1. Discover the sacred and traditional land of Ke Nua
Hidden deep in the heart of Thanh Hoa, the land of Ke Nua is like an ancient painting full of the marks of time. Not only outstanding with its pristine natural beauty, this place also preserves many historical values and unique spiritual characteristics. In 2025, as spiritual tourism is increasingly concerned, Ke Nua becomes a choice for tourists who wish to learn about their roots and enjoy a peaceful space for their souls.
1.1. Geographical location and natural characteristics of the land of Ke Nua
Located in the center of Thanh Hoa province, the land of Ke Nua spans three large districts: Trieu Son, Nong Cong, and Nhu Thanh, of the former Thanh Hoa province. Prominent here is Nui Nua mountain , a separate mountain range stretching nearly 20 km in the Northwest – Southeast direction. The highest peak reaches 538 m above sea level, like a giant standing majestically amidst the Thanh Hoa plains. To the east, fertile fields open up, to the west are continuous mountain ranges, creating a landscape that is both majestic and poetic.
Majestic and pristine scenery of Nui Nua mountain. (Source: Foreign Information Portal)
The year-round mild climate and diverse ecosystem, from mountains to wide valleys, have created an ideal living space here. Many tourists have shared that upon arriving in Ke Nua, they immediately felt the fresh air and the new vitality bestowed by nature.
1.2. Discover the appeal of the land of Ke Nua in 2025
In 2025, the land of Ke Nua stands out with three values not to be missed. Firstly, it is the historical depth associated with the uprising of Lady Trieu in 248, which made "the entire Chau Giao region tremble." Historical sites such as Nua Temple, Am Tien, and many ancient landmarks are still preserved today, offering visitors the chance to relive those heroic years.
Besides the natural beauty, the spiritual aspect is the factor that makes Nui Nua mountain always have a special attraction for visitors from all directions. Locals consider it the "master mountain" of the region, a place where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth converges and auspicious feng shui elements harmonize. On the mountainsides, a system of pagodas, temples, and shrines is harmoniously arranged amidst the natural scenery, creating a pure and sacred space. Every pilgrimage step up Nui Nua mountain is not just a journey to explore beautiful scenery but also a journey to find inner peace, helping people to slow down amidst the pace of modern life.
Finally, Ke Nua promises to become a prominent tourist destination in 2025, offering visitors rich and memorable experiences. The activity of trekking to conquer Nui Nua mountain peak attracts many young people who love exploration and challenging themselves amidst the majestic natural scenery.
The Ba Trieu festival, held annually in the second lunar month, brings a festive atmosphere, with traditional rituals, folk games, and solemn palanquin processions, evoking the heroic spirit of the nation's history. Not only that, but the photo spots from the slopes and peak of Nui Nua mountain are becoming favorite check-in spots for young people, where each frame captures the beauty of the harmony between heaven, earth, and sacred cultural heritage.
2. History of formation and development of the land of Ke Nua
The name "Ke Nua" preserves cultural traces, continuing through many generations since the ancient Hung Vuong era. According to ancient documents and long-standing legends, the land of Ke Nua was once a place of residence and interaction for many ancient clans, especially in the area of Tan Ninh commune, Thanh Hoa province. "Ke" was originally a term for a land area in ancient Vietnamese, while "Nua" is derived from the name of the sacred mountain characteristic of this region.
Archaeological artifacts unearthed here are of great value, such as pottery, tools, jewelry, and votive items from the Le and Nguyen dynasties. These relics reflect the long history as well as the persistent development of the indigenous civilization over many millennia.
Ancient clans such as Trinh, Nguyen, and Le settled here early, forming a diverse community. It was this interaction and intermingling that created a unique, inseparable characteristic in the distinctive culture of the land of Ke Nua today.
The land of Ke Nua is closely associated with the uprising of Lady Trieu in 248, a typical event in the nation's history of resistance against the Wu army. The heroine Trieu Thi Trinh used this place as a crucial military base. The mountainous terrain combined with the plains was favorable for establishing camps, organizing forces, and directing battles.
Nui Nua mountain became a strategic garrison point, controlling the entire Thanh Hoa plain, while effectively connecting neighboring areas through a communication and observation network. This role remains deeply imprinted in many historical periods following the glorious past of Lady Trieu.
Many place names in the area still bear traces of ancient battle sites, such as Go dong Thoc, where resistance food was stored, Dong Ky, a gathering and training place for soldiers, Bung Voi Dam, where war elephants were raised, and Dinh Nua Am Tien, where strategies were frequently discussed. These names are both cultural treasures and vivid evidence of the irreplaceable historical role of the land of Ke Nua.
