Top 10 Must-Know Travel Tips for Na Hang - Tuyen Quang

When visiting Na Hang, you'll likely want to know which scenic spots are worth visiting. The following list of destinations will help you explore the beauty of this travel area.

Pac Ta Temple - A Famous Spiritual Site in Tuyen Quang: One of the most well-known spiritual sites in Tuyen Quang is Pac Ta Temple. This temple, built by General Tran Nhat Duyet, is a place for spiritual worship and prayers for peace and well-being. Many visitors to Na Hang often stop by to pray for happiness, health, and safety for themselves and their families.

Tuyen Quang Hydroelectric Reservoir: Another popular destination near Na Hang is the Tuyen Quang Hydroelectric Reservoir. Located not far from the city center, this scenic spot offers a peaceful and beautiful natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy the serenity and stunning views of the area.

Mo Waterfall: If you're visiting Na Hang, you must visit the stunning Mo Waterfall, located in the conservation area of the Na Hang tourist region. This waterfall features three separate cascades, each with its own unique charm. The first waterfall is majestic and powerful, with water crashing down to the earth, while the second waterfall is calmer and more serene. The third waterfall is the tallest and most impressive in the area.

Coc Vai Pha - The 'Coc Vai' Mountain: The name 'Coc Vai' comes from the Tày language, meaning a post used to tether cattle. This stone mountain, located in Na Hang town, has a shape resembling a giant post. The area is also famous for the legend of a young man, Tai Ngao, who built a dam to prevent flooding for the local people.

Ta Ke - Ban Bung Nature Reserve: Located across four communes, this nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including 90 species of mammals, 263 species of birds, and 35 species of amphibians. Among these are 13 endangered species, including the endangered Hatinh langur. The diverse vegetation, including ancient trees that are over a thousand years old, makes this reserve a favorite among eco-tourism enthusiasts.

Pac Vang Temple - A Sacred Place: According to local stories, the Pac Vang Temple was built by the Chinese people who left the area. The temple was relocated during the construction of Na Hang Hydroelectric Plant and is a unique blend of Chinese and Vietnamese religious practices. It is considered a spiritually significant place, and many visitors stop by to offer prayers.

Song Long Cave: Located in Khuon Ha, Lam Binh, Song Long Cave is a beautiful natural wonder. The cave features stunning stalactites in various shapes and colors, creating a magical atmosphere. The cave's temperature is cool and refreshing, providing a stark contrast to the outside world.

Phuc Lam Temple: Located on a high, flat area, Phuc Lam Temple faces west towards the Nà Tông fields, with the majestic Thượng Lâm Mountains in the distance. The temple, built during the Tran dynasty (13th-14th century), is a historical and architectural marvel, with its structures and Buddhist statues still intact.

Hong Thai Terrace Fields: Hong Thai is known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields stretching across the hills, surrounded by majestic mountains. The climate here is cool and fresh all year round. Just an hour's drive from Na Hang, Hong Thai offers beauty through all seasons – vibrant spring flowers, lush green fields in summer, golden terraces in autumn, and mysterious mist in winter.

Choosing a good place to stay is crucial when traveling. With so many attractions to visit, tourists can get tired, and by the end of the day, a clean and comfortable space to rest is essential. Na Hang is not a bustling tourist destination, so accommodation options are limited. The area has 12 guesthouses with 127 rooms and 9 restaurants. There are also several homestays with unique decor, reflecting the local culture of the Na Hang ethnic people.

