Phu Tho is located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, possessing a strategically advantageous location. To the southeast, it borders Hanoi, to the north, Tuyen Quang and Yen Bai, to the east, Vinh Phuc, to the south, Hoa Binh, and to the west, it borders Son La.
Phu Tho is a province with a central transitional position between the northern mountains and the plains, at the apex of the Red River Delta triangle. Nature has endowed Phu Tho with many unique and precious natural landscapes, ideal for developing various forms of eco-tourism and resorts. This land is also the ancestral homeland of the nation, with historical and cultural traditions linked throughout the history of nation-building and defense. Join RuudNguyen.com to explore the land and people here.
Blessed by nature with a terrain that transitions between the plains and the midland mountainous areas, it possesses fertile plains, rugged mountains, and closely situated hills. When traveling to Phu Tho, you will experience various types of tourism such as sightseeing, relaxation, entertainment, and eco-tourism resorts.
A Corner of Phu Tho Town (Collected Photo)
With these potentials and advantages, Phu Tho tourism is well-positioned to develop various types of tourism: spiritual tourism focused on the ancestral roots; tourism to historical and cultural relics; eco-tourism resorts; and visits to famous landscapes.
Phu Tho is a midland and mountainous province in Northern Vietnam, centrally located in the region and serving as the northwestern gateway to the capital city of Hanoi. Phu Tho is situated along the Hai Phong – Hanoi – Kunming (China) economic corridor.
It is 50km from Noi Bai International Airport, 80km from downtown Hanoi, 170km from Hai Phong port, 200km from the Ha Khau international border gate (between Lao Cai – Vietnam and Yunnan – China), and the Thanh Thuy – Lang Son border gate, and is at the confluence of three major rivers: the Red River, the Da River, and the Lo River.
The geographical location of Phu Tho provides many favorable conditions and great potential for production, trade, economic development, and international exchange.
Furthermore, Phu Tho is the ancestral land and the cradle of the Vietnamese nation. Here are the temples dedicated to the Hung Kings and a dense network of historical relics and festivals. Each festival has its own unique and distinctive character, offering significant potential for tourism and service development.
The Hung Temple – One of the most ancient places worshiping the Hung Kings. From ancient times to the present, it has been a gathering place and a symbol of the unity and strength of the Vietnamese nation.
This land preserves over 1,300 cultural and historical relics, including 01 special national relic, 73 national relics, 219 provincial relics, and hundreds of unique folk festivals such as the Hung Temple Festival, Au Co Mother Temple Festival, Tro Tram Festival, Chua Gai Procession, Hung Lo palanquin procession, and the Hien Quan Phet Festival, along with Xoan and Gheo folk songs.
Of these, Xoan singing has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding; the worship of Hung Kings in Phu Tho is a representative intangible cultural heritage of humanity, a priceless cultural heritage rich in ancestral identity, and a unique humanistic tourism resource that greatly attracts visitors from all directions.
Whether Traveling Far or Near, Remember the Ancestral Death Anniversary (Collected Photo)
With attractive spiritual destinations such as the Historical Relic of Hung Temple, Au Co Mother Temple, Hung Lo Communal House, Lau Thuong Communal House, Lang Suong Temple, and the festival city of Viet Tri, Phu Tho offers a wealth of natural beauty and historical sites.
These include the Xuan Son National Park with its pristine forests, fascinating caves, and waterfalls; the health-beneficial Thanh Thuy hot mineral springs; Ao Chau Pond; Ao Gioi – Fairy Stream… Phu Tho is well-equipped to develop various forms of tourism: spiritual tourism focused on ancestral roots, tourism to historical and cultural relics, eco-tourism resorts, and visits to scenic landscapes.
Phu Tho’s numerous festivals occur throughout the year, so if you want to attend a particular festival, you just need to schedule your trip close to or on the day of the festival. One major festival in Phu Tho you should not miss is the Hung Kings’ death anniversary on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month each year.
Viet Tri city is 80 km from the center of Hanoi and 50 km from Noi Bai International Airport, located opposite Ba Vi district, Hanoi. You can easily plan a short bike trip (visiting a few places) or a longer journey (exploring all the scenic spots in Phu Tho).
Phu Tho is on the Hanoi – Lao Cai railway line, with trains stopping at several stations in Phu Tho, including two main stations: Viet Tri and Phu Tho Town.
From Hanoi Railway Station, there are two trains stopping at Viet Tri Station: train YB3 and SP3. Train YB3 departs from Hanoi at 6:10 am and arrives in Viet Tri at 8:20 am. Train SP3 leaves Hanoi at 10:00 pm and reaches Viet Tri at 11:50 pm. Train YB3 also stops at Tien Kien Station at 8:55 am.
To visit the Hung Temple, you have two options. Get off at Viet Tri Station, then walk to Hung Vuong Street to catch bus number 19, which passes near the Hung Temple. Alternatively, get off at Tien Kien Station (Lam Thao) and take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to the temple (about 4km away).
From My Dinh Bus Station, there are many buses daily to various districts of Phu Tho. You can choose the bus service that fits your schedule.
You can catch a bus at My Dinh Bus Station or contact reputable bus companies with routes to Phu Tho, such as Hai Thuong, Hieu Nghia, Manh Nga…
To go to the Hung Temple by bus, choose bus services heading to Phu Tho Town. These buses pass by the entrance to the Hung Temple.
To get around Phu Tho using public transport, you can use buses, motorbike taxis, regular taxis, or rent a motorbike.
In addition to the Hung Temple, in Phu Tho, you can also explore beautiful places like Fairy Stream, Lang Cave, Ao Chau Pond, and enjoy the delicious and attractive specialties of this midland region.
To meet the growing demand for tourism, over the past few years, the accommodation infrastructure, tourism service businesses, and entertainment venues in Phu Tho have been increasingly invested in both quantity and quality.
To date, Phu Tho has over 300 tourist accommodation facilities, with the quality of tourism services continually improving, ready to meet the needs of visitors to Phu Tho.
Homestays in Phu Tho, Concentrated Around Xuan Son National Park (Collected Photo)
Homestays are a popular trend among travel enthusiasts, and Phu Tho is no exception. The emergence of homestays in Phu Tho has provided tourists, especially young travelers, with more accommodation options.
Hung Temple is located on Nghia Linh mountain, Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province. The Hung Temple complex is a solemn architectural ensemble on Nghia Linh mountain.
The Hung Temple historical relic site, a famous destination in Phu Tho (Collected Photo)
From Hanoi, follow National Highway No. 2 to Viet Tri city (84km), then continue about 10km to Hang intersection and turn left for 3 km to reach the relic site. The Hùng Temple historical relic site includes the Lower Temple and Pagoda, the Well Temple, the Middle Temple, the Upper Temple, and the tomb of King Hung.
