Introduction

Welcome to Thai Nguyen, a midland province in Northern Vietnam. The endless green tea hills highlight your visit to Thai Nguyen. The hilly terrain always brings a refreshing and cool atmosphere. If you feel stifled in the big city, a trip to Thai Nguyen is the perfect escape.

The lush green color of fresh tea leaves is the iconic symbol of Thai Nguyen. Photo: Dealtoday

The lush green color of fresh tea leaves is the iconic symbol of Thai Nguyen. Photo: Dealtoday

Yet, the tea hills are just the tip of the iceberg of the natural beauty of this place. Mountains, caves, lakes - they all possess indescribable beauty here. Join Asia King Travel as we explore the tourist attractions of Thai Nguyen in this article!

History

Ancient Vietnamese people have inhabited this land for a very long time. They often lived in caves and used stone tools to hunt for food. In the Nguyen Dynasty, Thai Nguyen Province was officially established. Around the 1890s, the province was temporarily dissolved under the French colonial division.

Some caves are being explored and set up for tourism. Photo: Oxalis Adventure crew

Some caves are being explored and set up for tourism. Photo: Oxalis Adventure crew

In 1917, Doi Can and Luong Ngoc Quyen led the Thai Nguyen Uprising. They called on Vietnamese soldiers in the French army to revolt. They stormed the prison, freeing political prisoners, and then took control of Thai Nguyen Province.  Although they only controlled for a week, their achievement is commendable. Many streets are named after them across the country.

During the 9-year-long Indochina War from 1946 to 1954, Ho Chi Minh visited Thai Nguyen and led the war from Dinh Hoa Safety Zone. The province was also a crucial link in the eastern border corridor during the war. Large-scale campaigns were launched from here, such as the 1950 autumn-fall and the 1953-1954 winter-spring campaigns.

Dinh Hoa Safety Zone has become a historical site frequently visited by both Vietnamese people and tourists. Photo: Van nghe Thai Nguyen

Dinh Hoa Safety Zone has become a historical site frequently visited by both Vietnamese people and tourists. Photo: Van nghe Thai Nguyen

Post-war, Thai Nguyen has continued to develop its economy and society. The establishment of numerous factories transformed it into an industrial hub. The province is also strategically important for national defense and headquarters of some Vietnamese military agencies.

Location

The province is in the northeastern region of Vietnam, bordering Hanoi and just under 100 kilometers from the capital’s center. As a result, it only takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to travel there. Expressway No. 07 makes the journey even more convenient. Overall, it’s an ideal destination for nature-filled getaways and picnics.

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How to get there

Starting from Hanoi, travelers can choose to go by motorbike, car, or bus (motorbikes must follow National Highway 3). Cross Thanh Tri Bridge on Ring Road 3, then continue straight until reaching the interchange with Expressway 7 near Bac Ninh Province. Turn left onto the expressway and drive straight along the road to reach the province.

The expressway facilitates transportation and boosts economic connectivity between two provinces. Photo: Lao dong Newspapers

The expressway facilitates transportation and boosts economic connectivity between two provinces. Photo: Lao dong Newspapers

Weather

Like much of northern Vietnam, Thai Nguyen has four seasons. The terrain varies from plain to midland, and the temperature difference is slight between regions. However, the province’s temperature is often about 2°C lower than Hanoi.

Nui Coc Lake – The most famous natural tourist attraction in Thai Nguyen. Photo: thainguyen

Nui Coc Lake – The most famous natural tourist attraction in Thai Nguyen. Photo: thainguyen

The best times to go are early to mid year. Many traditional festivals to explore are early in the year, and the weather is a little chilly, which sort of reminds you of Europe. Escaping the heat and finding yourself lost in the lush green tea hills is perfect for mid year.

Thai Nguyen’s Specialties

Tea

It's no surprise that Thai Nguyen tea should be the first thing you try. This tea is appreciated for its flavor, aroma, and appearance, each sip is bewitching to everyone. It has an endless praise a gentle astringency and a sweet lingering.

The place with the best tea in Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ninh Tra

The place with the best tea in Vietnam. Photo: Thai Ninh Tra

Visitors not only get to enjoy the tea but also experience the production process. You'll have the chance to pick tea leaves, dry them, and even infuse them with flowers. The tea-based products are of exceptional quality, so don't forget to bring some Thai Nguyen tea home as gifts for your loved ones!

Uc Ky Soy Sauce

The soy sauce is made from familiar ingredients such as glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. What makes this paste special is the type of glutinous rice only grown in two communes Uc Ky and Xuan Phuong.

Soybeans are sun-dried and then fermented in ceramic jars. Photo: Dan Viet

Soybeans are sun-dried and then fermented in ceramic jars. Photo: Dan Viet

After being processed, the sauce becomes soft, smooth, and has a golden-yellow color. Its smell and taste can be a bit difficult to get used to compared to regular soy sauce, but if you're looking for a unique seasoning for your meals, why not buy some and give it a try?

Cooc mo cake

The Tay and Nung ethnic groups in Thai Nguyen have a traditional dish called cooc mo cake. The name means "cow horn" in the local language because the cake's shape resembles a cow horn when wrapped. People typically wrap the cake with arrowroot or banana leaves. The main ingredients are glutinous rice and peanuts, with no filling.

Easy little cakes so you can enjoy several at a time without feeling overwhelmed. Photo: Dealtoday

Easy little cakes so you can enjoy several at a time without feeling overwhelmed. Photo: Dealtoday

This cake is off-filling, but the rich nuttiness of peanuts and the mild sweetness of glutinous rice all come together to make it irresistible without being outrageous. It is often added to sugar or honey to tone it up. This cake can be found at different stores or markets in the highlands.

Conclusion

The beauty of the endless tea hills and majestic mountains is just a few steps away. Don’t forget to visit Thai Nguyen on your next trip to Vietnam. Asia King Travel is always ready to help you explore every corner of the country!

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Tour in Thai Nguyen

Thai Nguyen Tour 2 Days: Culture and Nui Coc Lake Adventure

Thai Nguyen Tour 2 Days: Culture and Nui Coc Lake Adventure

Explore the rich culture with Thai Nguyen Tour 2 Days to ethnic museum, tea plan...

Duration: 2 days 1 night