Here are some reliable places to stay:

• Thac Mo Guesthouse, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 438
• Quang Thang Guesthouse, Group 8, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 4214
• Lien Khu Guesthouse, Group 3, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 5081
• District People's Committee Guesthouse, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 4408
• Dung Dat Guesthouse, Yen Hoa Street, Na Hang town. Phone: 098 752 6444
• Ngoc Anh Guesthouse, Group 8, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 4214
• Hai Phong Guesthouse, Na Hang town. Phone: 098 840 0590
• Sao Mai Guesthouse, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 4367
• Viet Cuong Hotel, Na Hang town. Phone: 027 386 4244
• Khoi Nhi Homestay
• Tai Ngao Homestay
• Trieu Cuong Homestay
• Hoang Tuan Homestay

Na Hang is home to many delicious local specialties that you definitely need to try. Some of the irresistible dishes include:

• Na Hang Smoked Buffalo Meat: Just like many highland ethnic groups, Na Hang is famous for its smoked buffalo meat. The meat is marinated with rich spices, hung over the stove, and dried by the heat and soot. When eaten, it's shredded and squeezed with a bit of lemon juice for an unforgettable taste.
• Black Pork: Black pork is a popular dish in Na Hang. The pigs are free-range, eating fresh vegetables, which gives the meat a firm, aromatic flavor. The pork can be cooked in many ways, such as grilled, steamed, stir-fried with vegetables, or stir-fried with spices.
• Grilled Mudfish: Locals love grilled mudfish for its delicious flavor and nutritional value. It is especially recommended for those feeling tired, sick, or even struggling with intimacy issues, as it is considered a great remedy, in addition to being tasty.
• Na Hang Corn Wine: Na Hang's corn wine is one of the area's most attractive specialties. The wine is made mainly from corn, with secret ingredients like water vine, wild betel leaves, and sweet vines, giving it a distinct, aromatic flavor that sets it apart from other local wines.
• Hong Thai Pears: Few places have the ideal conditions for growing pears like Hong Thai. The pears here are large, beautiful, and golden. Each bite reveals a crisp, juicy texture with a subtle fragrance. The flavor is sweet, but not overly so, with a slight tartness that makes them addictive.

There are several itineraries to explore Na Hang and fully enjoy the area. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Itinerary 1: Hanoi – Tuyen Quang – Na Hang – Hanoi

• Day 1: Hanoi – Tuyen Quang – My Lam Hot Springs (Yen Son): Start early from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang and head to My Lam Hot Springs (Phu Lam Commune, Yen Son District). The total journey is about 160km. You can relax and take a mineral bath here, as well as taste some of Tuyen Quang's local specialties.
• Day 2: Explore Na Hang: After breakfast and rest, continue your journey for another 150km to reach Na Hang. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation, take a stroll, rent a boat to cruise around Na Hang Lake, and visit local landmarks. Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Na Hang.
• Day 3: Na Hang – Hanoi: Depart for Hanoi, with the option to visit Thai Nguyen on the way. The total distance from Na Hang to Hanoi is about 260km.

Itinerary 2: Hanoi – Ba Be – Song Nang – Na Hang – Hanoi: If you're interested in visiting Ba Be Lake, this itinerary is a great option. Note that this route is best for motorbike travel, as the boats between Ba Be and Na Hang can only carry motorcycles, not cars.

• Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake: Depart from Hanoi for a 220km drive to Ba Be, where you can spend a day exploring the lake.
• Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Dau Dang Waterfall – Na Hang: From Ba Be, take two boat rides to reach Na Hang (via Dau Dang Waterfall, then by motorbike to the next boat stop, followed by a boat to Na Hang). Once in Na Hang, explore the area and relax before heading to Tuyen Quang for a restful night.
• Day 3: Tuyen Quang – Hanoi: Depart from Tuyen Quang back to Hanoi, with a travel distance of about 150km.

