoa is more than just a getaway – it’s a journey that connects past and present, where raw natural beauty meets rich local culture. For motorbike riders, this land isn’t just a destination – it’s an authentic, emotional, and unforgettable experience.
Ride to Thanh Hoa, and you’ll see just how breathtaking Vietnam truly is.
And if you’re looking for the right bike to kickstart that journey, James Hanoi Motorbikes is always ready to ride with you – from the heart of Hanoi to the sun-kissed lands of Central Vietnam.
Source: Compilation
—————
Contact Us
- Address: Number 449 – Hong Ha street | Phuc Tan, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
- Hotline: +84 915 010 817
- Email: jameshanoimotorbikes@gmail.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/jameshanoimotorbikes
