It’s surprising that just near Hanoi, there is an attractive tourist destination for those who love exploring and conquering new lands. Thai Nguyen tourism is a great choice to offer exciting experiences in the ‘land of tea’.
Although it’s not as adventurous as traveling to Ha Giang’s Rock Plateau, not as warm as Phan Thiet or Vung Tau, nor as majestic as Ha Long… Thai Nguyen brings its own unique charm, with a gentle and fresh allure that is equally captivating. Join RuudNguyen.com in discovering interesting places and unique dishes in this area.
An Introduction to Thai Nguyen
Thai Nguyen City (Collected Photo)
Thai Nguyen is a province in the midland and mountainous region of Northern Vietnam, bordering Bac Kan province to the north, Vinh Phuc and Tuyen Quang provinces to the west, Lang Son and Bac Giang provinces to the east, and Hanoi to the south. For a long time, Thai Nguyen has been known for its association with ‘tea’, as the local saying goes ‘Thai tea, Tuyen girls’.
Since the Ly Dynasty established its capital in Thang Long, Thai Nguyen has been a direct shield to the north of the capital. During the resistance against the Tong invasion in 1076-1077, the southern part of Thai Nguyen was the front line along the Cau River, where fierce battles occurred between the Ly royal army and the Tong Dynasty.
In the early 15th century, when the Ming Dynasty invaded Vietnam, the people of Thai Nguyen rose up in continuous rebellions. Notably, Luu Nhan Chu from Dai Tu district, along with his father and brother-in-law, joined the Lam Son uprising led by Le Loi. During the Nguyen Dynasty, Thai Nguyen was the site of many peasant revolts against feudal officials. The people of Thai Nguyen participated in the uprisings led by Duong Dinh Cuc and Nong Van Van.
Before the August Revolution of 1945, many Central Committee members of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and the standing committee of the Bac Ky regional committee, frequently operated and developed forces in Thai Nguyen. In 1947, President Ho Chi Minh visited Thai Nguyen and led the Resistance War against the French from the main base at ATK Dinh Hoa.
Here, President Ho Chi Minh and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam decided to launch the Border Campaign in autumn 1950, the Winter-Spring Campaign of 1953-1954, and the decision to launch the historic Dien Bien Phu Campaign, along with numerous other important events.
From 1956 to 1975, Thai Nguyen was a province in the Viet Bac Autonomous Region, and the city of Thai Nguyen was the capital of this region. Previously, in 1890, the French administration divided the Thai Nguyen province of the Nguyen Dynasty into two provinces: Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan.
In 1965, the government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam merged the two provinces of Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan into Bac Thai province. Eventually, Bac Thai was divided back into the two provinces of Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan as they are today in 1997.
When is the Best Time to Visit Thai Nguyen?
The weather in Thai Nguyen is characterized by two distinct seasons: The summer season from May to October, often hot and humid with heavy rains, especially in August.
The winter season from November to April of the following year typically features dry and cold weather, particularly in November. If you are lucky to visit on a sunny day, it will be more convenient for exploring and sightseeing.
You can visit any time of the year. However, I recommend visiting in the summer to combine exploring various tourist spots and activities at Nui Coc Lake. The best time to visit is from March to September when Nui Coc Lake attracts many tourists and hosts several artistic events.
Guide to Getting to Thai Nguyen
Public Transportation
Thai Nguyen is 80km from Hanoi, so if you are in Hanoi, you can travel to Thai Nguyen via National Highway 3 (Nam Thang Long road past Noi Bai airport). Buses to Thai Nguyen depart from My Dinh or Nam Thang Long bus stations.
From Thai Nguyen bus station to the city center is about 4km, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the center. There are plenty of taxis in Thai Nguyen, so if you have the budget, you can hire a taxi for convenience and time-saving.
Another experience to consider is the railway; there is a daily train from Hanoi station to Thai Nguyen at 4:20 PM (Train QT1), and it takes about 2 hours to reach Thai Nguyen station.
Personal Transportation
If using a motorbike, you can travel from Hanoi to the east side of Dong Anh via Thang Long or Nhat Tan bridges and then proceed to Thai Nguyen on National Highway 3. If driving a car, you can choose the Hanoi – Thai Nguyen expressway. The distance from Hanoi to the center of Thai Nguyen city is about 80km, and it only takes about 1 hour by expressway.
Accommodation When Traveling in Thai Nguyen
Hotels and Guesthouses in Thai Nguyen
Hotels and guesthouses in Thai Nguyen are mainly concentrated along central streets such as Hoang Van Thu, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Cach Mang Thang Tam, etc. Therefore, depending on the location you wish to visit, choose the most suitable accommodation for your needs.
Homestays in Thai Nguyen
Besides the common accommodation services like hotels and guesthouses, Thai Nguyen has also seen the emergence of homestay accommodations. This new form of lodging is rapidly growing and is of great interest to many young travel enthusiasts.
Tourist Attractions in Thai Nguyen
Nui Coc Lake
Nui Coc Lake (Photo: Viet Anh Nguyen)
Located in the south of Dai Tu district, about 15km west of the center of Thai Nguyen city, Nui Coc Lake is a natural scenic beauty associated with the legendary love story of Coc and Cong.
The Nui Coc Lake tourist area, also known as the Legendary Nui Coc Lake Tourism, is in Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen. It is a lake intertwined with the legend of Cong and Coc. Along with it, there are many other man-made structures like temples, a wildlife park, a water park, and several thrilling rides… all combining to create an interesting and attractive tourist complex.