The temple honoring the ancestor Lac Long Quan is part of the Hung Temple historical relic site in Phu Tho. This place is not only associated with the legend of “the Dragon’s descendants” but is also famous for the solemnity and grandeur of the temple, and its prime location in feng shui, “where the mountain embraces the water.
The Lac Long Quan Temple (Collected Photo)
The Lac Long Quan Temple, dedicated to the nation’s ancestor Lac Long Quan, began construction on March 26, 2007, on Sim hill, about 1 km from Nghia Linh mountain. Located in a prime location with the advantageous terrain of “mountains looking over water,” the temple spans a total area of 13 hectares.
The hill’s shape resembles a giant turtle, flanked by representations of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, with Hoc Trai Lake and the Red River flowing towards the sea in front, symbolizing sacredness and mysticism. The temple complex includes various structures such as the three-entrance gate, symbolic gate, ceremonial yard, pavilion, left and right auxiliary buildings, and the main worship area.
The main worship area covers 210 square meters, consisting of the forecourt, main hall, and inner sanctuary. The interior is made of ironwood, with lacquer and gilding; the roof is covered with Bat Trang tiles, and the floor is paved with Bat Trang bricks, bordered by blue stone. In the inner sanctuary, a 1.5-ton, 1.98-meter tall bronze statue of Lac Long Quan is seated regally on a carved stone pedestal with Dong Son cultural motifs.
Flanking him are 1.80-meter tall statues of Lac Lords and Lac Generals, each weighing 0.5 tons. The temple also prominently displays two bas-reliefs: “Lac Long Quan with his 50 sons descending to the sea” and “Au Co with her 50 sons ascending to the mountains.” Constructed in 2007 and completed in 2009, the temple’s architecture wholly adheres to traditional styles.
Visitors entering the temple must cross a bridge over Hoc Trai Lake, where golden carps swim, adding to the harmony and liveliness. The main gate, also known as the ceremonial gate, features four columns with intricately carved designs on all sides.
Inside is the symbolic gate, constructed like a house roof with decorative patterns inspired by Dong Son drum motifs, such as rice pounding and bird motifs, further enhancing the temple’s majesty and sanctity. The temple complex also includes auxiliary buildings on either side, built with five-section ironwood frames and covered with similarly styled roofs.
Legend has it that Lac Long Quan married Au Co, giving birth to a pouch of a hundred eggs, which hatched into a hundred sons. To establish their realm, 50 sons followed their father to the sea, and 49 followed their mother to the mountains.
The eldest son was crowned King Hung Vuong, founding the Van Lang nation. The royal residence was called the Van Lang region, the king’s sons were called Quan Lang, his daughters Mỵ Nương, civil officers Lac Lords, and military officers Lac Generals. There were 18 generations of Hung Kings. Lac Long Quan is revered as the national ancestor of the Vietnamese people and is deeply respected and worshiped.
Today, visitors to the Hung Temple Historical Relic can first visit the Lac Long Quan Temple and the Au Co Mother Temple, followed by offering incense in remembrance of the Hung Kings’ virtues. The convergence of these meaningful spiritual and cultural values in one area profoundly reflects the Vietnamese ethos of “drinking water, remembering its source.
Located on a hill in Hy Cuong commune – Viet Tri city, about 100 meters from the gate of Hung Temple, the “national” Hung Vuong Museum is a two-story architectural structure covering nearly 1,000 square meters. While modern in design, it retains its national character, being both dignified and elegant, graceful and airy.
This construction was designed by the Vietnam Association of Architects, based on the ancient Vietnamese worldview of a round heaven and a square earth. Viewed from the top of Nghia Linh mountain, the museum resembles a gigantic square box, reminiscent of the legend of Chung and Day cakes in the ancient history of the Vietnamese nation.
Hung Vuong Museum, Viet Tri City (Collected Photo)
The Hung Vuong Museum is one of the most beautiful and grandiose museums in the Northern provinces. Currently, the museum houses over 11,000 original artifacts reflecting the history and development of Phu Tho province from the Prehistoric and Early Historical periods to the present day.
The display space of the Hung Vuong Museum is spread across three floors. The permanent exhibition on the second and third floors occupies an area of 4,100 square meters. Nearly 2,000 original artifacts are displayed in five main themes that span the historical process of Phu Tho province from the Hung Kings’ era to the Ho Chi Minh era.
The confluence of the Thao, Da, and Lo rivers at Bach Hac creates a mix of clear and turbid waters, with the river expanse resembling a vast sea. In the distance, Tam Dao is on the left and Ba Vi on the right, with villages, lush fields, and bustling river ports on both banks. This scenery lends Bach Hac a romantic and charming landscape.
Nowadays, Bach Hac – Ben Got, part of the ancient Tam Doi district, still has many historical and cultural relics and legends about the nation-building and defending processes of our ancestors. For instance, the “Hoa Long Thien Tu” used to be by the Thong river, where a stone with footprints is still seen.
Legend has it that this is where Lac Long Quan held a heaven-worshipping ceremony, and a celestial being descended to sit on this rock, naming and assigning roles to the hundred children born to Au Co. The busy trading that took place here led to the naming of the place as Ben Got; the Bach Hac Communal House, also known as Viet Tri village hall, worships the Hung Kings.
Thien Co Temple is a small temple located on a hill along the road in Huong Lan village, Trung Vuong commune, Viet Tri city. The ancient temple, nestled under two large banyan trees with trunks so wide that five to six people can’t encircle them, captivates passersby with its serene and ancient charm, further emphasized by a couplet inside the temple:
“Hung Linh Trung Chi Thang Tich
Nam Thien Chinh Khi Linh Tu”
(Loosely translated: The sacred temple worships those with strong and great spirit under the Southern sky).
Situated in the territory of the ancient capital of Van Lang, the dignified Thien Co Temple is perched on a small hill in Huong Lan village, Trung Vuong commune, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province. This temple venerates the couple teacher Vu The Lang, the first teacher of the nation who educated two princesses, Tien Dung and Ngoc Hoa, daughters of the 18th Hung King.
Thien Co Temple (Collected Photo)
The uniqueness of two ancient trees, estimated to be a thousand years old, and the significance of the couplet are partly revealed in the lineage records and jade tablets that the residents of Huong Lan village still preserve…
According to legend, the teacher Vu The Lang, originally from Mo Trach, Hai Duong, and his wife, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thuc, from Dong Ngan, Kinh Bac, went to the Van Lang capital to teach during the time of the 18th Hung King. They both passed away at the same time on the 2nd day of the 2nd month in the year of Quy Dau (228 BC).
