Have you ever dreamed of getting lost in a painting of nature, where mountains blend with emerald waters? Or exploring heroic historical stories and mysterious legends? If your answer is yes, then Tuyên Quang is the destination you’re looking for.
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With its rolling mountain ranges, winding rivers, and peaceful villages, Tuyên Quang is gradually asserting its place on Vietnam’s travel map.
Tuyên Quang is a mountainous province in northern Vietnam, characterized by pristine landscapes, fresh climate, and rich historical and cultural values. It is not only an ideal destination for eco-tourism lovers but also a place preserving significant national historical marks.
Getting from Hanoi to Tuyên Quang
To travel from Hanoi to Tuyên Quang city you can choose: sleeper buses, shared cars, private car, or motorbike for more flexible timing.
By bus
- Advantages: convenient, affordable, many daily schedules
- Buses depart from Mỹ Đình or Giáp Bát in Hanoi. The travel time is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Ticket price ranges from about: 70,000 VND to 210,000 VND
- Some bus companies on this route: Bảo Yến, Hà Tuấn, Vinh Nhâm, Limousine An Phát
By private car
- Tuyên Quang is approximately 125 km from Hanoi’s center.
- The fastest route is via Nội Bài – Lào Cai expressway and then via the newly opened Tuyên Quang – Phú Thọ expressway (opened December 23) with a 40.2 km stretch connecting to IC9 of Nội Bài – Lào Cai expressway.
- Travel time is around 2 hours total.
By motorbike
- There are many possible routes. One easy way: drive along Phạm Văn Đồng → cross Thăng Long Bridge → reach Vĩnh Yên (in Vĩnh Phúc), then turn toward Sơn Dương district.
- Continue roughly 30 km to Nông Tiến Bridge, leading to Tuyên Quang city center.
- Tip: Use Google Maps for the best road route.
This maps… Starting from Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, this journey takes you through the heart of Tuyên Quang Province — passing Son Duong Town, Tuyen Quang City, Chiem Hoa, Na Hang, and Lam Binh.
It’s a perfect route for travelers seeking to escape the noise of the city and immerse themselves in the serenity of mountains, rivers, and traditional ethnic villages. ( 395km / 10h drive)
Culture & Festivals of Tuyên Quang
Tuyên Quang is remarkable not only for its natural beauty but also for preserving the cultural values of ethnic minorities such as the: Tày, Mông, Dao, etc.
Some notable cultural features/festivals:
- Lồng Tông Festival: Held in spring, this is one of the major festivals of the Tày people. Locals give thanks to heaven and pray for good harvests. Visitors can enjoy folk games such as tug-of-war, tossing balls, singing Then, and dances.
- Mid-Autumn in Tuyên Quang: This is one of the biggest mid-autumn celebrations in Vietnam, with hundreds of giant lantern models in dazzling colors. It’s become a major attraction for both locals and visitors.
- Traditional handicraft villages: Some villages in Tuyên Quang are known for embroidery, weaving, and making conical hats. These crafts are not just aesthetic but meaningful souvenirs for travelers.
Exploring Tuyên Quang Cuisine
Tuyên Quang’s cuisine is rich and distinctive, with many mountain-flavored specialties. Travelers there can try:
- Five-color sticky rice: Made from many varieties of glutinous rice in different colors (purple, red, green, yellow), producing a dish that is visually striking and flavorful.
- Cơm lam: Rice cooked in bamboo tubes, offering a unique aroma and taste. Served often with grilled meat.
- Bánh chưng gù: These “quochoong-shaped” bánh chưng are made from sticky rice and wrapped with forest dong leaves, reflecting traditional flavors.
- Bánh gai Chiêm Hóa: A specialty of the Tày people, made from sticky rice, green herbs, and mung beans.
- Cá bỗng of the Gâm River: Considered among the best fish in northern Vietnam. You can have it as salad, grilled, steamed, or cooked with banana and tofu.
- Tuyên Quang-style bánh cuốn: These steamed rice rolls have a unique fragrant taste different from those in other regions.
- Hàm Yên orange: Sweet with a mild sourness, it’s a popular gift for visitors.
When to Visit Tuyên Quang
Tuyên Quang is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are the best seasons for travel.
