Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Northern Highlands of Vietnam lies Thái Nguyên (Thai Nguyen), a province renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and, of course, its exquisite tea. Often referred to as the “Tea Capital of Vietnam,” Thai Nguyen has captivated visitors for centuries with its rolling hills adorned with emerald tea plantations, its tranquil lakes, and its captivating historical sites.
Location
Thai Nguyen is a province located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, directly adjacent to the capital Hanoi. Thai Nguyen is 75 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, 655 kilometers from Da Nang, and 1197 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.
Transportation
Visitors can travel by motorbike, car, or bus. Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Bac Kan – Cao Bang Highway (or the new National Highway 3) is one of the major ones in the North. National Highway 3, which runs along the 85 kilometers length of the province, is a vital route connecting Thai Nguyen with Hanoi and the northern provinces. Thai Nguyen is about 50 kilometers from Noi Bai Airport, so it is suitable for short trips on weekends.
At major bus stations such as My Dinh, Gia Lam, and Giap Bat, there are bus companies going to Thai Nguyen. Ticket prices range from $6/ turn. Some reference bus companies: are Thanh Thuy, Duc Phuc, and Lac Hong.
If you are a tourist in the Central or Southern regions, the fastest and most convenient method of travel is to book a flight to Hanoi to Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi. After that, you can travel by taxi, bus, or rent a car or VIP limousine to get to Thai Nguyen.
Weather
Thai Nguyen has a hot and humid tropical monsoon climate, divided into four distinct seasons according to the characteristics of the North. Because the terrain ranges from plains midlands to mountains, each region in Thai Nguyen has different temperatures.
January is the time when there are many traditional festivals and spiritual beliefs, such as Duom temple festival, Long Tong temple festival, Hich festival, Hang Pagoda festival, and Van Mountain – Vo mountain festival. Summer is the time when tea hills – a Thai Nguyen specialty – are the greenest and most beautiful for tourists to visit and take photos.
Top destinations to explore
1. Đồi Trà Tân Cương (Tan Cuong Tea Hill)
Many people will immediately think of the delicious “tea” specialty when coming here. Therefore, Tan Cuong Tea Hill is always a place that attracts a large number of tourists to visit.
Only about 10 kilometers from the center of Thai Nguyen City, immense tea hills are concentrated in the areas of Tan Cuong, Phuc Xuan, and Phuc Triu communes. With a large area of more than 1,300 hectares, it stands out with its bright green color amidst the clear blue sky, creating a peaceful and extremely fresh space.
Stopping at Tan Cuong Tea Hill, you can enjoy a green space while sipping a cup of warm tea together in the cool weather, making your soul more relaxed.
2. Hồ Núi Cốc (Nui Coc Lake)
A Thai Nguyen tourist destination that must be mentioned is Nui Coc Lake, located in the south of Dai Tu district, about 16 kilometers from Thai Nguyen city center. This place has a beautiful natural landscape and is associated with an interesting legend about Coc and Cong.
Nui Coc Lake is divided into two parts: Ho Nam and Ho Bac. Hubei is a diverse and modern entertainment area. Ho Nam is a place that still has its wild features and is also a popular place for tourists to choose as a place to gather friends to rest and relax on weekends.
Nui Coc Lake not only possesses a “charming” landscape, but it is also a paradise of fun and entertainment for adventure lovers, such as roller coasters, rockets, flying saucers, etc.
3. Động Phượng Hoàng – Suối Mỏ Gà (Phuong Hoang Cave – Mo Ga Stream)
This is a nationally ranked scenic spot, located in Phu Thuong commune, Vo Nhai district. Phoenix Cave is associated with the legend of a pair of phoenixes. The mouth of the cave is at the top of the mountain, about 500 meters above sea level. The cave is deep into the mountain, three floors wide, with many stalactites dating back hundreds of years and strange shapes on the ceiling. From the cave entrance, water pours down, forming many small waterfalls. Right at the foot of Phuong Hoang Mountain, the Mo Ga stream flows naturally, with clear and cool water. Phuong Hoang Cave tourist area currently has restaurant services, swimming pools, motels, event organizations, and souvenir sales areas.
4. Suối Đát Đắng (Dat Dang Stream)
Dat Dang Stream is a quite wild and peaceful tourist destination in Thai Nguyen. Quite far from the national highway, visitors coming here will be immersed in nature in the lush primeval forest, enjoy the cool fresh air, and watch the stream downstream.
The journey to Dat Dang stream is quite an interesting experience. Visitors will have to walk a long distance across the trails across the mountainside to get the result of seeing a majestic, vast landscape before their eyes. Coming here, you will have beautiful views to take photos of and enjoy a peaceful space with friends and relatives.
Food
Bánh Chưng Bờ Đậu is a specialty of Phu Luong, Thai Nguyen. This traditional Banh Chung dish includes lychee sticky rice, one of the specialty rice types of Phu Luong region, Na Ri forest leaves, thick and wide, thin sticky rice split from the Giang tree of the Thai Nguyen mountain region, filled with beans, greens, and pork belly.
Xôi Ngũ Sắc is made by Tay people in Dinh Hoa area to offer to Uncle Ho’s altar at the memorial house on top of De Pass on holidays and New Year’s. According to the beliefs of indigenous people, five-colored sticky rice represents love for mother, respect for father, eternal love, fidelity between couples, luck, and good things.
Nem Chua Đại Từ: Be ecstatic with the irresistible flavor of Nem Chua. It must be fried or grilled over charcoal to be edible. The blend of countryside flavors between the sweetness of the meat, the scent of guava leaves, and the sweet taste of banana leaves has captivated many guests who come here.
Accommodation
Located in the center of Thai Nguyen City, it is convenient for tourists to travel:
– Queen Hotel Hoang Gia: $20/ night
– Sunny House Hotel: $17/ night
Located in the mountainous forest in Nui Coc Lake area, with fresh and cool air, it is perfect for those who like to immerse themselves in nature:
– Nui Coc Lake Plaza: $32/ night
– Mojen’s Camp & Retreat: $49/ person
Thai Nguyen is a small mountainous province located in the Northeast of Vietnam, less than 100 km from Hanoi. This place is famous for its immense tea hills and vast lakes. In addition, with an extremely mild and cool climate, Thai Nguyen has become an ideal destination for picnics and relaxation during vacations.
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