To this day, the graves of the couple are still carefully preserved and protected by the people within the temple. Through thousands of years of history, the temple has been zealously protected by the people of Huong Lan village, Trung Vuong commune.
Tam Giang Temple – Dai Bi Pagoda is located in a prime location at the confluence of rivers in Bach Hac ward, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho, peacefully beside the rushing Lo River. Although the temple and pagoda were built at different times and have undergone several restorations and renovations, today, Tam Giang Temple – Dai Bi Pagoda has become a unified and complete historical complex. It is one of the nationally recognized scenic tourist destinations frequently visited by both local and out-of-province guests.
Tam Giang Temple and Dai Bi Pagoda (Collected Photo)
Among the ancient beauties of Phu Tho, Tam Giang Temple – Dai Bi Pagoda has stood the test of centuries. Despite numerous renovations, it has retained its beautiful structure and appearance. Spanning an area of over 1000 square meters, the temple is ideally located at the confluence of three rivers, known as Tam Giang. Above, the sky is clear, and it is surrounded by the expansive beauty of mountains and rivers. Facing the river and looking northwest, one can see Nghia Linh mountain – the sacred place honoring the Hung Kings.
With an architectural style of “front for gods, rear for Buddha,” the temple consists of two main parts: the front worship hall and the rear sanctuary, featuring a four-roof structure with curved edges. The interior is intricately carved with the four symbols of “dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix” and the four plants “pine, chrysanthemum, bamboo, plum”.
The detailed carvings exude a sense of sacredness and perfection. The temple houses many valuable historical and cultural artifacts, such as the “Hau Than Bia Ky” stele (dated 1818) and the “Thong Thanh Quan Chung Ky” bronze bell (dated 1830).
Particularly precious are the inscriptions associated with the temple: the “Thong Thanh Quan” bell script (from 1321, during the reign of King Tran Minh Tong) and “Phung Thai Thanh Tu” (from the 17th year of Gia Long’s reign).
Located just about 10 kilometers from the Hung Temple, Hung Lo Ancient Village has withstood the ebb and flow of history. This site has preserved almost intact its ancient communal house architecture, a national historical relic recognized since 1990. Legend has it that this place was a resting spot for the Hung King, his princess, and his court during their excursions.
Visiting Hung Lo Ancient Village, Guests Will Experience Xoan Singing (Collected Photo)
The King found this place to be rich and lush with vegetation and felt a sacred energy emanating from the earth, thus deeming it a spiritually significant location. Later, the villagers built a temple to worship the Hung King, honoring the royal ancestor for generations. During the reign of King Le Hy Tong, the communal house began to be constructed, facing Nghia Linh mountain.
Hung Lo Communal House is a cultural and historical site built on a wide stretch of land, consisting of several structures such as the Main Hall, Pavilion, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Front Worship House.
All these structures are built with precious woods like ironwood, rosewood, and banyan. The Main Hall is designed in a traditional three-compartment, two-wing architecture; all three compartments have altars. The front worship compartments are built in a five-compartment, two-wing structure. On both sides of the communal house are Buddhist temples and altars dedicated to the God of Agriculture.
Hung Lo Communal House is a Venue for Many Cultural Activities (Collected Photo)
Additionally, the historical complex includes the Van Chi, dedicated to Confucius, which also serves as a testament to the scholarly tradition of the Hung Lo people; and the Yen Lao House, a gathering place for the village elders and currently a hub for activities and meetings of the elderly. The courtyard of the communal house is spaciously arranged with rock gardens, banyan trees, and fig trees providing shade.
Another notable highlight is the Hung Lo Communal House’s fame for its tradition in the Hung Temple Festival’s palanquin procession, a practice that has continued from the past to the present. In the year of Mau Ngo (1918), the Hung Lo Communal House was awarded the “First Hung Vuong Memorial Award”; this honorific plaque is still respectfully preserved within the house.
During the annual Hung Temple Festival, visitors to Hung Lo Communal House can immerse themselves in the grandiose palanquin procession involving over 200 men, creating a lively atmosphere wherever it goes. The procession travels from the village communal house to the Hung Temple and back. Upon returning, ritual ceremonies are conducted at the communal house, followed by a final ceremony at the Yen Lao House.
Tien Cat Temple and Cat Tuong Pagoda are located on the banks of the Red River in Anh Dung neighborhood, Tien Cat ward, Viet Tri city. Tien Temple venerates the Mother Goddess Long Hong Dang Ngan, the Queen of Xich Quy country, wife of King Kinh Duong Vuong, and the biological mother of King Lac Long Quan.
She stood by her husband in the early days of nation-building and in educating the people. She was honored by King Kinh Duong Vuong as “Vi Cung Chinh Khon” and awarded the Tien Cat palace. Upon her passing, the site was transformed into the Tien Cat mausoleum, which has been maintained by the local people for thousands of years.
Adjacent to Tien Temple is Cat Tuong Pagoda, built in 1999 and extensively renovated in 2016-2017. The pagoda covers a total area of 7,000 square meters, including the main sanctuary, ancestral house, monks’ quarters, vegetarian dining hall, guest house, and more. The Tien Temple Festival is held annually from the 9th to the 10th day of the 10th lunar month, following traditional rituals.
The ceremony includes five rounds of offerings (one round of incense, one of wine, one of ritual items, one of gifts, and one of reading and burning blessings). The festival is lively and bustling with activities like human chess, tug of war, cockfighting, and Xoan singing, which continue throughout the afternoon and sometimes overnight until the next day.
The Loc Vung complex, consisting of about 85 trees, is located at Go Tho Temple in Chuong Xa commune, Cam Khe, Phu Tho. This rare cluster of loc vung trees has been recognized as a Vietnamese heritage tree. Annually, around the end of June and the beginning of July, the loc vung trees burst into bright red flowers, creating a picturesque scene akin to a beautiful painting.
Loc Vung Complex (Collected Photo)
Ao Chau Pond is a famous location in Ha Hoa district, boasting an extremely convenient transportation position, making it an ideal destination for tourists. By rail, this site is situated on the Hanoi – Lao Cai line and, in the future, will be part of the trans-Asian railway. It is also well-connected by waterways, with major rivers like the Red River and Da River flowing nearby.
Not far from Viet Tri, Ao Chau Pond in Phu Tho is also a convenient tourist spot near Hanoi, being about 140km away, which is advantageous for visitors from afar coming to explore the area.