Nui Coc Lake Tourism Area is an ecological tourism complex in Thai Nguyen province, located 15 km from the city center. It is an excellent stress-relieving weekend getaway. More than just a place for rest and reflection, it also offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the legendary love story of Cong and Coc.
ATK Dinh Hoa Historical Site
The Dinh Hoa Safety Zone, located in the heart of the Viet Bac base area, had a strategic location of ‘advanceable for attack, retreatable for defense’ with all the advantages of terrain and local support. This area, situated in Dinh Hoa district at the northern tip of Thai Nguyen province, became the safe operational base for the resistance’s leadership organs.
Khaau Ty Hill
Khaau Ty Hill, where Ho Chi Minh’s first headquarters in the ATK Dinh Hoa was located, is in Na Tra hamlet, Diem Mac commune. Uncle Ho lived and worked here until mid-October 1947.
At Khaau Ty, Ho Chi Minh chaired a meeting of the Party Central Committee’s Standing Board, including General Secretary Truong Chinh, Hoang Quoc Viet, Le Duc Tho, and Vo Nguyen Giap, to discuss and issue directives to smash the French attack in 1947 on the Viet Bac base area. Here, Uncle Ho composed the poem “Cảnh Khuya.”
Phong Tuong Hill
Now known as Phong Tuong Hill, previously called Na Lom Hill, it is about 500m east of Tin Keo, on the right side of the road from Phu Dinh commune center to De pass. Here, on May 28, 1948, Uncle Ho presided over the ceremony of promoting Vo Nguyen Giap to General of the Vietnam National Army.
On January 20, 1948, at the Presidential Palace – a simple nipa hut in Khuon Tat (Phu Dinh commune), President Ho Chi Minh signed Decree No. 110/SL to promote several army leaders to the rank of general.
Tin Keo Historical Site
Tin Keo Hill, at the foot of De Pass and Hong Mountain in Na Lom hamlet, Luc Gia commune, Dinh Hoa Safety Zone (ATK), now in Tin Keo hamlet, Phu Dinh commune, Dinh Hoa district, Thai Nguyen province, is located in the center of “Thủ đô gió ngàn” (Wind Capital). The area, with its strategic location and friendly locals, meets the criteria set by President Ho Chi Minh for choosing the location for the headquarters:
A mountain above, a river below,
Land for us to cultivate, a field for us to play,
Convenient route to the General Headquarters,
Easy access to the Central Committee,
Houses airy and well-covered,
Close to the people, but away from the roads.
The decision to implement the Spring 1954 campaign plan and the decision to launch the Dien Bien Phu Campaign were made here on December 6, 1954. Tin Keo is now one of the important historical sites in the resistance history system of ATK Dinh Hoa.
Khuon Tat Waterfall (Seven-Layer Waterfall)
Khuon Tat Waterfall, a scenic spot in Thai Nguyen province, is located in Tin Keo hamlet, Phu Dinh commune, Dinh Hoa district, and is 70km from the center of Thai Nguyen city. Khuon Tat Waterfall is part of the ATK Dinh Hoa historical site, which was the Viet Bac base area’s center and the headquarters for the long-term resistance war from 1946 to 1954. Khuon Tat Waterfall was classified as a national scenic spot in 2002.
Khuon Tat Waterfall (Photo: Do Tuan Phuong)
Khuon Tat Waterfall is nestled amidst wild and tranquil mountains, surrounded by many ancient trees. The waterfall consists of seven tiers, with water cascading down from a height, creating a white foam and forming a stream below.
According to local legends, wild animals in the area used to come here to drink water, and on days with clear skies and clean water, clouds hovering over the mountain peaks, it was said that celestial maidens descended from the heavens to bathe in the waterfall.
Tan Cuong Tea Hills
Anyone visiting Tan Cuong commune, located to the west of Thai Nguyen city, is mesmerized by its breathtaking beauty and allure. The tea hills here are spread over a vast area, specifically around 1300 hectares. Therefore, setting foot in this region, one is bound to be delighted. The natural scenery here is incredibly verdant and captivating in its unique way.
Tan Cuong Tea Hills (Photo: Phan Nhu)
Given its proximity to the city center, traveling to Tan Cuong tea hills is simple and convenient. It’s only about a 10km journey to reach this picturesque tea plantation. Therefore, when visiting Thai Nguyen, you definitely shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful tea hills in Tan Cuong.
Suoi Lanh Lake
Suoi Lanh Lake, located in Thai Nguyen city, boasts a pristine beauty and is about 30km from the city center. Nestled at the foot of Ham Lon Mountain in the Tam Dao range, the lake offers a unique and serene atmosphere. Surrounded by lush greenery, visitors can swim here, but caution is advised. The lake’s water is crystal clear and is home to many fish species.
Vai Mieu Lake
Vai Mieu Lake, situated at the foot of the Tam Dao Mountain, has a somewhat rough path leading to it, with potholes and large rocks. Upon arrival, you can rent a motorboat at the dock to tour the lake.
Sitting in a boat in the middle of the lake, feeling the breeze, and admiring the raw, majestic nature is an incredible experience. The lake’s water is clear, and it’s abundant with fish, offering an excellent opportunity for fishing and enjoying delicious grilled fish.
Ghenh Che Lake
Ghenh Che Lake, located in Binh Son commune, Song Cong city, spans an area of 40 hectares and is surrounded by endless eucalyptus and fatwood forests. Ghenh Che Lake draws many visitors for its tourism and fishing opportunities, where you can enjoy sipping delicious tea while quietly waiting for a fish to bite. The fresh air, gentle sunshine, and cool, green waters create an indescribably relaxing atmosphere.
