Tuyen Quang attracts travelers with its unspoiled natural landscapes, majestic mountains, and a diverse system of historical relics. This land also stands out for its unique ethnic cultures and rich cuisine, promising an unforgettable travel experience.

Geography & Administrative Divisions

Tuyen Quang is a mountainous province in Vietnam’s Northeast region, located about 145 km north of Hanoi. It is renowned for its over 500 historical and cultural relics, often referred to as a “revolutionary museum” of the nation.

This land is also a cultural melting pot of Northern ethnic minorities, where unique festivals and heartfelt folk songs are preserved and celebrated. Blessed with poetic natural beauty, Tuyen Quang boasts vast forests, cascading waterfalls, and mesmerizing caves. With such treasures, the province holds enormous potential for developing a wide range of tourism forms—from leisure and spiritual journeys to ecological adventures and nature exploration.

Here are some key geographical and administrative facts about Tuyên Quang:

Total area: approximately 5,870 km²

Population: around 812,000 people 

Topography: predominantly mountainous, with valleys, hills, rivers, and forests

Borders: shares boundaries with Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, and Yen Bai provinces

Region: Northeast Vietnam

Administratively, Tuyên Quang includes:

1 provincial city: Tuyên Quang City (provincial capital)

6 districts: Na Hang, Lam Binh, Chiem Hoa, Ham Yen, Yen Son, Son Duong

Climate & Best Time To Visit

Tuyen Quang enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—each offering its own unique charm and travel experiences.

Spring (February–April): This is arguably the most beautiful time to visit Tuyen Quang. The weather is delightfully warm, the skies clear, and the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Nature awakens in full glory, with lush greenery, tranquil streams, and colorful blossoms everywhere. It’s a perfect time for sightseeing, hiking, and cultural exploration in a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere.

Summer (May–August): Characterized by hot, humid weather and frequent rainfall, summer is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The rain-fed rivers and waterfalls are at their most powerful and picturesque, making this the best season for waterfall trekking, forest bathing, and immersive eco-tourism experiences.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn brings cooler, more comfortable weather, and transforms the landscape with golden rice fields, rustling leaves, and poetic misty mornings. It’s also the time when Tuyen Quang comes alive with the Mid-Autumn Festival, the largest celebration of its kind in Vietnam. The city glows with vibrant lantern parades, joyful performances, and community spirit, making this season one of the most culturally rich and photogenic moments to visit.

Winter (December–January): Dry and crisp, winter in Tuyen Quang offers a serene escape for those who enjoy the calm of the mountains and the cozy chill of the north. While not as vibrant as other seasons, winter’s quiet charm and fewer crowds make it an ideal time for introspective travel and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Top Attractions & Natural Wonders

Tuyen Quang—a peaceful land nestled in the heart of Vietnam’s Northeast—remains a relatively new destination for many travelers. It stands out not only for its pristine beauty, largely untouched by commercial development, but also for its profound historical and cultural significance. A journey to Tuyen Quang promises surprising discoveries and deeply moving experiences. 

Tan Trao Historical Site

The Tan Trao Historical Site is a cluster of scenic spots that form part of the Tan Trao Special National Relic Complex. This attraction not only boasts beautiful landscapes but also preserves heroic historical traces of the Vietnamese nation. Located in Tan Trao Commune, Son Duong District, the site still retains 17 valuable historical relics. Here are some of the key sites you should know about when visiting this place.

Tan Trao Banyan Tree: Under the shade of the ancient banyan tree in Tan Lap village, on the afternoon of August 16, 1945, the Vietnamese Liberation Army held a departure ceremony in the presence of the people of Tan Trao and 60 national delegates attending the National Congress. General Vo Nguyen Giap read Order No. 1, after which the Liberation Army set off through Thai Nguyen on their journey to liberate Hanoi.

Tan Trao Communal House: On August 16, 1945, delegates at the National Congress held here approved the decision to launch the General Uprising, officially adopted the red flag with a yellow star as the national flag, selected “Tien quan ca” as the national anthem, and elected the Provisional Government, known as the National Liberation Committee, led by President Ho Chi Minh.

Hong Thai Communal House: In addition to its spiritual significance, the communal house also holds historical value as it was the first stop of President Ho Chi Minh after his journey from Pac Po (Cao Bang) to Tan Trao on May 21, 1945..

