1. Na Hang Hydroelectric Reservoir - Tuyên Quang
Situated along the winding Gâm River, 110km north of Tuyên Quang town, Na Hang has become a popular eco-tourism destination. While cruising on a boat across the serene Na Hang Hydroelectric Reservoir, visitors can explore famous landmarks on the water. The first stop is Pác Tạ Mountain, the tallest peak among the 99 mountains surrounding the lake. At the summit, two sacred temples, Pác Tạ and Pác Vãng, are revered by locals. Continuing downstream, travelers can admire the impressive Mơ Waterfall, which cascades in five beautiful tiers. Locals share that the waterfall once had eleven levels, but over time, the flow has narrowed. From a distance, Mơ Waterfall resembles the soft, flowing hair of a maiden, gently descending into the still waters below. Visitors can stop for a refreshing dip in the cool, clear waters. Within the reservoir area, there are two large sturgeon farms. The sturgeon is raised in an ideal environment, yielding a high production rate. Visitors can enjoy the delicious sturgeon dishes at local restaurants in Na Hang. As the boat glides slowly along the length of the Na Hang Hydroelectric Dam, travelers are treated to a spectacular view of this impressive engineering marvel.
Address: Vĩnh Yên, Na Hang, Tuyên Quang
Na Hang Hydroelectric Reservoir - Tuyên Quang
Na Hang Hydroelectric Reservoir - Tuyên Quang
2. Hàm Yên Love Market Festival
The Love Market at Thường Họp, Tuyên Quang, is a unique annual event that brings together and highlights the distinctive cultural values of the local ethnic groups. On the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month, the beauty of traditional culture is vividly showcased through a series of special activities. This love market is a key moment for both locals and visitors to meet, mingle, and enjoy each other’s company in a joyful and warm atmosphere. Traditional cultural elements like clothing, ornaments, and folk games are recreated at the market, preserving and promoting the region's heritage. The lively steps of the young men and women of Thường Họp symbolize the youthfulness and energy of the community, while also serving as an expression of affection and social interaction. The entire community, from the elders to the youth, converges at Thụt during this event, creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. Known as the “love market,” it offers people a chance to form relationships, find affection, and connect with others. In addition to watching the young men compete for the attention of the women, attendees can participate in traditional games such as tossing the con and stick-pushing.
Address: Hàm Yên, Tuyên Quang
Hàm Yên Love Market Festival
Hàm Yên Love Market Festival
3. The Unique Lồng Tông Festival in Thượng Lâm
The Lồng Tông Festival, also known as the Rice Planting Festival, is a celebration of the Tày ethnic group and incorporates cultural practices from other groups such as the Nùng, Dao, and Sán Chỉ. It is a ritual to pray for good weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperous living. The festival takes place in the region's best and largest rice fields. While the exact origins of the festival are unclear, it is certainly tied to the Tày people and their communal village life. The Thượng Lâm Lồng Tông Festival occurs annually on the 22nd of February (15th day of the first lunar month), though festivities begin the night before (14th lunar day) with cultural exchanges and traditional songs, such as Then, Cọi, and Páo Dung, to celebrate the Party and the new spring. A costume contest is also held to highlight the beauty of the local mountain women. What makes the Thượng Lâm Lồng Tông Festival unique compared to other Lồng Tông celebrations in different regions is that after the offerings are blessed by the shaman, the feast is shared among the villagers and visitors right there. Guests are invited to enjoy traditional dishes prepared with care by the skilled hands of the Tày women. The festival atmosphere is further enhanced as locals and visitors share cups of wine, exchanging well-wishes for the coming year and the new spring season.
Address: Nà Tông, Thượng Lâm, Lâm Bình, Tuyên Quang
The Unique Lồng Tông Festival in Thượng Lâm
The Unique Lồng Tông Festival in Thượng Lâm
4. Hàm Yên Buffalo Fighting Festival
The Hàm Yên Buffalo Fighting Festival takes place on the 10th and 11th days of the first lunar month in Hàm Yên District. It is one of the most exciting traditional festivals held during the early spring and attracts thousands of spectators. The festival, which dates back centuries, had experienced interruptions over time but was revived in recent years. Although still evolving, the Hàm Yên Buffalo Fighting Festival has already left a strong impression on both locals and visitors. During the festival, thousands of people gather at the central stadium to witness the thrilling and intense buffalo fights. Every year, the festival draws buffalo owners from within the province and neighboring areas like Phú Thọ, Thái Nguyên, Hà Giang, and Hanoi. The buffaloes, in peak condition and well-trained, are matched into pairs and compete in elimination rounds, with the top fighters advancing to the finals. Following local customs, after the competition, the victorious buffalo is ritually honored at the Bắc Mục Temple. For the locals, the festival is a time to give thanks to the heavens for a prosperous, peaceful life and to pray for good fortune. For Hàm Yên District, organizing this event annually contributes to the goal of improving the local cattle herd, promoting the Hàm Yên Buffalo brand, and supporting the region's economic growth.
Address: Hàm Yên; Tuyên Quang
Hàm Yên Buffalo Fighting Festival
Hàm Yên Buffalo Fighting Festival
5. Famous Hàm Yên Sành Oranges
The Hàm Yên Sành Orange has been cultivated in the region for many years, with the earliest cultivation happening in Phù Lưu. Locals often refer to them as Mường village oranges. According to village elders, this variety of Sành orange was introduced around 1890 when two villagers, while hunting in the Quan Tiên mountain area, discovered a thorny tree with fragrant leaves and ripe, golden fruits. They tasted the fruit, finding it delicious and refreshing, and decided to bring seeds back home to plant. From then on, the practice of growing these oranges spread, evolving into large orchards seen today. The fame of Hàm Yên oranges spread far and wide, with many people from neighboring areas coming to collect seeds, but only those grown in Hàm Yên are known for their superior quality. The local climate and soil conditions seem to be ideal for orange cultivation. Today, these orchards provide high economic value to the people of Hàm Yên, with some orchards earning several hundred million to billions of VND annually. Thus, Hàm Yên Sành Oranges have become a vital source of income for the local farmers.
