Only 80km from Hanoi, located in Vinh Phuc province, Tam Dao is known as a resort paradise for nature lovers. Coming to Tam Dao, you will experience a feeling of relaxation and peace amidst the majestic mountains and forests. This is also an ideal destination for you to "escape" the harsh heat of the North.
Tam Dao has a special climate
When the North has an outdoor temperature of about 40-45 degrees, when coming to Tam Dao, you will feel like you are lost in another territory.
In one day in Tam Dao, you can feel 4 seasons in the North. The fresh morning of spring, the sunny afternoon of summer, the romantic sunset of autumn and the cold evening of winter. The average temperature here in the summer is about 25 degrees.
How to get to Tam Dao
Currently, the road from Hanoi to Tam Dao is very convenient and easy to travel. The main road is beautiful and wide, with clear lanes. There is only one mountain road up to Tam Dao, quite steep, about 14km long, requiring the driver to have a steady hand.
From Hanoi, you can travel to Tam Dao by bus, coach, taxi, private car or motorbike. If you go by bus or coach, you will have to take a taxi from the foot to the top of Tam Dao mountain.
Here I will introduce you to the route from Hanoi to Tam Dao by motorbike.
- Take the Hanoi - Noi Bai highway.
- Turn left onto National Highway 2A, go through Hung Yen town.
- Continue on National Highway 2A to Vinh Yen town.
- Turn right onto National Highway 3, go through Tam Dao town.
- Total travel time is about 1.5-2 hours.
Stay in Tam Dao
Hotels in Tam Dao are quite cheap and airy with an average price of 400,000 - 500,000 VND/night. If you go on the weekend, you should book in advance to avoid running out of rooms.
Currently, some homestays and villas in Tam Dao have unique designs, infinity pools, and extremely beautiful check-ins at affordable prices. You can refer to details on agoda or booking.com.
Best things to do in Tam Dao
The tourist area in Tam Dao is not too large. So the attractions are quite close to each other. If you book a room in the center or Chan May area, you will be able to explore everything.
1. Chan May Area
Located between the foot and top of Tam Dao Mountain, Chan May Area is peaceful with majestic mountain and forest scenery, babbling streams and pretty little wooden houses. While sipping a cup of fragrant Vietnamese coffee, enjoying the beautiful landscape, this is an interesting experience in Tam Dao. If you come to Tam Dao during Vietnam's wedding season, almost every day couples come here to take wedding photos.
2. Tam Dao Ancient Stone Church
Tam Dao Stone Church is one of the unique architecture, built entirely of stone. This church is not only a spiritual place but also a prominent symbol of Tam Dao. This is a check-in place that cannot be missed when visitors explore Tam Dao.
3. Silver Waterfall
Located deep in the mountains and forests, the pristine Silver Waterfall brings visitors a sense of peace and relaxation. With white water pouring down from above, creating layers of white foam, in the summer this is where visitors stop the longest in Tam Dao. However, the road down to the Silver Waterfall is quite slippery, so you must be very careful when coming here.
4. Tam Dao Wind Cafe
The first cafe on the highest peak of Tam Dao, Wind Cafe has a panoramic view of Tam Dao town and the surrounding mountains. This is the most ideal place for you to enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee. Currently, there is a new Wind Cafe next door, located a little higher, you should go to this cafe for a better view.
5. Tam Dao TV Tower
Tam Dao TV Tower is located at the highest position of Tam Dao, a destination for those who love to explore and conquer. To get to the TV tower, you have to climb about 1394 stone steps. The road up is quite steep and winding, requiring you to be in good health and patient. But I am sure that you will feel relaxed and comfortable if you set foot on the TV tower, do not miss this interesting experience.
What to eat in Tam Dao
Because of the cool weather all year round, the food in Tam Dao is always delicious.
Here you can enjoy dishes from the hills, roasted chicken or grilled pork, steamed pork, chicken hotpot with perilla leaves, ... and especially must try Tam Dao stir-fried chayote - a dish that both Vietnamese people and international tourists love.
In addition, you can buy Tam Dao specialties as gifts: bamboo rice, chestnut cake, dried chestnuts, strawberries ... very delicious and nutritious but pay attention to bargaining.
Pro tips for complete travel
You need to prepare a thin jacket to avoid the cold at night.
If you travel by motorbike, you need to carefully check the braking system before going and move at the appropriate speed to ensure safety.
Final thoughts
With just 2 days and 1 night, you can explore the beautiful scenery of Tam Dao at a reasonable price. If you cannot go to Sapa, Tam Dao is a great idea to temporarily leave the dust of the city. Wish you an enjoyable trip to Tam Dao. Follow my blog, joysdiary for more updates on other destinations.
Have you been explored Tam Dao? Share your feeling to Joysdiary in the comments below.
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