Buzz
Exploring Tam Dao isn't just about discovering a fantastic land; it's also an opportunity for you to have exciting and unforgettable experiences.
The majestic natural beauty of Tam Dao attracts thousands of tourists every year. Misty valleys, lush green pine forests, and rugged mountain peaks create a magnificent landscape. The area is also famous for its beautiful streams, waterfalls, and many other appealing attractions.
With its serene, cool atmosphere and a variety of recreational and resort activities, Tam Dao has become a popular destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle, find tranquility, and immerse themselves in beautiful nature. You can participate in activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, visiting historical sites, and enjoying the pristine mountainous environment.
Where is Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc?
Tam Dao is a district located in Vinh Phuc province, Northern Vietnam. With an altitude of over 1000 meters above sea level, Tam Dao is a famous tourist destination with a cool climate all year round, refreshing summers, and chilly winters, making it ideal for relaxation and sightseeing.
Located approximately 85km from Hanoi, getting to Tam Dao requires a 50km journey along National Highway 2 and 24km along National Highway 2B, including 13km of challenging mountainous roads. With a history of over 100 years, Tam Dao was once a French colonial hill station in Vietnam, hence, it was built with many grand structures. However, the aftermath of war has destroyed many of these structures. Today, only the ancient stone church remains - a unique historical relic reminiscent of the area's former glory.
Travel Tips for Tam Dao
When is the Best Time to Visit Tam Dao?
Tam Dao possesses its own beauty and attracts tourists in every season of the year. However, each season brings different experiences and landscapes. Below are the highlights of each season in Tam Dao.
- Spring (March - May): This is one of the best times to visit Tam Dao. The weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for exploring attractions and enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.
- Summer (June - August): With an altitude of over 1000 meters, Tam Dao is the perfect escape from the heat during summer. During this time, you can comfortably enjoy the fresh, airy atmosphere and participate in outdoor activities such as long walks, mountain climbing, and various sports.
- Autumn (September - November): Autumn in Tam Dao brings cool and pleasant weather, along with vibrant natural scenery with brilliant yellow colors. The picturesque terraced rice fields and warm yellow pine forests make Tam Dao romantic and charming.
- Winter (December - February): This is the coldest time in Tam Dao and is often accompanied by fog. It promises to be the perfect time for cloud hunting and experiencing the misty landscapes.
Independent Travel Guide to Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Departing from Hanoi
- By private vehicle: You can travel via the North Thang Long - Noi Bai route, heading towards Vinh Phuc, then continue on National Highway 2 and turn onto National Highway 2B to reach Tam Dao. Be cautious when driving through the 13km mountainous pass and ensure safety by wearing appropriate protective gear and obeying traffic laws.
- By bus: At My Dinh Bus Station, there are many bus companies providing transportation to Tam Dao. It's advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak times.
- By bus: If you prefer to travel by bus, there are many bus routes from Hanoi to Tam Dao. The departure points are My Dinh Bus Station or Gia Lam Bus Station. There are frequent bus services to Tam Dao throughout the day, with travel time ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic conditions.
- By train: You can book train tickets from Hanoi to Lao Cai, get off at Vinh Yen station, and then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Tam Dao.
Departing from Ho Chi Minh City
To travel to Tam Dao from Ho Chi Minh City, you need to go to Hanoi. Air travel is a popular choice for saving time. Currently, there are many Saigon - Hanoi flights every day for you to choose from according to your preferred schedule.
After arriving in Hanoi, you can travel to Tam Dao by bus, bus, train, or
rent a self-driving car on Klook.
Cloud Hunting in Tam Dao: What Time?
At dawn, as the sun rises, travelers will witness a fascinating natural phenomenon: fluffy clouds covering the town below. Layers of clouds interweave, creating a cloud carpet resembling a gentle stream. The ideal time to start cloud hunting in Tam Dao is from 07:00 to 08:00, like entering a fairyland scene.
What's Beautiful in Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc?
Ancient Stone Church
The ancient stone church is a unique architectural landmark located in Tam Dao town. Construction began in 1937 during the French colonial period. It is one of the four famous stone churches in Vietnam, alongside the stone church in Sapa (Lao Cai), Phat Diem Stone Church (Ninh Binh), and Nha Trang Stone Church (Khanh Hoa).
