The Da River, Thung Nai, Hoa Binh

Tinh Hoa Binh Holiday Weather today


Date/time of update: April 18, 2024, 12:55 am, Timezone: GMT+7
Light Rain

Temperature: 27.09°C
Temperature feels like: 30.35°C
Minimum Temperature: 27.09°C
Maximum Temperature: 27.09°C
Atmospheric pressure: 1008hPa
Humidity:84%
Visibility: 10000m
Wind speed: 1.14m/sec
Wind Direction: 143 degrees
Cloudiness: 55%
Sunrise: 2024-04-17 10:38:10
Sunset: 2024-04-18 11:18:04

Da River (Black River) is a big tributary of the Red River in Northern Vietnam. The river starts its course of over 900km in Yunnan China.

The Da River in Vietnam has the length of over 500km flowing though Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Hoa Binh and Phu Tho Provinces. The Da River discharges its water into the major branch of the Red River at Tam Nong District of Phu Tho Province (near the Trung Ha Bridge between Hanoi and Phu Tho).

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
Morning on the Da River, in Hoa Binh, Vietnam

 Thanks to the huge amount of water year round of the Da River, hydro-power plants were constructed at Hoa Binh and Son La. As a result, huge areas of river basins and the adjacent lands including high mountains are flooded for the reservoirs which makes the once wild beauty become more splendid. AdventureGreen offers various cruises on the Da River and the Hoa Binh Reservoirs from 1 day to 4 days.

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
Peaceful nature on the Da River at Hoa Binh Province

Travel Guide to the Da River in Hoa Binh, What to see, Things to do

1/ Thung Nai

Thung Nai was once a valley home to packs of wild deers, hence the name Thung Nai (Valley of Deers). When the Hoa Binh dam was created blocking the flow of the Da River, part of Thung Nai turned into an idyllic riverside and part turned into islands.

Visiting Thung Nai you could either have a boat trip on the Da River with landscape similar to Halong Bay or experience Muong culture at a homestay by the riverside. Thung Nai islands are crowded at weekends which may not bring you nice adventures.

Thung Nai is 25km southeast of Hoa Binh City. The commune is in Cao Phong District.

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
In early morning, mountains are covered in fog

 

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
At mid day, you can have blue sky and emerald water, just like on Halong Bay...

2/ Thac Bo Cave and Temple

There is a cave and a temple called Thac Bo near Thung Nai. Both are to be reached by boat. The cave is huge and the temple is dedicated to the local cult of Dao Mau (Mother of the land). The temple is by the riverside and attracts a large number of pilgrims all year round.

3/Hoa Binh Reservoir

The pier for having a boat trip close to Hoa Binh City is 5km southeast of the city center. You could either cross the bridge in the city center to the other riverside or via the Hoa Binh Hydro Power Plant. The latter requires a permit from the management of the hydro power plant.

The 2-hour boat trip brings you to secluded communities of the Muong and Dzao living by the side of the reservoir.

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
There are various waterfalls for you to visit on the cruise

 

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
There are villages of ethnic people like the Dzao, the Muong and the Thai along the riverside

4/ Ba Khan Lake

The Ba Khan Lake is part of the Da River in Mai Chau District and is located close to the base of the Thung Khe Pass. Ba Khan is beautiful with several islands on the water which makes it just a small version of Halong Bay. The lake offers lovely adventure boat trips. The sides of the lake are great for leisurely bicycle tours. Ba Khan is 40km west of Hoa Binh City.

AdventureGreen offers various adventure boat cruises on the Da River and the Hoa Binh Reservoirs from 1 day to 4 days. We also offer trekking tours by the side of the Da River through different ethnic communities who live a secluded life here.

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
At dusk, things are just peaceful...

 

Da River in Hoa Binh, Vietnam
At night, there are opportunities to have camp fire and have grilled fish caught from the river...

Hoa Binh Average Monthly Rainfalls and Temperatures


Vietnam Adventure Travel