Tuyen Quang Travel Guide

1. Where is Tuyen Quang?

Tuyen Quang is a mountainous province, located in the Northernmost part of Vietnam. It is about 150 km northwest of the capital Hanoi. With its geographical location:

• The North borders Yunnan province and Guangxi autonomous region of China.
• The East borders Cao Bang province and Thai Nguyen province.
• The West borders Lao Cai province.
• The South borders Phu Tho province.

2. How is Tuyen Quang unique?

Tuyen Quang is a land where the majestic beauty of mountains and forests intersect with a rich history and culture. It owns a system of more than 500 historical, cultural and revolutionary relics, considered the “revolutionary museum” of Vietnam. At the same time, Tuyen Quang is also a place where the traditional cultures of many ethnic minorities in the North converge with unique festivals, rustic folk songs, and rich national identity.

Nature has favored Tuyen Quang with poetic scenery with vast green forests, cool streams, a system of waterfalls and interesting caves. All of these create rich potential for tourism development, from resorts, eco-tourism, spiritual tourism to exploring wild nature.

In particular, the northern region of Tuyen Quang is also adjacent to the Dong Van stone plateau. This is a global geological heritage with majestic limestone mountains, deep canyons and many famous destinations. Such as: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Canyon, Quan Ba Twin Mountains, etc. It offers diverse and attractive travel experiences.

3. When is the best time to visit Tuyen Quang?

Tuyen Quang is located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, where the climate is typical of tropical monsoons with two distinct seasons. The hot and humid summer lasts from May to August and the cold winter lasts from November to January of the following year. Each season of the year brings its own beauty to each land. Therefore, you can travel here at any time of the year. However, there will be more ideal times for you to fully explore nature and culture here.

From September to April of the following year is the best time to travel to Tuyen Quang. This is the season of blooming flowers, the season of golden ripe rice on terraced fields, and also the time when many unique traditional festivals of ethnic minorities in the highlands take place.

In Tuyen Quang, each month has its own unique scenery:

• January – March: spring is brilliant with peach blossoms, plum blossoms, and yellow mustard flowers. At the same time, this is also the festival season of the Mong, Tay, Dao people such as Gau Tao, Long Tong, Lap Tinh festivals…
• April: Khau Vai love market takes place – one of the most unique festivals in the highlands.
• May – June: the season of pouring water, white waterfalls, people eagerly go to the fields to sow rice, creating a lively working scene.
• August – October: the season of golden ripe rice in Hoang Su Phi and many other areas.
• October – November: the season of purple-pink buckwheat flowers blooming all over the hillsides and valleys – the symbol of Ha Giang tourism.
• Around October – November: The weather is cool, pleasant, convenient for traveling, sightseeing and exploring Tuyen Quang. Moreover, this is also the season of purple-pink buckwheat flowers blooming all over the hillsides and valleys.
• Mid-Autumn Festival (August of the lunar calendar): This is the time of Thanh Tuyen Festival – the largest mid-autumn lantern festival in Vietnam. With thousands of colorful lantern models, attracting tens of thousands of tourists from near and far to visit and relax.

4. How to get to Tuyen Quang?

With a location about 150km from Hanoi and an increasingly complete transportation system, traveling to Tuyen Quang is now convenient and diverse in terms of means of transport. Below are some popular ways to get to Tuyen Quang easily and safely:

4.1. Traveling from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang

• By bus: You can catch a bus at My Dinh or Giap Bat bus station, with many trips running continuously throughout the day. In addition, if you take long-distance sleeper buses to the Northeast region, you can choose to stop at Tuyen Quang on the way. From the stop, you can move to your accommodation by taxi or shuttle bus.
• By limousine car: If you want to experience high-class service, you can choose a 9-seat limousine upgraded from a 16-seat car, with modern and comfortable interior. The advantage is that the car picks up and drops off at your door in Hanoi and Tuyen Quang, suitable for tourists who need convenience and privacy.
• By motorbike or private car: This is an ideal choice for those who love to explore, take the initiative in time and want to stop at tourist attractions along the way. From the center of Hanoi, you follow Pham Van Dong Street towards Noi Bai – Phuc Yen intersection, then turn onto National Highway 2 through Phuc Yen, Vinh Yen and continue to Tuyen Quang.