Itinerary 3: Hanoi – Na Hang – Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Bac Kan – Hanoi: This extensive itinerary takes you on a full loop around the Northeast region, and will require about six days and good physical health to complete:

• Day 1: Hanoi – Na Hang – Thuong Lam: Start early from Hanoi, passing through Tuyen Quang and reaching Na Hang. Take a boat ride on the Na Hang Hydroelectric Lake, then continue to Thuong Lam, where you can relax at a homestay.
• Day 2: Thuong Lam – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh: From Thuong Lam, head to Vị Xuyên, then to Ha Giang. Continue to Quan Ba and Yen Minh to visit the Twin Mountains of Quan Ba and stay overnight in Yen Minh.
• Day 3: Yen Minh – Dong Van: Head towards Dong Van, enjoying the scenic route. Visit the Vuong Family Palace and the Lung Cu Flag Tower, and stay the night in Dong Van Ancient Town.
• Day 4: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng – Bao Lac – Ba Be: Travel through Ma Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac, then onto Bao Lac, passing through Tinh Tuc, and head towards Ba Be Lake. Check into a homestay near Ba Be.
• Day 5: Explore Ba Be: Spend the day exploring Ba Be National Park, taking boat tours and sampling local delicacies.
• Day 6: Ba Be – Thai Nguyen – Hanoi: Depart from Ba Be, stopping in Thai Nguyen for sightseeing before continuing back to Hanoi.

Na Hang Corn Wine: Tuyen Quang is not only known for the natural beauty of its ethnic women but also for its fragrant, smooth Na Hang corn wine. This wine is made from corn and a special herbal mix consisting of 20 types of plants, such as cán cuông, khúc khắc, wild pepper, tẳng tó, lép nặm, nhân trần, mác mjầu, khau thương, pài đổng (wild lychee), chuối njồm, lạc moong, nét tỉ, hoom qua (heavenly herb), one leaf, tham tràng, wild betel, đứa poóng, mạt cần, ginger root, lemongrass, along with herbs like rau răm, môn thục, licorice, and cinnamon leaves. It is distilled using a traditional method passed down through generations of the Na Hang people.

A sip of Na Hang corn wine offers a uniquely pleasant experience. It’s not as harsh as southern spirits nor as strong as champagne, but has a completely different flavor, one that captures the essence of Na Hang’s mountainous landscape. The subtle fragrance of the wine slowly fills your senses, making you feel as though a stream is flowing inside you.

Na Hang Dried Buffalo Meat: Na Hang’s buffalo meat is tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of fat and lean. When eaten, it doesn’t feel greasy. The fresh buffalo meat is carefully marinated with ginger, garlic, chili powder, and various spices. Once the meat absorbs the marinade, it is smoked over a fire using large logs, ensuring the perfect amount of char to enhance the flavor.

Hong Thai Pears: When talking about Hong Thai, one cannot forget the pear tree, a long-established local specialty. The pears from Hong Thai are known for their tartness, and only those who are accustomed to them can truly appreciate their rich and distinctive taste.

One of the highlights of your journey, besides traveling by car, is the opportunity to take a boat ride and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Na Hang Hydroelectric Lake. You'll get to admire the towering mountains while savoring fresh local dishes prepared with fish caught from the lake.

The boat rental prices for the Na Hang lake tour vary depending on the group size, as follows:

• For groups of 10-15 people, the boat rental is: 1,000,000 VND/round trip.
• For groups of 16-25 people, the boat rental is: 1,500,000 VND/round trip.
• For groups of 26-35 people, the boat rental is: 2,000,000 VND/round trip.
• For groups of 36-50 people, the boat rental is: 3,000,000 VND/round trip.
• The tour includes visits to: Pác Tạ Mountain, Pác Tạ Temple, Cọc Vài Mountain, Khuổi Nhi Waterfall, Floating Fish Farms, and the Thúy Loa Sunset Paradise. The boat tour typically lasts for about 3 hours on the lake.

