Tuyen Quang Province (Vietnam): A handy travel guide

1. Is Tuyen Quang Vietnam worth visiting?

Tuyen Quang is a tourist destination located in Northern Vietnam, about 140 kilometers from Hanoi. Its strategic location makes it easy to travel to the northeastern and northwestern regions or down to the Red River Delta.

Known as the heart of the historical Viet Bac revolutionary base, this province is often referred to as Vietnam's revolutionary museum. The province boasts a wealth of historical sites and a vibrant cultural heritage.

With a diverse ecosystem encompassing forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, and hills, Tuyen Quang Province offers breathtaking landscapes. It is home to 658 historical, cultural, and natural landmarks, including three special national relics: Tan Trao (Son Duong), Kim Binh (Chiem Hoa), and the Na Hang-Lam Binh Nature Reserve.

2. Essential things to know about Tuyen Quang before departure

Before embarking on a journey to explore Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, visitors should gather information on the best times to visit, transportation options, accommodations, and more.

2.1. When is the best time to visit?

Tuyen Quang has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Rainy weather occurs from May to August, while the coldest months are November and December. Therefore, the best time to visit is from October to November, when the weather in Tuyen Quang is dry and cool, perfect for sightseeing. 

If you visit during this time, you can also combine the trip with a visit to Ha Giang, which boasts stunning views of the buckwheat flowers in full bloom. Another ideal time to visit Tuyen Quang Province is during the Mid-Autumn Festival (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), when the province hosts the largest Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam, with fascinating cultural activities.

2.2. How to get there?

Located more than 100 kilometers from Hanoi, visitors can easily reach Tuyen Quang Province by car or coach. The quickest route by car is to take the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, then the Tuyen Quang - Phu Tho expressway, with a total travel time of about two hours.

If you plan to travel by coach from Hanoi, you can depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations, with a travel time of around two and a half hours, and fares ranging from VND 70,000 to 150,000 per trip.

Once in Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, visitors can rent motorbikes to explore the historical sites and landmarks. However, for those unfamiliar with driving or traveling in large groups, taxi services such as XanhSM are a good choice.

XanhSM offers a unique experience with electric, quiet, environmentally friendly cars and professional drivers at reasonable prices. To book a ride, visitors can call the hotline at 1900 2088, use the XanhSM app, or simply hail a car with a green light on the road.

2.3. Where to stay?

Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, offers a wide range of accommodations, primarily in the city center. Hotels vary in price depending on their size and quality, ranging from VND 300,000 to 1,300,000 per night. There are also numerous guesthouses and homestays, with prices starting at around VND 200,000 per night. 

In the Na Hang area, visitors can stay in local homestays, with prices ranging from VND 70,000 to 150,000 per person per night. Additionally, visitors can rent tents for about VND 200,000 per night.

For a luxurious stay at some of Vietnam's most famous tourist destinations, travelers are advised to stay at high-end hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, offering classy accommodations and all-inclusive amenities for a memorable experience.

3. Best places to visit in Tuyen Quang Province

With its rich and diverse tourism resources, Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, attracts visitors both domestically and internationally. Let’s explore more!

3.1. Tan Trao Relics

Tan Trao Relics is a popular tourist destination in Tuyen Quang Province. It is the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, leading the victorious resistance against the French. Visitors to this site can learn about life during the war, the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people, and key milestones in the history of Vietnam's independence.

Located in Son Duong and Yen Son districts, it includes several iconic landmarks:

• Na Nua Hut: Constructed from bamboo in the style of a stilt house, this hut served as President Ho Chi Minh’s residence and workplace from May to August 1945.
• Tan Trao Communal House: Constructed in 1923, this communal house is dedicated to the village's tutelary god and local deities. It is an architectural marvel with its stilt-house design and hosted revolutionary activities led by President Ho Chi Minh.
• Tan Trao Banyan Tree: This historic site in Tuyen Quang Province witnessed the Vietnamese Liberation Army's departure ceremony on August 16, 1945, attended by locals and 60 national delegates.
• Bong Cave: A historical site where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the anti-French resistance. It also offers breathtaking views, located on the Bong mountain ridge with the Pho Day River flowing beneath.
• Hong Thai Communal House: Built in 1919, this stilt-style communal house holds cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. It was also a pivotal stop for President Ho Chi Minh upon his return to this province in May 1945.