Ghenh Che Lake (Collected Photo)
Looking up at the regenerated forest slopes and diverse, rich vegetation surrounding the lake’s heart, one feels utterly at peace. The hustle, profit-seeking, and bustling urban life gradually fade away.
Nam Rut Waterfall
This waterfall is also known as the Rainfall Waterfall. Located in Than Sa commune, Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen, it is about 35km from the city center. Therefore, your journey to explore Thai Nguyen will not be too strenuous if you choose this destination. You can travel by motorcycle or car, depending on your needs and preferences.
Nam Rut Waterfall, also known as Rainfall Waterfall (Photo: luhanhvietnam.com.vn)
The feeling of setting foot here is truly delightful. It allows you to live and enjoy the fresh air amidst the majestic mountain scenery. Particularly, if you conquer the limestone mountain peaks here, you will get to admire the entire beautiful and captivating natural landscape.
Phuong Hoang Cave – Mo Ga Stream
Located to the left of the Thai Nguyen – Lang Son QL 1B (km 42) on a large rock mountain of the Phuong Hoang range in Phu Thuong commune, Vo Nhai district. This is a historical revolutionary site; during the war, Phuong Hoang Cave was part of the Bac Son – Vo Nhai base area. On November 27, 1944, a 75-member rescue army team along with 373 households went up to Phuong Hoang Cave to establish a base against the enemy.
Phuong Hoang Cave (Collected Photo)
Situated about 500 meters above the base of the mountain, after climbing hundreds of stone steps to reach the cave’s entrance, you descend along the steps to the bottom of the cave. At the cave’s base, there’s water and a small bridge for crossing or taking photos.
Looking up, you will see large stalactites in various shapes and forms. Water droplets flowing along the smaller stalactites create a fascinating scene. The light streaming in from the cave entrance and the sky above creates a mystical and open space, perfect for photography. Adventure enthusiasts can climb the higher stalactites to enjoy the view and take memorable pictures.
Cua Tu Stream
It’s about a 45km journey from the city center to Cua Tu Stream, making it convenient to travel to this trekking spot. This stream area is located in Hoang Nong commune, Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen. The commune lies in the western region and is part of the Tam Dao mountain range.
You can visit Cua Tu for trekking (Collected Photo)
A unique aspect of this stream is that it is located in Hoang Nong commune – one of the communes whose boundaries extend across three areas: Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Vinh Phuc.
The stream originates from the Tam Dao mountain range and flows down, running along and emptying into the Cong River. The name ‘Cua Tu’ might initially evoke a sense of fear and awe. However, only upon visiting can you truly understand and appreciate the unspoiled, rustic beauty of the natural landscape here.
Dubbed as a trekking spot that is not for the faint-hearted, unlike other trekking areas, this very challenge is what makes it even more magically appealing to tourists visiting Thai Nguyen for the first time.
Hang Pagoda
Hang Pagoda Festival, Thai Nguyen is held annually on the 19th and 20th of January (Collected Photo)
Hang Pagoda is located right in the center of Chua Hang town, Dong Hy, about 2km from the center of Thai Nguyen city.
Based on historical documents and ancient inscriptions on the rock walls inside the cave, Hang Pagoda is also known as ‘Tien Lu Dong’, linked to a legend passed down among the locals. It is said that immortals used to descend to play chess and bathe in the Dragon’s Eye well on Mount Hang Pagoda.
Among them, the seventh fairy, who fell in love with the place and broke the laws of the immortal realm, was angrily banished by the Jade Emperor into the secluded cave, hence the name ‘Tien Lu Dong’. An ancient couplet carved into the rock reads in Chinese characters:
The natural scenery is the finest of all
The man-made landmarks are incomparable
Linh Son Cave
Linh Son Cave, a beautiful scenic spot located in Hot mountain hamlet, Linh Son commune, Dong Hy district, is an attractive tourist destination. The cave, located 6 km northeast of Thai Nguyen city, lies in the Hot mountain range, a limestone peak far from the villages.
Linh Son Cave comprises two caves: Thien (Heaven) and Dia (Earth). Thien Cave is situated 8m east of the ancient inscription ‘Restoration of Linh Son Cave’, measuring 1.2 x 0.8m, and covers an area of over 360m2 with a flat floor that rises to form three steps leading to the stone Buddha altars. At the end of Thien Cave is a path leading up to the peak of Hot Mountain to the west, at a height of 16-18m, descending into Dia Cave.
Dia Cave is deeper and about 15m lower than Thien Cave, spanning over 480m2. The cave floor is flat and gradually lowers from left to right, adorned with stalactites forming images of pagodas, a mother holding a child, etc., which are very beautiful. Inside this cave, there are still bronze statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, several gold-plated Buddha statues, and many stone statues on the rock shelves.
Duom Temple – Duom Mountain
Duom Mountain, formerly known as Diem Son, is located next to National Highway 3, 24 km northwest of the center of Thai Nguyen city. The ‘Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi’ ranks Diem Son as a famous scenic spot in Thai Nguyen, describing it as: “Diem Son… in front of the mountain are rock formations that rise and fall like a dragon lifting its head, and below are two large rocks resembling two elephants bowing. Both the peak and the slopes of the mountain have temples.
Duom Field as seen from Duom Mountain (Photo: Wikipedia)
Duom Mountain is indeed a rare natural beauty. From a distance, its six rocky peaks resemble the heads of six dragons. The peak on the far east appears to sprout a ‘stone tower’ piercing straight into the blue sky. Its cliffs are steep and covered with ancient moss. Around the mountain, many old trees have trunk diameters of over one meter.
Duom Temple was restored and designated as a national heritage site in 1993. The Duom Temple Festival is held annually on the 6th of January.
