Where nature speaks softly: discovering May stream

Discover Suoi May (May Stream) in Thanh Hoa, a hidden stream with crystal-clear water and peaceful surroundings.

Locally known as Suoi May, the stream lies about 80km from the center of Thanh Hoa province. It originates from Ngoc Son waterfall, located nearly 20km away in what was once Hoa Binh province, now part of Phu Tho.

Despite the absence of large-scale tourism infrastructure or services, Suoi May continues to attract visitors with its rare, untouched charm.

The most striking feature of the stream is its clarity. Standing by the water, visitors can easily see every pebble beneath the surface, shimmering under sunlight. The cool water flows year-round, weaving gently through rocks and creating a soft, soothing sound that enhances the sense of calm.

This natural beauty has turned Suoi May into a favorite check-in destination for young travelers.

Lo Thi Ha, a visitor from Son La, shared that she enjoys exploring new places and has traveled widely. Yet her visit to Suoi May with friends left a strong impression due to its fresh air and peaceful atmosphere.

“The lush green mountains combined with the clear stream create beautiful frames for photos. The gently sloping rock banks in the middle of the stream are perfect for resting, taking pictures, or simply enjoying the fresh air,” she said.

From farmland to a nature retreat

Nguyen Van Doanh, a local service provider at Suoi May, said the land originally belonged to his family, which once focused on farming and livestock.

“About five years ago, I built a small hut so locals could come here to cool off during summer. As more visitors arrived, I used bamboo from the garden to build additional shelters, small bridges, and water wheels to serve tourists and create check-in spots,” he said.

Over the past two years, the number of visitors coming to swim, relax, and take photos has steadily increased. In response, he has expanded the number of resting huts and added basic food services.

During hot summer days, Suoi May becomes particularly lively. Surrounded by forested mountains, the area maintains a cool climate year-round, making it an ideal place to escape the heat. Visitors can swim in the stream, soak in the refreshing water, or take part in simple activities such as catching fish, cooking by the stream, or riding bamboo rafts.

Getting there

To reach Suoi May, travelers can depart from Thanh Hoa city and follow National Highway 45 or 47 to the Ho Chi Minh Trail. From there, the route continues through former districts such as Tho Xuan, Ngoc Lac, and Cam Thuy before arriving in Thach Thanh.

The stream is located in Thach Quang Commune, about 10km from the main road. Travel time from the provincial center is around two to two and a half hours. Although the route passes through mountainous terrain, it remains accessible by car.

According to Doanh, the site receives only a few dozen visitors on weekdays, but numbers rise significantly on weekends, especially during hot weather. At peak times, Suoi May can welcome thousands of visitors in a single day.

Local authorities in Thach Quang noted that the area is being developed by a household on privately owned land, with structures mainly built from bamboo to preserve the natural landscape.

With its combination of natural beauty, simple experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere, Suoi May is gradually becoming a compelling destination in the region. More than just a place to visit, it offers travelers a chance to reconnect with a sense of balance in an increasingly busy modern life.