population: 3.71 million

extension: 11,136 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Thanh Hoa and interested in visiting museums, I would recommend the Ho Citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers insights into the history and culture of Vietnam. Other nearby museums that you may want to consider include the Lam Kinh Museum, which showcases artifacts related to the Le dynasty, and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Museum, which features exhibits on the local history and culture.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to eat in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, according to local people, are:

1. Nem chua: This is a type of fermented pork sausage that is often served as an appetizer or snack.

2. Bánh căn: These are small, savory pancakes made with rice flour and topped with shrimp, scallions, and other ingredients.

3. Bún thịt nướng: This is a dish of cold rice noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, and vegetables, along with a flavorful sauce.

4. Cơm tấm: This is a dish of broken rice served with various toppings, such as grilled pork, fried eggs, and pickled vegetables.

5. Phở bò: This is a classic Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices.

6. Chả cá Lã Vọng: This is a famous fish dish that originated in Hanoi but is also popular in Thanh Hoa. It's made with marinated fish fillets that are fried with turmeric and dill and served with rice noodles and peanuts.

7. Gỏi cuốn: These are fresh spring rolls filled with vermicelli noodles, shrimp, pork, and herbs, and served with a peanut dipping sauce.

8. Xôi gấc: This is a dessert made from glutinous rice that is colored bright red by the gấc fruit, and typically served during special occasions like weddings or Lunar New Year.

Activities

Sure! Some fun activities that local people in Thanh Hoa enjoy include visiting the Sam Son beach, exploring the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, hiking up to Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic views of the city, and trying out the local cuisine at Dong Son Market. You can also take a boat tour along the Ma River or visit the Ba Trieu Temple and learn about local history and culture.