Benefiting from the pure air, water, and soil of the Phá Phúng mountain range, Hàm Yên oranges have a distinct and unique flavor, sweeter and more aromatic than those grown in other regions. The juicy, fragrant, and refreshing segments of these oranges are renowned not just within the province, but across the country. Studies show that Hàm Yên Sành Oranges have a high nutritional value, containing over 10% sugar and 40–90 mg of Vitamin C per 100g of fresh fruit. Additionally, they are rich in organic acids, with many biologically active acids, minerals, and essential oils.
Famous Hàm Yên Sành Oranges
Hàm Yên Sành OrangesThe name
Tiên Cave evokes a sense of mystery and enchantment, drawing visitors into the magical realm of the 'fairy world.' Indeed, those who visit this site cannot miss the opportunity to explore the beauty of the cave complex, which includes several stunning caves such as Tiên Đình, Đàn Đá, Thiên Cung, Tam Cung, Thạch Sanh, Âm Phủ, and Kim Quy. Located in Thống Nhất village, Yên Phú commune, the cave is approximately 200 meters off National Road No. 2. As visitors continue on, they encounter an entrance made of stones in various shapes, formed over thousands of years. Inside the cave lies a dazzling, otherworldly world of stalactites and stone pillars in endless forms. Visitors are sure to be amazed by the pristine natural beauty here.
As you ascend the stone steps, take a right at a fork, and continue up a few more steps, you will find the entrance to the cave. The stones at the entrance are ancient, their shapes shaped by millennia of natural processes. During the festival season, thousands of tourists flock here, all awed by nature's masterpiece. A brief stop at the stone arch provides a panoramic view of the expansive Yên Phú region, stretching as far as the eye can see, along with a refreshing breeze that lifts your spirits. Any fatigue melts away as you take in the serenity, feeling as though you're soaring alongside the drifting clouds. Visitors are then ready to continue exploring the mystical world that nature has so graciously gifted.
Tiên Cave
Tiên CaveMo Waterfall is located in Na Hang town, Na Hang district, Tuyen Quang province, nestled within the Nà Hang Nature Reserve, about 100 km from Tuyen Quang city. The waterfall, surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests, is a thrilling destination for adventure seekers. The road to the waterfall is relatively easy to navigate. As you approach, the sound of cascading water grows louder, and the temperature drops. Upon reaching the falls, visitors are transported into an almost magical, fairy-like world. The waterfall is hidden at the foot of a mountain, with a crystal-clear lake at its base. Visitors board a small boat to approach the falls. On the boat, they can relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery where the mountains embrace the clouds and the clouds gently rest on the peaks.
A magnificent cascade of silver water appears before the visitors. The waterfall has three levels, and to reach the second level, guests must climb a rope ladder for about 10 meters. At the foot of the second tier lies a small, clear pond. As visitors ascend to this level, they are surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, including sparkling stalactite caves. At this stage, the water flows gently, weaving through cracks in the rocks and over moss-covered stones that resemble soft velvet carpets. Continuing up the rope ladder, visitors reach the top of the third tier.
The water crashes down from great heights in a tremendous cascade. The cool mist refreshes and revitalizes, giving guests a new sense of inspiration as they stand atop the majestic waterfall, looking out over the town of Na Hang, encircled by 99 towering mountains. For those who wish, the adventure can continue into the pristine forest to discover even more wonders. The roaring water, the calls of birds and gibbons, and the soft sunlight filtering through the dense jungle canopy create a prehistoric atmosphere. Mo Waterfall is an ideal eco-tourism destination in Tuyen Quang, perfect for adventurous travelers.
Address: Na Hang, Na Hang, Tuyen Quang
Mo Waterfall, Na Hang District - Tuyen Quang
Mo Waterfall, Na Hang District - Tuyen Quang
8. The Historic Tân Trào Banyan Tree
Under the shade of the Tân Trào Banyan Tree, on the afternoon of August 16, 1945, the Vietnamese Liberation Army held a ceremony before embarking on their journey, witnessed by the people of Tân Trào and 60 national delegates attending the National Congress. General Võ Nguyên Giáp read the first military order, and shortly after, the Liberation Army set off, passing through Thái Nguyên and heading towards Hanoi. The original Tân Trào Banyan Tree consisted of two trees about 10 meters apart, which the locals referred to as the 'father banyan' and the 'mother banyan'. Over time, however, due to the harsh weather, the trees aged, and by 2008, only a small branch of the 'father banyan' and a single branch of the 'mother banyan' in the northeast direction remained.
After many years of care and restoration, the historic Tân Trào Banyan Tree has begun to regrow. At the scar left on the surviving branch of the 'mother banyan', two clusters of roots have now emerged, each with a diameter of 80-90 cm, and the canopy covers an area of 30-40 m². The small branch of the 'father banyan' has also rejuvenated and now thrives as a new cluster of four healthy trees. The revival of the Tân Trào Banyan Tree is of immense significance, not only as a revolutionary symbol of the liberated capital but also as a source of pride for every Vietnamese citizen.
Address: Tân Lập, Tân Trào, Sơn Dương, Tuyên Quang
The Historic Tân Trào Banyan Tree
The Historic Tân Trào Banyan Tree
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