Tam Dao

Tam Dao is a small town at 1000 meters. Thanks to its pleasant climate & mountain views, this place is considered a miniature of Sapa or Da Lat. It has become an ideal resort for holidaymakers on their trips to Vietnam.

On sunny days, people will see Tam Dao rising in ​​white clouds sea like cotton. Source: Crystal Bay 

This charming land also lets you feel the full weather in four seasons in a day. Morning here will be the spring, the warm noon of summer, the romantic afternoon of autumn, and the cold winter evening. So this is a worthy opportunity for travelers to experience one of the best attractions in Northern Vietnam. Let’s find out more about this site with Asia King Travel.

Location

The town is located in Vinh Phuc province, which is 80 kilometers away from Hanoi. This destination is regarded as a must-see, especially for those wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and looking for a peaceful, fresh atmosphere with temperate weather, and marvelous scenery.

The town has a magical beauty, compared to Da Lat of the North. Source: tapchimoitruong.vn 

How to get there

Since this attraction is just 80 kilometers from Hanoi, riding a motorbike is the easiest way to get here. However, the ride-up can be challenging since there are some steep slopes and multiple bends, so you should be prepared and careful when you try to get through this mountain pass. You can rent a motorbike in Hanoi for VND 120,000-VND 150,000 a day.

Romantic scene in Tam Dao under sunset. Source: VietnamNet 

If you are not an expert in vehicle control, you can visit this site with variants of vehicles. From Hanoi, you can also reach this place by bus, coach, or taxi, with a round-trip costing VND 200,000–300,000 per person.

Read more: Northern Vietnam Tour 10 days: In-Depth Discovery

Best time to visit

Tam Dao is an ideal place to visit all year round, with temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. Since its weather is always 4-5 degrees Celsius cooler, it is always crowded during summer with tourists flocking there. 

Meanwhile, the winter from November to January casts a spell over this charming town, covering everything in mist, making it a romantic and dreamy place for couples.

Tam Dao is an ideal place to visit all year round. Source: Crystal Bay

Depending on your choice, you can take a trip to this site at these two recommended times. If you are looking for a heat-hiding place, you can visit in the summer; otherwise, you can go in the winter to deeply understand the emotional feelings of this destination.

What to do in Tam Dao

Trekking through the Tam Dao National Park

In contrast to other Vietnamese national parks and conservation zones, the tourist attraction remains untouched by cultivation. During the summit conquering, visitors can find unique vegetation and uncommon animal species like snake-head fish and white-cheeked black monkeys when delving deeper into the park.

Visitors can sometimes see moon bears that were rescued from the bile harvesting industry and released into the wild by the Vietnam Bear Rescue Center, which is in the park.

Tam Dao National Park is the ideal choice for picnics and activities of families and groups of friends. Source: Crystal Bay 

Admiring the French Stone Church

French architecture is a highlight of the town. Some of the famous sites can be noticed, like the stone church in the downtown area. Though the old buildings are mostly ruined, the church retains its original structure despite the ravages of time.

The old church was constructed in 1906 in the original form of a leaf-roofed house. Until 1937, Gothic architecture was applied to this work, and gradually it was turned into one of the four famous stone churches in Vietnam. 

French Stone Church is a highlight of Tam Dao. Source: Toquoc.vn 

The most interesting thing is the large stone windows surrounding the outer space. It is a nice place for visitors to admire the view of valleys. Many young couples also prefer this site as their wedding photo spot. The romantic beauty of this cathedral is still kept almost intact, though more than one hundred years have passed. This is the destination that tourists should not miss when visiting the foggy mountain town of this location.

Getting to the Silver Waterfall

At 50 meters in height, Silver Waterfall is regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Tam Dao. When reaching here, you'll experience a mystique that will make you feel like a fairy tale in real life, besides its breathtaking scenery.

Silver Waterfall is regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in this area. Source: Crystal Bay 

Noticeably, the path to Silver Waterfall is somewhat slippery, so you should bring sports shoes or slippery-resistant sandals to fully enhance your experience of this waterfall.

Experiencing the local nightlife

It would be an omission to not experience the local nightlife. There will be a night market in the heart of the town that opens at 6 p.m. and continues through the night. 

It has dozens of stalls selling handmade clothes, scarves, handbags, and silver and ivory bracelets made by local ethnic people, as well as abundant local food eateries. Visitors can take a look at some souvenirs or try unique local dishes such as grilled chicken cooked in bamboo tubes grilled skewers, etc.

The breathtaking night scene in Tam Dao. Source: BlogAnChoi 

Also, finding a cafe with mountain views is not a bad idea. Most cafes offer a panoramic view of the town, and their drinks usually start at VND 40,000, an affordable price for everyone. Maybe after a trip around the night market, you can visit them for some additional relaxation. 

Food at Tam Dao

Chayote, or Vietnamese-named "su su", is a specialty of this town and can be prepared in various ways, such as frying or boiling with beef or garlic. You can taste a roll of chayote with thin slices of beef in many local restaurants. Chayote grows along the edges of downtown streets as well as on the slopes of mountains. Every restaurant serves chayote, or you can get it directly from a garden.

Grilled chicken is the most famous specialty of Tam Dao. Source: dulichvinhphuc 

Also, grilled chicken is a signature dish in this tourist attraction. Because these hens are fed by running about in the mountains without confinement, their flesh is flavorful, firm, and thick. The grilled chicken is wrapped in clay and roasted over charcoal until the meat is golden brown. The result is meat that is fragrant, soft, and extremely sweet.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a quick weekend break or just want to escape the city, Tam Dao is the perfect place to unwind. Asia King Travel will lend you a hand to build up your perfect itinerary, do not hesitate to contact us right now and make your dream trip come true.

Read more: Northern Vietnam Tour 5 days: Explore the Essence