4.2 Traveling within Tuyen Quang province

• By taxi: This is a suitable means of transport for groups of friends or families, helping you to be flexible in your schedule and places to visit. Local drivers can also suggest attractive destinations or typical dishes that few tourists know about.
• Renting a motorbike: If you want to freely explore the mountainous roads, green forests or villages far from the center, you can rent a motorbike in the city center. Choose a new, well-maintained vehicle to ensure safety when traveling on mountainous terrain.

5. Sightseeings in Tuyen Quang

5.1 Milestone KM 0

This is the first interesting check-in point on the journey to discover Tuyen Quang. Located in the city center of Ha Giang, from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang. Don’t forget to visit and take some photos at this milestone.

5.2. Bac Sum Slope

The next attractive tourist destination on the way to discover Tuyen Quang is Bac Sum Slope, this is the most dangerous place in Tuyen Quang connecting Minh Tan commune and Quyet Tien commune.

From a distance, the Bac Sum slope looks like a soft fabric across the top of the mountain. Amidst the rocky cat-eared mountains, the Bac Sum slope looms in the mist. Cross the Bac Sum slope at Tuyen Quang loop tour to enjoy the whole scene as beautiful as a water-color painting.

5.3. Twin Mountain Quan Ba

The image of the beautiful green twin mountains at Tuyen Quang tourist attraction must be no stranger to tourists, located in the southwest of Dong Van Plateau Geopark. At the foot of the twin mountains are Quan Ba rice fields, four colors of four seasons can’t be mixed. Not only that, covering the space here is the color of illusion, legend.

5.4. Yen Minh Pine Forest

Leaving Quan Ba heaven gate, you move in the direction of Yen Minh town and pass through Yen Minh pine forest. Yen Minh road stretches about 50 km from Quan Ba, surrounded by immense pine forests, straight on both sides of the road.

5.5. Tham Ma Slope

This is one of the most favorite check-in points in Tuyen Quang. Tham Ma slope is a slope with many bends in succession before connecting from Yen Minh town to Pho Cao. The slope is quite dangerous because the bends of the sleeves have a high degree of difficulty. Once conquered, it is very beautiful and attractive to look down from the top of the slope.

5.6. Sung La Valley

Sung La Valley in Dong Van town, on the National Highway 4C, famous as a paradise of alpine flowers. People called Sung La Valley as a place where rocks bloom, previously the valley was mainly planted with cherry blossoms. Sufficiency, now Sung La valley is famous for many beautiful flowers.

The fields and slopes of the hills here are full of flowers. Such as Buckwheat flower, Golden Mustard, Rose. But the most famous is the Buckwheat Flower. Come here you can see the beautiful buckwheat flower fields, vast, purple, covering an entire region.

In addition to Sung La, do not forget to visit “Pao’s house”, a very famous place chosen as the setting in Pao’s home movie. The house is very unique, featuring in the Dong Van houses, the house with stone walls, ancient architecture, around the house are lots of peach blossoms, buckwheat flowers…

5.7. Vuong Family’s Mansion

It is located in Xa Phin commune, which is ranked as a national monument. The Vuong mansion not only hides historical stories but also a dense and attractive architectural layer.

Considered a green pearl in the heart of the plateau. It’s built in the shape of the letter Vuong, surrounded by ancient sa Moc trees along with a turtle-shell-shaped hillock standing majestically in the middle of the mountain and majestic forest.

5.8. Lung Cu Flagpole

Lung Cu flagpole is known as the first place of the country, this is the most famous destination of Tuyen Quang. The flagpole is located on Lung Cu peak, a 54m wide flag symbolizing 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, standing at the foot of the flagpole and watching the flag is extremely proud for each person coming here.

5.9. Dong Van Old Street

Located in the town of Dong Van, surrounded by mountains and forests, 40 ancient roofs interspersed with each other. Especially creating a wild picture that is hidden behind the dense fog of the mountains.

Established in the early 20th century. Dong Van ancient town was inhabited by Mong, Tay and Chinese families, then, residents of other localities came to form a crowded population group.

This tourist spot was not only beautiful at the time. But also imbued with Chinese architecture, in the dreamy atmosphere of the Praise of the H’Mong man or the dance of a girl.

