Thanh Hóa Travel: A Guide to Eating, Getting Around, Fun Activities, and the Latest Check-in Spots in 2025

Thanh Hóa – the land of “geographical eminence and outstanding talents,” located in the North Central region of Vietnam, is a place that brings together stunning natural landscapes, a heroic history, and impressive cuisine. From the lively Sầm Sơn Beach to the Ho Dynasty Citadel heritage site, this destination is always ideal for those who love exploration. Let’s join HaNoi Vip Tours to discover the Thanh Hóa travel guide and prepare for your upcoming journey!

Best time to visit Thanh Hóa

Thanh Hóa has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, humid summer and a cold, dry winter. However, each season has its own charm:

April – August: This is summer and also the peak beach tourism season. It is ideal for swimming and beach activities at Sầm Sơn, Hải Tiến, or Hải Hòa. This is the busiest travel period, with clear blue skies and cool seawater.

October – March (next year): Autumn and spring bring cooler, pleasant weather—perfect for exploring historical sites and attractions such as the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Bến En National Park, or the Cẩm Lương God Fish Stream.

Travel experience to Thanh Hóa

Getting there from other provinces

From Hanoi:

• Coach: Buses from Mỹ Đình, Giáp Bát, or Nước Ngầm stations run frequently. Ticket prices range from 120,000–200,000 VND per trip. Travel time is about 3–4 hours. Reliable operators include Văn Minh (0336 781 722) and Tuân Yến (0964 202 094).
• Train: From Hanoi Railway Station, you can take trains to Thanh Hóa Station. Travel time is 3–4 hours, with fares from 150,000 VND (seat) to 300,000 VND (soft sleeper).
• Motorbike: About 150 km via National Highway 1A. The route is mostly straight and easy, but caution is needed when sharing the road with large vehicles.

From southern Vietnam: You can fly directly from Tân Sơn Nhất Airport to Thọ Xuân Airport (Thanh Hóa). Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways operate regularly. Ticket prices range from 900,000–1,500,000 VND per one-way trip depending on the time.

Getting around the province

• Motorbike rental: Around 150,000–200,000 VND/day. Ideal for exploring Pù Luông, Sầm Sơn, Biện Sơn, and scenic mountain routes. Suggested rental services:
  • Sầm Sơn motorbike rental service (Võ Thị Sáu, near Bà Triệu street, C Beach – Sầm Sơn, 0947 099 858)
  • Long Hà motorbike rental (256 Nguyễn Trãi, Điện Biên Ward, Thanh Hóa City, 0247 375 887)
• Taxi: Around 11,000 VND/km (4-seater) and 15,000 VND/km (7-seater). Reliable company: Thành Công Taxi (0932 451 396)
• Motorbike taxi: Available via Grab or traditional drivers at bus stations, markets, and tourist areas. Cost is around 7,000–10,000 VND/km.

Top 5+ must-visit destinations in Thanh Hóa

Sầm Sơn Beach

A famous beach in northern Vietnam, known for its long white sand and lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, seafood, and relaxing with friends by the sea.

Ho Dynasty Citadel

A UNESCO World Heritage site built entirely of stone. It is both an architectural wonder and a historical landmark of the Hồ Dynasty, offering a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere.

Address: Vĩnh Tiến Commune, Vĩnh Lộc District, Thanh Hóa

Pù Luông

A famous nature reserve with stunning terraced fields, lush green mountains, and clear streams. Visitors can stay in homestays and enjoy trekking and nature exploration.

Address: Bá Thước and Quan Hóa districts

Thác Mây (Cloud Waterfall)

Located about 180 km northwest of Thanh Hóa City, this waterfall is surrounded by lush mountains and forests. Visitors can trek through trails and enjoy the cool natural atmosphere.

Address: Mường Lát Commune, Mường Lát District

Hải Hòa Beach

Located 45 km south of Thanh Hóa City, this beach is peaceful, clean, and less crowded. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood and boat trips to Hòn Mê Island.

Address: Hải Hòa Commune, Tĩnh Gia District

3+ famous specialties of Thanh Hóa

• Nem chua Thanh Hóa: A signature fermented pork dish with a sweet-sour, chewy texture, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Tứ Trụ sticky rice cake (Bánh gai Tứ Trụ): Made from glutinous rice flour and ramie leaves with mung bean filling.
• Cháo canh Thanh Hóa: A local noodle soup with chewy noodles and rich pork broth.

Where to stay in Thanh Hóa

Hotels in Thanh Hóa City Center

• Mường Thanh Grand Hotel (5 Phan Chu Trinh, Lam Sơn Ward)
• Melia Vinpearl Thanh Hóa (Đông Sơn New Urban Area)
• Phú Hưng Hotel (74 Lê Hoàn Street, Tân Sơn Ward)
• Central Hotel (119 Nguyễn Du Street)
• Phượng Hoàng Hotel (46 Ngô Quyền Street)

These hotels are conveniently located near tourist attractions and shopping areas. Room prices range from about 600,000 VND to over 1,000,000 VND per night depending on room type and season.

Hotels and resorts in beach areas and tourist destinations

The coastal areas of Sầm Sơn, Hải Tiến, and Nghi Sơn are ideal destinations if you want to combine beach travel with resort-style relaxation. Room prices at these resorts range from 800,000 VND to 4,000,000 VND per night, depending on the room type and included services.

Sầm Sơn Beach area: FLC Sầm Sơn Resort (Quảng Cư, Sầm Sơn) and Vạn Chài Resort (Quảng Tiến, Sầm Sơn) offer stunning sea views, making them suitable for family trips or group vacations, with high-end amenities and services.

Hải Tiến Beach area: Paracel Resort, Moonlight Hotel, and Eureka Linh Trường are resorts in Hải Tiến that provide quality service, modern facilities, and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

Bãi Đông, Nghi Sơn: Nghi Sơn Eco Island (Address: Nghi Sơn, Tĩnh Gia) is a unique choice for those who love nature, offering a tranquil and beautiful landscape close to the natural environment.

HaNoi Vip Tours – All-inclusive Thanh Hóa tour packages

Discover the stunning beauty of Thanh Hóa – a land not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes but also for its unique historical relics, with all-inclusive travel services from HaNoi Vip Tours!

All-inclusive services: We provide you with a perfect travel experience, including quality transportation, comfortable hotel accommodation, and sightseeing tours to famous destinations such as Sầm Sơn Beach, the Ho Dynasty Citadel, Cẩm Lương God Fish Stream, Pù Luông, and many other attractive landmarks.

Discounted flight booking: HaNoi Vip Tours offers domestic flight booking services at extremely competitive prices, helping you save costs and easily start your journey to explore Thanh Hóa.

Professional service: With an experienced team of tour guides, modern tourist vehicles, and dedicated customer care, we are committed to delivering a high-quality trip at the most reasonable cost.

Come and explore Thanh Hóa with HaNoi Vip Tours to experience all the wonderful things this destination has to offer. Don’t forget to contact us via our website hanoiviptours.vn or hotline 0966355819 to get the best consultation and all-inclusive Thanh Hóa tour packages at great prices!