- In spring, plum blossoms bloom across villages creating romantic scenery.
- In autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant—ideal for outdoor excursions. If you want to join the mid-autumn festival in Tuyên Quang, this is the time to go.
Accommodation in Tuyên Quang & Na Hang
Here are some options and reference prices:
| Location | Hotels / Homestays | Price Estimate (per night) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuyên Quang city | Mường Thanh Hotel | 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 VND |
| Royal Palace Hotel | ~ 800,000 VND | |
| Anh Anh Luxury Hotel | 300,000 – 600,000 VND | |
| Tân Trang Hotel | 300,000 – 600,000 VND | |
| Kim Long Hotel | 300,000 – 600,000 VND | |
| Nắng Mai Hotel | 300,000 – 600,000 VND | |
| Minh Thủy Guesthouse | ~ 200,000 VND | |
| Lộc Son Guesthouse | ~ 200,000 VND | |
| Lan Mão Guesthouse | ~ 200,000 VND | |
| Hoa Hồng Guesthouse | ~ 200,000 VND | |
| Thanh Huyền Guesthouse | ~ 200,000 VND | |
| Na Hang area | Homestay Bản Né, Thanh Tương | 70,000 – 150,000 VND |
| Homestay A Phủ | 70,000 – 150,000 VND | |
| Homestay Đèo Bụt | 70,000 – 150,000 VND | |
| Homestay Khuổi Nhi | 70,000 – 150,000 VND | |
| Homestay Hoàng Việt | 70,000 – 150,000 VND |
Note: Prices are not fixed and may vary during holidays or peak travel seasons.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Tuyên Quang
Tuyên Quang boasts both natural and historical-cultural attractions. The provincial area contains 546 historic, cultural, and scenic sites, of which 435 are registered historical relics, making it often called the “revolutionary museum” of the nation.
Nature & Cultural Experience Sites
- Na Hang Eco-tourism Area
- Located in Na Hang town, Lâm Bình district, ~100 km from Tuyên Quang city.
- With a total area of 15,000 ha (8,000 ha water surface), Na Hang is an ideal destination for relaxing and exploring: boat trips, cave exploration, etc.
- The road to Na Hang itself is part of the experience, with winding mountain curves.
- Mỹ Lâm Mineral Spring
- Located in Mỹ Lâm ward, ~12 km southwest of Tuyên Quang city.
- The natural hot spring’s temperature stays around 67 °C. Its existence was discovered by French geologists in 1923.
- The area includes modern facilities: hotels, restaurants, and spa services.
- Thác Mơ (Mơ Waterfall / Pác Ban Fall)
- Located in Khau Tinh commune, Na Hang district, ~100 km from Tuyên Quang.
- This is a set of three waterfalls deep in the forest, with dreamy, mysterious scenes—ideal for photography lovers.
- Thác Bản Ba (Ban Ba Waterfall)
- Located in Bản Ba village, Trung Hà commune, Chiêm Hóa district.
- Visitors can enjoy multi-tiered waterfalls and trek through ancient forests with centenary trees.
- Song Long Cave
- Located in Thượng Lâm commune, Lâm Bình district.
- Surrounded by 99 mountains, about 2 hours by boat from Na Hang pier.
- The cave is ~200 m deep from lake level, ~200 m long, average internal height ~40 m.
- One striking feature is a “rock pillar piercing the sky” just outside the cave entrance.
- Hang Phia Vài
- Archaeological site in Cốc Ngạn village, Khuôn Hà commune, Lâm Bình.
- Excavations begun in 2005 by Tuyên Quang Museum and the Institute of Archaeology uncovered prehistoric human remains.
- Visitors can see artifacts and learn about the prehistoric Hòa Bình culture.
- Thắng cảnh Động Tiên (Fairy Cave Complex)
- Located in Yên Phú commune, Hàm Yên district.
- A complex of caves: Thiên Đình, Đàn Đá, Thiên Cung, Tam Cung, Âm Phủ, Kim Quy, Thạch Sanh, etc.
- There are limestone formations shaped like “fairies playing chess,” dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, and more.
- Deeper inside lies a five-tiered altar with a statue of the “seventh fairy praying.”
- Hồng Thái Terraced Rice Fields
- Located in Khâu Tràng village, Hồng Thái commune, Na Hang district.
