“Thanh Hoa’s Trang An” at Its Most Beautiful

07/09/2026
There is no need to travel to Ninh Binh – right in the heart of Thanh Hoa lies a breathtaking “miniature Trang An” that is at its most beautiful when autumn arrives. As the water lilies on Au Stream burst into bloom, the clear blue waters embrace the surrounding limestone mountains, while Kim Son Scenic Landscape takes on its most peaceful and enchanting beauty of the year, becoming a favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

“Tràng An” của xứ Thanh vào mùa đẹp nhất

Boat trip on Au Stream.

At 6 a.m., the Au Stream boat dock was already bustling with activity. A group of visitors from Hanoi had just arrived, ready to embark on a journey to explore Kim Son, a destination often described as “Thanh Hoa’s miniature Trang An.” Le Thi Van, a tour guide at Kim Son Scenic Landscape, welcomed the visitors and urged everyone to board quickly and settle into their seats. She explained: “Whenever I know a group has registered for a tour, I recommend coming between 6 and 8 a.m., as this is when the water lilies are at their most beautiful. By around 10 a.m., the flowers begin to close their petals, so visitors who arrive later may miss the most distinctive moment on Au Stream.”

The boat slowly left the dock beneath the cool morning air. On both sides of the stream, clusters of purple and reddish water lilies burst into bloom, spreading soft patches of color along the water. Their delicate fragrance drifted gently on the breeze, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. The boat continued winding its way between limestone mountains, with 29 peaks surrounding the area and creating an enclosed landscape where water, rocky cliffs and forest vegetation intertwine. The scene resembled an ink-wash painting, with visitors becoming both observers and explorers immersed in its beauty.

On the way to the cave, the boat passed through a grove of roi trees, also known locally as ancient bong bong trees. Some of these trees are several decades old, with thick, sturdy trunks and branches hanging close to the water. The boat can pull in alongside them, allowing visitors to pick and enjoy the fruit right there. Beyond the grove lies a lush green field of water chestnuts. As the boat glided slowly onward, the tour guide shared a folk verse about the water chestnut: “My body is like a thorny water chestnut; white inside, black outside.” The story brought smiles to many visitors as they unexpectedly encountered in real life a plant they had heard about since childhood.

The journey along Au Stream offers more than beautiful scenery on the water. Visitors can also admire the pristine and majestic natural landscape of the surrounding mountains. In the distance, groups of monkeys occasionally appear along the mountain slopes, swiftly swinging from branch to branch and clinging to the rocky cliffs. No one calls them, and no performance has been arranged. They simply continue with their daily routines, while visitors happily watch from their boats.

“Tràng An” của xứ Thanh vào mùa đẹp nhất

Visitors from Hanoi take souvenir photos at Kim Son Scenic Landscape.

At the end of the boat trip on Au Stream, the boat returns to the dock, where visitors continue their journey to Linh Ung Pagoda and its system of caves. After lighting incense at the pagoda, they explore the site and listen to stories and legends about the pagoda, the caves and the history of the land as shared by the tour guide.

One of the moments most eagerly anticipated by visitors is not part of any fixed itinerary. It is the sight of monkeys coming down from the mountains in search of food. According to the tour guide, the pagoda grounds have a designated area where food is placed for them. If visitors are “fortunate enough to encounter them,” they may see hundreds of monkeys making their way along the cliffs, swinging from tree branches down into the pagoda courtyard. Some carry their young, while others quickly grab food before darting back up the mountainside. The entire scene unfolds naturally, without calls or human intervention. The monkeys appear and soon disappear back into the mountains, leaving the courtyard as peaceful as before. It is precisely this unexpected encounter that adds a touch of wonder to the journey.

After visiting the pagoda, the visitors board the boat back toward the shore, continuing their exploration of Kim Son through the distinctive cuisine of the region’s low hill country, with a variety of flavorful dishes inspired by both the rivers and mountains.

Today’s group was led by Nguyen Van Phong, Director of Dai Phong Trading, Services and Tourism JSC, operating under the travel brand Let’s Tour. Kim Son was the first stop on their three-day, two-night journey through Thanh Hoa, before the group continued on to enjoy a seaside stay in Sam Son.

Phong said: “For visitors who have already been to Sam Son for the second or third time, adding a Kim Son experience makes the journey more diverse and meaningful. Many visitors from other provinces and cities have never heard of Kim Son, so discovering a new and beautiful destination like this makes the trip even more memorable. After the visit, most of the tourists gave very positive feedback about Kim Son Scenic Landscape.”

Tong Xuan Son, Human Resources Manager at Kim Son Scenic Landscape, said: “It is beautiful here in every season. In summer, the thuy ban trees along both sides of the stream change from green to distinctive shades of yellow and red. Autumn is when the water lilies bloom most spectacularly and display their richest colors. The mild autumn weather also allows visitors to fully enjoy the scenery. Exploring Kim Son is not simply a 3-kilometer journey along Au Stream; every stop offers another opportunity to connect with the wild beauty of nature.”

Source: vhds.baothanhhoa.vn

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