Dat Dang Waterfall
Dat Dang is located in Phu Xuyen commune, Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province. From the center of Thai Nguyen city, following National Highway 37 connecting Thai Nguyen and Tuyen Quang, it takes about an hour by motorcycle to reach Phu Xuyen commune.
Then, continue another 2 km along a trail to near the base of the waterfall. After parking and trekking about 2 km across streams, rocky terrain, and green hills, Dat Dang Waterfall reveals itself in cascading layers, sure to reward the effort of any tourist passionate about travel and discovery.
Dat Dang Waterfall (Collected Photo)
Dat Dang is quite a distance from the main road, which is precisely why its charm lies in the feeling of immersing oneself in nature, being enveloped in lush, pristine forests, enjoying the fresh and cool air, and experiencing the cascading waterfalls.
Entering Dat Dang is like stepping into a completely new space, away from the noise and bustle of the city. Here, you can breathe in the fresh air and hear the sounds of the forest around you, merging with your presence.
The waterfall, cascading from above and forming a white foam, flows through cat-ear rock crevices and plunges into deep pools. The crystal-clear and chilly water, especially in the sweltering and bright summer weather, makes bathing in the stream an unparalleled joy.
Tien Stream
Tien Stream is located in Tan Lap II hamlet, Van Lang commune, Dong Hy district, Thai Nguyen province; about 30km north of Thai Nguyen city center. From the city center, follow National Highway 1B to the 7km mark, turn left towards Hoa Binh, pass through Hoa Binh commune to Van Lang commune, the stream is 2km from the commune center (with signposts).
Tien Stream may seem like many other streams with its clear water flowing over pale sand and small snails clinging to moss-covered rocks. However, Tien Stream is unique for its many rocky rapids rising above the water’s surface like the backs of giant elephants, and some parts of the stream look like a fish with giant scales gliding along.
Spiritual Tourism
Phu Lien Pagoda
Phu Lien Pagoda covers an area of about 7000m2 and is located on a breezy hill surrounded by ancient trees. The pagoda complex includes the Tam Bao house, the Mother Goddess Shrine, the ancestral worship house, and an ancient pagoda garden. In front of the pagoda yard, there is a miraculous statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin.
Phu Lien Pagoda (Photo: Le Hong)
Inside the pagoda is a majestic signboard with four golden characters: ‘Linh son phuc dia’ (meaning sacred mountain, blessed land). Annually, on the 12th day of the first lunar month, monks, Buddhists, and people from inside and outside the province come here to pray for blessings and fortune. They participate in traditional games like cockfighting, swings, Chinese chess, poetry competitions, and literary readings.
Phu Lien Pagoda is associated with many historical events. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the pagoda provided shelter and hid some of the righteous armies of Hoang Hoa Tham and Doi Can. Phu Lien Pagoda has long been regarded as a scenic spot and a pilgrimage site for numerous Buddhists from both inside and outside the province, as reflected in the folk verse:
Sometimes Mo Bach, sometimes Xuong Rong,
Sometimes Phu Lien Pagoda, sometimes Dong Mo Hermitage.
Dan Pagoda
Dan Pagoda is located 5 km west of the center of Thai Nguyen city, in Chua hamlet, Thinh Dan ward. Standing by the Cong River, listening to the sound of the wooden fish in the purple dusk, one feels a deep connection to a distant past that has seen countless human lifetimes, yet there is something familiar, affectionate, and sacred about it.
The sound of the wooden fish captivates me, making me pensive and realizing that here lies a pagoda sheltering human faith. It is also the place where General Vo Nguyen Giap chose as a gathering point when moving the main force from Tan Trao Banyan Tree (Son Duong – Tuyen Quang) to liberate Thai Nguyen city on August 16, 1945.
Thinh Dan Pagoda (Collected Photo)
From the entrance, the pagoda exudes a sense of reverence, yet it feels welcoming. The Tam Bao house, with its stone columns and gracefully curved ancient roof, feels familiar. In front of the courtyard sits a meditating Buddha statue, and adjacent to the pagoda is a traditional Tay and Nung stilt house from Viet Bac, serving as a memorial for General Vo Nguyen Giap. In 2011, Thinh Dan Pagoda was designated as a national historical site.
Ha Pagoda
Ha Pagoda, also known as Ba Ha Tu, was established in the early 18th century in Long Village, Nha Long Commune, Phu Binh District. The pagoda sits on a gentle hill, spanning over 2.5 hectares, surrounded by many native ancient trees. It is one of the ancient temples that retains the basic architectural features of the Le Dynasty.
The pagoda is built in a “cong” shape with 7 bays in the front hall and 4 in the upper hall, including the Ancestral Worship House and the Mother Goddess Shrine. The front hall measures 16m in length and 5.5m in width, while the upper hall covers 70m2.
The Ancestral Worship House and the Mother Goddess Shrine together comprise 7 bays, covering 90m2. The temple was renovated in 1716 and 1889. Annually, especially during the Lunar New Year, the pagoda attracts thousands of visitors for worship and sightseeing.
Ho Lenh Communal House
The Ho Lenh Communal House historical site is located in Trung Hamlet of Ho Lenh Village, Diem Thuy Commune, Phu Binh District. It’s about 22 km southeast of Thai Nguyen city center. The area around the Ho Lenh communal house and pagoda complex is surrounded by villages, with open fields interspersed with natural hills, creating a beautiful landscape that attracts tourists.
