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Thac Ngao (Thai Nguyen Province)
Around 80 kilometers from Hanoi, Dat Ngao Waterfall, commonly known as Thac Ngao, is one of the best-known natural attractions in Quan Chu Commune, Thai Nguyen Province.
Nestled at the foot of the Tam Dao mountain range, the waterfall is easily accessible by road.
The waterfall has retained its pristine natural landscape, making it an ideal retreat for travelers seeking cooler temperatures and a quieter alternative to crowded tourist destinations.
Around Thac Ngao, several local families operate traditional stilt-house homestays, food services and camping facilities. Visitors can either bring their own camping equipment or rent tents on site.
For those looking for a more comfortable outdoor experience, glamping packages include amenities such as private bathrooms, toilets, mattresses, electric fans, bedding and meals.
Glamping rates range from VND 1-1.2 million (about US$39-47) per person per night, depending on the season.
Thac May (Thanh Hoa)
Located about 115 kilometers from Hanoi, Thac May in Thach Quang Commune, Thanh Hoa Province, is one of the province's most popular summer destinations.
The roads leading to the waterfall are in good condition and can be reached easily by both motorcycles and cars.
Admission costs VND 20,000 (about US$0.80) per person.
Known locally as the "Nine-Tier Waterfall of Love," Thac May lies within the buffer zone of Cuc Phuong National Park and features nine cascading limestone terraces that flow into natural pools below.
Besides swimming and climbing the waterfall, visitors can enjoy local specialties at nearby eateries.
Weekends are typically busy, so travelers are advised to reserve services in advance or bring their own food and drinks while renting a riverside seating area.
Thac Mu (Phu Tho)
More than 100 kilometers from Hanoi, Thac Mu in Ngoc Son Commune, Phu Tho Province, is among the province's most attractive natural destinations, especially during the summer months.
At the base of the waterfall, gently sloping cascades feed into a large, crystal-clear natural pool formed over time by flowing water, creating a popular swimming area for visitors.
Recognized as a provincial scenic heritage site in 2017, Thac Mu was also listed by US-based travel publication Culture Trip as one of Vietnam's 15 most beautiful waterfalls.
The site is accessible by both motorcycles and cars. From the parking area, visitors walk several hundred meters along a paved path and staircase built by local residents to reach the waterfall.
According to the Thac Mu Tourism Cooperative, overnight visitors can stay in traditional stilt-house homestays near the Mu Stream area for VND 100,000-150,000 (US$4-6) per person per night.
Day-trippers may bring their own tents for camping and barbecues or rent shelters from local residents for around VND 100,000-200,000 (US$4-8) per shelter.
Visitors can also sample regional specialties including mountain snails, bamboo-tube rice, grilled chicken, free-range pork and wild bamboo shoots.
These dishes are prepared by local families operating nearby homestays and restaurants at affordable prices.
Thac Thung (Phu Tho)
Hidden among forested mountains in Van Son Commune, Phu Tho Province, Thac Thung is approximately 120 kilometers from Hanoi.
The waterfall stands nearly 30 meters high, with multiple cascades flowing over long rock formations, resembling a ribbon of white silk from a distance.
At an elevation of more than 1,000 meters above sea level, Thac Thung enjoys a cool climate throughout the year and is especially popular as a summer escape.
Visitors can hike to the top of the waterfall for panoramic views or swim in the natural pool at its base.
Camping is also available on nearby grasslands, while bamboo forest shelters offer shaded rest areas. Local Mường dishes are served at food stalls around the site.
There is no entrance fee to visit Thac Thung. However, renting a shelter or ordering meals costs approximately VND 200,000-400,000 (US$8-16) per person, depending on the services selected.
Thao Trinh
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