Ao Chau Pond is likened to the “Ha Long Bay on land” of Phu Tho province (Collected Photo)
Ao Chau Pond in Phu Tho covers an area of about 300 hectares and consists of approximately 99 ponds. Each pond has its unique beauty waiting to be explored. Moreover, the pond is adorned with about 100 large and small islands scattered across its surface.
According to legend, this place was once a resting spot for King Hung Vuong during his journey to find a location for his capital, chosen for its river-like landform, harmonious terrain, and picturesque feng shui.
Ao Chau Pond has been planned for development into an ecological tourist area, complete with luxury hotels and resorts offering recreational activities such as boating and boat racing on the pond.
The original Au Co Mother Temple was built during the Later Le Dynasty in Hien Luong commune, Ha Hoa district, Phu Tho province. However, to consolidate the cultural and spiritual values of the Hung Kings’ era in the Hung Temple historical site, the construction of a new Au Co Mother Temple officially commenced in September 2001 on Van mountain, within the precinct of the Hung Temple historical site in Hy Cuong commune, Viet Tri city. By December 31, 2004, the temple was substantially completed, both internally and externally.
Au Co Mother Temple (Collected Photo)
Legend has it that in ancient times, Lac Long Quan and his wife Au Co gave birth to 100 children. Fifty of these children followed their father to the sea, while the other fifty accompanied their mother to the mountains to clear land and quarry stone.
Among the fifty who went with their mother, the eldest son ascended to the throne as the first Hung King, founding the nation of Van Lang, with its capital at Phong Chau. This lineage continued for 18 generations over more than 2,600 years (from 2879 to 258 BC).
Wherever Au Co and her children went, they won the hearts of the people, teaching them to cultivate rice, grow mulberry trees, and weave silk. Upon reaching Hien Luong commune, struck by the beauty of its green mountains, clear waters, fertile lands, and abundant forests, they settled down, cultivating the land and establishing a prosperous and lively village.
One day, Au Co, following a multicolored cloud, ascended to heaven, leaving behind a bodice under a banyan tree. Under this tree, the people of Hien Luong erected a temple to honor the memory and contributions of the Mother Ancestor. This is the Hien Luong Temple, also known as the Mother Temple today.
Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien is located on Na Mountain in Quan Khe commune, Ha Hoa district, about 80 km northwest of Viet Tri city and 15 km from Ao Chau Pond. It has the advantage of being adjacent to a network of roads, waterways, and railways.
Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien Tourism Area (Collected Photo)
The Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien ecological area is flanked by hundreds of mountains, both large and small, with an average height of 500-600 meters above sea level. With its peak at 1,200 meters, Na Mountain majestically stands out as the backbone of the expansive midland region, covered in a dense greenery of tropical trees, including layers upon layers of rare species like ironwood, rosewood, ebony, and heartwood. The forest is also home to monkeys, deer, wild boars, and civets.
Stretching over 10 km in length, the stream bed is densely covered with pebbles and golden sand, purifying the water to crystal clarity, shimmering with the reflection of the sun. At the source of the stream lies the Fairy Well, about 40 square meters in area and over 10 meters deep. From its depths, cool, sweet water springs forth to form Suoi Tien.
Winding its way through multiple levels and steps, the stream creates several vertical waterfalls. Along its length, there are 14 waterfalls, some as high as 20 meters, resembling white veils covering the caves and rock holes behind them. At the base of these high waterfalls lie gigantic stones, eroded over time into small ponds with rock bottoms, adding unique beauty to this attractive ecological tourism site.
Legend has it that once there was only the Fairy Well, where fairies would bathe daily. The Jade Emperor made the well’s waters rise to form cascading waterfalls, eventually creating additional ponds. It is said that anyone who bathes in Ao Gioi – Suoi Tien for three years will have skin as smooth as jade, a face as bright as the full moon, and a serene, clear mind. Perhaps, this is why Suoi Tien holds a mysterious allure for eco-tourists in Phu Tho, especially on hot summer days, attracting hundreds of visitors for a refreshing bath, relaxation, and sightseeing.
Formed nearly half a century ago due to the construction of an irrigation system serving several communes in Tran Yen district, Yen Bai province, and Ha Hoa district, Phu Tho province, the reservoir stretches nearly 10 km in length and up to 2 km in width at some places, covering 410 hectares of water surface.
Van Hoi Reservoir Located Between Yen Bai and Phu Tho (Collected Photo)
Van Hoi Reservoir has played a significant role in environmental improvement and climate moderation, reducing summer temperatures by 1 – 2 degrees Celsius and increasing absolute humidity by over 20% during the dry season, thus maintaining a lush green vegetation cover. Therefore, with its vast expanse of water merging with the majestic mountains, Van Hoi Reservoir is likened to a miniature paradise.
Located about 120 km from Hanoi, Xuan Son National Park covers over 15,000 hectares and ranks 12th among the 15 largest national parks in Vietnam. Often described as a “green lung,” it is an attractive tourist destination in the northwest of the province.
With a forest cover of up to 84%, the quality of its forest ecosystems is stable and well-protected. The park is known for its clean air and water environments, cool climate, and an average annual temperature ranging from 22-23 degrees Celsius.
Sunshine in Xuan Son National Park (Collected Photo)
Based on travel experiences to Xuan Son National Park, visiting this place is suitable at any time of the year, as each season offers its unique beauty. During the dry season, the paths are easier to navigate, reducing many risks, with the scenery being more vibrant and conducive for exploration.
However, in the rainy season, although the paths into Xuan Son National Park might be a bit challenging, visitors have the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing and powerful waterfalls, a rare and majestic sight.
Ban Coi is likened to a raw gem nestled in the core area of Xuan Son National Park in Phu Tho. Over the past year, Ban Coi has suddenly become a hot name in the travel destination lists for avid travelers.
A Corner of Ban Coi in Xuan Son National Park (Collected Photo)
It’s almost like stepping into a legend reminiscent of the royal delicacies from ancient times with the famous offering of “nine-ivory elephants, nine-spurred roosters, and nine-red-maned horses,” which helped Son Tinh win the battle to marry Princess My Nuong.
Visiting Ban Coi, one cannot help but be surprised to actually witness the renowned breed of nine-spurred roosters. Xuan Son Forest is the homeland of these unique chickens, known for their aromatic, richly flavored meat, distinctly superior to other breeds.
The tastiness of the meat is matched by the meticulous care in rearing these chickens, from selecting the number of spurs and body shape to ensuring proper feeding for firm flesh. Numerous food enthusiasts have traveled thousands of kilometers from the South to Ban Coi just to savor this royal delicacy.