5.10. Ma Li Peng Pass – Nho Que River

It is the name of the rugged pass road in Tuyen Quang, about 20 km long. Located on Hanh Phuc road connecting Ha Giang city, and Meo Vac town. Ma Pi Leng calls in the Mandarin language to mean “the nose of a horse” literally, broadly describing the danger of a mountain peak, where the slope is so high that the horse passes through the breath, or the top of the mountain stands as a live horse nose. The road passes through the rocks, surpassing Ma Pi Leng peak at a height of 2000 meters, at the foot of the deep valley of Nho Que river like a thin four-season green jade thread.

5.11. Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi is located about 50km from Ha Giang city. This is a highland border district that attracts many adventurous tourists because the road is quite dangerous. The terraced fields in Hoang Su Phi like pulling to the horizon, the season of ripe rice or the pouring water season all have their own beauty.

5.12. Dong Van Plateau

It is a rocky plateau area stretching across a large area of Tuyen Quang. This place has been recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark since 2010. Located at an altitude of 1000 – 1600m above sea level. Dong Van plateau has important significance in the development of the ancient Earth.

5.13. Lung Khuy Cave

Lung Khuy Cave is located halfway up the mountain in Lung Khuy village. It’s discovered in 2015 and quickly became a proud tourist destination in Tuyen Quang for the people here.

The cave area is about more than 1,000 meters long with many stone arches up to 200 meters high. Going deep inside, visitors will be able to admire the original limestone stalactites in diverse shapes. And sparkling next to each other. In addition, the cave also has an interesting forest of stone yucca trees. Especially stone walls that emit the sound of a guitar when tapped, providing an attractive experience for tourists.

5.14. Quan Ba heaven gate

Quan Ba Heaven Gate is located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. With a prime location between two mountain peaks and right next to the horizon, visitors can capture the beauty of heaven and earth blending right in their sight. This is also a beautiful cloud hunting spot with gentle mist surrounding the mountainside.

5.15. Pho Bang town

Pho Bang town is located in the west of Dong Van. Different from bustling Dong Van or Meo Vac, Pho Bang is a small, peaceful town hidden in the mountains and forests of Tuyen Quang.

In Pho Bang town, there are only about 3,000 people, mainly H’Mong and Han Chinese people. The houses here are made of simple terracotta, have a yin-yang tile roof and old wooden doors. Walking through town, visitors can enjoy the simple living atmosphere of the people here.

Especially, if you visit Pho Bang on rainy days, you will still feel the sadness and tranquility that you cannot find anywhere else. Nearby, you can also see the rose valley and buckwheat flowers blooming along the roadside.

5.16. Thac Tien tourist area – Gio pass

Tien Waterfall – Gio Pass tourist area is the most famous Tuyen Quang tourist destination in Xin Man, about 17 km from Coc Pai town. With beautiful wild natural landscapes, this tourist area promises to bring you an interesting experience.

When coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the double waterfall pouring down from a height of more than 70 meters, gently crossing the rugged Gio Pass rocks. Because of the soft, gentle water like that girl’s hair, this place is also known as Tang Tinh waterfall (Wind waterfall).

5.17. Sung Khanh Pagoda

Sung Khanh Pagoda belongs to a village of the Nung people on the banks of Lo River, about 9 km southwest of Ha Giang city. The temple is where visitors can explore Buddhist culture and local beliefs.

Sung Khanh Pagoda was built during the Tran Dynasty in 1356 and has preserved many restorations until today. The temple has an area of only about 26 square meters and has a relatively simple architecture.

The pagoda also houses national treasures such as two stone steles engraved with intricate patterns, and a bronze bell nearly one meter high. If you visit Sung Khanh Pagoda at the beginning of the new year, you will also have the opportunity to participate in the Long Tong festival – a spring festival of the Tay people that takes place extremely bustling.

5.18. Cang Bac Me relic

The Cang Bac Me relic site is a proof of the courage of our Vietnamese army and people in the resistance war against the French. With that great historical significance, this place is one of the attractive Tuyen Quang tourist destinations for tourists.

This was originally an enemy base built by the French in 1938, used as a place to station troops and detain political prisoners during the occupation of Tuyen Quang. Bac Me Cang has an area of about 2,500 square meters with three main areas: the central area, the master’s house area, and the salt warehouse area. Coming here, visitors can visit ancient walls and remnants of the prison system, guard tower, and information house of that time.