3.2. Tuyen Quang Citadel

Tuyen Quang Citadel, in Tan Quang Ward, is a must-visit for history and architecture lovers. Built between 1533 and 1548, this square-shaped fortress spans 275 meters on each side, with 3.5-meter-high walls and a water-filled moat. Each side has a semicircular gate facing a different direction, and the walls are constructed from durable, iron-rich sandstone bricks.

Positioned by the Lo River and near Tho Son Mountain, Tuyen Quang Citadel has witnessed significant historical events, such as battles against French and Japanese forces. It was also where President Ho Chi Minh met the people of Tuyen Quang during his visit in 1961.

3.3. Na Hang ecotourism site

Revered as a “heaven on earth,” Na Hang is an unmissable destination. Located over 100 kilometers from Tuyen Quang City, this 15,000-hectare area is surrounded by limestone mountains, pristine forests, and a mist-covered lake with crystal-clear waters.

Visitors can enjoy boat rides on Na Hang Lake, marveling at majestic scenery and visiting landmarks such as Pac Ta Temple, Mo Waterfall, and Khuoi Nhi Waterfall. Adventurous trekkers can explore the biodiversity of the Na Hang-Lam Binh Nature Reserve or experience the spiritual serenity of Coc Vai, a sacred stone pillar in the heart of the lake.

3.4. My Lam Mineral Spring

For travelers seeking relaxation, My Lam Mineral Spring is the perfect getaway. Located just 12.5 kilometers southwest of Tuyen Quang City, this destination is renowned for its pure, hot mineral springs, which are ideal for rejuvenation and treating skin, spinal, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor mineral pools, hot tubs, mud baths, herbal baths by the Dao people, saunas, massages, and more. The serene natural setting also offers activities like camping and fishing, along with opportunities to savor local cuisine and learn about the region’s unique culture.

3.5. Majestic waterfalls in Tuyen Quang

Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, boasts stunning waterfalls nestled in lush greenery, perfect for relaxation and adventure:

• Mo Waterfall: Also known as Pac Ban Waterfall, this three-tiered waterfall in Na Hang cascades from an elevation of 700 meters. Visitors can swim in its cool waters, enjoy forest trails, and immerse themselves in the culture of ethnic Tay, Nung, and Dao communities at nearby stilt houses.
• Nam Me Waterfall: Originating from Nam Me Stream, this 4,000-meter-long waterfall resembles a silky ribbon draped across the mountains. Accessible by boat, it offers opportunities for swimming in its crystal-clear pools and exploring its cascading tiers surrounded by ancient trees.
• Ban Ba Waterfall: Located 70 kilometers from Tuyen Quang City, Ban Ba Waterfall features a series of connected waterfalls amidst a pristine forest. Visitors can hike among centuries-old trees, enjoy the refreshing mist, and camp by the falls.

3.6. Breathtaking caves in Tuyen Quang Province

In addition to its majestic waterfalls, visitors should not miss the chance to explore its mysterious caves, known for their captivating and picturesque beauty.

• Tien Cave Complex: Located over 55 kilometers from the city, it entices visitors with its untouched natural beauty. After climbing moss-covered stone steps, visitors can explore various caves like Tien Cave, Thien Dinh Cave, and Thien Cung Cave, and admire the sparkling stalactites in various shapes and colors. At the end of the journey, guests can relax in the cool waters of Tom Cave, washing away fatigue and worries.
• Khuoi Pin Cave: This stunning cave in Lam Binh District, Tuyen Quang Province, is a true natural wonder. Visitors must take a boat ride and hike for about an hour and a half through pristine forests to reach the cave. It consists of hundreds of smaller nooks, adorned with vibrant, unique stalactites and stalagmites.
• Song Long Cave: Surrounded by the 99 legendary peaks, Song Long Cave is accessible after a three-hour journey from the Na Hang dock. The cave stretches over 200 meters and rises 40 meters above the ground. Inside, natural rock sculptures and shafts of natural light illuminating the cave create a dazzling and mystical effect. The air inside is cool and peaceful, providing a perfect atmosphere for visitors to enjoy serenity.

3.7. Tuyen Quang Museum

Located in the heart of the city, Tuyen Quang Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the province's ethnic minorities. Here, visitors can explore the history, significance, and craftsmanship of traditional costumes from the region’s diverse communities. 

The museum features displays such as the Tay ethnic group's weaving tools, the Dao people’s vibrant costumes, Mong ethnic daily life scenes, and exhibitions on the Pa Then and San Chay peoples. They offer a glimpse into the province’s diverse and vibrant cultural tapestry.