- In the harvest season, the terraces turn into golden, curved ribbons across the hillsides—especially striking when cultivated by the Dao Tiền people.
- Thác Nặm Me (Nặm Me Waterfall / Mother Waterfall)
- Located in Khuôn Hà commune, Lâm Bình district.
- Consists of up to 15 large waterfall tiers, interlaced by smaller ones with consistent water flow year-round.
- Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery, it’s a refreshing and peaceful spot.
Historical & Cultural Sites
- Lán Nà Lưa
- Located in Tân Lập village, Tân Trào commune, Sơn Dương district.
- This is where Hồ Chí Minh stayed and worked from late May to August 22, 1945, to lead the August Revolution.
- It was here he reportedly said: “The time is ripe now… even if we must burn the entire Trường Sơn range we will resolutely seize independence.”
- Tân Trào Bodhi Tree
- Located in Tân Lập village, Tân Trào commune, Sơn Dương.
- This banyan tree is a historical symbol of the village, site of many important events during the Vietnamese struggle against French colonial rule.
- Tân Trào Communal House (Đình Tân Trào)
- Built in 1923 in stilt house style, three columns and two wings, with a palm leaf roof.
- On August 16, 1945, delegates at the National Congress meeting here approved launching the August Revolution, adopted the red flag of a yellow star, established the Provisional Government led by Hồ Chí Minh.
- Hồng Thái Communal House (Đình Hồng Thái)
- Built in 1919 in wooden, stilt-house style with thatched roofs and three columns and two wings.
- It enshrines the local guardian spirit and other local deities. It is also historically important as a place where Hồ Chí Minh first stayed after returning from Pác Bó (Cao Bằng) to Tân Trào on May 21, 1945.
- Hang Bòng
- Located in Bòng village, Tân Trào commune.
- Hồ Chí Minh chose this cave to stay and work three times during the war of resistance against French colonialists (from October 1949 to December 1952).
- Mạc Dynasty Citadel (Thành nhà Mạc)
- Located in Tân Quang ward, Tuyên Quang city.
- Built in 1592 during the Mạc dynasty, renovated in the early Nguyễn era (19th century).
- It had military importance, guarding the banks of the Lô River and standing on a major water-land transportation route.
- Nguyễn Tất Thành Square
- Located on 17 August Street, Tân Quang ward, Tuyên Quang city.
- Adjacent to the Lô River, the square spans over 8.5 hectares.
- At its center is a statue of “Hồ Chí Minh with the people of the ethnic groups in Tuyên Quang.”
- Construction began in early 2012 and was completed in time for the 125th birthday anniversary of Hồ Chí Minh (May 19, 2015).
- Pác Tạ Temple (Đền Pác Tạ)
- Located in Khau Tinh commune, Na Hang district.
- A sacred worship site visited by many pilgrims.
- The temple is dedicated to the wife of the great general Trần Nhật Duật and bears relics from the second Mongol invasion war of Vietnam.
- Tuyên Quang Museum
- Located in Tổ 19, Phan Thiết ward, Tuyên Quang city.
- The museum is a good destination for young people interested in history and science.
- It houses many relics, artifacts, and cultural histories of the region.
- Đền Hạ
- Located in Chiến Thắng Sông Lô, Tân Quang ward, Tuyên Quang city.
- This temple is a peaceful, serene site suitable for travelers seeking calm and spiritual solace.
- Each year, many festivals are held here. It is dedicated to Mẫu Thượng Ngàn (the Forest Mother), with scenic views overlooking the Lô River.
Some Travel Tips for Visiting Tuyên Quang
- Prepare appropriate gear: Bring warm clothes if traveling in winter, sport shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.
- Research beforehand: Before going, you should research weather, tourist spots, local cuisine, and cultural norms in Tuyên Quang so your trip is as fulfilling as possible.
Tuyên Quang isn’t just a destination — it’s a feeling.
It’s where you’ll find peace in the sound of flowing water, warmth in local smiles, and memories that linger long after you’ve returned home.
Let À Lôi Food be your companion on this journey — connecting you to the true taste, culture, and soul of the Vietnamese mountains.
Plan your trip, pack your heart, and let Tuyên Quang welcome you with open arms.