5.19. Ho Noong

Noong Lake is a natural freshwater lake on the majestic Tay Con Linh mountain range, about 35 km from Ha Giang city center. This place is likened to the “fairyland” of the Northeast mountains with clear blue water and a thin mist gently covering it.

Besides, Noong Lake spreads across two villages Noong I and Noong II with an area of 20 hectares in the dry season and can be up to 80 hectares in the rainy season. A special feature is that the water here never dries up because it possesses underground water sources flowing from stone caves connected to the Lo River. Possessing the position of converging the quintessence of nature, the lake has many unique fish species such as: catfish, carp, channel catfish, catfish, bitter fish,…

Surrounded by green primeval forests and majestic rocky mountains, Noong Lake gives visitors an indescribable feeling of peace and quiet. This place is suitable for relaxing fishing activities or floating on a wooden raft to watch the shimmering sunset on the water.

5.20 Tu San canyon

Referred to as “the most majestic landscape”, Tu San Canyon is a unique tourist destination and not to be missed every time you come to Tuyen Quang. The canyon has majestic beauty with impressive high cliffs, below is the winding blue Nho Que river, worthy of being called a masterpiece of creation. Coming to this place, visitors will be immersed in the natural scenery of Tuyen Quang, try new experiences or take home amazing “virtual life” photos.

5.21 Relic of Tan Trao

Tan Trao tourist area is a special national relic site closely associated with the history of the Vietnamese revolution. The relic site is located in Tan Trao commune and still preserves 17 valuable historical relics. Moreover, this destination has become a place to educate generations of Vietnamese people about profound revolutionary traditions.

When coming to Tan Trao on a tour of Tuyen Quang, you will visit prominent historical sites such as Lan Na Nua – where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Next are Tan Trao Communal House and Hong Thai Communal House – two works marking important milestones in the history of the nation.

Besides, Tan Trao banyan tree is also a famous tourist attraction in the relic site. Under the canopy of this ancient tree on the afternoon of August 16, 1945, the Liberation Army unit held a military departure ceremony toward Hanoi, ready for the General Offensive.

5.22 Mac Citadel

Mac Citadel was built in the period from 1552 during the Mac Dynasty. It’s repaired at the beginning of the Nguyen Dynasty (XIX century) during the Le-Mac war. The Southern Dynasty (Le Trung Hung) led by Trinh Tung headed north to capture Thang Long. Mac Mau Hop arrested and executed. The nobles and mandarins retreated to Cao Bang.

To prevent the Le army, the Mac dynasty built a citadel on the banks of the Lo River. According to legend, the whole process of building takes only one night. Quan Mac is also in a mountain land more than 50m called Tho Son (mountain land). The citadel was also a place of war between the Le dynasty and the Mac Dynasty for many years when the kings of Mac darted an attack from Cao Bang to Thang Long.

Thanh has an important military position on the banks of the Lo River and is located on a convenient waterway linking with many important historical events of Tuyen Quang. Thanh also witnessed many important historical events of Tuyen Quang.

5.23 Na Hang Ecotourism Area

Tuyen Quang is famous for Na Hang Ecotourism Area. It is likened to “Ha Long in the middle of the jungle”, located more than 100km from Tuyen Quang city. This is the confluence of the Lo River and the Gam River, surrounded by limestone mountains and vast primeval forests. It creates a majestic and poetic natural landscape.

When coming to Na Hang Eco tour Vietnam, you can take a boat on the lake, weave through the green islands, and admire the clear water reflecting the clouds and sky. Not only does it have a beautiful landscape, Na Hang also attracts tourists with many interesting attractions. Such as: Pac Ta Temple, Mo Waterfall, Khuoi Nhi Waterfall, … In addition, this place also has a magical cave system such as: Bo Kim Cave, Khau Quang Cave, Phia Muon Cave, Khuoi Pin Cave. In particular, Na Hang – Lam Binh Nature Reserve with primeval forests. This is an ideal destination for those who love trekking and want to explore wild nature.

5.24 Khuoi Nhi Waterfall

The year-round waterfall tossing white foam as beautiful as the hair of thousands of thousands, upstream of the waterfall you will not be surprised by a beauty that captivated the heart. The waterfall is soaring, the white foam flushed down a pool of natural blue water, fantasy, beautiful to fascinated. Also, when dipping in the water here, you will enjoy one of the most natural massage services served by the staff “fish” floating under the water.