Na Nua Hut: This was where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from late May to late August 1945 to prepare for the general uprising. The hut was built of bamboo in the style of a stilt house. On June 4, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh convened a cadre conference here to prepare for the establishment of the “Liberated Zone and Liberation Army,” paving the way for the National Congress and the general uprising.

Na Hang Ecotourism Area

Na Hang Ecotourism Area is the most picturesque landscape in Tuyen Quang. It’s a must-visit destination, featuring emerald-green lakes nestled among majestic mountains. When you arrive, it feels like stepping into a fairytale land, where nature is both enchanting and slightly mysterious.

One of the experiences you simply can’t miss is taking a boat ride across the lake, where you can admire the poetic and majestic mountain scenery. Amid floating clouds, Na Hang offers travelers a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

My Lam Mineral Spring

Located just 13 km from the city center, Mỹ Lâm Mineral Spring is a must-visit attraction when traveling to Yên Sơn District. Discovered in 1960, the spring has since been developed into a popular tourist destination. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking relaxation and a peaceful, rejuvenating retreat.

Ha Temple

Ha Temple is one of the most sacred spiritual sites in Tuyen Quang Province. With its peaceful and tranquil surroundings, it is a perfect destination for travelers seeking calmness and serenity. The temple hosts many major festivals throughout the year and is dedicated to the worship of Mau Thuong Ngan, originally Princess Phuong Dung, daughter of Hung King. Overlooking the Lo River, Ha Temple boasts a stunning location that attracts many visitors who come to admire the scenery and pray for peace and well-being.

Mo Waterfall

Mo Waterfall (also known as Pac Ban Waterfall) is located nearly 100 km from Tuyen Quang City. This natural wonder is a cluster of three cascading falls, known for their dreamy, mystical beauty—often likened to a “fairyland.” It’s a perfect spot for young travelers who love photography.

There are two ways to reach Mo Waterfall. For a more leisurely and less physically demanding journey, visitors can take a boat. Adventurous travelers who prefer a more hands-on experience can opt for the hiking route.

Song Long Cave

Song Long Cave is a captivating tourist attraction known for its mystical and impressive scenery. Surrounded by 99 mountain peaks, the cave is located more than two hours by boat from Na Hang wharf. It sits about 200 meters above the lake, stretching over 200 meters in length, with an average internal height of 40 meters and the widest point exceeding 50 meters.

Thanks to its spacious and pleasantly cool interior, Song Long Cave has become a favorite stop for many travelers visiting Tuyen Quang.

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square

Located in the heart of the city, right next to the Lo River, Nguyen Tat Thanh Square covers an area of over 8.5 hectares and serves as a meaningful historical and cultural landmark for the people of Tuyen Quang. At its center stands the monument “President Ho Chi Minh with the People of Tuyen Quang’s Ethnic Groups,” situated at the foot of Tho Son Mountain. 

In 2022, Nguyen Tat Thanh Square was recognized by the organizing committee of the “Asian Townscape Awards” as one of the 11 outstanding projects and architectural works.

Nam Me Waterfall

Nam Me Waterfall, also known as Mother Waterfall or Mother Stream, originates from the majestic forests of the Na Hang Nature Reserve and cascades down the Hat Nghien Mountain area.

The waterfall features up to 15 major tiers, interspersed with smaller ones, with water flowing steadily all year round. The surrounding landscape is strikingly majestic, with layers of mountains and lush greenery enveloping the area. Thanks to its refreshing atmosphere, Nam Me Waterfall is a popular destination for nature lovers and travelers seeking scenic beauty and tranquility.

Hong Thai Terraced Fields

The Hong Thai terraced fields are located in Khau Trang Hamlet, Hong Thai Commune, Na Hang District, at an altitude of over 1,200 meters above sea level. Covering a total area of 82 hectares, this destination is renowned for its winding terraced fields that curve gracefully along the mountainside, creating a picturesque, painting-like landscape.

At the end of March, visitors can witness the glittering water-pouring season, while September and October offer breathtaking views of golden ripened rice. A trip here also allows you to explore the unique culture of the Dao Tien ethnic group, try your hand at rice planting and harvesting, and take part in the annual Hong Thai Terraced Fields Festival.

Cuisine & Local Specialties

Tuyen Quang is famous for its many delicious specialties, featuring natural flavors that reflect the traditional culture of local ethnic communities. A journey to Tuyen Quang becomes even more fascinating with its unique and unforgettable culinary experiences.

