Top 10 Famous Tourist Destinations in Tuyen Quang That Attract Visitors

Pac Ta Mountain (in Tày language, it means "the breasts of heaven") is also known as Elephant Mountain. It is the highest peak in Na Hang district, Tuyen Quang province, resembling the shape of an elephant standing beside a wine jar. Majestic and imposing, sometimes hidden in the mist, Pac Ta Mountain stands by the Tuyen Quang Hydroelectric Reservoir, inspiring many artists, photographers, and poets.

Another name for Pac Ta Mountain is "Xa Ta", tied to an ancient legend. Long ago, a dense forest in the area was home to fierce animals, including elephants, which were strong but difficult to tame. The locals tried many methods to domesticate the elephants for carrying goods. One year, invaders attacked, and the locals, including their trained elephants, prepared for battle. Among the herd was the strongest bull elephant, which could not be tamed by any of the commanders. A brave elephant keeper stepped forward to handle this task.

On the first day, the keeper had the villagers block all streams and water sources around the elephants' habitat using rocks and soil. After three days, the bull elephant became thirsty, so the keeper placed wine in a stone hollow for the elephant to drink instead of water. After five days, then ten days, the elephant grew accustomed to drinking wine and obeying the keeper’s commands. Thus, the wild elephant was tamed, and the locals began calling it the "wine elephant".

When the battle began, the wine elephant gallantly charged, breaking the enemy's formation. After the victory, the wine elephant was honored by the king and given the title of "Duke Elephant". At a grand feast, the wine elephant drank endless jugs of wine until it died from drunkenness. Strangely, despite its death, the elephant remained standing proudly. That night, a fierce storm and howling winds seemed to express the grief of the villagers. The next morning, the elephant and wine jar had turned into stone, growing over time into the mighty Pac Ta Mountain we see today.

Location: Na Hang, Tuyen Quang

Located about 40 km from Vinh Loc Town (Chiem Hoa District, Tuyen Quang Province), Ban Ba Waterfall is often compared to a beautiful young woman who has yet to wear makeup. The waterfall consists of three tiers. The first tier, called Tat Cum, is the most majestic and picturesque. At the base of the waterfall lies the "dragon's abyss" (locally known as "vang tang" or "vang luong"), where the rock walls twist like a dragon coiling, and an underground spring spouts water, creating a mystical rainbow when combined with the sunlight. The second tier, known as Thac Cao, is divided into two streams, cascading like two flowing white ribbons between the mountains. At the bottom, there is a crystal-clear pool called "vuc quyen" where visitors can immerse themselves in the cool, refreshing waters. Along the edge of this tier, dragon-shaped rocks curve dramatically, enhancing the rugged beauty of the landscape. The third tier flows down smooth limestone slabs into a deep gorge, known as Vuc Linh, a sacred place. Here, tourists can bathe in the clear, refreshing water, listening to the waterfall’s roar and the birds singing in the forest... In 2007, Chiem Hoa District received national recognition for Ban Ba's scenic site, officially opening it as an eco-tourism destination.

Today, Ban Ba Waterfall has been developed with infrastructure that reflects the ethnic traditions of the highland people. Visitors to Ban Ba will experience the stunning beauty of the silver waterfall and enjoy local specialties such as sour meat, fish paste, five-color sticky rice, grilled cassava, and more. Guests can also take part in activities like campfires, cultural exchanges with local ethnic groups, and traditional games such as toss the coin, tug-of-war, and wrestling.

The pristine landscape, with ancient forests that are hundreds of years old, rich flora, and the waterfall’s scenic backdrop, creates a picture-perfect view. The fertile fields at the base of the waterfall add to the charm of Ban Ba Waterfall, giving it an untouched, poetic beauty. With efforts from local authorities and tourism enterprises, Ban Ba is poised to become a must-see destination for tourists in the near future.

Location: Vinh Loc, Chiem Hoa, Tuyen Quang

At Lan Waterfall in Yen Phu commune (Ham Yen), visitors can admire the stilt houses of the local ethnic groups nestled beneath the towering limestone mountains. Stretching along the lower reaches of the waterfall are lush orange groves, heavy with golden fruit in season. The deeper you venture into the base of the waterfall, the more awe-inspiring nature feels, as if you’ve entered a pristine wilderness. The waterfall cascades in nine tiers of crystal-clear water, representing the nine levels of love, which is why Lan Waterfall is also known as the Nine-Tiered Waterfall or the Waterfall of Love.

During the hot summer months, there's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the refreshing waters, still carrying the faint scent of flowers from the surrounding protected forests. It’s a rare pleasure. In the clear waters at the base of the waterfall, you may catch sight of the rare, shy fish known as "khu" with their round bodies and long tails, hiding in the crevices of moss-covered stones. Above, clusters of wildflowers hang over the water, casting their shadows. The khu fish, considered a sacred species by the locals, adds to the mystical allure of this place. Lan Waterfall is the perfect spot to enjoy the raw beauty of nature.

