Tuyen Quang is a land where the beauty of majestic nature, historical depth, and the distinctive cultural identity of highland ethnic groups converge. Not only famous for the Tan Trao Special National Relic Site and the Na Hang – Lam Binh scenic area, this place also offers authentic experiences that help visitors connect deeply with nature and local life. Just over 200 km from Hanoi, Tuyen Quang is gradually becoming an attractive destination for those who love exploration travel, relaxation, and learning about community culture.
If you are planning a journey to explore the Northeast region of Vietnam, below, Hidden North Vietnam suggests 5 unmissable experiences when traveling to Tuyen Quang.
Figure 1: Panoramic view of Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant
1. Exploring Na Hang – Lam Binh Lake – “Ha Long Bay Amid the Great Forest”
Often described as “Ha Long Bay amid the great forest,” this area boasts a magnificent natural landscape covering more than 15,000 hectares, of which over 8,000 hectares are water surface surrounded by limestone mountain ranges, primeval forests, and lush green valleys.
Sitting on a boat gliding along the jade-green water, visitors can admire towering mountains reflected on the calm lake surface, creating a rare and poetic scenery. Beyond its natural beauty, Na Hang – Lam Binh is also home to many ethnic minority groups such as Tay, Dao, Mong, and Pa Then, contributing to a diverse and richly distinctive cultural picture.
Some of the standout experiences here include:
Figure 2: Kayaking on the hydropower lake
- Taking photos at Coc Vai Pha – a famous tourism symbol of Na Hang associated with the legend of the filial young man Tai Ngao. Passing by this landmark, visitors are often told fascinating folk tales and take the chance to make wishes for themselves and their families.
- Conquering Khuoi Nhi Waterfall – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lam Binh. After traveling by boat across the lake, visitors continue trekking about 3 km through green forest to reach the white cascading falls, dropping from a height of dozens of meters. This spot is also famous for soaking in the cool water and enjoying a natural foot massage from schools of small fish.
- Visiting Pac Ta Temple – a sacred temple by the Na Hang lake, tied to many historical marks and folk legends of the Tuyen Quang region.
With its harmonious blend of nature, culture, and experiential activities, Na Hang – Lam Binh is a must-visit destination on any journey exploring Tuyen Quang.
2. Experiencing Na Tong Community Cultural Village
Located in Thuong Lam commune, Lam Binh district, Na Tong community cultural village is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the local culture of the Tay people. The village sits amid the majestic scenery of 99 limestone mountains, featuring traditional wooden stilt houses roofed with yin-yang tiles or palm leaves, creating a rustic and peaceful beauty.
The Tay people make up over 60% of the local population and still preserve many customs, traditions, and traditional cultural values in their daily lives. Coming to Na Tong, visitors can not only enjoy the fresh air but also have the chance to immerse themselves in the rhythm of local life.
Figure 3: Community homestay area in traditional stilt houses house
Appealing experiences at Na Tong include:
- Enjoying traditional folk songs such as Then, Coi, Luon, and the bowl dance.
Figure 4: The bowl dance of the Tay community
- Learning about brocade weaving and directly experiencing the weaving process.
- Joining in the preparation and tasting of traditional Tay dishes.
- Staying overnight at a stilt-house homestay to experience simple life amid the mountains and forests.
From Thuong Lam pier, it is only about 2.5 km to reach Na Tong. This is an ideal stop after exploring Na Hang – Lam Binh lake, offering authentic experiences of highland culture and people when traveling to Tuyen Quang.
3. Admiring the Beauty of Hong Thai Terraced Rice Fields
Located at an altitude of over 1,200 m above sea level, Hong Thai commune in Na Hang district is often called the “Sa Pa of Tuyen Quang.” This place is famous for its terraced rice fields
spanning more than 82 hectares, winding gently along the mountainside and creating an impressive natural picture.
During the water season and the rice-ripening season, Hong Thai takes on a special beauty that captivates anyone who sees it. The layered terraces, tier upon tier, reflect the sunlight, creating a poetic scene amid the great forests of the Northeast.
Figure 5: The water season in Hong Thai
Beyond its beautiful scenery, Hong Thai is also home to the Dao Tien ethnic community, with many distinctive cultural values. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about:
- Traditional costumes decorated with unique silver coins.
- The art of beeswax batik painting on fabric, passed down through many generations.