Na Hang Black Pork: Raised freely in the mountains and fed with forest vegetables and roots, black pigs in Tuyen Quang produce firm, flavorful, and non-greasy meat. The pork can be prepared in many delicious ways, including boiling, grilling with galangal and fermented rice, stir-frying with herbs, or fermenting into sour pork. These are must-try dishes for any traveler to Tuyen Quang.

Lo River Raw Fish Salad: A truly captivating specialty, both in flavor and appearance. Freshly cleaned bong fish is delicately prepared into a salad, offering a harmonious blend of the fish’s natural sweetness, the nutty richness of ground fish bones, the refreshing tang of lime, and the fiery kick of fresh chili.

Steamed Pork with Wild Ke Flowers: Ke flowers are small, bell-shaped blooms that are cleaned and de-pistilled before being stuffed with a savory mixture of pork and egg, then steamed for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, the flowers bloom beautifully, and their subtle bitterness complements the rich, tender filling, offering a distinctive and appealing flavor.

Buffalo Skin Salad: This unique delicacy of the Tay people in Lam Binh, Tuyen Quang features buffalo skin that is carefully singed over fire, thoroughly cleaned, boiled until tender, and then thinly sliced. The dish combines the chewy sweetness of buffalo skin with the nutty flavor of roasted peanuts, and the fragrant aroma of mac khen pepper, Vietnamese coriander, local herbs, and banana blossoms.

Sticky Rice Cake with Ant Egg: This special dish of the Tay people features a fragrant glutinous rice dough filled with rich, fatty ant eggs, combined with the aroma of scallions and dill. It delivers a bold and unmistakable taste that sets it apart as one of Tuyen Quang’s most extraordinary culinary experiences.

Chiem Hoa Sweet Black Glutinous Rice Cake: This delicacy attracts visitors with its fragrant taste and soft, chewy outer layer. The cake is traditionally made from glutinous rice (nep cai hoa vang), ramie leaves, mung bean and pork filling, and is wrapped in dried banana leaves.

Na Hang Corn Wine: Na Hang corn wine boasts a strong, aromatic flavor typical of the mountainous region of Tuyen Quang. It is fermented using an herbal yeast made from 20 different medicinal plants, giving it a unique fragrance and a subtle sweetness.

Na Hang Shan Tuyet Tea: This famous specialty of Tuyen Quang captivates with its mildly bitter taste and lingering sweet aftertaste. The tea is distinguished by its snow-like fine white fuzz on the buds, producing a bright green brew with a rich, bold flavor.

Ham Yen King Orange: Ham Yen oranges are known for their attractive golden peel, large size, and refreshing sweet-and-sour taste. They make for a meaningful gift for visitors. You can also enjoy a hands-on experience picking oranges at the orchard while capturing memorable moments.

Culture & Festivals

Tuyen Quang is a land of rich cultural heritage shaped by the presence of over 20 ethnic groups, each with their own traditions, crafts, and celebrations. Exploring the province offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in vibrant local life and age-old customs.

Ethnic Diversity

Tuyen Quang is home to 22 ethnic groups, with ethnic minorities accounting for over 50% of the population. Each group has its own distinct cultural identity, contributing to a vibrant and diverse cultural mosaic within the community. The two most common ethnic groups in Tuyen Quang are the Tay and the Dao.

The Tay People: The largest ethnic group in Tuyen Quang. Tay culture is rich with traditions like Then singing and dancing, which often reflect daily life and spiritual beliefs. Their cuisine features colorful sticky rice and traditional cakes like banh gai and banh chung gu. Tay women are known for their skills in weaving brocade and crafting everyday items. 

The Dao People: The second-largest ethnic group in the province. Key cultural practices include elaborate wedding ceremonies and the Cap Sac ritual, which marks a man’s transition into adulthood. The Dao community is known for its vibrant costumes, rich traditions, and contribution to the province’s ethnic diversity, which is reflected in local festivals, food, and customs.

Festivals In Tuyên Quang

Tuyen Quang is a land rich in the traditional cultural identities of its ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and art, expressed through traditional festivals and cultural spaces filled with humanistic values. Other notable festivals include

Thanh Tuyen Festival: The main night of the festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (Mid-Autumn Festival). The entire city of Tuyen Quang sparkles with dazzling lights and decorations, as crowds join a vibrant parade featuring whimsical lantern models and characters like Chu Teu, Thang Bom, and Uncle Cuoi. The festival holds a Vietnamese Guinness Record for having the most unique and largest Mid-Autumn lantern models in the country.