Lan Waterfall is one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations in the region, included in Ham Yen’s tourism development program from 2006 to 2010. A project has been proposed by a local company to invest in a 200-hectare area, planting trees to enhance the landscape and ecological environment. Along with Thac Cai Temple and the Tiên Cave, with its many mysterious formations, Lan Waterfall is set to become a popular tourism cluster that draws visitors from all over.

Location: Yen Phu, Ham Yen, Tuyen Quang

If you love mineral baths, then My Lam Mineral Spring Resort is the perfect destination for you. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs or mud baths to relieve stress and improve overall health, significantly boosting your immunity.

Located in Phu Lam commune, Yen Son district, Tuyen Quang province, the resort offers various services such as hot spring baths, swimming pools, mineral water baths in wooden tubs, aroma mineral baths, physiotherapy massages, VIP SPA treatments, and traditional Dao herbal baths. Additionally, the resort produces and bottles its own mineral water, which is sold under the My Lam brand.

At My Lam Mineral Spring Resort, visitors can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery and taste local delicacies such as sticky rice cooked in bamboo (a specialty of the Tay people), wild honey, and dried buffalo meat. Mr. Nguyen Huu Vuong, a long-time rice cooker at the resort, shared that his family prepares around 70-80 bamboo tubes of rice daily for guests, and during holidays, this number can triple. To make the perfect tube of rice, he carefully selects high-quality glutinous rice, soaks it, and then wraps it in fresh bamboo tubes with just the right amount of water, sealing it with banana or dong leaves before roasting it for 30-45 minutes.

Currently, My Lam Mineral Spring Resort attracts hundreds of visitors every day, offering baths, mud treatments, and mineral water therapy. These services have created jobs for hundreds of local workers, with an average monthly salary of 2,000,000 VND per person. In recent years, the resort has rapidly expanded both in scale and service quality, with the most notable development being in the Suoi Khoang and Nuoc Nong villages, where nearly 30 families now provide mineral baths, lodging, and meals.

Location: Phu Lam, Yen Son, Tuyen Quang

As many know, before the August Revolution, the main base for President Ho Chi Minh and other soldiers was in Tuyen Quang. A particularly famous and well-known landmark in this area is Na Lua Hut — the very place where Ho Chi Minh worked during the most critical period. Na Lua Hut was where President Ho Chi Minh stayed and worked from late May to August 1945, preparing for the General Uprising.

The hut was built from bamboo in the style of a stilt house, hidden under dense foliage. The posts were made from tree trunks driven into the ground, with a roof constructed from palm leaves and bamboo. It consists of two small rooms: the inner room served as the President’s resting place, while the outer room was where he worked and received visitors. In this modest little hut, many key documents, directives, and plans related to the August Revolution of 1945 were written by President Ho Chi Minh himself.

Visiting this site allows us to truly appreciate the hardship and dedication President Ho Chi Minh experienced during the resistance against French colonialism, giving us a deeper understanding of his monumental contributions to Vietnam's independence.

Location: Tan Trao, Son Duong, Tuyen Quang

Another famous historical site in Tuyen Quang is Bong Cave, an important location from the revolutionary period. Bong Cave served as the residence and workplace for President Ho Chi Minh, the Central Party, and the Government of Vietnam during the resistance against French colonial rule (1916-1954). The cave is nestled on the mountainside, with the winding Day River at its base and not far from Hong Thai and Tan Trao. It was in this cave that Ho Chi Minh stayed from 1950-1951.

Near the entrance of Bong Cave, there was a small bamboo hut. Inside the cave on February 22, 1950, President Ho signed a decree for the mobilization of national resources for the resistance. On July 25, 1950, he also held an interview with journalists regarding U.S. involvement in Indochina. From this cave, in his worn-out rubber sandals and modest, faded clothes, President Ho crossed rivers and mountains to supervise military campaigns and attend the second National Party Congress in February 1951. Bong Cave is not only significant for its role in the revolution but also as a symbol of the enduring spirit and determination of the Vietnamese people during a pivotal time in history.

Location: Bong Village, Tan Trao, Son Duong, Tuyen Quang

Visitors to Ham Yen can enjoy not only the stunning landscapes and unique ethnic festivals but also the peaceful atmosphere of Khoan Lake, a serene destination for eco-tourism. Located in Thai Son Commune, Ham Yen, just 6 kilometers from the district center, Khoan Lake spans over 47 hectares of water, with numerous small islands scattered across the surface, creating a picturesque and inviting scene for tourists. Since 2005, the Ham Yen district has focused on developing Khoan Lake as one of the three main eco-tourism areas, alongside Tien Cave and Cham Chu Forest.

On warm summer evenings, standing on the embankment and gazing at Khoan Lake, you can see the reflection of the sky and clouds shimmering on the water. Lowering the camera angle, you'll capture the perfect scene: wild May grass flowers in the foreground, with distant mountain ranges forming a stunning backdrop. A boat ride across the lake offers a unique view of the pristine beauty nature has blessed this place with.

The lake's surrounding environment makes it an ideal spot for picnics and outdoor activities on weekends. The islands on Khoan Lake have long been home to fruit orchards, including oranges, tangerines, and shade trees. Visitors can paddle to the islands to explore the gardens and sample local specialties.