The Tam Dao stone church is built in the Gothic style, showcasing European religious architecture. The entire structure is made of high-quality black stone, creating a distinctive and unique feature. Carved stone columns, high vaults, and intricate details add grandeur to the space. The overall structure bears the imprint of religious significance, allowing visitors to sense the sacred beauty of the place.
The church consists of two floors with a spacious area. Inside the church, you can admire colorful and delicate stained glass windows, carrying profound religious meanings. Alongside the stained glass windows, the church also houses statues of God, Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, and saints from legend. The colors and light through the stained glass create a sacred space filled with solemnity and mystery.
Television Tower
Tam Dao television tower, situated atop Thien Thi peak at an altitude of 1,250 meters above sea level, has become a captivating destination for tourists. Standing at a height of 100 meters, the television tower truly presents a 'challenge' as you have to conquer approximately 1,394 stone steps. While the journey to the top of the tower may pose some difficulties, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the majestic landscape and pristine nature of Tam Dao's high mountains.
From the television tower, you can admire the entire panorama of Tam Dao, the lush green tea hills of Thai Nguyen, or the vast and majestic Coc Lake,... Standing on top of the tower and beholding the vast expanse of this vibrant land is a memorable experience. Come here to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in the raw natural beauty of Tam Dao.
Silver Waterfall
Silver Waterfall is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Tam Dao. The waterfall is approximately 50 meters tall, creating a strip of pure white water. The best time to visit Silver Waterfall is from May to October, when the rainy season brings abundant water flow, creating the most beautiful scenery of the waterfall. During this time, you'll have the opportunity to admire the strong rushing water from the top of the waterfall, creating a picturesque scene.
Silver Waterfall is not only a tourist attraction but also an ideal destination for recreational activities. You can bathe in the cool refreshing water, relax, and enjoy the pristine nature or camp in the surrounding area. For those passionate about hiking and exploration, conquering the peak of the waterfall is also a fascinating and memorable challenge.
Fragrant Incense Lake
As an artificial lake in Tam Dao, constructed in 1984, Fragrant Incense Lake covers an area of approximately 83 hectares, forming a beautiful 'water basin' amidst the mountainous landscape of the area.
One of the highlights of Fragrant Incense Lake is its turquoise water, creating a unique and peaceful scenery. The sunlight shining down on the clear water highlights the magnificent natural beauty of the lake, giving you a sense of tranquility and relaxation as you gaze upon it.
Fragrant Incense Lake is surrounded by towering mountains, creating a majestic and romantic natural landscape. When visiting Fragrant Incense Lake, you can stroll along the lake shore to admire the beautiful scenery and relax in the peaceful atmosphere. This is also an ideal place to capture beautiful photos and preserve wonderful moments during your trip.
Upper Mountain Goddess Temple
The Upper Mountain Goddess Temple, also known as the Upper Tam Dao Mother Temple, is a famous spiritual site located in Tam Dao. Built around the 20th century, it is one of the attractive destinations for tourists interested in exploring the culture and religion of this area. To reach the Upper Mountain Goddess Temple, you need to climb over 300 steps.
The architecture of the Upper Mountain Goddess Temple is built in the Eastern style with Tho Ha tiled roofs. The temple complex includes several important structures including the Upper Mother Temple and the National Mother Temple, all of which are places of worship and perform religious activities. Additionally, there is the Golden Pagoda and the statue of Lord Buddha Shakyamuni, serving as religious and cultural symbols at the temple.
Tam Dao Square
The square is a tourist attraction located in the center of Tam Dao town. This location stands out with a giant 'Tam Dao' sign, which has become a famous check-in spot in the area.
Not only an ideal place for taking photos, but Tam Dao Square is also an ideal stop for tourists who want to relax and enjoy the public space in Tam Dao. With many seats arranged around, you can sit back, relax, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and observe the local life.