Long Coc Tea Hill, located in Tan Son district, Phu Tho, about 125 km from Hanoi, has recently become an attractive destination for visitors. Long Coc is considered one of the most beautiful tea hills in Vietnam, with hundreds and thousands of small hills. During the transition between late autumn and early winter, the tea hills are shrouded in a mystical fog, creating an ethereal landscape.
Long Coc Tea Hill (Collected Photo)
Lining both sides of the winding road are the lush, undulating tea hills, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. At Long Coc, visitors delight in photographing the tea hills, exploring the unique flavors of the tea, and immersing themselves in the distinctive cultural space of the Muong ethnic community.
Khe Pass, located on National Highway 32, stretches 30 kilometers across the border between Thu Cuc commune in Tan Son district of Phu Tho province and Minh An commune in Van Chan district of Yen Bai province.
Khe Pass on National Highway 32, the Road Leading Straight to Mu Cang Chai (Collected Photo)
National Highway 32 has been renovated and upgraded, making it the main route for travelers to Mu Cang Chai, instead of the longer route from Yen Bai city through Van Chan and Nghia Lo. Crossing Khe Pass leads into the territory of Van Chan district, Yen Bai province.
Previously, Khe Pass was a daunting challenge for drivers and nighttime travelers. After renovation, this nearly 30-kilometer-long mountain pass has not only facilitated smoother traffic but also become a popular spot for motorbike enthusiasts and adventurers.
May Waterfall, located in Huong Can commune, is about 25 km from the center of Thanh Son district. At the top of Hem Mountain, there is a small lake, from which water cascades down the mountain slopes to form Hem Stream and several successive tiers of waterfalls, collectively known as May Waterfall.
May Waterfall in Huong Can commune, Thanh Son (Collected Photo)
May Waterfall comprises 13 large and small waterfalls, among which the highest is the Upper Waterfall, featuring multiple jets of white frothy water. On clear days, the waterfalls, blending with the blue of the mountains and the sky, appear like silky ribbons floating in the air.
The varying sizes of the waterfalls create different sound levels, from roaring cascades to gentle trickles, resembling a symphony of nature. Approaching the waterfall, the air feels refreshingly cool, a stark contrast to the outside environment, allowing visitors to indulge in the clear waters after exploring the breathtaking natural scenery.
Mo Waterfall, located in Cu Thang commune, is 15 km from the district center. Previously known as Van Mo Waterfall, it gradually came to be known as Mo Waterfall. Its name evokes a rustic and poetic landscape. The path to the waterfall is surrounded by green mountains and wildflowers, adding to the area’s pristine beauty.
Mo Waterfall has nine different levels. From afar, the sound of the water pouring down can be heard like the singing of mountain nymphs. Following the small stream to the waterfall’s base, visitors can immerse themselves in the untouched natural beauty of the vast wilderness.
The waterfall is surrounded by cool green mountains, with a rich and diverse primitive flora and fauna. After exploring the natural beauty, visitors can rest in the stilt houses and enjoy unique local dishes of the ethnic communities in Thanh Son.
A common feature of both waterfalls is the winding and picturesque path leading to them. Tall ancient trees line the route, with lower layers of grass and dense vines. Sometimes, these natural vines are a safe aid for visitors to climb. The higher one goes, the more it feels like being drawn into a mysterious story in a tranquil space, surrounded by mountains and forests, interspersed with the roaring waterfalls, water spray creating a dreamy, misty atmosphere.
Visitors to May and Mo Waterfalls are not only captivated by the pristine beauty of nature but also experience the artistic space created by rows of trees, rocks, and rich vegetation.
Thanh Thuy Hot Spring is not a specific stream but a large area in La Phu commune, Thanh Thuy district, Phu Tho. This region has underground hot mineral water springs, with an average temperature of the hot springs ranging from 45 to 60 degrees Celsius.
In the resorts of Thanh Thuy, there are hot mineral water pools (Collected Photo)
The hot mineral springs are extracted from a depth of nearly 100 meters, and the water is rich in trace minerals. Thus, Thanh Thuy’s hot springs are known for their health-restoring properties, aiding blood circulation and benefiting the heart.
In recent years, the demand for weekend getaways and relaxation has increased significantly. To meet this demand, numerous resorts and hotels have been built in Thanh Thuy to cater to visitors seeking rest and hot mineral baths.
These resorts and hotels in the area all feature large hot mineral pools to fulfill the bathing needs of their guests. Some resorts, with extensive premises, also offer indoor pools for guests to enjoy bathing in the hot springs during the winter months.
Recently, the travel community has been buzzing about a relatively new and unspoiled destination in Phu Tho, likened to a “Phu Tho version of Tuyet Tinh Coc” (a famous scenic spot). This place is Ly Lake, located in Thượng Long commune, Yen Lap district.
Ly Lake Viewed from Above (Collected Photo)
Ly Lake was formed by the merging of two streams: Ly stream and Chanh stream, but the lake was named after Ly stream. The lake is divided into two major branches and is surrounded by overlapping hills, creating a picturesque landscape.
For the Muong people in Thanh Son, they have learned to live in harmony with nature, creating simple but balanced dishes closely tied to the natural environment and reflecting the gentle and generous nature of the Muong people. These cultural values are still preserved and promoted by the community. One of the iconic dishes is bamboo rice.
Bamboo Rice is Easily Found in Many Northern Provinces (Collected Photo)
Traditionally, the Muong people primarily cultivated glutinous rice. According to the elders in Muong villages, ancient Muong people often had to go to the forest and fields early in the morning to gather food, sometimes even staying overnight in the forest.
As a result, they innovated the method of using bamboo or nua tubes to cook rice over a fire, creating what is known as bamboo rice. Over time, the preparation of this dish became a habit and was favored by the Muong people. Bamboo rice has long established its place in the cultural values of the Muong community.
Around the 2nd and 3rd lunar months, when trees begin to flower and fruit, ant nests on trees start to fill with eggs; this is also when Muong people venture into the forest to collect ant eggs for making cakes. Ant egg cake is a rustic dish, intricately prepared with a unique and delicious taste, becoming one of the unique culinary cultural traits of the Muong ethnic group in the ancestral land.
Ant eggs are delicious, but they can cause allergies in some people (Collected Photo)
The quantity of ant eggs varies with the size of each nest; some yield a bowlful, while larger nests can produce three to four bowls. Ant eggs, about the size of rice grains and milky white, are used as filling for cakes.
A good ant egg cake has a pure filling, simply fried with onions and salt without any additional ingredients. The cake batter is made from fine, kneaded sticky rice, rolled thin, stuffed with the filling, shaped into squares, and wrapped in two layers of banana leaves before being steamed.