The Mau Procession Festival (Ha Temple Festival): The Mau Procession Festival is held annually from the 2nd to the 16th day of the second lunar month at Mau Temple and Thuong Temple, where participants join in the sacred procession bringing Mother Goddess back to Ha Temple. Festival activities include the Water Procession Ceremony, floating flower lanterns on the Lo River, a culinary competition, and a photo exhibition titled “The Land and People of Tuyen Quang,” as well as traditional sports competitions and folk games.

Long Tong Festival: The Long Tong Festival, also known as the Field-Going Festival, is the largest traditional celebration of the Tay people. It takes place annually from the 5th to the 15th day of the first lunar month across Tuyen Quang province, expressing prayers for favorable weather and bountiful harvests. As a living museum of Tay culture, the festival plays a vital role in preserving and passing down ethnic traditions from generation to generation.

Fire Jumping Festival of the Pa Then ethnic group: The Fire Jumping Festival is a long-standing tradition of the Pa Then people, usually held at the beginning of the year. In Pa Then beliefs, fire is considered a sacred deity that brings warmth, prosperity, and happiness, as well as the power to ward off evil spirits and illness.

Traditional Handicrafts

Traditional handicraft villages across Tuyen Quang Province are diverse and deeply rooted in local cultural identity. They not only help preserve traditional values but also create jobs and generate income for local communities. Notable examples include:

Minh Quang Conical Hat Weaving: Located in Ham Yen District, Minh Quang is famed for its delicate and durable bamboo conical hats (non la). Each hat is handcrafted with great care, reflecting the region’s cultural identity and the artisans’ dedication.

Son Duong Tea Craft: The highlands of Son Duong are known for their tea hills and the traditional techniques used to grow, harvest, and process tea leaves. The local tea offers a bold yet smooth flavor, representing the essence of Northern Vietnam’s tea culture.

Lang Can Brocade Weaving: Practiced by the Tay and Dao ethnic groups, brocade weaving in Lang Can creates colorful, intricate fabrics used for clothing and home decor. Each pattern tells a story, preserving cultural heritage through every thread.

Trung Hoa Bamboo and Rattan Weaving: In Trung Hoa commune, bamboo and rattan weaving has been passed down through generations. The artisans produce baskets, trays, and household items that are both functional and artistically beautiful, made entirely from natural materials.

How To Get To Tuyen Quang

Tuyen Quang City is located about 125 kilometers from downtown Hanoi.

The fastest route involves taking the Noi Bai–Lao Cai Expressway and then connecting to the Tuyen Quang–Phu Tho Expressway. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours by car.

Passenger buses from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang depart from My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations. The journey takes around 2.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 70,000 VND to 150,000 VND.

Where To Stay In Tuyen Quang

Tuyen Quang City offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses. If your itinerary covers destinations within a 100 km radius, staying in the city is recommended.

Hotels in Tuyen Quang City:

Muong Thanh Tuyen Quang Hotel: VND 1,000,000–1,300,000 per night

Royal Palace Hotel: Around VND 800,000 per night

Mid-range options (VND 300,000–600,000 per night): Anh Anh Luxury Hotel, Tan Trang Hotel, Kim Long Hotel, Nang Mai Hotel

Guesthouses and Homestays in the City:

Affordable choices like Minh Thuy, Lan Mao, Loc Son, Hoa Hong, and Thanh Huyen offer rooms for under VND 200,000 per night.

Homestays in Na Hang:

Options include Ban Ne Thanh Tuong Homestay, A Phu Homestay, Deo But Na Hang Homestay (Misa), Khuoi Nhi Homestay, Hung Hoa Homestay, and Hoang Viet Homestay. These accommodations typically offer full packages with lodging and meals.

Price per person per night: VND 70,000–150,000

Tent rental: Around VND 200,000 per night

Map Of Tuyen Quang: Ready To Pack Your Bags?

​​With its majestic natural landscapes, meaningful historical sites, and rich local culture, Tuyen Quang is an ideal destination that promises to offer you memorable and exciting experiences. We hope this A-to-Z travel guide to Tuyen Quang will help you enjoy a fulfilling and unforgettable journey. Don’t forget to prepare thoroughly and plan in detail to make the most of your trip!

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