Ho Lenh Communal House was built after the village community structure was formed and populated. According to the “Hau Than Bi Ky” inscription preserved at the site, the communal house was built in the 4th year of Le Vinh Huy (1738), stating: “Ho Lenh Village, originally of Trieu Duong Commune, Tu Nong District, Phu Binh Prefecture.”
Research in historical records and ancient village covenants, based on historical documents and remnants preserved at the site, proves that Ho Lenh is an ancient village, established centuries ago. With its representative value, Ho Lenh Communal House was recognized as a national cultural and historical site in 2001.
Phuong Do Communal House
Located in Phuong Do Village (Xuan Phuong Commune, Phu Binh District), Phuong Do Communal House was built in the 15th century to worship Saint Duong Tu Minh. The communal house not only serves as a place of worship, preserving traditional cultural values and unique ancient architecture but also played a significant role as a revolutionary base during the resistance against the French.
Phuong Do Communal House is a typical example of Le Dynasty architecture, with its roof made of fish-scale tiles and its four corners gracefully curving beneath the ancient banyan tree canopy. The bell tower is built on three levels, and in front of the communal house is a crescent-shaped pond. The communal house is supported by 48 ironwood columns, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5m in diameter.
The corners of the communal house are designed with curved shapes, giving it a gentle and graceful appearance. The roof is decorated with “Luong Long Chau Nguyet” (two dragons looking at the moon). Inside, the tops of the pillars, rafters, and beams are intricately carved with the “Tu Linh” (Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix) motifs.
Every year on the full moon of January, the 4th of April, and the 10th of October (lunar calendar), and on festive occasions, Phuong Do residents hold traditional festivals, featuring processions, dragon dancing, ritual offerings, cockfighting, and cultural performances, attracting many visitors from near and far.
Luc Giap Temple
Luc Giap Temple, located in Duong Hamlet, Dac Son Commune, Pho Yen District, originally served as a small shrine to the local deities of Son Cot Village. Later, to honor the national hero Duong Tu Minh (Ly Dynasty) and General Luu Nhan Chu (Le Dynasty), the local people established the temple in their memory.
The temple is situated on a spacious land by the Cong River, overlooking fertile fields and prosperous villages, embodying the poetic and peaceful essence of Vietnamese rural life. The main area of Luc Giap Temple spans 1,360m2, comprising the front worship hall and the inner sanctuary, with a large courtyard in front where incense and flowers can be placed.
Luc Giap Temple was recognized as a national heritage site in 1993. Annually, from the 15th of March (lunar calendar), it commemorates Duong Tu Minh, Luu Nhan Chu, Do Can, and others with incense offerings, processions, traditional singing, chess competitions, wrestling, and boat racing on the Cong River, drawing a large crowd.
Gia Temple
Gia Temple worships Phu Dong Thien Vuong (Saint Giong) and Man Dien Quoc Vuong, a Thai Nguyen farmer who joined Saint Giong in the battle against the An invaders. The temple was built long ago on ancient land in Dong Cao Village, Pho Yen. The Gia Temple Festival is held twice a year. The main festival is celebrated on the 5th and 6th of January (lunar calendar), and the second festival on the 9th of April (lunar calendar).
Than Sa Archaeological Site
The Than Sa archaeological site, nestled in Than Sa Commune, Vo Nhai District, is about 40 km north of Thai Nguyen city. Here, stone-age archaeological remains from about 20,000 to 30,000 years ago were discovered in Phieng Tung Cave (Tiger Mouth Cave), Nguom, and other locations, proving the existence of an ancient culture known as the Than Sa culture. This is the oldest known culture in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
The dense limestone mountain ranges of the Bac Son system and the narrow valleys along the Than Sa River characterize the terrain of Than Sa. In the caves of Than Sa, during the 1970s and 1980s, Vietnamese archaeologists discovered a series of archaeological sites dating from the Middle Paleolithic to the Early Neolithic period (30,000 to 10,000 years ago), such as Phieng Tung, Nguom, Na Ngun, Tham Choong, Ha Son 1, Ha Son 2…
Phieng Tung Cave (Tiger Mouth Cave)
The cave, resembling the mouth of a tiger, is hence known as Tiger Mouth Cave by locals. It measures about 10m wide, 20m long, and 7m high, with its entrance facing southeast, about 50m above the valley and 50m north of the Nghinh Tuong River. The interior of the cave has a small shelf but does not contain archaeological artifacts. The cave floor slopes gently inward, with many boulders rolling over.
This cave was ideal for prehistoric human habitation. The small Nghinh Tuong River flows year-round from the north, east, and south of the Meo Mountain. During the dry season, large pebble beds emerge in the river section, providing a rich source of raw materials for the prehistoric people to make tools. The Phieng Tung collection is notable for its widespread presence of small flaked pieces, among which pointed tools and scrapers are abundant.
Nguom Rock Shelter
Nguom Rock Shelter Archaeological Site (Collected Photo)
The Nguom Rock Shelter is one of the most important sites in the Than Sa archaeological complex, located on the slopes of the Nguom mountain range in Kim Son hamlet, Than Sa commune, Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen province. The Ngườm Rock Shelter is a renowned archaeological site that has been designated as a national heritage site.
It is one of the archaeological locations within the Than Sa archaeological site cluster. The artifacts found at the Ngườm Rock Shelter belong to the Middle Paleolithic period, dating back 18,000 – 30,000 years. The rock shelter is about 30m high and 60m wide, with its entrance facing north. Excavations at the Nguom site have revealed four archaeological cultural layers.
Characteristic stone artifacts of the Bac Son, Hoa Binh, and Son Vi cultures were found in layers 1 and 2. Layer 3 primarily contains typical tools of the Ngườm culture. The fourth cultural layer consists of thousands of Phieng Tung and Nguom style stone tools.