Bamboo shoots and ribs is a traditional dish that reflects the Muong ethnic identity. Wild banana flowers are abundant in the mountains and forests of Yen Lap. The Muong people often gather banana shoots to prepare various dishes.
For bamboo shoots and ribs, the shoots are thinly sliced, soaked in vinegar, then drained and mixed with seasonings: salt, pepper, herbs, and minced ribs (formerly wild game meat). The mixture is then stuffed into bamboo tubes and cooked evenly over a low flame or hot coals. The aroma of wild banana flowers and the sweetness of the ribs make it a perfect meal with hot rice or as a dish to accompany wine.
The culinary culture of the Muong people is formed from simple, rustic dishes that deeply resonate with the flavors of the mountains and rivers, like meat, fish, bamboo shoots, and wild vegetables. Among these, sour bamboo shoots cooked with chicken is a notable dish. In the cold weather of winter, it is particularly enjoyable to savor this dish with its mild sour taste and tender chicken.
The dish has long been famous among the Muong people. To fully enjoy sour bamboo shoots with chicken, it’s essential to have accompanying vegetables like papaya leaves and wild cabbage. These vegetables add a unique flavor, with the bitterness of papaya leaves and the spiciness of wild cabbage enhancing the delicious taste of the chicken and sour bamboo shoots, contributing to a healthy meal.
In Thanh Son, along with their fondness for sour foods like pickled shallots, sour pickled tomatoes, pickled cabbage, and pickled cassava leaves, the Muong people also enjoy a very special root with a tannic taste, known as the brown root.
Brown Root Salad (Collected Photo)
This root is skillfully transformed by the Muong people of the region into a unique salad, creating a distinct flavor that sets it apart from the culinary cultures of other ethnic groups. Brown root salad, also known as nom nau, is made using brown root powder as a primary ingredient, commonly used by the Muong people to prepare fish salad.
However, unlike the Kinh people’s fish salad, which is mixed with various types of vegetables, leaves, tubers, and fruits, the Muong’s fish salad is only mixed with brown root. This root effectively neutralizes the fishy smell, resulting in a somewhat simplistic flavor but retaining the original sweetness of the raw fish.
Interestingly, the brown root is not only used for making fish salad; it is a common ingredient in most meat dishes of the Muong people. The brown root meat salad is considered a unique and “exotic” dish characteristic of the Muong community in this region.
For generations, wild vegetables ‘do’ style have been a familiar dish in the daily meals of the Muong ethnic people in Thanh Son. Due to their living habits and preferences, the Muong people enjoy sour, bitter flavors and often use the ‘do’ cooking method for preparing vegetables.
This method is quite popular among them. According to the Muong, the ‘do’ style of cooking preserves the natural flavor of the vegetables, distinguishing it from other vegetable dishes.
Mixed Wild Vegetable ‘Do’ Dish is Very Popular in Muong Cuisine (Collected Photo)
The mixed wild vegetable ‘do’ dish is made from various types of greens. Typically, the Muong people gather various kinds of vegetables around their homes, such as water spinach, squash leaves, amaranth, mugwort, perilla leaves, betel leaves, wild eggplants (small and spiky like pea eggplants), wild banana flowers, field mustard, and more. An essential ingredient in the ‘do’ dish is the shoots and leaves of the flat papaya tree, along with clusters of pure white male papaya flowers, used to add a bitter taste to the dishes.
The Ear Cake has been a part of Phu Tho village’s tradition since ancient times and is alternatively known as Hon Cake. Resembling an ear in shape, it is made from sticky rice, filled with pork, and requires a special recipe and unique ingredients. Not everyone can make the authentic ‘Ear Cake’ that captures the distinctive flavor it is known for.
Ear Cake, a Specialty of Phu Tho Land (Collected Photo)
The Ear Cake is a familiar delicacy for the residents of Phu Tho town, especially the traditional Ear Cake that has been passed down for over five generations in the family of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Dinh, located on Bach Dang street, Au Co ward, Phu Tho town.
Ga Gay glutinous rice from My Lung is a famous specialty rice of the Muong ethnic people in Yen Lap district (Phu Tho), linked with legends that have been orally passed down from generation to generation among the local population.
Ga Gay Sticky Rice (Collected Photo)
Ga Gay sticky rice is not harvested using sickles or machines but handpicked using a special tool called “tum.” The rice is tied into bundles called “cum” and carried back for drying. Once the rice bundles are firm, the Muong people do not thresh them immediately but store them in bags or hang them in the kitchen loft. The grains, when husked, appear half white and half translucent, emitting a pleasant fragrance.
Growing Ga Gay sticky rice is challenging as the plants are as tall as a person and their pleasant aroma makes them prone to pests and diseases. Particularly, if the weather turns bad with rain or storms at harvest time, it can lead to crop failure. Therefore, in 2005, Ga Gay sticky rice faced the risk of extinction as only the commune of My Lung continued cultivating it on a mere 4 – 5 hectares.
It’s unclear when the shrimp roll of Soi village originated or who first created this unique dish. In the past, local people referred to prawns as “cao,” a term still used by many in the village today. The dish is a combination of various colorful ingredients: the red of shrimp, the green of herbs and pickled shallots, the white of boiled pork belly and rice noodles, rolled pork, and the yellow of fried eggs.
Soi Village’s Shrimp Roll (Collected Photo)
The selected shrimps for the dish are finger-sized and uniform, fried to a crispy texture with a slight reddish color. The pickled shallots are used whole, with roots removed and boiled until cooked.
Fried eggs, boiled pork belly, rolled pork, and rice noodles, are all sliced into small, long pieces for easy arranging and rolling with the shallots. To make a delicious shrimp roll, each type of prepared food is laid out along with a bit of coriander, then wrapped in a pickled shallot leaf.
Cultivating cassava, both for the tubers and the leaves used for silkworm farming, has become a significant source of income for the people of Dong Luong commune, Cam Khe district. In Dong Luong, silkworm farming is profitable, as both the cocoons and the silkworm pupae are sold as food.
Silkworm Pupae with Cassava Leaves (Photo: Bac Ha Food)
Sour meat is a traditional dish of the Muong people in Thanh Son, Phu Tho. In the past, locals developed the method of fermenting meat to preserve it for longer periods, and over time, sour meat became a popular dish and a specialty of this mountainous district.
Sour Meat of Thanh Son (Collected Photo)
In modern times, with societal advancements, the people of Thanh Son have improved the method of making Sour Meat. They thinly slice the meat and season it more delicately before mixing it with rice powder to ferment, creating the now-famous specialty of Thanh Son Sour Meat.
