1. Why is the journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa chosen by many tourists?
The journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa is considered one of the most attractive tourist routes in the North Central region, not only due to its convenient geographical location but also because it contains many rich experiences in both traditional lands. Both Vinh and Thanh Hoa are located along National Highway 1A and the North-South railway line, making travel between the two localities easy, fast, and time-saving. It only takes a few hours of travel for tourists to reach the land of Thanh Hoa from Vinh.
The distance from Vinh to Thanh Hoa is not too far, convenient for travel. (Source: Collected)
Not only outstanding in landscape, the tourist route from Vinh to Thanh Hoa is also attractive due to the combination of culture, cuisine, and spirituality. If Vinh evokes the simplicity of Central Vietnam with its rich cuisine, then Thanh Hoa captivates tourists with the vibrant Sam Son beach, the sacred Phu Na, the solemn Lam Kinh, or the wild Pu Luong. This very intermingling between the two cultural regions of Nghe – Thanh creates an emotional journey, where tourists not only discover beautiful scenery but also feel the rhythm of life, the people, and the characteristic hospitality of Central Vietnam.
2. Popular transportation methods from Vinh to Thanh Hoa
2.1. Traveling by bus, limousine
This is a choice favored by many tourists thanks to its flexibility and convenience. From Vinh, tourists can take a bus or limousine to go from Vinh to Thanh Hoa at major bus stations such as Bac Vinh bus station or Nam Vinh bus station. The average travel time is from 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the type of vehicle and traffic conditions. The time may be longer if the bus stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way.
Buses have the advantage of cheap tickets, ranging from 80,000 to 170,000 VND, suitable for those who want to save costs. Meanwhile, limousines offer a more comfortable experience with reclining seats, cool air conditioning, and door-to-door transfer service, with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 to 550,000 VND.
2.2. Traveling by train
Trains offer a slow, safe, and poetic experience for the journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa. There are about 6 trains running on this route daily, including trains SE20, SE8, SE6, SE10, SE4, SE2, departing from Vinh station and stopping at Thanh Hoa station. The average travel time is about 2.5 hours, suitable for tourists who want to enjoy a quiet space and avoid fatigue on long journeys.
Ticket prices range from 111,000 VND for hard seats to 459,000 VND for air-conditioned sleeper compartments, depending on the train type and seat class you choose. This is an ideal choice for those who love a relaxing feeling and enjoy viewing the Central Vietnamese landscape along the North-South railway line. Through the window, tourists can admire the vast rice fields, rolling mountains, and peaceful villages, all creating a simple yet poetic natural picture, making the trip from Vinh to Thanh Hoa more memorable than ever.
Traveling by train is a safe and economical option for tourists. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Traveling by private car, motorbike
For tourists who love independence and want to explore the route from Vinh to Thanh Hoa themselves, traveling by private car or motorbike is an extremely interesting choice. Not only does it offer flexibility in time, but this journey also provides an opportunity to admire the poetic Central region scenery and stop at many attractive tourist spots along the way.
For cars, tourists can choose one of two main routes:
Option 1: travel via CT01 highway combined with National Road 48C. This route has wide, flat roads, helping to shorten travel time and ensure safety, suitable for those who prioritize speed and convenience.
Option 2: follow National Road 1A then turn into National Road 48C. This route has many rest stops and abundant food services, suitable for trips with family or friends who want to experience the scenery along the route.
For motorbikes, tourists can follow National Road 1A, then turn into National Road 36 and continue straight along National Road 48C to reach Thanh Hoa. On this journey, tourists will pass through a series of famous places such as Hai Hoa beach, Sam Son beach, or Khe Bung lake. These are wonderful stops to rest, enjoy the scenery, and take photos amidst the fresh natural landscape.
The trip by car or motorbike from Vinh to Thanh Hoa is not just a journey, but also an exploration experience, where tourists can fully enjoy the beauty of the North Central Coast region: rustic, peaceful, and rich in Vietnamese identity.
3. Must-visit destinations on the route from Vinh to Thanh Hoa
3.1. Sen Village, the homeland of Uncle Ho
On the journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa , Sen Village – the homeland of President Ho Chi Minh is a must-visit stop. Located in Kim Lien commune, Nghe An province, this small village carries immense historical and spiritual value for the Vietnamese nation. This is where Uncle Ho was born and grew up during his childhood years, before he left to find a way to save the country. The relic site consists of three main areas: Kim Lien historical site, Hoang Tru historical site (Uncle Ho's maternal hometown), and the tomb of Ms. Hoang Thi Loan (his mother).
The space here still retains its simple, rustic charm with thatched roofs, areca trees, wells, jackfruit trees… evoking the image of an ancient Vietnamese countryside. Visitors can explore, listen to guides recount Uncle Ho's life, character, and childhood memories, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation for love of the homeland. Sen Village is open all year round, and visitors can come at any time, especially on May 19th – Uncle Ho's birthday, when many meaningful commemorative activities take place here.