- Pao Dung folk songs and the traditional bell dance.
- The customs and cultural life of the Dao Tien people.
In addition, Hong Thai is also famous for its centuries-old Shan Tuyet ancient tea trees. Visitors can tour the tea hills, try picking tea leaves, and savor cups of Shan Tuyet tea with the distinctive flavor of the high mountains. This is an ideal destination when traveling to Tuyen Quang for those who love nature, enjoy cloud-hunting, and want to explore local culture.
4. My Lam Mineral Spring
My Lam mineral spring is one of the famous natural mineral sources in Tuyen Quang, discovered by French geologist C. Madrolle in 1923. By 1941, this mineral water source had been tested and confirmed by experts to meet microbiological and chemical standards, with value in supporting the treatment of certain conditions, restoring health, and improving physical wellbeing.
Coming to My Lam, visitors can experience:
- Bathing in natural hot mineral water.
- Mineral mud baths that help beautify the skin.
- Steam baths and relaxing massages.
- Foot soaks using traditional herbal remedies of the Red Dao people.
- Relaxing at modern resorts and hotels.
Figure 6: Mineral bathing at My Lam mineral spring
Amid the cool green surroundings of the mountains and forests, soaking in the warm mineral water helps relax the body, relieve stress, and restore energy after busy working days. This destination suits everyone, especially families and middle-aged travelers who enjoy leisure tourism when visiting Tuyen Quang.
5. Tan Trao Historical Site
The Tan Trao Special National Relic Site is located in Son Duong district, Tuyen Quang province, known as the “Capital of the Liberated Zone” and the “Capital of the Resistance” of the Vietnamese revolution. It preserves more than 180 historical relics associated with President Ho Chi Minh and the momentous events of the August Revolution of 1945, making it a meaningful destination for visitors wishing to learn about national history.
Notable landmarks within the Tan Trao Relic Site include:
- Na Nua Shelter: the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from May to August 1945 to directly lead and prepare for the General Uprising to seize power nationwide.
- Tan Trao Banyan Tree: a historical witness to the departure ceremony of the Vietnam Liberation Army on August 16, 1945, before it advanced to liberate Thai Nguyen and Hanoi.
- Tan Trao Communal House: the site of the National People’s Congress on August 16–17, 1945, which approved the policy of the General Uprising, decided on the national flag and anthem, and elected the Vietnam National Liberation Committee – the forerunner of the Provisional Government.
Figure 7: Tan Trao Communal House within the Tan Trao Historical Site
- Hong Thai Communal House: the first stop of President Ho Chi Minh on his journey from Pac Bo (Cao Bang) to Tan Trao in 1945, and also the place where delegates to the National People’s Congress were welcomed.
Today, Tan Trao is not only a “red address” for educating patriotic tradition but also an appealing historical tourist site when visiting Tuyen Quang, where visitors can immerse themselves in the cool green landscape of the Viet Bac mountains and forests and learn about important milestones on Vietnam’s journey to independence.
From the majestic beauty of Na Hang – Lam Binh lake, the unique culture of Na Tong village, and the poetic terraced fields of Hong Thai, to the relaxing My Lam mineral spring and the profound historical value of the Tan Trao Relic Site, Tuyen Quang offers visitors diverse and unforgettable experiences. This is not only a destination for nature lovers but also a place that helps visitors better understand the history, culture, and people of Northeast Vietnam. If you are looking for a journey of discovery and experience, Tuyen Quang travel is certainly a destination worth visiting at least once. Follow Hidden North Vietnam Blogs for more useful information when traveling to Tuyen Quang.
See more:
– The Most Detailed Na Hang Lam Binh Travel Guide from Hanoi
– The Best Time to Travel to Tuyen Quang – Discover the Beauty of All Four Seasons
– Tay Culture Brings Vitality to Community Tourism in Na Tong, Tuyen Quang
– The A-to-Z Guide to Traveling Na Hang Lam Binh Lake for First-Timers
– Private Tour or Group Tour – Which Is the Right Choice for You
Hidden North Vietnam – Chau Hoang Linh Nga proudly serves as a trustworthy travel companion, specializing in distinctive local travel products and experiences in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. If you are planning to explore that pristine beauty, please reach out through the contact information below so the Hidden North Vietnam team can quickly and promptly support you for a safe, convenient, and complete journey:
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