When harvesting stone moss, one must choose the direction of the water flow to prevent the moss from being crushed. It’s important not to pick the entire moss, but only the tender and young parts. The moss then needs to be thoroughly cleaned and beaten vigorously with a wooden mallet to remove all the attached sand.
Stone Moss Packaged and Sold (Collected Photo)
To prepare it, finely chop garlic, amomum fruit, “mắc khén” seeds, chili, ginger, kaffir lime leaves, and papaya leaves, along with a bit of fish sauce and salt. After finely chopping the stone moss, mix it with the above ingredients and stir-fry it in a pan. Stone moss is aromatic and refreshing, serving as a remedy for improving blood circulation, detoxifying, and cooling the body.
Visiting Xuan Son National Park in Tan Son district, Phu Tho province, guests will have the opportunity to see the “nine-spurred chicken,” also known as the multi-spurred chicken. Contrary to the belief that they exist only in the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, this chicken breed is still raised and developed by the Dao Tien people in the core area of Xuan Son National Park. Reverently referred to as “Gà Chúa” (Lord Chicken), these chickens hold a special place in local culture.
Nine-Spurred Chicken, a Royal Breed Thought to Exist Only in Legends (Collected Photo)
With bright eyes, vibrant red combs, gracefully arched tails like rainbows, and notably their large legs with multiple spurs, the nine-spurred chicken, a noble breed from ancient legends offered to the Hung Kings, is still raised by the people of Phu Tho in the mountains and forests.
These multi-spurred chickens live in a natural environment, occasionally mingling with wild chickens, which might explain why their meat is exceptionally delicious and firm. This specialty chicken dish is often steamed with kaffir lime leaves or marinated in wild honey and various herbs before being grilled over red-hot coals, offering a distinctively delectable flavor that epitomizes the mountainous region.
Traveling through Xuan Son forest, one can enjoy duck stuffed and cooked in bamboo, along with other simple yet captivating dishes of the local community. After a satisfying meal, the friendly hostess shares her cooking secrets: first, the duck meat is boned and thinly sliced, but the duck must be one that’s been fed with corn and rice and allowed to roam freely near streams and fields to ensure its flavor.
Duck Cooked in Bamboo in Xuan Son National Park (Collected Photo)
After slicing the duck, it’s mixed with thinly sliced banana flowers and various spices, including the notable addition of amomum and amomum leaves, a rare herb from Xuan Son National Park. The mixture is then packed into bamboo tubes, sealed, and cooked over a fire until it stops boiling and bubbling, at which point it’s ready to be served.
In Phu Tho, preparing sour fermented fish is regarded as a method of preserving fish. This technique is widely used in the region, known for its tradition and expertise in preparing the special delicacy of sour fermented fish.
Fried Sour Fermented Fish (Collected Photo)
Sour fermented fish, also known as salted sour fish, is a product made from various types of fresh freshwater fish that are processed and fermented with rice bran to develop a sour, aromatic flavor, naturally cooking the dish. This preparation is a common and popular savory dish among the locals.
The ingredients and method are not complicated, but to achieve a jar (or container) of delicious, fragrant, mildly sour fermented fish, where the pieces retain their firm shape and are evenly “cooked,” can be quite challenging and relies heavily on the maker’s experience.
While wild bamboo shoots are found in many places, Sat bamboo shoots are a unique variety not found everywhere. For a long time, Sat bamboo shoots have grown abundantly on Buom Mountain, the highest mountain range in Am Ha. This type of bamboo shoot is characterized by its small size, about the thickness of a thumb, tall and slender stems, small leaves, and rapid reproduction.
Phu Tho’s Sat Bamboo Shoots (Collected Photo)
In Buom Mountain, Sat bamboo shoots grow densely in forests and clusters. After the Lunar New Year, light spring rains moisten the forest soil and warm weather arrives, creating the ideal conditions for Sat bamboo shoots to grow. Therefore, from the second to the fourth lunar month is the season for harvesting Sat bamboo shoots.
Field eels are prevalent in almost all water bodies, including ponds, swamps, lakes, and even the Red River. Depending on the water environment, their color varies, ranging from jet black to golden brown, dark yellow, or deep white.
The people of Hạ Hoa in the midland region create rich and flavorful dishes from field eels. Due to their smooth skin, it is difficult to prepare them as boiled, steamed, or soup dishes.
Sticky rice with palm fruit, characterized by the rich, creamy taste of palm fruit and the fragrant, sticky quality of hill-grown glutinous rice, offers a unique and novel flavor. This simple dish, preserving the culinary heritage of the Tay people since ancient times, is still popular today. The preparation of sticky rice with palm fruit is straightforward and unpretentious, yet it represents a distinctive aspect of the Tay people’s culinary culture.
Sticky Rice in Bamboo Tubes (Collected Photo)
Annually, during the 11th and 12th lunar months, the palm fruit season arrives, and the people of Bao Yen, Thanh Thuy, Phu Tho engage in preparing a long-standing dish that has become familiar in their rural area. To make delicious sticky rice with palm fruit, essential ingredients include hill-grown glutinous rice and ripe palm fruit.
People often select palm fruit with a rich and creamy taste. (While sticky rice can also be made with less creamy palm fruit, it usually lacks the richness and stickiness). After processing, the yellow flesh of the palm fruit is extracted for cooking the rice.
Phu Tho is not only known for its ancestral lands but also for its familiar dishes immortalized in folk songs. Over the years, rice balls wrapped in palm leaves have become a cherished and nostalgic dish for the people of Phu Ninh.
Rice Balls Wrapped in Palm Leaves (Collected Photo)
Rice balls wrapped in palm leaves are a simple yet require skillful hands to make. During the palm season, people go to the hills to cut down young palm leaves that are still flat and vibrant green, soaked in the warm sunshine of the midland region.
Clusters of ripe, glossy, and plump palm fruits beckon. The locals gather these fruits, selecting round, full, and even ones for preparing ripe palm fruit dishes. The people of Phu Tho have a keen eye for choosing the best fruits, selecting only the most flavorful and aromatic ones, while visitors from other regions may find it difficult to discern the quality, type, and ripeness of the palm fruits.
Ripe Palm Fruit in Phu Tho (Collected Photo)
The selected palm fruits are shaken to remove the outer layer of skin, then washed and boiled until cooked. Boiling palm fruit may sound simple, but it requires skill to achieve the perfect taste. When the water is simmering gently, the palm fruits are added and cooked on low heat until the water just bubbles.