Visiting Sen Village and listening to stories associated with Uncle Ho's life. (Source: Collected)
Admission is completely free, visitors only need to pay a small fee for parking. Visitors should spend 1-2 hours in the morning to visit, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing their journey to Thanh Hoa. A visit to Sen Village is not only a journey back to the source but also an opportunity for everyone to love the land and people of the Nghe region more.
3.2. Pu Luong Nature Reserve
If you love pristine beauty and yearn to return to nature, then Pu Luong is definitely a must-visit destination on the journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa. Pu Luong Nature Reserve is nicknamed the 'green paradise' in the western Thanh region, where mountains, valleys, and terraced fields blend to create a rare poetic landscape.
Pu Luong stands out with its rich forest ecosystem, fresh, cool air year-round. Especially, the terraced fields winding along the mountainside during the golden ripe rice season create a picturesque natural scene. Visitors can experience trekking through villages like Don village, Hieu village, Kho Muong village, where the simple, rustic lifestyle of the Thai people is still preserved. Here, visitors can relax in homestays nestled amidst nature, enjoy specialties such as sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, Co Luong duck, fermented rice wine, or experience stream bathing and cycling through the forest.
Pu Luong is beautiful year-round, but the most ideal times are during two seasons: May-June (water-flooding season) and September-October (ripe rice season). Each season has its own beauty, making visitors want to return. It is not only a place for relaxation amidst the green forest, but Pu Luong is also an ideal destination to recharge and find balance in the hustle and bustle of modern life.
3.3. Ho Citadel
Located in Tay Do commune, Thanh Hoa province, Ho Citadel is one of the most magnificent ancient architectural works in Vietnam, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 2011. Built in 1397 during the Ho Quy Ly dynasty, the structure impresses with its unique stone construction technique, where blocks weighing tens of tons are fitted tightly together without mortar.
The citadel has three main areas: La Thanh, Hoang Thanh, and Hao Thanh, harmoniously arranged between mountains, rivers, and fields, reflecting a forward-thinking planning mindset. Notably, the South Gate of the citadel is the most prominent symbol, with its sturdy stone arch architecture after more than 600 years. Besides exploring the ancient ramparts, visitors can also visit the artifact exhibition area, learn about the history of the Ho dynasty and the bold reforms in currency, education, and administration by Ho Quy Ly.
The entrance fee is about 40,000 VND/adult, and 20,000 VND/child aged 7-12. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight gilds the ancient stone slabs, creating a scene that is both majestic and solemn. Ho Citadel is not only a historical destination but also a testament to the creativity and resilient spirit of the ancient Vietnamese people.
3.4. Sam Son Beach, Sam Son Beach Square
Sam Son Beach is one of the most famous and oldest beaches in the North Central region, considered a tourism icon of the Thanh region. This beach boasts a long stretch of golden sand, strong waves crashing white foam, and fresh sea air, bringing a sense of freedom and vitality. In the summer, thousands of tourists flock here to immerse themselves in the cool water, play with the big waves, and feel the salty, warm sea breeze.
Stroll, check-in, and swim at Sam Son beach. (Source: Collected)
Not only does it have a vibrant beach, but the Sam Son sea square is also an attractive destination, reflecting the modern and dynamic pace of life of this youthful tourist city. Located right by the sea, the square is designed to be vast, often hosting large-scale festivals, art programs, and cultural events. At night, the space here is brilliant with lights, lively music blending with the sound of the waves, creating a vivid and energetic picture. Visitors can stroll, take photos, or enjoy delicious grilled seafood from roadside stalls.
4. Some experiences and notes for the journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa
The journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa offers visitors countless beautiful experiences and memorable photos. At Lang Sen Que Bac, early mornings with gentle sunlight filtering through the areca trees are ideal for photography. Pu Luong is charming with its golden terraced fields during the rice harvest season, while Thanh Nha Ho impresses with its majestic ancient stone citadel gate. At Sam Son beach, visitors can capture moments of sunrise on the golden sand, or take vibrant check-in photos at the Sam Son sea square.
The most beautiful scenery in Pu Luong is during the ripe rice season. (Source: Compilation)
When visiting tourist attractions, historical sites, or pagodas on the route from Vinh to Thanh Hoa, visitors should dress politely, maintain a solemn attitude, and comply with regulations in spiritual areas. At heritage sites like Ho Citadel or Sen Village, avoid climbing, carving, and littering. If visiting ethnic minority areas in Pu Luong, respect local customs, do not play loud music, and do not enter private homes without permission. Additionally, when swimming at Sam Son beach, follow the lifeguard's instructions and do not swim far from the shore to ensure safety. A friendly attitude and environmental awareness will make your trip more complete and memorable.
The journey from Vinh to Thanh Hoa is not just a trip to explore two lands rich in tradition, but also an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, learn about culture, enjoy cuisine, and feel the simplicity and sincerity of the people of Nghe and Thanh regions. From sacred historical sites like Sen Village and Ho Citadel, to the majestic nature of Pu Luong or the vibrant Sam Son beach, each stop offers unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip today, thoroughly preparing your transportation, itinerary, and destinations to make your Vinh to Thanh Hoa tour complete, safe, and more memorable than ever.
