English
French
Spanish
ItalianSky Pond - Fairy Stream
Ao Gioi - Suoi Tien (meaning Sky Pond - Fairy Stream in Vietnamese) is one of the most enchanting destinations in Northern Vietnam. Nestled atop Mount Na in Phu Tho Province, just about 120 km from Hanoi, this natural paradise offers lush forests, waterfalls, and streams. Locals believe that bathing in these natural pools can cleanse both the body and spirit, bringing good health and fortune.
Its unspoiled landscapes, cultural legends, and gentle hiking trails make it the perfect spot for relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion. Let’s dive right in and explore what this Sky Fairy combo has to offer!
Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is a gorgeous spot in Phu Tho
Local legend connects Sky Pond - Fairy Stream with the ancient Vietnamese myth of Mother Au Co, the ancestral fairy mother of the Vietnamese people.
According to folklore, after uniting the land, she chose this region to settle. On the 7th day of the first lunar month, she ascended the nearby Na Mountain to return to the heavens, leaving behind a stream now known as the Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien) and a celestial Sky Pond (Ao Gioi), along with a pink silk scarf as a symbol of her love for her descendants.
To this day, on the 7th day of the first lunar month, locals gather at the nearby Mother Au Co Temple to honor her with an annual grand festival. The ceremony includes hanging a pink silk ribbon on the ancient banyan tree as a symbol of gratitude.
Located in Ha Hoa District, Phu Tho Province, Sky Pond Fairy Stream is easily accessible from Hanoi. The journey should take around 2.5 to 3 hours by car, via the National Highway 32 or Hanoi - Lao Cai Expressway to the northwest.
Travelling with a private driver should be the most comfortable and convenient option for foreigners, especially if you don't speak Vietnamese. You can hire a car with a driver for a day trip or an overnight stay. To arrange this, contact your hotel or a reputable tour company in Hanoi. Many family-friendly Vietnam tours arrange transportation for a hassle-free experience.
If you’d like to spice things up a little bit, travelling by bus is the most adventurous and budget-friendly option, but it requires patience and some basic Vietnamese or Google Translate. Please bear in mind that it's not a direct route and involves several transfers.
Hop on a bus to Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is definitely one way to do it
You can start by taking a bus from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi to Viet Tri City (Phu Tho Province). From Viet Tri, you'll need to find another local bus or, more likely, a taxi or motorbike taxi (xe om) to Ha Hoa District, and then specifically to Sky Pond - Fairy Stream. This leg will be the trickiest to navigate.
The entrance fee in Sky Pond & Fairy Stream should be around 20,000 - 50,000 VND per person (subject to change). Other costs include parking fees (roughly 10,000 VND for motorbikes and 50,000 VND for cars), a local guide (optionally), and food costs (roughly 100,000 - 200,000 VND per meal).
The weather here reflects the northern midland region's distinct four seasons. The air is fresh and cool all year round, making it suitable for relaxation. The best time to explore Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is from April to September, when the waterfalls are full and nature is at its peak. Summer is especially popular, as visitors can enjoy swimming in the refreshing waters of the streams.
Most of Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is best explored on foot. The trails wind through forests and alongside streams, offering many picturesque spots. For convenience, some services may also offer electric carts or local motorbike rides for parts of the trail.
Suggested for you: Xuan Son National Park Tour 2 Days: Tranquil Nature Escape
The biggest draw of Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is the series of natural waterfalls and pools where you can swim or simply relax by the water. The water is often crystal clear and refreshing, especially on a hot day. You can find various depths, from shallow areas suitable for wading to deeper pools for a proper swim.
Keep in mind that there will likely be no changing rooms, and the facilities are basic. Make sure to bring your own towel and consider wearing practical swimwear.
Imagine diving in the cool autumn waters of northern Vietnam
Gentle forest trails make Sky Pond - Fairy Stream a great fit for northern Vietnam tours that include light hiking. Pathways and trails following the course of the Fairy Stream will allow you to discover different levels of waterfalls. Some paths lead to higher vantage points or quieter spots. Since it's just a moderate trek, you shouldn’t be worried too much if your fitness level is not on par with professional hikers.
Make sure to wear sturdy, non-slip shoes as rocks can be wet and slippery. The paths might not always be well-maintained, so watch your step.
Forest trails in Sky Pond - Fairy Stream are mostly left untouched
There are a few small accessible caves in the area. These are typically not deep or complex. You should bring a flashlight or use your phone's torch, as it can be dark inside. You should also be mindful of bats or insects.
Many locals come here with food and drinks to enjoy a picnic by the stream. You can find a quiet spot on the rocks or by the water to relax, read, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. While there are local eateries, it's a good idea to pack some of your own snacks and drinks, especially if you have specific dietary preferences or just want more variety.
This is a very popular specialty in many mountainous and hilly regions of Vietnam, and Phu Tho is no exception. These chickens are raised freely in the hills, resulting in leaner, firmer, and more flavorful meat compared to industrial chickens, making it a staple on many family-friendly Vietnam tours menus.
Hill chicken is one of the most popular dishes in mountainous areas of Vietnam
Phu Tho is situated near rivers, and fish is a prominent part of its cuisine. Lang catfish is a prized local river fish. It can be prepared in various ways, including grilled, braised with green bananas and tofu, served in a hotpot, or stir-fried with galangal.
A nice serving of grilled Lang catfish will have you coming back for more
This is a distinctive specialty of the Muong ethnic minority, who are indigenous to this region. It's made from pork (often free-range pig), thinly sliced and mixed with roasted rice powder, salt, and various spices, then fermented. It has a unique sour, savory, and aromatic flavor.
.jpg)
Sour fermented pork (thit chua) is a must-try specialty in Phu Tho
Sky Pond - Fairy Stream is a special spot to add to your Northern Vietnam journey. Here, you can hike through lush landscapes, cool off in crystal-clear streams, and take in the quiet beauty of untouched nature. It’s a place to slow down and breathe, a welcome break from the rush of city life. Let Asia King Travel help you plan a trip that feels just right for you. Start your adventure with us today!
Suggested for you: Vietnam Tours 5 Days