Truc Lam Tay Thien Monastery
Truc Lam Tay Thien Monastery, also known as Tay Thien Pagoda, is an important spiritual site located on Thach Ban Mountain, Vinh Phuc province. Considered one of the three largest Buddhist monasteries in Vietnam, Truc Lam Tay Thien Monastery attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Construction of the Tay Thien Truc Lam Monastery began in 2004, featuring unique architecture. The main hall is the focal point of the monastery, covering an area of 675 square meters. To the left of the main hall is the Bell Tower and to the right is the Drum Tower, behind which is the Ancestral Hall honoring the three founders of the Truc Lam school.
Tam Dao Night Market
Visiting the Tam Dao night market is an interesting and unique experience that you should not miss when in this area. Here, you can enjoy street food as well as shop and learn about local culture through handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and various other goods. You can freely choose and shop for unique items, either as souvenirs or as gifts for family and friends.
The night market is also a place to enjoy a relaxed, lively, and vibrant atmosphere. You can participate in games and entertainment activities, enjoy live music, and watch unique local performances.
Must-Try Specialties of Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc
Tam Dao is famous for its specialties such as mountainous squash, black glutinous rice, rolled cakes, Vinh Tuong sugarcane honey cakes, baked earth-wrapped hill chicken, stream carp, and sturgeon fish. These dishes not only satisfy the taste buds but also showcase the culinary essence and cultural diversity of Tam Dao.
For dining options, you might consider some restaurants recommended by Klook:
- Hai Dang Restaurant; Address: Zone 1, Tam Dao town
- Pho May Restaurant; Address: National Highway B2, Tam Dao town
- Nga Chinh Eatery; Address: near Thac Bac entrance
- Xuan Lua Eatery; Address: Zone 1, Tam Dao town
- Su Su BBQ; Address: Zone 1, Tam Dao town
Resorts/Hotels in Tam Dao
Tam Dao is a popular tourist destination with many visitors, so there are plenty of options for resorts and hotels to suit every need and budget. Here are some renowned accommodation options in Tam Dao:
1. FLC Vinh Phuc Resort
- Address: Dai Quang Street, Phuc Yen City.
- Price Range: from 845,123 VND/night
2. Tam Dao Belvedere Resort
- Address: National Highway 2B, Tam Dao town
- Price Range: from 1,817,000 VND/night
3. Hidden Hill Resort Vinh Phuc
- Address: Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Phuc Yen City.
- Price Range: from 4,500,000 VND/night
4. Westlake Hotel & Resort Vinh Phuc
- Address: Kim Ngoc Street, Vinh Yen City.
- Price Range: from 1,540,000 VND/night
Experience luxury at Sofia Tam Đảo Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of the tranquil town of Tam Đảo.
- Address: District 1, Tam Đảo town. Price range: 846,000 VND per night.
Discover serenity at Chillout Village Tam Đảo, located along the scenic route of National Highway 2B in Tam Đảo town.
- Address: National Highway 2B, Tam Đảo town. Price range: starting from 673,000 VND per night.
Indulge in comfort at Venus Hotel Tam Đảo, situated in the charming District 1 of Tam Đảo town.
- Address: District 1, Tam Đảo town. Price range: 1,647,000 VND per night.
Glimpse of Tam Dao 2 Days 1 Night Travel Itinerary
On day 1, kick off your journey from Hanoi in the early morning, and head to Tam Dao. After checking in and having lunch, you can start exploring Tam Dao by visiting the gate of heaven, ancient stone church, and Goddess of the Forest temple. In the evening, stroll around Tam Dao night market and the square to wrap up the first day of your trip.
Day 2 begins with a delightful breakfast at the hotel or local eateries. Next, gear up for exploring Silver Waterfall, Rung Rinh Peak, and Hell Temple. After half a day of exploration, get ready to return to Hanoi and conclude your 2-day 1-night Tam Dao journey with unforgettable experiences in this scenic land.
Situated not far from Hanoi, Tam Dao is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace. Nature in Tam Dao retains its pristine beauty, attracting thousands of tourists every year.
If you're a nature enthusiast always on the lookout for natural attractions near Hanoi such as Hoa Binh, Hai Tien Beach, Ta Xua, Mai Chau, Silver Waterfall Tam Dao, Ba Be Lake, Thung Nham, Coc Mountain Lake Thai Nguyen, Ba Vi National Park, ... then head straight to the Klook Blog to gather many useful tips.
Are you up for a trip to Tam Dao?