The oil from the fruit emerges, forming a froth on the water’s surface and clinging to the sides of the pot, indicating the palm fruit is cooked. If not boiled with the correct heat and water levels, the fruit can turn out bitter and hard, making it difficult to eat.
Chung cakes are made from sticky rice with a rich aroma and flavor, while nang cakes are elaborately prepared using sticky rice mixed with aromatic leaf extracts, producing a deep red, translucent, and sticky texture. Served with sugarcane syrup, they offer a refreshing and sweet taste.
The gai cakes are soft and chewy, flavored with gai leaves, and rich with lotus seed jam, roasted peanuts, and coconut; while the duc cakes are crispy, full-flavored with homemade soybean paste, and enhanced with the savory aroma of roasted peanuts. The giay cakes are smooth, tender, and delicately sweet.
Dong Village’s Chung Cake (Collected Photo)
To create delicious cakes, the people of Dong Village meticulously select high-quality rice to prepare the cakes, along with mung beans, aromatic leaves, sugarcane syrup, and roasted peanuts. The skilled hands of the diligent women of Dong Village meticulously craft these rich and flavorful cakes.
In the past, during economically challenging times, there were many “stories” about cassava cakes. Back in the days when our parents were young, the most luxurious version of cassava cake was the ‘spatula-filled’ variety (meaning the cassava cake was simply pressed down with a spatula, shaped, and then steamed, without any filling).
Phu Tho’s Cassava Cake (Collected Photo)
When I was young, cassava cakes started to come in more varieties, but the best ones only had fillings of green beans, scallions mixed with crispy pork fat. Just these simple ingredients were enough to enchant all of us kids with their fragrant aroma. As I grew older and most families’ economic situations improved, cassava cakes began to have fillings like meat, red beans, and more.
Soybean paste is a familiar condiment in the midland and lowland areas of Northern Vietnam. The rich, golden soybean paste, fragrant with the aroma of sunshine, soybeans, and sticky rice, has been a part of many generations’ upbringing.
Duc My Soybean Paste Craft Village (Collected Photo)
Duc My village, Cao Xa commune, Lam Thao district, Phu Tho province is renowned for its traditional soybean paste-making craft. The soybean paste here, after sufficient fermentation, acquires a slightly reddish-golden color, with a mild, not too strong taste, richly sweet but not salty.
Doan Hung is a district in Phu Tho province, located in the midland region of Northern Vietnam, at the confluence of the Lo and Chay rivers. When people mention Doan Hung, they often think of palm hills, tea hills, and especially a unique fruit: Doan Hung pomelo.
Doan Hung Pomelo, a Specialty of Phu Tho (Collected Photo)
Doan Hung pomelo is a long-standing crop with spherical, slightly flattened fruits weighing less than 1 kg. When ripe, they turn a bright yellow, with a slightly wrinkled peel, thin rind, dry segments, juicy pulp, and a creamy white color.
This pomelo is characterized by its fragrant, delicious, sweet, and refreshing taste. A unique aspect of this Phu Tho specialty is its long shelf life; it can be stored for several months up to half a year, and when cut open, it remains as sweet and tasty as ever!
Gia Thanh persimmon originates from Tien Cat, Viet Tri city, Phu Tho province. It has been cultivated by local families in the gardens of Gia Thanh commune, Phu Ninh district for at least 50–70 years, with some trees nearly 70 years old. Currently, there are about 50 hectares of land in Phu Ninh district dedicated to growing Gia Thanh persimmon, providing significant income for the local population.
Gia Thanh Seedless Persimmon (Collected Photo)
Gia Thanh persimmons are notable for being seedless, with a high, diamond-shaped form rather than round, and slightly upturned tails. When ripe, they turn a light yellow and have a crunchy, sweet taste. Rich in vitamins beneficial for health, Gia Thanh persimmons are an attractive gift for those living far from their hometown and for visitors to Phu Tho who wish to enjoy the specialties of the ancestral land.
In Phu Tho province, tea is extensively cultivated in various districts such as Thanh Son, Tan Son, Thanh Ba, Doan Hung, and Ha Hoa. However, one of the most prominent tea-growing areas with many beautiful tea hills and numerous enterprises and companies involved in tea production and processing is Thanh Son district, covering over 3,000 hectares.
Phu Tho Tea (Collected Photo)
Long Coc commune is renowned for its beautiful tea hills, featuring dome-shaped tea plantations; at the foothills are cooperatives that produce and process tea, alongside cool, clear lakes and roads winding through the tea hills.
With a relatively short distance from Hanoi and a limited number of unique attractions, a one-day travel itinerary to Phu Tho is suitable for a weekend trip.
This itinerary combines a visit to Thanh Thuy’s hot springs and an exploration of Xuan Son National Park. A personal vehicle is needed to follow this itinerary.
Depart from Hanoi via Highway 32, turn left at Trung Ha bridge towards Thanh Thuy. Stop at Thanh Thuy hot springs for relaxation and a bath, then lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Long Coc tea hill in Tan Son, which is known for its picturesque scenery. After photography there, proceed to Xuan Son National Park.
Spend the evening resting, dining, and enjoying local specialties in Xuan Son. Don’t forget to stay in a homestay in one of the local villages.
After breakfast, prepare to explore some of the attractions within the National Park, such as Lap village, Coi village, Na Cave, Tho Than Cave, explore the pristine forest, and visit the Xuan Son Natural History Museum. In the afternoon, head back to Hanoi.
For this itinerary, it’s recommended to use motorcycles, as the route from Ta Xua to Van Chan may not be accessible by car.
Depart from Hanoi to Xuan Son National Park. Before entering the park, you can stop at Long Coc tea hill for photography.
Arrive at Xuan Son by noon, check in, have lunch, and enjoy the local specialties. After a short rest, explore Lap village, Coi village, Na Cave, Tho Than Cave, and the primeval forest, and visit Xuan Son Natural History Museum.
Stay overnight in a homestay at Xuan Son.
From Xuan Son, continue through the forest to reach National Highway 32, then take Highway 32B to Phu Yen, and proceed to Ta Xua for cloud hunting. Spend the night in Ta Xua.
Travel from Ta Xua via Bac Yen – Tram Tau to Nghia Lo. If time allows, spend a day exploring Nghia Lo and return to Hanoi the next day. If short on time, rest, eat in Nghia Lo, then head straight back to Hanoi.
See more: Unlocking the Secrets of Hung Temple: A Cultural Voyage in Phu Tho
See more: Xuan Son Exploration: Top Tips for an Unforgettable Journey in Phu Tho
See more: Capture the Beauty of Long Coc Tea Hills: A Photographer’s Paradise
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