5.25 My Lam Mineral Spring

My Lam Mineral Spring is a famous tourist and resort area of Tuyen Quang province, located on National Highway 37. It is about 13km southwest of Tuyen Quang city. Discovered in 1923 by French geologists, My Lam Mineral Spring is famous for its natural hot mineral water source with a stable temperature of 67 – 68°C. In particular, the mineral-rich hot spring is taken directly from an underground water source more than 150m deep, which has the effect of curing diseases and supporting effective rehabilitation.

When coming to My Lam Mineral Spring, you can experience hot mineral baths in individual or collective bathtubs. In addition, the mineral water in the tubs is pumped directly from deep water sources, bringing a feeling of relaxation and high therapeutic effect. In addition, this Tuyen Quang tourist area also has a system of modern hotels and restaurants. It fully meets the needs of relaxation and culinary experiences of visitors.

5.26 Mo Waterfall

Mo Waterfall, also known as Pac Ban Waterfall, is located nearly 100 km from Tuyen Quang city. This is a beautiful waterfall complex with 3 high and low waterfalls intertwined. You can explore Mo Waterfall by boat or on foot. If you travel by boat, you will be able to leisurely admire the scenery on the calm water surface, enjoying a feeling of peace and relaxation.

On the contrary, the trekking journey through the primeval forest with giant leaf carpets covering the path will bring an adventurous and mysterious experience. No matter which way you choose, you will be immersed in beautiful nature, listening to the murmur of the water flowing through the rocks.

This tourist destination has not been commercialized much, so the service is quite limited. It is only suitable for day trips. You should prepare food, drinks and necessary items to have a safe and complete trip.

5.27 Tuyen Quang Provincial Museum

Tuyen Quang Provincial Museum is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the unique history and culture of this land. Located on high ground in the middle of the lake with ancient architecture and open space, the museum offers an interesting sightseeing experience.

Moreover, with nearly 2,000 scientifically displayed artifacts, you can learn about the natural conditions, ethnic culture, heroic history and development process of Tuyen Quang. The museum is divided into 4 display areas according to each historical period. The highlight is the communal house recreating the Tuyen Quang landscape with Na Nua hut and Tan Trao banyan tree.

5.28 Hang Pagoda

The list of famous landmarks in Tuyen Quang must include Hang Pagoda, also known as Huong Nghiem Pagoda. Hang Pagoda is located deep in a natural cave with two large roof arches and hanging stalactites, creating a rare sacred space. Built in the 16th century under the reign of Mac Dang Doanh, the pagoda is not only a spiritual work but also has deep historical value.

Moreover, the pagoda used to be the place to hide and assemble the first two aircraft of the Vietnam Air Force. Inside the pagoda, the system of worship statues and worship objects are still carefully preserved, maintaining the ancient solemnity. When visiting Hang Pagoda, you will be immersed in a peaceful space. Or feel the intersection between history and spirituality in a magical natural setting.

5.29 Ha Temple

Ha Temple or Tam Co Temple, is located in Tan Quang ward, Tuyen Quang city. It was built in 1738 and first restored in 1878. This is an ancient religious architectural work, worshiping Princess Ngoc Hoa according to legend. The temple preserves many precious artifacts such as royal decrees from the Dong Khanh period and steles, elaborately gilded jackfruit wood statues.

When visiting Ha Temple, you will feel the solemn and quiet space. The ancient horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences “tell” the legend and sacredness of the temple. In particular, the Ha Temple festival from February 11 to February 16 of the lunar calendar every year is an occasion for people to pray for peace and bountiful crops with solemn and respectful Mother Goddess processions. The festival also features many unique cultural activities, attracting a large number of visitors from near and far.

5.30 Tien Cave

Tien Cave offers an experience of exploring majestic and mysterious nature. The cave is located on Chan Quy mountain, near the top of the mountain, opening up a vast landscape with deep green mountains and peaceful village fields. To reach the cave entrance, you have to climb more than a hundred moss-covered stone steps.

When entering inside, Tien Cave impresses with stalactites and rocks of various shapes such as: a bird holding a young girl, Quan Am sitting on a lotus throne and images such as La Han, elephants, tigers, etc. Moreover, the stalactites sparkle under the natural light shining from the cave entrance and the gaps in the high stone arch. Therefore, the space in the cave is more sacred and magical, evoking the feeling of being lost in a fairyland.

