Quang Ninh is renowned not only for the majestic Ha Long Bay or its vibrant entertainment hubs, but also for hidden sanctuaries nestled within lush mountain forests, offering discerning travelers fresh and enchanting experiences. Among these is Ky Thuong – a highland commune in Hoanh Bo District, home to the Dong Son Nature Reserve and the distinctive cultural heritage of the Dao ethnic people.
An Overview of Ky Thuong
Ky Thuong is a highland commune belonging to Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, situated in the northeastern part of the province. Established on July 1, 1960, it covers an area of 98.67 km² with a population (as of 2016) of 735 residents, predominantly of the Dao minority. Ky Thuong lies approximately 60 kilometers northeast of downtown Ha Long City.
To arrive here, travelers traverse winding mountain passes featuring alternating ascents and descents, promising a journey as captivating as the destination itself. Flanking the roadsides leading to Ky Thuong is the verdant emerald canopy of mountain forests, elegantly accented by the pristine white plumes of reed flowers swaying gently in the breeze. Above, soft clouds drift leisurely across the boundless azure sky.
Ky Thuong Hoanh Bo
Upon reaching Ky Thuong, visitors are invited to behold the untouched splendor of the Dong Son Nature Reserve – one of the largest and most biologically diverse primeval forests in northeastern Vietnam. Spanning over 15,600 hectares, this sanctuary harbors 1,163 species of woody and herbaceous plants, alongside 224 animal species across four classes: birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Notably, 51 of these are rare species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, with one featured in the IUCN Red List. Furthermore, Dong Son proudly shelters two rare endemic species: the crocodile lizard and the Vietnamese snakehead fish.
Embarking on a trek or bicycle ride deep into the forest, exploring and studying indigenous flora and fauna, reveling in the expansive atmosphere, breathing the crisp pure air, and communing with nature offers an exquisitely exhilarating experience. Additionally, travelers may ascend elevated mountain peaks for panoramic sightseeing, photography, and camping. A premier destination for trekking enthusiasts is Thien Son Peak – the highest summit in Ky Thuong commune, standing at an elevation of over 1,000 meters. From this vantage point, guests can gaze out toward the distant center of Hoanh Bo. The ephemeral moment of sunset, as the sun dips gracefully behind the peaks, paints the natural landscape in breathtaking, magical hues.
Beyond Thien Son Peak, Ky Thuong boasts numerous other attractions waiting to be discovered, such as the Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm eco-tourism area, the Dao ethnic community tourism village, and the Dong Son Waterfall tourism site. Each destination possesses its own unique character and allure, offering a rich tapestry of diverse experiences.
See more: Tourist Destinations in Hoanh Bo
Things to Do in Ky Thuong
Beyond its pristine natural beauty, Ky Thuong is enriched by the distinctive cultural heritage of the Dao people – one of the indigenous ethnic minorities residing here. The Dao community in Ky Thuong preserves exceptionally rich and unique customs, traditions, festivals, traditional attire, culinary arts, and ancestral crafts. To fully immerse oneself in Dao culture, visitors can participate in community-based tourism activities thoughtfully organized and guided by the locals themselves.
A standout community tourism highlight in Ky Thuong is the Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm Resort. Here, travelers can experience the authentic lifestyle and culture of the Dao people within a serene, verdant ecological setting. Nestled within the heart of the Dong Son – Ky Thuong Nature Reserve, approximately 60km from downtown Ha Long City, it occupies the largest and most biodiverse primeval forest in northeastern Vietnam, home to numerous rare flora and fauna. The resort features stylized wooden stilt houses that vividly reflect the architectural heritage of the Ky Thuong Dao people, set within a spacious 2,000-square-meter campus dedicated to dining, accommodation, and recreational services.
The community house with stylized stilt-house architecture at Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm.
At this sanctuary, guests can visit the cultural community house displaying Dao artifacts, traditional costumes, and farming tools, while gaining insights into ancestral Tet celebrations and maturity rituals (Le Cap Sac). Visitors are warmly welcomed by staff dressed in traditional Dao attire and can learn the art of brocade embroidery from local village elders and artisans. Furthermore, guests can savor exquisite Dao specialties such as black-boned chicken stewed with traditional medicinal herbs, wild boar grilled with chili salt, stream fish boiled with lotus leaves, and partake in cultural performances including Then singing, bamboo dancing (Mua Sap), and playing the Tinh lute. These engaging activities foster a deeper appreciation and connection with the vibrant heritage of the Dao people.
A signature, one-of-a-kind highlight of Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm is the traditional Dao herbal bathhouse. Utilizing ancestral herbal remedies crafted from rare botanicals and medicinal plants handpicked by local Dao healers, this therapeutic immersion offers a restorative wellness ritual and absolute relaxation. Guests can soak in large wooden tubs housed within charming stilt bungalows or enjoy an open-air bath beneath a cooling forest canopy. The Dao herbal soak not only cleanses the body and dissolves tension but also revitalizes stamina and enhances overall vitality.
Thien Son Mountain Hoanh Bo
Additionally, surrounding the central Am Vap Farm, travelers can embark on adventures through bamboo forests, enjoy stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), catch stream snails and fish, cycle through villages to explore traditional indigenous dwellings alongside locals, plant medicinal herbs in the community forest, or conquer the summits of Thien Son and Am Vap mountains in Khe Phuong village. These activities not only allow guests to revel in the expansive, pristine ambiance of the mountains but also contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and the sustainable economic development of the local community.
Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm is an exceptional and alluring community tourism destination in Ky Thuong, where travelers can experience the lifestyle and culture of the Dao people within a serene, verdant ecosystem. Visiting this retreat allows guests to commune intimately with local nature and culture while experiencing the genuine hospitality and warmth of the residents. Ky Thuong Am Vap Farm is truly an extraordinary eco-cultural destination in Quang Ninh that should not be missed.
Traveler Recommendations for Visiting Ky Thuong
- Timing: Visitors can travel to Ky Thuong at any time of the year. However, to ensure safety and fully savor the pristine natural beauty and local culture, summer and autumn are the ideal seasons. Travelers are advised to check the weather forecast prior to departure to avoid rainy days. During summer, guests will revel in the crisp, refreshing mountain air accompanied by engaging recreational activities. In autumn, travelers can behold magical natural landscapes adorned with cascading layers of mystical clouds.
- Transportation: Guests can travel to Ky Thuong by car or motorbike. However, due to winding sections, steep inclines, and the potential for landslides during rainy weather, opting for an automobile is recommended for enhanced safety. If traveling by motorbike, riders should choose a high-capacity vehicle and drive with utmost caution, ensuring the vehicle’s roadworthiness before departure. To navigate to Ky Thuong, travelers may utilize Google Maps or consult local residents.
- Preparation: Visitors should pack light jackets, hats, face masks, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes when exploring Ky Thuong. For camping or trekking excursions, bringing tents, sleeping bags, flashlights, water bottles, and light snacks is essential. Travelers should also respect local customs and traditions, avoiding any disruption to property, the environment, or cultural heritage sites. It is equally courteous to seek permission from locals prior to taking photographs or recording videos.