These pointed tools and scrapers, and the secondary processing techniques, are similar to the tools and techniques typical of the Mousterian culture, representative of the Middle Paleolithic period.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Thai Nguyen (Collected Photo)
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is located in the center of Thai Nguyen city, 80 km from the capital Hanoi, along National Highway 3 towards the North. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology was established in 1960. Initially named the Viet Bac Museum, it functioned as a research and educational institution, focusing on the cultural history and revolutionary struggles of the people of Viet Bac.
Currently, the outdoor exhibition system of the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is in its final stages of completion. The spaces representing six cultural regions: the Northern Highlands, Valleys, Midland and Northern Delta, Central Coastal Area, Truong Son – Central Highlands, and the Southern Delta have been fundamentally established.
Each cultural area features its own festival space, landscape structures typical of the region, and a distinctive house that serves as a highlight to introduce Vietnamese cultural values to visitors.
Cuisine and Delicious Dishes in Thai Nguyen
Delicious Food in Thai Nguyen
Ginger Chicken Soup
Free-range chicken is chopped into pieces and marinated with crushed ginger, thinly sliced young ginger leaves, fermented rice, a bit of white wine, salt, and MSG. The marinated chicken is then sautéed in a cast-iron pan. Once cooked, add a bowl of water and some shiitake mushrooms, cover and boil for a few more minutes to complete the dish.
Ginger Chicken Soup (Collected Photo)
A bowl of aromatic ginger chicken soup, with its unique flavor, is easy to prepare and enjoy. This dish is a traditional and popular choice for entertaining guests among the Tay people.
Bamboo Cooked Rice (Com Lam)
Bamboo Cooked Rice is a simple yet charming dish of the ethnic minorities in Dinh Hoa. It has a unique allure due to the harmonious blend of water, fire, and young bamboo tubes.
Grilled Bamboo Cooked Rice with Sesame Salt, a common dish of the highland people (Collected Photo)
Bamboo Cooked Rice is a simple dish from the people of Dinh Hoa, rooted in the streams of the source and the rice terraces on the hillside, and the lush bamboo and nipa forests of the ATK land. It leaves a lasting impression on visitors who have the chance to enjoy it.
To make delicious Bamboo Cooked Rice, first, you need high-quality sticky rice, specifically the golden flower sticky rice grown on terraces, harvested around September or October. This type of rice, plump and round, is cleaned thoroughly and soaked in warm water.
The tool for cooking is a bamboo or fresh green bamboo tube, still moist so that only the outer part burns during cooking, allowing the sweet juice of the bamboo to infuse into the rice. Each bamboo plant provides only three to four tubes, each about 30 centimeters long…
Five-Color Sticky Rice
The Five-Color Sticky Rice of the Tay people in Dinh Hoa embodies a philosophy of life: the five colors of the sticky rice represent the five elements. Yellow symbolizes Earth, green represents Wood, red is Fire, white is Metal, and dark purple stands for Water. All matter in the universe is created and developed through the interaction and mutual influence of these five elements.
Five-Color Sticky Rice (Collected Photo)
To prepare delicious and fragrant sticky rice, artisans must strictly adhere to the process, from selecting the leaves for dyeing to the cooking of the rice. The primary ingredient for the sticky rice is Dinh Hoa’s sticky rice, known for its clarity, plump grains, and being the most delicious and famous variety in the region.
Four types of forest leaves used for dyeing the colors green, red, purple, and yellow are meticulously selected, ensuring they are neither too young nor too old. These leaves are then washed and boiled with spring water.
Once the colored water is ready, the sticky rice is soaked in it for about 10 hours, then drained. The drained rice is then cooked in a traditional bamboo steamer known as Mo Lung – Tay Lung, typically used by the locals. The oval-shaped steamer, made from the trunk of a palm or aromatic wood, is hollowed out and has two ends – the top with a lid and the bottom lined with a bamboo mat. Each steamer holds over 1kg of rice.
Nham
A famous culinary specialty of Ha Chau, Phu Binh, often made during the ripe fruit season (around late July to early August on the lunar calendar), Nham is made from 14 simple ingredients and spices, such as black carp, chay fish or white scad, young banana root, sesame, peanuts, pork belly, sour starfruit, ginger leaves, fig leaves, neem leaves, dill leaves, coconut flesh, bean paste, and vinegar…
A complete dish of Nham typically includes a variety of ingredients, among which the indispensable fruit is finely chopped. Nham is usually of two types: raw fish Nham and grilled fish Nham. For raw fish Nham, the fish is thinly sliced, while for grilled fish Nham, the fish is grilled over charcoal. Mixed with sesame, peanuts, starfruit leaves, neem leaves, etc., you get a complete Nham dish full of rustic flavors.
Bitter Bamboo Shoots of Ngan Me
Thanks to suitable conditions, Thai Nguyen has bamboo shoots available all year round. However, the most popular is the Bitter Bamboo Shoots of Ngan Me. These shoots, just emerging from the ground, offer a memorable flavor for anyone who has the opportunity to enjoy them.
Bitter Bamboo Shoots of Ngan Me are only sold for one month a year (Collected Photo)
The Bitter Bamboo Shoots of Ngan Me are at their crispest and most delicious during the spring season. These bamboo shoots can be boiled and dipped in salt, cooked with stream snails, or pickled in vinegar, all of which are delightful. If you don’t like the bitter taste of the bamboo shoots, you can soak them in saltwater for 1-2 hours or split them in half and blanch them quickly.