5.31 Hong Thai terraced fields

Hong Thai terraced fields are located in Khau Trang village, Hong Thai commune, Tuyen Quang. It is over 1,200 meters above sea level. With a total area of 82 hectares, the destination stands out with terraced fields winding around the mountainside, creating a beautiful, picturesque landscape.

At the end of March, you can admire the sparkling water season. Or the brilliant golden rice season when traveling to Tuyen Quang in September and October. When coming here, you will learn about the unique culture of the Dao Tien people, experience rice planting and harvesting. And participate in the Hong Thai terraced field festival held annually, …

5.32 Song Long Cave

Song Long Cave is located in the complex of 99 legendary mountains in Khuon Ha commune, Tuyen Quang. To reach the cave, you need to travel about 3 hours by boat from Na Hang wharf. Song Long Cave is located at an altitude of about 200m above the lake surface. The cave is more than 200m long, with an average height of about 40m and the widest place is up to 50m. In front of the cave is a “sky-piercing stone pile” called Coc Vai Pha by the locals.

Inside the cave, the space is divided into many consecutive niches. Moreover, each niche is like a natural art gallery with stalactites of various shapes and colors sparkling like marble. In addition, natural light filters through the crevices of the rocks, combining with stalactites to create a shimmering, magical space that captivates people’s hearts.

5.33 Pac Ta Temple

Pac Ta Temple is one of the sacred prayer places visited by many believers when traveling to Tuyen Quang. This place is located right at the foot of Pac Ta Mountain, which is praised by tourists as the place where heaven and earth meet. Pac Ta Temple worships the wife of famous general Tran Nhat Duat. There are still many traces of Vietnam’s second resistance war against the Yuan-Mongol army. Not only is it a mysterious spiritual destination, Pac Ta Temple also possesses a fresh natural space and helps you become more relaxed and gentle.

5.34 Nguyen Tat Thanh Square

Nguyen Tat Thanh Square is a famous entertainment center in Tuyen Quang province. This is the place where political, social and cultural activities of Tuyen Quang province take place. Every day, Nguyen Tat Thanh Square has many fun activities such as model car racing, fishing, statue painting, etc. Local people and tourists often come here to enjoy the breeze and relax as well as explore the life of the local people of Tuyen Quang.

6. Experiencing in Tuyen Quang’s upland unique markets

6.1 Market sessions in Meo Vac

The market in Meo Vac is Tuyen Quang’s largest market. It attracts hundreds of visitors to visit because of the unique cultural features contained in each fair. There are famous markets in Meo Vac that are:

6.1.1 Khau Vai Market:

It is held in the morning on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of the month (according to the lunar calendar). Especially the Khau Vai love market, the famous Ha Giang fair is held only once a year on the 27th of the third lunar month.

6.1.2. Sung Tra Market:

Meeting once on Saturday. And some other special markets such as Tat Ngan Market, Nam Ban Market, Xin Cai Market, Son Vi Market meet on Sunday morning every week, and Thuong Phung Market.

At Meo Vac Market, there are many specialties with rich flavors. Such as Thang Co; Men Men; corn cake; Au Tau Rice Soup, … So do not forget to enjoy these specialties to make the trip more complete.

6.1.3 Back Markets in Tuyen Quang:

Call “back market” to indicate that the next market will have a “back” meeting a day from the previous one.

It means that the schedule of “Tuyen Quan market back” is fixed every 6 days. But because there are 7 days a week, the next market will be one day back (according to the solar calendar). For example, this week the market will take place on Sunday. And the next week will take place on Saturday, and so on. As for the H’Mong, the Chinese, their calculation according to the 12 Chinese zodiacs, will meet on days when they consider conflict. Such as pairs of Rat – Horse, Tiger – Monkey, Snake- Pig, etc.

When you book a tour to Ha Giang, you can see many sessions, markets in many places and often meet permanently on Saturdays and Sundays.

6.1.4 Pho Bang Market

• Location: About 5 km from Sung La three-ways crossroad
• Meeting schedule: On the 6th, 12th, 18th, 24th, 30th of every month (solar calendar) and Rat year, Horse day (according to the 12 animal calendar).

