Tam Dao is a small district in Vinh Phuc, located in the west at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level and about 80 kilometers from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This is one of the famous tourist destinations in Northern Vietnam, attracting visitors with its majestic natural landscapes and delightful cool climate.
Tam Dao Vinh Phuc is dubbed the “Da Lat of the North.” With its breathtaking and poetic natural scenery alongside a cool and fresh climate, it truly is an ideal destination for short getaways.
Tam Dao is also an “ancient town” featuring around 145 buildings and villas that bear the marks of time from the 19th century. Among these, there are about 60 villas with various architectural styles. Today, these old villas are mostly ruins, with only foundations and walls remaining, blending into the surrounding greenery and moss.
The winding road leading up to the Tam Dao tourist area is like a silk ribbon; the higher you go, the cooler the air becomes, revealing a mystical landscape where mist dances over the mountain peaks and drapes over grassy fields, shrouding the houses nestled on the mountainside, while the clouds and sky seem to intertwine… creating a painting that is both majestic and poetic.
Tam Dao Vinh Phuc is known as the “Da Lat of the North.”
Since it is not far from Hanoi, traveling to Tam Dao is not difficult. The roads are quite flat, and it takes about 2 hours to reach the destination. You can choose to go by bus, taxi, shuttle bus, or motorbike.
People often refer to Tam Dao as the “misty town.” True to its name, this place is always shrouded in mist. Therefore, almost every month of the year is very cool, with each season bringing its own unique beauty and experiences.
Typically, summer is the ideal time to visit Tam Dao Vinh Phuc, as the temperature during this season is very pleasant, helping you escape the sweltering heat. However, winter here is also beautiful; although it can be a bit chilly, the scenery is incredibly romantic and peaceful, making it perfect for those looking to relax.
Here are some places you can visit when coming to Tam Dao:
The Old Stone Church of Tam Dao
The stone church in Tam Dao stands solemnly amidst the lush green pine forest on the mountainside, becoming a popular attraction for visitors to take photos. Originally, this church was built in 1906 with a thatched roof. In 1937, it was rebuilt sturdily using stone and brick. The church is designed in Gothic architecture, measuring 26 meters in length and 11 meters in width, featuring semi-circular arches and a spacious courtyard, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the misty Tam Dao town.
Originally, this church was built in 1906 with a thatched roof.
The Heaven Gate in Tam Dao
From the church, turn left onto the smooth asphalt road leading to the Heaven Gate of Tam Dao, with one side covered in green vegetation and the other overlooking the peaceful valley, where the rooftops of hidden houses peek through, adorned with patches of wildflowers… offering another viewpoint to admire the ethereal Tam Dao enveloped in mist.
The Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn Temple in Tam Dao
In addition to the Tam Dao ecological tourism area, the Bà Chúa Thượng Ngàn Temple is a spiritual destination that preserves a beautiful legend, providing visitors with moments of reflection and a chance to pray for blessings. Besides its beautiful carvings, the temple area also features a courtyard with statues of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Arhats… partially hidden in the mist. The temple is located on the slope of Thiên Thị Mountain, accessible by a path of about 200 stone steps.
The Tam Dao Television Tower
From the temple, continue along the path to the 93-meter high Tam Dao television tower, located at the peak of Thiên Thị Mountain at an altitude of 1,375 meters. The journey, although challenging, is picturesque, with colorful butterflies fluttering around the flowers and leaves, as if welcoming visitors. Along the path, orchids, daisies, and many other wildflowers bloom abundantly, showcasing their vibrant colors. After climbing nearly 1,400 stone steps, you will reach the tower, where the reward is a breathtaking view of the wind chasing the clouds across the vast sky.
The Silver Waterfall in Tam Dao
From the town center, turn right onto a trail that leads down into the deep valley. The path to the Silver Waterfall is not very long but steep with rocky steps, leading you to a waterfall hidden within the mountains, cascading down in a white veil that sparkles with sunlight, reflecting rainbow hues. The Silver Waterfall flows thunderously from a height of about 30 meters, resembling a silk ribbon fluttering amidst the lush green forest.
Tam Dao National Park
Besides relaxing at the Tam Dao tourist area and enjoying leisurely strolls, the trails exploring Tam Dao National Park will provide you with deeper and broader experiences of nature and the beauty of Tam Dao. For example, conquering the three peaks of Tam Dao with its stunning mountain views, admiring the allure of rhododendron forests, birdwatching, observing wildlife, boating on Xạ Hương Lake, or camping in the forest… will adequately answer the question of what else there is to do in Tam Dao.
