Vinh Phuc

Vinh Phuc Province is a small province located north of Hanoi. Situated in the midlands, nature has generously endowed this land with many beautiful landscapes. Among scenic excursion spots near the capital, it is always a top choice. Let's explore together through this article by Asia King Travel.

Tam Dao is famous for its captivating mountainous landscapes

History

Ancient Vietnamese people inhabited the land of the province since prehistoric times. The region was originally inhabited by various ethnic groups, with evidence of prehistoric cultures discovered in archaeological sites like the Dong Dau and Go Mun. During the feudal era, the land was part of the Van Lang and Au Lac kingdoms before becoming a significant part of Vietnam's history.

Archaeological remains from the Dong Dau culture of the Middle Bronze Age in Vietnam were found in the province

The province was also an important point of resistance during the French colonial period. The local population, inspired by nationalist movements, actively resisted French rule. One of the key figures associated with resistance in this area is Nguyen Thai Hoc, a nationalist leader who founded the Vietnam Quoc Dan Dang, a political party advocating for independence. He and his followers organized anti-colonial activities, including uprisings and protests, in Vinh Phuc and other parts of Vietnam.

Vietnam Quoc Dan Dang marked the progress of the Vietnam national movement

The province was officially established in 1950. In 1968, it was merged with Phu Tho Province to form Vinh Phu Province, but then re-separated to its current state in 1997. Currently, the province has 2 cities and 7 districts with a population of over 1 million people.

Weather in Vinh Phuc

General Weather in Vinh Phuc

Vinh Phuc experiences the typical tropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons:

Peach blossom blooms in the spring in Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc

Spring (February to April) is characterized by mild temperatures and a gradual increase in humidity. This is considered one of the most pleasant seasons, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Summer (May to July) is hot and humid. Temperatures can reach highs of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius (86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) or even more. This season also sees occasional rainfall and the possibility of tropical storms.

Autumn and winter bring the province pleasant and dry weather

Autumn (August to October) brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels. The weather becomes more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 28 degrees Celsius (59 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Winter (November to January) is the coolest season in the region. Temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). This period is relatively dry with occasional light rain.

Best season to visit Vinh Phuc

Spring and autumn are the ideal times to camp at Dai Lai Lake in the province

In the mountainous area of Vinh Phuc Province, the temperature is always cool, usually 5°C lower than the Red River Delta, with an average of 18°C throughout the year. Therefore, people often visit during the hot summer days. Besides, at the end of the year, wild sunflowers bloom beautifully, and Tam Dao is immersed in a dreamy mist, looking like a dreamy city.

How to get there

If you travel from Noi Bai International Airport, you only need to take the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway for about 25 kilometers to reach the provincial city of Vinh Yen. If traveling from the center of Hanoi or by motorbike, follow Ring Road 3 to Thang Long Bridge and then turn left onto National Highway 2.

Enjoy the adventurous journey by traveling by motorbike

To get to Tam Dao or Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery from Vinh Yen City, continue from Tran Phu Street onto National Highway 2B. Turn left at the intersection with Hop Chau - Dong Tinh and drive for about 10 more kilometers. Finally, turn right onto the road leading up to Tam Dao Mountain. The mountain climbing section has a certain slope, so hold the steering wheel firmly.

Suggested for you: Tam Dao Tour 2 Days: Nature Wonders

Accommodations

Accommodations are usually concentrated in two major tourist spots: Tam Dao and Dai Lai Lake. Tam Dao has many homestays, guesthouses, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. Room rate depending on the class, from VND 450,000 to 2,000,000 per night. Some beautiful homestays with convenient locations and reasonable prices are 90s Homestay, Le Bleu... In the higher-end segment, looking at Tam Dao Belvedere, Venus, May Villa...

Flamingo Dai Lai Resort - A Luxury Lakeside Resort

At Dai Lai, there is the famous Flamingo Dai Lai Resort. With private space in the middle of pine forests and lakes, with a complex of entertainment, spa, golf, restaurants... and a system of luxurious villas, staying here is a great choice if you have the budget. Rental prices range from about VND 2,000,000 to 13,000,000 per night.

What to eat

Tam Dao Chayote

The climate of the Tam Dao mountainous region is suitable for growing vegetables, especially chayote. The chayote here is crunchy, sweet, and uniquely flavorful. What’s even more remarkable is that not just the fruit, but also the shoots can turn into delicious dishes.

Stir-fried chayote shoots with beef is a simple yet flavorful dish 

When it comes to specialty dishes, stir-fried chayote shoots with beef is a must-try. The aroma of roasted garlic combined with the tender sweetness of beef and the crunchiness of chayote shoots creates an irresistible dish that you’ll never tire of. For a lighter flavor, try boiled chayote dipped in soy sauce to savor the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Ant-bitten rare beef

Such an unusual name for a dish! But its preparation is true that: freshly slaughtered beef is placed near an ant nest, and the ants are stirred out to bite the meat. To ensure cleanliness, locals only use ant nests found on trees. They do this because the ant bites leave behind a distinctively spicy and pungent flavor. Afterward, the beef is cleaned and grilled over charcoal until it’s medium-rare.

Don’t worry about eating ants, the meat is thoroughly cleaned and grilled

The beef is served with a soy sauce made from corn and soybeans, mixed with a bit of sugar and julienned ginger to enhance the flavor. Paired with fresh herbs, diners will experience a delightful blend of the unique aroma of the beef and the tangy, sweet, and slightly bitter taste. This specialty is especially perfect to enjoy in the cool weather.

Lap Thach fermented fish

Initially, locals fermented fish to extend its shelf life and usability. Over time, this uniquely prepared fish dish became a beloved specialty. They ferment the fish by curing it in a layer of roasted rice powder to undergo natural fermentation, similar to the process of making sour meat - a Phu Tho’s famous specialty. 

The fish has a sweet, salty, and tangy flavor without needing much seasoning

Fermented fish can be enjoyed instantly or used to prepare many dishes, but the best option is grilling. Diners who have tried it often note that the fish meat is neither as dry as salted fish nor as mushy as fresh or fried fish. When pulled apart, the fish reveals a rich pink hue, with a balanced sour and salty flavor, with an enticing aroma.

Conclusion

Just an hour's drive from Hanoi, head to Vinh Phuc to truly unwind in the cool, refreshing air of lakes and mountains. Contact Asia King Travel for an unforgettable trip to Vietnam!

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