6.1.5 Cao Pho Market

• Location: Located right on the asphalt road, at the transition between Yen Minh and Dong Van towns.
• Meeting schedule: 4, 10, 16, 28 monthly and dragon, dog days.

6.1.6 Sa Phin Market

• Location: The Gate of the Vuong family’s residence, Dong Van.
• Meeting schedule: Monthly 5, 11, 17, 23, 29 monthly and Snake, Pig day.

6.1.7 Lung Phin Market

• Location: Dong Van but you have to follow Yen Minh – Meo Vac street.
• Meeting schedule: Day 2, 8, 14, 20, 26 monthly and Tiger day, Monkey day

Markets of Lung Cu, Sung Trai and Trang Kim (meeting on the Goat and Ox days) and Ma Le market (on the Rat and Horse days). These markets all meet in Dong Van district, while Trang Kim market meets in Quan Ba.

6.2 Market in Dong Van

Fair in Dong Van, Ha Giang is a beauty in the daily life of ethnic areas. Besides the majestic landscapes, going to the fair in Ha Giang is an experience that you should not miss. In Dong Van, there are many markets held during the week.

Central Market, also known as Dong Van Market:

It is held in the town center every Sunday morning of the week. Dong Van fair is located in Dong Van ancient town, this is the largest center of economic, goods and cultural exchange in Dong Van – Meo Vac Plateau. Located on a large area, overall U-shaped architecture, all made of stone materials. Also become a convergence of cultural identities of ethnic colors in this northern highland plateau. It is an indispensable destination for adventure tours in Vietnam.

6.3 Yen Minh Market

The market usually meets on Sunday mornings of the week. From the early morning, every bustling crowd of people on the roads flock to the town. Many people from remote and mountainous villages had to get up at midnight and go through steep passes to reach Yen Minh. The quiet space of this place suddenly comes to life on a fair day, with all colors of costumes. Brocade skirts of H’Mong people, the red scarf of Dao people, the blue skirt of Tay girls, Nung’s indigo outfit…

Main commodities are agricultural and forestry produce

6.3.1 Yen Minh Market

• The market usually meets on Sunday mornings of the week. From the early morning, every bustling crowd of people on the roads flock to the town. Many people from remote and mountainous villages had to get up at midnight and go through steep passes to reach Yen Minh. The quiet space of this place suddenly comes to life on a fair day, with all colors of costumes. Brocade skirts of H’Mong people, the red scarf of Dao people, the blue skirt of Tay girls, Nung’s indigo outfit,…

Main commodities are agricultural and forestry products, native produce, agricultural tools, food and drinks, most of which are homegrown.

6.3.2 Bach Dich Market:

• It has 3 markets in 1 month, namely Ban Muong Market, Moc 9 Market (also called Moc 358 Market) and communal center market. These markets are held in sessions that fall on the Monkey day and the Tiger day of the month.

6.3.3 Duong Thuong Market:

• It is held every Friday morning of the week

6.3.4 Mau Due Market:

• Mau Due Market meets once a week on Sunday mornings

6.3.5 Sung Trang Market:

• Sung Trang Market is held on Sunday mornings. And some other markets such as Sung Chai Market, Lung Ho Market, Ngoc Long Market, Mau Long Market.

7. Specialties when traveling to Tuyen Quang

Not only does it possess majestic and lyrical scenery, Tuyen Quang is also famous as a land of rich cuisine. Being endowed with precious raw materials and fuels, Tuyen Quang cuisine has become its own characteristic.

Tuyen Quang specialties therefore always “captivate” tourists from near and far. Because of the rich and diverse local culinary culture.

7.1 Au Tau Porridge

With a strange-sounding name that makes many people wonder, this porridge dish is made from Au Tau – a typical tuber in the Northeast mountains. Considered a Tuyen Quang specialty, processed and seasoned properly by the people, it acts like a cold medicine.

The dish has a bitter taste, but then a bit of sweetness will remain in the throat. People who are not used to it may find it quite difficult to eat. Due to being simmered well, the bowl of porridge has a viscosity, has the aroma of sticky rice, the sweetness comes from the pork leg meat, the greasy taste from eggs, in addition to the characteristic taste of Au Tau.

7.2 Thang Den

The cake is also made from glutinous rice flour, often filled with green beans, shaped into small balls. It’s a cake often eaten in the winter that will definitely bring a feeling of excitement and warmth to every tourist.