3.8. Nguyen Tat Thanh Square

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square is a significant historical and cultural site in Tuyen Quang Province. Situated in the city center, next to the Lo River and surrounded by lush nature, the square spans over 8.5 hectares. It features the statue “Uncle Ho with the People of Tuyen Quang” at its center and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial.

The square is not only a cultural and historical hub, hosting various cultural and artistic events, but also a remarkable example of urban landscape and architecture. In 2022, the square was recognized as one of the "Asian City Landscape" award winners.

>>> Discover: Tuyen Quang map: A traveler’s guide to the best locations

4. Must-eats in Tuyen Quang Province Vietnam

In addition to its famous landmarks, Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, is known for its distinctive and delicious cuisine. 

Some must-try local dishes include:

• Ant egg cake: A unique dish from the Tay ethnic group, featuring a filling made from black ant eggs combined with soft, sticky rice flour. It creates a delicious, flavorful treat.
• Buffalo skin salad: A complex dish from the Tay people of Lam Binh, Tuyen Quang Province. Buffalo skin is boiled, sliced thinly, and mixed with spices and herbs, creating a flavorful, aromatic salad.
• Lo River fish salad: The fish from the Lo River is known for its fresh, firm meat. This salad combines the fish with rice powder made from fish bones and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce. It offers a memorable taste explosion from the first bite.
• Black pig meat: Visitors should not miss this specialty of Na Hang. Black pigs are naturally raised, resulting in sweet, tender, and lean meat, perfect for grilling, stir-frying, or making sour pork dishes.
• Rice in bamboo tube: A fragrant dish made from sticky rice and coconut milk, stuffed into bamboo tubes. The rice is tender, sweet, and delicious, often eaten with salt and sesame seeds.
• ‘Ke’ flower with meat: A unique dish from the Tay people, made from the ‘Ke’ flower, which has a bell-like shape. The flower is steamed with meat and eggs, and its slightly bitter taste complements the rich flavors of the filling.

5. What to buy in Tuyen Quang Vietnam?

After exploring Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, don't forget to buy some local specialties to bring home as souvenirs for friends and family. Recommended items include dried bamboo shoots, honey, Shan Tuyet tea from Na Hang, Ham Yen oranges, Xuan Van persimmons, Binh Ca longan, and Soi Lam corn, showcasing the region’s agricultural strengths.

Other unique and unforgettable souvenirs include ant egg cakes, ‘khao’ cakes, dried buffalo meat, Chiem Hoa ‘gai’ cakes, and fermented fish from Chiem Hoa.

6. Unmissable cultural events in Tuyen Quang

Tuyen Quang Vietnam is a land steeped in the traditions and customs of its diverse ethnic groups, often expressed through fascinating festivals.

• Thanh Tuyen Festival: First held in 2004, it is one of the most important festivals in Tuyen Quang Province. It is recognized for the largest and most unique Mid-Autumn lantern display in Vietnam. On the night of August 15th in the lunar calendar, in Tuyen Quang City, visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, admire colorful lanterns and festive parades, and learn about local culture.
• Long Tong Festival: Held annually from the 4th day to the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, this is the largest festival of the Tay people that celebrates hopes for good weather and harvests. Visitors can participate in various cultural activities such as processions and traditional games like "Then" singing.
• Praying for Luck and Good Harvest Festival: This traditional festival takes place annually on the 2nd and 4th days of the first lunar month in Tan Trao Commune, Son Duong District. It holds spiritual significance and revolutionary traditions. The festival has two parts: praying for good luck and peace and traditional games like plowing, promising unforgettable moments.
• Fire Jumping Festival: Held annually in the first lunar month, it is a unique and long-standing tradition of Pa Then people in Tuyen Quang to honor fire as a sacred element. Visitors will witness spectacular fire-jumping performances and engage in other cultural activities.
• Gieng Tanh Village Festival: This is the largest festival of the Cao Lan people, held on the 10th day of the first lunar month, in Kim Phu Commune, Yen Son District. Visitors can partake in traditional rituals and immerse themselves in lively games like tug-of-war.

Tuyen Quang Province is a captivating destination that harmoniously blends natural beauty, historical significance, and rich cultural traditions. From its breathtaking waterfalls and mysterious caves to its vibrant festivals and historic landmarks, Tuyen Quang offers experiences that resonate with both adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. A visit to this charming province promises unforgettable moments for visitors all around the world!

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