Stuffed Bamboo Shoots
The delicious dish of stuffed bamboo shoots is also easy to prepare. Minced pork shoulder is mixed with shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, spring onions, salt, MSG, and pepper, then stuffed into pre-boiled bamboo shoots and steamed for about 30 minutes until cooked.
Stuffed Bamboo Shoots (Collected Photo)
Wild Vegetables
Bo Khai is a type of wild vegetable that grows on mountainous rocks. This vegetable can be stir-fried alone or with chicken eggs, minced meat, beef, etc., and is considered a specialty of Thai Nguyen. People usually use the young leaves and tips of Bo Khai for cooking. The vegetable has a distinctive aroma, so it’s often crushed to reduce the smell before cooking.
Wild Vegetables (Collected Photo)
However, the delicious and sweet taste of these wild vegetables often makes people crave them despite their strong smell. The forests of Dinh Hoa, Phu Luong, Dong Hy, and Vo Nhai all have wild sweet leaf bushes (locally known as rau sang). The wild sweet leaf, when used in soups, imparts a fragrant, cool, and rich flavor.
Tro Cake
Tro Cake, also known as gio cake or nang cake, is a rustic type of cake commonly made by the Kinh, Tay, and San Chay people. It’s called Tro Cake because the water used to soak the rice and cook the cake is clear water settled from the ash (tro) of various types of wood.
Gio Cake often eaten with sugarcane syrup (Collected Photo)
It’s called a Yin cake because of its Yin-nourishing properties, as it’s made entirely from Yin ingredients (all plant-based with minerals like calcium, potassium, etc.).
Bo Dau Square Sticky Rice Cake
Bo Dau Square Sticky Rice Cake is made from the special sticky rice of the Dinh Hoa mountainous region, a midland district in Thai Nguyen province. This sticky rice is particularly sticky and aromatic.
The rice is carefully selected to remove any impurities, including black-tipped grains and non-sticky rice grains, then thoroughly washed, soaked in water for a few hours to swell, drained, mixed with a bit of salt, and prepared for wrapping.
Bo Dau Square Sticky Rice Cake is a specialty you should not miss (Photo: luhanhvietnam.com.vn)
The leaves used for wrapping the cake are thick, lush green, broad-leafed sticky rice leaves. Sourced from Na Ri and Cho Don forests in Bac Kan, the leaves are thoroughly washed on both sides, drained, wiped dry with a clean cloth, trimmed of their stems and tips, and neatly arranged next to the rice bowl. The binding strings must be split from Giang bamboo.
The green beans used for the filling are local beans with even-sized grains, thin skins, and yellow insides. The beans are halved, soaked in water, and cleaned of their skins, then mixed with a bit of salt. The pork used for the cake is high-quality pork belly from free-range pigs, cut into large pieces, and marinated with salt and pepper.
Dai Tu Fermented Pork Roll
Unlike other fermented pork rolls that can be eaten immediately after unwrapping, Dai Tu Fermented Pork Roll requires an additional step of grilling over charcoal or pan-frying before consumption.
Made with ingredients such as lean pork from the ham, garlic, alcohol, black pepper, roasted rice powder, and guava leaves, each roll is carefully wrapped in banana leaves and can last for several days. To ensure quality, only the meat from the two hams of a pig is used.
The meat is washed, finely minced, thinly sliced across the grain, and then mixed with finely chopped garlic, ground pepper, white wine, and fragrant roasted rice powder.
Dai Tu Fermented Pork Roll (Photo: quehuongonline.vn)
Once the ingredients for the fermented pork roll are prepared, each roll is carefully wrapped with banana and guava leaves. The innermost layer usually uses guava leaves for their appropriate astringent and rich flavor, while the outer layer is made of fresh banana leaves, ensuring the rolls are wrapped moderately, not too tightly, and are airtight to facilitate fermentation and prolong shelf life.
Banana leaves are used to shape the rolls and give them a fresh, shiny, and appealing green color. The rolls are ready to eat after 3-4 days. When eating Dai Tu Fermented Pork Roll, people often wrap it with fig leaves, dill leaves, etc. Depending on preference, it can be dipped in fish sauce mixed with chili and garlic or chili sauce, enhancing the delicious flavor of the dish.
Thai Nguyen Specialties
Tan Cuong Tea
Quality Thai Nguyen Tea (Thai Nguyen Tea) is characterized by dry, curly, intact, and minimally broken tea buds, presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Specifically, good Thai Nguyen tea has a natural green color, few long tea leaves, and many short leaves, as the short leaves are from the best tea buds. In contrast, lower quality tea usually has a dull yellow or brown color, and the leaves are often crumbled or broken.
Tan Cuong Tea Specialty, Thai Nguyen (Photo: pasgo.vn)
The special Thai Nguyen tea, when brewed, exudes a delicate aroma reminiscent of young rice grains, with a light bitterness and a lingering sweetness in the throat. In Thai Nguyen, many districts cultivate tea, each offering a unique flavor of tea buds.
However, for the finest taste, Tan Cuong tea buds stand out. Tan Cuong tea produces a light greenish-yellow color, a moderate bitterness, a deep distinctive sweetness, and a natural young rice fragrance.
Dinh Hoa Bao Thai Rice
For generations, the farmers in the revolutionary base areas (ATK) have been closely connected with the cultivation of dwarf Bao Thai rice. Thanks to the unique climatic and soil conditions favorable for the “dwarf Bao Thai” rice variety, Dinh Hoa Bao Thai rice has become a specialty, a gift of nature to this former revolutionary base area. Products made from this rice variety, such as noodles, rice crackers, pho noodles, and steamed rice rolls, also possess distinct and exceptional flavors.
