TAM DAO, AN IDEAL DESTINATION FOR WEEKEND

Tam Dao, one of the famous destinations of Northern Vietnam, not only attracts tourists by its majestic natural beauty but also by its cool climate all year round. Located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, Tam Dao is the ideal place to escape the sweltering heat of summer. This article will take you deeper into Tam Dao, from its history, culture, to its unique entertainment and culinary activities.

Overview of Tam Dao

Tam Dao town is a famous tourist destination of Vinh Phuc province, about 80 km from Hanoi. Tam Dao is located at an altitude of more than 900 m above sea level, with a cool climate all year round. The reason it is called Tam Dao is because there are three high mountains rising above the sea of clouds, Thach Ban, Thien Thi, and Phu Nghia, which can be seen from Hanoi on a sunny day. On January 25, Tam Dao was recognized as a national tourist area.

The Formation of Tam Dao

As a land with a cool climate, very suitable for weekend vacations, Tam Dao was soon planned by the French to become a resort in 1904. The French made their mark on Tam Dao with 143 beautiful villas. and large hotels were built during this period. However, most of them have been destroyed by time, war, and human hands. Many beautiful architectural works are now only left in the past of the elderly and in documentary photos.

Climate and Nature in Tam Dao

Cool-weather

The climate in Tam Dao is delightful, with an average temperature of about 18-28 degrees Celsius. In the summer, this place becomes an ideal shelter for those who want to stay away from the heat of the North. In winter, Tam Dao often has fog and sometimes snow, creating a poetic scene.

Characteristic Ecosystem

Tam Dao possesses a diverse ecosystem with many rare plants and animals. Primeval forests cover the mountains, creating a fresh and clean space.

Outstanding Destinations

1. Tam Dao National Park

Tam Dao National Park has an area of 36,883 hectares, with evergreen forests all year round. This place is covered with a rich flora, and many rare plants and animals belonging to 4 main classes: mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This location attracts not only tourists but also businessmen and researchers. Among the diverse life forms in the park are some rare species such as the black-cheeked monkey, Tam Dao snakehead fish, and silverwood pheasant.

2. Tam Dao stone church

French architecture is a characteristic feature of Tam Dao. Although the ancient French structures have mostly collapsed, this ancient stone church retains its original structure through many stormy seasons. Construction of the ancient church began in 1906 in its original form as a thatched-roof house. Until 1937, Gothic architecture was applied to this work and gradually it was transformed into one of the four famous stone churches of Vietnam.

3. Silver Waterfall

The waterfall is considered the most beautiful here. Coming to this famous Tam Dao tourist destination, you can touch the cool water and feel the cool, peaceful air. The path down to the waterfall is quite long, leading you deep into the valley through stone steps. Sometimes, you may meet a squirrel or a cute little animal, like you are on your way back to Mother Nature.

4. Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple

Nestled amidst a bamboo forest just outside the center of Tam Dao is a complex of religious structures, home to Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple and the Golden Pagoda. Among them, Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple is an impressive 4-storey architectural work with exquisitely carved corridors and roofs. Right next to it is a spacious courtyard decorated with more than a dozen Buddha statues and a white stone staircase leading up to the main altars.

5. Cau May Studio

Besides places like Tam Dao Stone Church or Heaven's Gate which have long been frequented by Instagram followers, another name that is also widely spread is Cau May Studio. An outdoor photography studio 2km from the town center. This place has a series of wooden bridges supported by steel beams that weave around the mountainside, creating many backgrounds for surreal photos.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

Tam Dao cuisine is also an indispensable part of the trip. Specialties such as rare beef with lemon, chayote, and grilled dishes will make you unforgettable. In addition, you can also enjoy traditional dishes of ethnic minorities here, providing a rich and diverse culinary experience.

From Hanoi, you can go to Tam Dao by car or personal motorbike. Passenger cars, limousines, and taxis also shuttle Hanoi - Tam Dao, round-trip tickets cost about 200,000 - 300,000 VND per person. Travel time from Hanoi is about 2 hours. Note, if you ride a motorbike, you should choose a manual car to be safer because the road has many slopes and curves. The Hanoi - Tam Dao route is about 50 km along National Highway 2, then 24 km along National Highway 2B, and finally nearly 13 km of mountain pass to the town center.

In Tam Dao town, if there is no means of transportation, visitors should rent a motorbike, priced at 150,000 - 250,000 VND per day depending on the type.

When is the best time to go to Tam Dao?

Tam Dao is a suitable place to explore all year round because each season has its beauty. Coming to Tam Dao in spring, you have the opportunity to see many types of blooming flowers. Summer is crowded on weekends when people come to temporarily escape the heat when the temperature is always about 4-5 degrees Celsius lower than Hanoi, the highest is usually 27-28 degrees Celsius.

If you want to hunt clouds in Tam Dao, November to January is a reasonable time. This is winter, and the low temperature turns the town covered in mist, making it beautiful, romantic, and quiet. You should monitor the weather forecast. According to local people's tips, clouds will appear when the sun shines after a rainy day.

Conclude

Tam Dao is a great destination for those who love nature, culture, and cuisine. With its cool climate, majestic landscapes, and rich culture, this place will bring you memorable experiences. Take time to explore and enjoy the beauty of Tam Dao, a resort paradise in the heart of Vietnam.