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Hanoi has been the heart and soul of Vietnam for most of the history. Yet, when discussing the origins of the Vietnamese people, we must turn to Phu Tho Province. Legend and history tell us that the Vietnamese were born and established their first state some 4000 years ago in this mountainous region of northern Vietnam.
Hung Temple, a sacred site honoring the Hung Kings, is atop Nghia Linh Mountain. Photo: Tung Vy
Therefore, spiritual tourism and historical site visits are must-do activities when traveling to Phu Tho. Moreover, located in the midland region, the province offers stunning natural landscapes with vast mountains and hot springs. Join Asia King Travel to explore the sacred land of Phu Tho.
The ancestors of the Vietnamese people lived in northern Vietnam and southern China, organizing themselves into tribal societies. King Hung the First united these people and established the kingdom of Van Lang around the 29th century BCE. The capital of this kingdom was Phong Chau, now around Viet Tri City and Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province.
A painting depicting the daily life of people in ancient Vietnam under Hung Kings' reign. Photo: Hoang thanh Thang Long
For most of the feudal period, the province was part of "Xu Doai", a western region of Thang Long Citadel. In 1891, the French colonialists established Hung Hoa Province, which later became Phu Tho Province in 1903. In 1968, the province was merged with Vinh Phuc to form Vinh Phu Province, but was separated again in 1997.
Today, the province is within the Hanoi metropolitan area and is undergoing continuous development. It is a vital economic link between the northwestern mountainous region and the Red River Delta.
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Phu Tho Province is located in the midland region between the Northeastern and Northwestern mountains, approximately 90 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. The journey is even shorter if you start from Noi Bai International Airport, at only 60 kilometers.
The province's terrain is mostly mountainous, with higher elevations in the northwest gradually sloping towards the east. Notably, the three largest rivers in northern Vietnam - the Red River, Da River, and Lo River - converge in Viet Tri City. According to local legend, the confluence of these three rivers brings good fortune, attracting people to collect water for blessings.
Everyone flock to Long Coc Tea Hill every summer for photographing. Photo: VOV
The province is easily accessible by car from Noi Bai International Airport. Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway smooths the journey, leading you directly to Viet Tri City. Alternatively, motorbikes can take National Highway 32, starting from Ho Tung Mau street in Hanoi city center.
Phu Tho has four distinct seasons. The best times to visit are summer and spring when the weather is pleasant. Summer is a great time to escape the heat by camping in the mountains or enjoying the tea plantations. Spring is the season for spiritual tourism, with the highlight being the Hung Kings Anniversary on the 10th day of the third lunar month (usually around April).
Thanh Thuy District is one of the few places in Vietnam with hot springs. Photo: Wyndham Thanh Thuy
As tourist attractions in Phu Tho are spread out. hotels and homestays are often located near these destinations. Four and five-star hotels, such as Muong Thanh Luxury Phu Tho and Garden Viet Tri, are concentrated in the center of Viet Tri City. Other notable options include X2 Vibe Viet Tri Hotel, Saigon Phutho Hotel, and SOJO Viet Tri, with room rates starting from VND 800,000 per night.
Thanh Thuy hot springs has numerous high-quality resorts. In Xuan Son National Park, you can find homestays like Homestay Xuan Son, Homestay Lam, and Thuc Nhu, located in the Du village and featuring authentic Dao architecture and culture. Here, visitors can enjoy fresh air, experience the simple lifestyle of the locals, and savor local specialties.
Sour meat is the iconic dish of Phu Tho, especially in Thanh Son District. This dish is made from raw pork marinated in finely ground roasted rice. The meat is naturally fermented, resulting in a unique sour flavor. While the process of making sour meat is relatively simple, producing a delicious and safe product requires attention to detail.
A delicious snack to go with beer. Photo: Thit chua Dat To
Sour meat is commonly enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with various leaves, especially fig, guava, and betel leaves. Diners wrap the meat in rice paper along with the leaves, then dip it in a sweet and sour fish sauce or chili sauce. The bitterness of the leaves and the sourness of the meat balance each other out, while the dipping sauce adds a delightful flavor.
Doan Hung pomelos are the pride fruit of Phu Tho Province. Grown in Doan Hung District, located on the fertile banks of the Lo River, these pomelos benefit from the rich alluvial soil. When ripe, the pomelos have bright yellow skin, thin rind, juicy segments, and a sweet, refreshing taste. They are a popular choice as gifts due to their long shelf life without losing sweetness and juiciness.
The cake gets its name from its ear-like shape. It is made from rice flour, giving it a characteristic milky white color. The filling is seasoned pork. These two simple ingredients come together to create an unexpectedly delightful treat. The cake is best enjoyed right after steaming, especially on cold days to heat tourists’ bodies.
Phu Tho is a fantastic destination for exploring Vietnam's history. Besides that, you'll also love the stunning landscapes of the midland region. Don't wait, reach out to Asia King Travel and create beautiful memories here!
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