Mist covers the path on Nua Am Tien Peak. (Source: Collected)
3. Outstanding experiences in the land of Ke Nua 2025
3.1. Exploring Nui Nua
Nui Nua not only possesses the majestic appearance of creation but also holds a special place in the spiritual life of the land of Ke Nua. Currently, trekking to the peak of 538m has been chosen by many tourists to challenge themselves. The trail up the mountain, though not too treacherous, is enough to bring a sense of conquest to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in nature. Standing on the summit, the gaze expands to the horizon, embracing the peaceful beauty of the Thanh Hoa plains below.
Some favorite check-in spots at Nui Nua are Gieng Tien with its crystal clear blue water all year round, Ao Hop nestled quietly in the forest, and especially Am Tien cave, which is rumored to be a place of practice for the fairies. Tien Chessboard with large natural rocks surprises many who set foot there. The Tien Medicinal Garden, diverse in precious herbs, and the ancient Tu Nua shrine also always attract visitors.
In terms of feng shui and spirituality, Nui Nua is revered by the people of Thanh as the 'mountain lord', bringing vitality to the entire area. The space here is particularly suitable for spiritual practice and mental peace. Many scholars and poets have repeatedly praised the beauty and spiritual value of this mountain in their works.
3.2. Visiting Ba Trieu Temple
Located in Trieu Loc commune, Thanh Hoa province, Ba Trieu Temple is an ancient architectural complex reflecting the art of many dynasties. Each architectural detail, from precious wooden columns to murals depicting the life of the female general Trieu Thi Trinh, shows meticulousness and sophistication. The spacious temple courtyard and magnificent Tam Quan gate enhance the solemn worship space, very suitable for remembering and honoring the national hero.
Sacred, ancient Temple of Lady Trieu. (Source: Tien Phong)
The entire temple grounds are imbued with a solemn atmosphere, making everyone who comes here feel a sense of reverence. The statue of Lady Trieu is worshipped as a symbol of indomitable will and spirit of independence. Many visitors come here not only to pay homage but also hope to find more strength from the story of that outstanding heroine.
The Lady Trieu Festival, held annually in the second lunar month, is a joyous gathering occasion for local people and visitors from all directions. Traditional rituals such as offerings, palanquin processions, folk art performances, and historical uprising reenactments all take place solemnly yet are full of vitality. The festival atmosphere is both joyful and preserves solemnity, fitting with the values of honoring the history and culture of this place.
4. Travel Guide to the Land of Ke Nua
4.1. Traveling from Hanoi to the Land of Ke Nua
Starting from Hanoi, you have many options to reach the land of Ke Nua, depending on your personal needs and budget. The bus from Giap Bat station to Thanh Hoa bus station is a choice many tourists make, with a travel time of about 3–4 hours. Afterwards, continue by connecting to the Ke Nua area using local provincial transport.
The Hanoi – Thanh Hoa train route offers a comfortable and safe experience for travelers. The train operates multiple services daily, allowing you to easily choose a suitable time. Thanh Hoa station is located about 3 km from the center, making travel very convenient.
Travel to Thanh Hoa by train. (Source: Collected)
For tourists using personal cars, National Highway 1A or the Hanoi – Thanh Hoa expressway are ideal choices. The distance is 150 km, with a travel time of about 2.5 – 3 hours depending on traffic conditions. Estimate the round-trip fuel cost at around 300,000 - 400,000 VND, suitable for groups who want to be proactive with their itinerary and explore more nearby attractions.
4.2. Notes on traveling within Thanh Hoa province to Ke Nua
From Thanh Hoa city, to reach the land of Ke Nua, travel west about 20 – 25 km along provincial road 47, heading towards Trieu Son district. The Thanh Hoa city – Trieu Son bus route operates stably with a travel time of about 45 – 60 minutes, with a frequency of one trip every 20 – 30 minutes.
If you need to travel quickly and to specific points, tourists can choose taxis or ride-hailing motorbikes, costing about 200,000 – 300,000 VND for a one-way trip. The advantage of this mode of transport is time-saving and convenient travel. Some companies also offer half-day or full-day tour packages with reasonable service fees.
The best time to explore the land of Ke Nua is from the second to the fourth lunar month, when the air is cool and traditional festivals are vibrant. Start early to enjoy the fresh air and soft light for beautiful photos.
5. Cuisine and accommodation around the land of Ke Nua
5.1. Suggested specialties not to be missed when visiting Ke Nua
When visiting the land of Ke Nua, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Thanh Hoa. Thanh Hoa fermented pork roll (Nem chua Thanh Hoa) is famous everywhere, made from fresh pork, pork skin, and traditional spices, resulting in a lightly sour, attractive flavor. This dish is often served with fresh herbs, creating an unforgettable harmonious sensation for the taste buds.
Specialty of Thanh Hoa fermented pork roll. (Source: Collected)
You should also try bitter leaf soup, a famous dish of the Thanh Hoa plains. The bitter leaves (wild bitter melon) are mixed with dried shrimp, minced meat, and spices, creating a liver-cooling, nutritious soup. Co Lung duck is processed into fragrant, firm grilled dishes and porridge, locally famous. Additionally, Răng Bừa cake and Gai cake are excellent choices for those who love traditional specialties.