In addition to its tourism potential, Khoan Lake is also known for supplying freshwater fish to the local area. The Thai Son Cooperative has introduced a variety of fish species, including carp, tilapia, and catfish, producing up to 30 tons of fish annually. This has created a unique combination of tourism and commerce in the region. Fishing is a growing attraction at Khoan Lake, where visitors can try their hand at angling while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The district is now working to attract investments for infrastructure development, and Khoan Lake is expected to become a must-visit destination for tourists to Tuyen Quang.

Location: Thai Son, Ham Yen, Tuyen Quang

Surrounded by 99 legendary peaks, the Song Long Cave is nestled in the Khuon Ha area of Lam Binh. Located just three hours by boat from Na Hang Wharf, this cave is a stunning natural wonder. It rises 200 meters above the lake, stretches over 200 meters in length, and boasts an average ceiling height of 40 meters, with its widest section spanning more than 50 meters. Exploring Song Long Cave will leave visitors amazed at every turn. The first sight upon arrival is the towering stone pillar known as Vai Pha, which locals often call a sky-high stone post. Passing this, visitors can leisurely walk through the cave and marvel at its spectacular formations.

The cave is divided into multiple chambers, each resembling an art gallery where nature has sculpted masterpieces in every corner. Intricate, high stalactites create unique shapes that ignite the imagination of all who visit. Some liken them to inverted chandeliers glowing with different colors, while others see them as ancient tree roots, etched with fascinating patterns.

The Song Long Cave is captivating not only for its mesmerizing stalactites but also for its otherworldly colors. Natural light filtering through crevices casts a magical glow, blending with the cave's mineral formations to create a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere. The fresh, cool, and tranquil air inside the cave adds to its allure, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone seeking to experience the serene beauty of this enchanting place.

Location: Khuon Ha, Na Hang, Tuyen Quang

The Na Hang Ecotourism Area is located 105 kilometers north of Tuyen Quang City. This ecotourism destination is a perfect spot for adventurous travelers eager to explore fascinating caves and untouched forests.

With its captivating landscapes where the mountains and rivers seamlessly blend together, Na Hang offers stunning views that are hard to forget. One notable feature is the shape of Pắc Tạ Mountain, which from a distance resembles a giant, gentle elephant. During the journey, visitors also have the chance to visit ancient forests, home to thousand-year-old trees, including the Nghiến tree, and rare wildlife, particularly the endangered black-shanked douc langur, listed in the World Red Book. Aside from its natural wonders, the area is also rich in historical and cultural heritage, such as the discovery of ancient burial tombs dating back over 10,000 years in the Phia Vài Cave (Khuon Ha commune, Lam Binh district), as well as other historic sites like Nà Thẳm Cave, the Central Printing Office during the French resistance, the H52 Arms Factory (Bản Cài village, Thượng Lâm commune, Lam Binh), and the matchstick production site (Năng Khả commune, Na Hang district).

The best time to visit the Na Hang Ecotourism Area is from August to December, when the lakes of Na Hang and Lam Binh are filled with water, and the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, offering perfect conditions for activities like waterfall climbing and fishing. If you're planning a trip to Tuyen Quang, don't miss out on this enchanting ecotourism gem.

Location: Na Hang and Lam Binh, Tuyen Quang

Mo Waterfall, also known as Pác Ban Waterfall, is often likened to a graceful young maiden nestled in the majestic mountains of Na Hang. It has long been a popular destination for adventurers and tourists alike. According to local legends, the story of Mo Waterfall tells of a woman named Mo who lived at the foot of Pác Ban Mountain with her husband. One day, her husband went to collect herbs in the forest but never returned. Filled with longing, Mo ventured into the forest to find him, but she got lost and was transformed into a waterfall, forever cascading down the rocks in a white rush. In the eyes of poets, the legend of Mo Waterfall has a poetic charm: “High passes hide the lover’s face, Tears wear down the stones of Nặm Pàn, Flowing forever into Pác Ban’s falls, Leaving those who long for her, drowned in Mo’s waterfall.”

The Mo Spring begins in the high mountain range, where the forest cover is dense and the basin is vast. It eventually spills into the Mo Waterfall. To reach this stunning destination, you can either take a boat ride from the town’s dock, gliding along the serene waters to admire the three-tiered waterfall, which resembles the soft flowing hair of a maiden cascading into the still lake below. Alternatively, a paved road winds through the lush, shady forest, offering a picturesque journey surrounded by butterflies and the songs of nature. The Mo Waterfall Ecotourism Area, covering more than 12 hectares, is fully developed with amenities such as guest houses, a swimming pool, restaurants, and a boat dock to serve visitors. Here, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waterfall waters.

Despite its gentle name, Mo Waterfall is anything but peaceful. The waterfall is divided into several levels, each with its own intensity. The third level is a thundering torrent, while the second level is more serene, providing a perfect spot for tourists to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the falls.

Location: Na Hang, Na Hang, Tuyen Quang