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Tuyen Quang Province might be a new one on foreign travelers' books, but there's no lack of charm here. There’s a popular saying in Vietnam: “Tea from Thai, girls from Tuyen,” meaning that Thai Nguyen has the best tea, and Tuyen Quang has the most beautiful women. It receives its title not only for the diversity as a mixture of ethnic minority communities. Moreover, this was a base of resistance during the Indochina Wars.
Tuyen Quang girls have a simple but attractive beauty like wild flowers. Photo: Tuyen Quang Online
With this history, the province has developed great cultural diversity within ethnic groups and more than 500 historical sites. Coming in the stunning mountains also give the landscape a bit of natural beauty. If you have yet to learn about Tuyen Quang, Asia King Travel will present to you in this article.
It was an autonomous region of the Tai people similar to other provinces in the Northwest and came under the administration of Dai Viet from the 13th century. The area was named Tuyen Quang in the Tran Dynasty. Emperor Minh Mang of the Nguyen Dynasty officially established Tuyen Quang Province in 1831.
In May 1945, President Ho Chi Minh came to Tan Trao Commune and set up a resistance base to prepare for the revolution. After the Viet Minh's victory in the French Resistance, Tan Trao became the capital of the liberated zone.
A simple thatched house in Tan Trao has witnessed meetings that changed the fate of a nation. Photo: Hoang Viet
After the success of the August Revolution, before leaving Tan Trao to return to Hanoi. President Ho Chi Minh commanded some officials to stay behind to strengthen the base. “Who knows, maybe we’ll have to come back and reel the people back to us again,” he predicted.
That prediction proved entirely accurate. When the French returned to invade in December 1946, the newly established Vietnamese government returned to Tuyen Quang to lead the resistance. Many key decisions that led to Vietnam's victory in the Dien Bien Phu campaign were made here. It could be said that Tuyen Quang, not Hanoi, was truly the capital of Vietnam during this time.
Tuyen Quang is in the middle of East and West Northern Vietnam, a little to the North. Distance from Hanoi is about 120 kilometers, separated by Vinh Phuc Province. Two major rivers Lo and Gam make waterway transportation easier since most of the province is mountainous.
Tuyen Quang City on Lo River. Photo: Crystal Bay
From Hanoi, you can head to Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway near Noi Bai International Airport. At Phu Tho toll, turn right onto Highway 2 (Phu Tho - Tuyen Quang Highway). Just follow the road and you will arrive. Seems mountainous, but the route is easy at all.
You can have all four seasons, though winter and summer are the most obvious. Summer is not too hot due to the high terrain, but it often brings rain. Winter on the other hand is freezing with bone-chilling winds. Nonetheless, the scenic spots are open for sets all year long, even amid such harsh weather.
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Although spring isn’t the peak time to visit, it’s the most pleasant time of the year because springtime is still the time when the trees blossom, the landscapes turn quiet, and the air is fresh and clear. During this time, festivals are also held to the cultural heritage of each ethnic community.
Na Hang's landscape is likened to Ha Long Bay on land. Photo: Thanh Nien
Ham Yen District has long grown oranges. Visitors to the area can admire vast orange groves stretching all the way. Compared to other varieties in Vietnam, Ham Yen oranges are prized for their mild sweetness and gentle aroma. When ripe, the oranges turn a golden yellow, with plump, juicy fruit and distinctive speckles.
Ham Yen orange trees are heavy with fruit during the harvest. Photo: Dan Viet
From November to February or March when followed year, Ham Yen oranges are in season. When harvested, the oranges are usually about palm-sized. Visitors should choose ripe, evenly golden fruit without gray or dark spots. Therefore, you’ll enjoy juicy orange segments packed with high nutritional value.
You definitely shouldn’t miss buying Na Hang corn wine as a gift. This specialty makes an ideal present for gentlemen or senior colleagues. The wine is crafted through a meticulous, patient process that takes about 20-30 days before distillation.
The distillation process and the finished product of corn wine. Photo: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tuyen Quang Province
The ethnic people in Na Hang grow their corn and use herbal yeast made from over 20 types of medicinal herbs in the fermentation process. The large temperature difference between day and night is ideal for the corn and herbs in Na Hang to accumulate nutrients, giving the wine its unique flavor. The fragrant aroma of herbal yeast and corn, combined with a smooth, gentle warmth will captivate you.
You can find black glutinous rice cake in many places, but for the Tay people in Chiem Hoa District, it is a traditional treat reserved for important ceremonies. They offer it to their ancestors as a way for descendants to show gratitude and filial respect.
Black glutinous cake (or “banh gai”) is a traditional northern Vietnamese cake, with a black outer layer made from ramie leaves and glutinous rice. The filling typically includes mung beans, shredded coconut, lotus seeds, and other regional ingredients. It can be enjoyed as a snack or dessert. The cake is sticky, so be careful peeling the leaves or it may stick to your hands.
A specialty as a gift that everyone will enjoy. Photo: Tuyen Quang Online
With ones in Chiem Hoa, they feature a delicious filling of mung beans and coconut, with a distinctive aroma from cane sugar, ramie leaves, and dried banana leaves wrapped outside. Its mild sweetness makes it enjoyable without being too rich.
So why wait? Head to Tuyen Quang! For a relaxing trip with friends and family, this is a refreshing piece of land nestled between peaceful landscapes and majestic mountains. Contact Asia King Travel to set up a trip to Vietnam now.
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