Wild vegetables such as sweet potato leaves, Bo khai vegetable, and young bamboo shoots picked from Nua mountain bring dishes with a characteristic fresh and cool taste. Mountainous pork and free-range hill chicken are often used for grilled, boiled, or stewed dishes with herbs, bringing natural sweetness. Tourists who love unique cuisine should try sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, grilled in bamboo tubes and served with fresh wild vegetables.
5.2. Hotels and homestays suitable for the Ke Nua exploration journey
Thanh Hoa currently has many 2-3 star hotels offering modern amenities, with room prices only a few hundred thousand VND per night, depending on the standard and time. These hotels are usually located near the center, convenient for traveling to the land of Ke Nua and other tourist attractions in the province.
If you want to be closer to local life, homestays in communes of Trieu Son, Mau Lam, or near Nua temple are ideal choices. By staying at a homestay, visitors can also enjoy traditional meals and hear stories about local history and legends.
Most accommodation facilities offer free wifi, shuttle service from train stations or bus stations, local specialty breakfast, and tour itinerary consultation. Many homestays also organize historical site tours, guide trekking on Nua mountain, and offer experiences of seasonal traditional festivals.
6. Important experiences and notes when traveling to the land of Ke Nua
To have a complete trip to the sacred land of Ke Nua, preparing suitable clothing and items is extremely necessary. Visitors should choose sports shoes or hiking shoes with anti-slip capability, especially useful when trekking on Nua mountain. A light jacket helps keep warm in rapidly changing mountain weather conditions, especially in the early morning or late afternoon/evening. In addition, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will protect you when moving outdoors in the sun.
Always bring enough drinking water for the whole day, along with high SPF sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a power bank so that phones and cameras are always ready to capture beautiful moments. If traveling in spring or summer, don't forget a raincoat or a compact umbrella. A light backpack to carry personal items along with basic medicines such as headache and stomach medicine will make the journey safer and more comfortable.
When visiting spiritual sites in the land of Ke Nua , visitors need to pay attention to maintaining a solemn attitude and adhering to traditional customs. Neat, polite attire is a mandatory requirement; women should wear clothes covering shoulders and knees, while men should avoid wearing tank tops or short shorts. Maintain order and speak softly within the temple grounds to ensure a solemn atmosphere. When taking photos, only do so in permitted areas and avoid using flash in the main sanctuary.
Lighting incense and praying should follow the guidance of the relic management board or local people. Absolutely do not touch worship objects or move offerings without permission. The act of bowing when passing the altar or performing rituals is a way to show reverence to Lady Trieu and the ancestors. During festivals, follow the organizers' guidance, avoid jostling, and maintain order to ensure general solemnity.
After worshiping and exploring, visitors can keep beautiful memories by checking in at prominent spots of the land of Ke Nua. The gate of Lady Trieu temple with its ancient and solemn features is an ideal place to start a photo journey. From Am Tien peak, you can cast your eyes to admire the panoramic view of the Thanh Hoa plains, especially impressive at sunrise or sunset. Additionally, the Ban Co Tien and Gieng Tien areas offer a magical scene, very suitable for photos with a strong imprint of nature.
Tourists visit and pay respects at the Fairy Well (Gieng Tien). (Source: Ethnic and Development Newspaper)
The ideal time for photos is early morning from 6 – 8 AM or afternoon from 4 – 6 PM when golden sunlight covers the hills. To make your photos unique, you can choose to wear an Ao Dai or traditional costume to take pictures with the relic, or with local people to capture sincere interaction moments. Don't forget to buy some local specialties or traditional handicrafts as gifts – a meaningful way to remember the memorable pilgrimage in the sacred land of Ke Nua.
The land of Ke Nua promises to bring tourists a journey of discovery of historical and cultural heritage and meaningful spiritual experiences in the future. If you have the chance to visit here in the coming years, tourists should visit Huyen Tich Am Tien – a spiritual cultural work currently under construction on a grand scale, promising to become a premier spiritual tourist destination in the Thanh Hoa region. Afterwards, take time to stroll at the Sam Son beach square, enjoy the bustling beach atmosphere, sparkling lights, and youthful pace of life to conclude the journey with complete and memorable feelings.
The land of Ke Nua is a place that converges harmonious beauty between nature and history, between national pride and deep spiritual life. Coming here, tourists can not only listen to legendary stories about Lady Trieu (Ba Trieu), but also feel the sacred breath of the land and sky of Thanh Hoa. The journey to explore Ke Nua is an opportunity for each person to return to their roots, calm their soul, and ignite faith in the enduring value of Vietnamese culture.