What should you know before visiting Na Hang? Here are some key tips:

• Timing is crucial when planning a trip to Na Hang. Depending on what you want to experience, pick the best season. For cherry and plum blossoms or mustard flowers, visit during early spring, although it can be quite cold. For terraced rice fields or swimming in the lake and waterfall, summer or autumn are ideal. Avoid the rainy season in September and October, but otherwise, you can visit at any time of the year.
• If you are traveling independently, Mytour recommends booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak times. Homestays in Hong Thai often run out of rooms if not reserved early.
• For a road trip, consider bringing a friend who knows how to drive, as the route can be long and winding. Make sure to bring spare parts such as a pump, inner tubes, and familiarize yourself with basic motorcycle maintenance. Some areas may not have any residents. Also, don't forget basic medication such as cough syrup, cold medicine, and pain relievers.
• A good pair of sturdy shoes is essential for your trip. Don't forget personal items like toothpaste, shampoo, and toiletries as well.
• For summer visits, be sure to pack swimwear for lake swims, kayaking, waterfall baths, and body massages with natural fish—fun activities that are a must-do at Na Hang.
• Na Hang is home to several ethnic minorities with their unique customs. They are friendly and welcoming, but it's a good idea to check with local guides about any cultural taboos to avoid.
• The mountain weather can get chilly in the evenings, so even in summer, bring a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt.
• Na Hang's tourism infrastructure is still developing and may not yet fully meet the demands of growing tourist numbers. Groups of travelers may want to consider booking all-inclusive tours for the best support and service.

Na Hang is a remote district located in both Na Hang and Lam Binh of Tuyen Quang province, about 100 km from the city center. Known for its diverse and majestic natural landscapes, Na Hang is rapidly developing into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tuyen Quang.

Spanning an impressive 15,000 hectares, Na Hang offers vast spaces for visitors to relax, explore, and unwind. Notably, 8,000 hectares of this area is water surface, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in lush greenery, expansive meadows, hills, and rivers.

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Na Hang also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with 12 different ethnic groups residing here. Each community contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry that captures the hearts of many visitors. While visiting, you'll hear legendary tales associated with rivers, streams, forests, and mountains. You can wander through vast rice fields nestled between towering limestone mountains. The pristine forests and mountain lakes make Na Hang feel like a mesmerizing, untouched painting.

Na Hang has a tropical monsoon climate with cold winters. From April to September, the weather is hot, humid, and rainy. The winter months, from October to March, bring dry, cold weather with occasional frosts and little rainfall. Overall, Na Hang is a great destination to visit year-round, as each season offers a unique charm.

After the Lunar New Year (around early February), the region is filled with festive celebrations, making it a perfect time to join local festivals. During this period, wild peach blossoms bloom across the northern highlands, including Na Hang.

From May to September is the rainy season, which raises water levels in lakes and rivers, creating an even more picturesque environment. However, avoid visiting during the heavy monsoon months of July and August (though travel is possible with careful weather monitoring).

The winter months, from November to January, are dry, but it gets quite cold in the highlands, so visitors should dress warmly. If you wish to see the terraced rice fields in full glory, the best time to visit is during the rice harvest season, typically in late September, although the exact timing may vary each year.

A travel guide to Na Hang wouldn't be complete without directions to this stunning destination. Na Hang Plateau is located in the northern mountainous region, about 260 km from Hanoi. The road system linking Hanoi to Na Hang is well-developed, making it easier for tourists to visit.

There are several ways to get to Tuyen Quang, such as by bus, car, or motorbike. This article will guide you on how to reach Na Hang using both public and private transport.

Traveling by Bus:

You have two main options:

• Take a bus from Hanoi to Na Hang. Bảo Yến Bus Company operates the Mỹ Đình to Na Hang route with two departures per day.
• Alternatively, travel to Tuyen Quang (with bus services from Bảo Yến, Dũng Dung, Sơn Hưng, Hồng Thịnh, etc.), and then transfer to a local bus heading to Na Hang. You can also rent a motorbike in Tuyen Quang and take National Route 2, turning right at the intersection with TL190, then heading straight to Na Hang.

Traveling by Private Car or Motorbike: From Hanoi, you can take the Vĩnh Yên route along National Route 2 to Tuyen Quang city. From there, continue on the same road as mentioned above to reach Na Hang.

Note: For those traveling by private car, you can take the Nội Bài – Lào Cai expressway, exit at IC9, then turn back onto National Route 2 towards Na Hang.