Bao Thai Rice (Collected Photo)
Viet Cuong Glass Noodles
The art of making glass noodles in Viet Cuong hamlet, Hoa Thuong commune, Dong Hy district (Thai Nguyen) dates back to an unknown time, but Viet Cuong glass noodles have become a brand that is popular not only in the Thai Nguyen market but also among traders traveling to the northern and southern regions.
The people of Viet Cuong make glass noodles similar to other regions, but their noodles are known for their rich flavor and chewiness, maintaining their texture even after being cooked for a long time. This unique characteristic has made Viet Cuong mung bean glass noodles a specialty of Thai Nguyen, chosen by visitors as a gift when they come to this land.
Uc Ky Fermented Soybean Paste
The exact origin of the soybean paste-making craft in Uc Ky commune is unknown, but for a long time, every household has known how to make soybean paste, and each has at least one jar of soybean paste for yearly consumption and as a gift for guests.
Over time, the craft of making fermented soybean paste has become a traditional occupation of the locals and a unique culinary specialty that is gradually reaching markets both within and outside the province.
Uc Ky Fermented Soybean Paste is best when made from Thau Dau glutinous rice (Collected Photo)
The soybean paste jar, prepared according to this traditional recipe, reveals a thick, dark yellow, viscous paste with a deep aroma of glutinous rice and soybeans. The flavor is a harmonious blend of light bitterness and lingering sweetness.
This soy sauce can be used directly as a dipping sauce for various dishes or in cooking braised or steamed dishes, making them very appealing. For a long time, soybean paste has been a familiar condiment in the daily meals of the people in Uc Ky in particular and many families in the northern provinces in general.
Some Thai Nguyen Motorbike Routes
Hanoi – Nui Coc Lake – Tam Dao
This route is over 200km and can be combined into a weekend trip from Friday to Sunday.
Day 1: Hanoi – Nui Coc Lake
From Hanoi, take the Nhat Tan Bridge, turn onto National Highway 3, and head straight to Thai Nguyen City, then to Nui Coc Lake. This leg is about 90km, taking about 2-3 hours, so you can combine it with a Friday afternoon departure. Stay overnight at Nui Coc Lake.
Day 2: Nui Coc Lake – Tam Dao
- Enjoy a morning at Nui Coc Lake, rent a boat, visit the islands.
- Have lunch at Nui Coc Lake, check out, and head to Tam Dao, exploring Tam Dao tourism.
- Follow National Highway 37 (towards Tuyen Quang) and then turn back to Vinh Phuc to go up to Tam Dao.
- Explore Tam Dao, stay overnight in Tam Dao. Remember to book a hotel room in advance during weekends or holidays.
Day 3: Tam Dao – Hanoi
- Enjoy an early morning coffee in Tam Dao’s cool weather. Go to Quan Gio for a great view, and remember to arrive early to get a spot.
- Visit Tam Dao’s attractions such as Heaven’s Gate, Stone Church, Silver Waterfall, Tam Dao National Park, town square, or climb the broadcasting tower if time permits.
- Have lunch with Tam Dao’s grilled specialties.
- Leave for Hanoi, drive early to avoid fog. On the way back, you can visit Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery and Tay Thien Pagoda. Remember to stay in the correct lane and signal when turning.
Hanoi – ATK Dinh Hoa – Tan Trao – My Lam Hot Springs – Hanoi
This route is for those interested in exploring historical sites and revolutionary safe zones, and can be done over a weekend.
Day 1: Hanoi – ATK Dinh Hoa – Tan Trao – My Lam Hot Springs
- Start from Hanoi to ATK Dinh Hoa, then continue to Tan Trao (in Tuyen Quang but not too far away).
- After exploring these two sites, head to Tuyen Quang City and visit My Lam Hot Springs for relaxation and overnight stay.
Day 2: Tuyen Quang – Hanoi
Combine this day with other Tuyen Quang tourism itineraries, or return directly to Hanoi.
Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Mau Son – Hanoi
Day 1: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Nui Coc Lake
- Start from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen, exploring various attractions in Thai Nguyen such as the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups, Phuong Hoang Cave – Mo Ga Stream, Cua Tu Stream, and ATK sites. There are many sites to visit, so choose your favorite.
- Return to Nui Coc Lake for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Thai Nguyen – Ba Be (150km)
- Relax in the morning, enjoy a boat ride on Nui Coc Lake, then head to Ba Be.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Ba Be, including boat trips on the lake, visiting Ba Goa Island, Fairy Pond, Dau Dang Waterfall…
- Overnight stay at Ba Be, with the option of homestay in a Tay village.
Day 3: Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall (200km)
- Depart from Ba Be to Ban Gioc Waterfall along National Highway 3.
- Explore Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and some border markers in the area.
- Overnight stay in Trung Khanh.
Day 4: Trung Khanh – Lang Son – Mau Son (200km)
- Return from Trung Khanh to Cao Bang City.
- Head towards Dong Khe – That Khe to Lang Son. Explore some attractions in Cao Bang along the way.
- Continue to Mau Son for relaxation.
- Overnight stay in Mau Son.
Day 5: Mau Son – Lang Son – Hanoi (220km)
- Morning visit to Mau Son.
- Explore Lang Son and try local specialties.
- Drive from Lang Son back to Hanoi, concluding the trip.
See more: Explore Nui Coc Lake on Two Wheels: Your Essential Motorbike Journey Guide
See more: The Ultimate Guide to Thai Nguyen’s Culinary Delights: Must-Try Dishes
See more: Step-by-Step Trekking Guide to Cua Tu Stream: Explore the Unexplored
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