Whether the amaranth is delicious or not depends on the bowl of broth. This is a mixture of sweet taste from sugar, fatty and spicy from coconut milk and ginger, heated and then scooped into a bowl, sprinkled with a little more or less peanuts. Sesame is truly wonderful.

7.3 Thang Co

Traditionally, Thang Co is made from horse entrails. But to serve tourists and ensure a suitable taste for everyone. The restaurant owners here have used buffalo, beef, and pork as ingredients instead. Because the main ingredient is meat, Thang Co means meat soup.

The most quintessential thing in Thang Co dish is the broth – simmered from bones and internal organs. If you try this dish for the first time, it will be a bit difficult to eat because Thang Co has the strong smell of beef and pig internal organs. But the more you eat, the more you will become addicted.

To create delicious and nutritious Thang Co dishes, people here often use a combination of 12 typical mountainous spices: lemon leaves, star anise, cardamom,… With the sweet taste of meat, mild spiciness. of the stew and the unique scent of the blended flavors, have captivated many tourists from all over.

7.4 Smoked buffalo meat

Kitchen buffalo meat is the traditional dish that makes up the brand of Tuyen Quang specialties. Stove buffalo meat has a strong Thai culinary style.

This is not only a daily dish of people living in the northern highlands but also often appears in festivals or offerings and as gifts for distinguished guests.

As a province in the northern mountainous region, Tuyen Quang also has a tradition of making kitchen buffalo meat – a specialty in Tuyen Quang. Each piece of buffalo meat, after being fully marinated with spices, is skewered through a large stick and hung in the kitchen, leaving a unique, delicious flavor.

7.5 Smoked sausage

People here often make sausages and put them on the stove to preserve the meat longer. The main ingredient of smoked sausage is unwrapped pork shoulder. The sausage filling is made from minced tenderloin, lean shoulder or lean rump, marinated with spices – sauteed finely chopped onions and mac compliment seeds.

Therefore, the meaty dish has the strong smell of kitchen smoke and the delicious aroma of kumquat. To produce the finished product, people have to smoke it continuously in the kitchen for 12 – 14 hours for the spices to penetrate the meat.

7.6 Grilled moss

Grilled moss is considered a specialty of the Tay people – an ethnic group with an extremely rich and diverse culinary culture. Because this is a special dish, preparing it deliciously also requires a certain knowledge and skill of local people.

As a nutritious dish with a very outstanding flavor, grilled moss is noticed by many tourists, or even “addicted” when coming to Tuyen Quang. In addition, grilled moss also has the ability to cure many diseases, help detoxify, cool down, circulate blood, increase resistance,…

7.7 Tuyen Quang Sour Pho

Sour pho – a unique dish in Tuyen Quang, often eaten with fried pork, sausage or roasted duck, eaten with papaya or cucumber and then sprinkled with broth. To increase the appeal, you should immediately order an extra bottle of corn wine, make a few cups of sweet corn wine and eat it with sour and sour pho in the morning, it’s perfect.

7.8 Bac Me Lam Rice (Bac Me bamboo tube rice)

Tuyen Quang is a land with many famous and delicious sticky rice varieties, contributing to affirming the place for Bac Me Lam Rice – a typical specialty of the Tay ethnic group here. It looks simple, just grilled rice or cooked with sesame salt or more luxuriously grilled chicken but it is enough to make many hearts lingerie.

When cooking bamboo tube rice in Bac Me, not only is it enough to have delicious sticky rice, but also bamboo tubes, bamboo tubes, and bamboo – are the ingredients that create the aroma, attractiveness, uniqueness, and sweet taste of the dish.

7.9 Dong Van rice rolls

Dong Van rice rolls is probably the top choice when talking about Tuyen Quang delicacies. The special feature of the dish is that the rolls are thinly coated, long and big, not eaten with fish sauce but eaten with rich bone broth, sprinkled with a few sprigs of coriander, which looks pleasing to the eye.

The cake usually has two types of fillings, one is minced meat with wood ear mushrooms, or the other is a rich, creamy egg filling, certainly enough to invite you to come and enjoy it again.

7.10 Corn wine

It can be said that corn wine is a drink close to many people in the rocky plateau. Everyone here has at least 3 – 5 liters of wine in their homes to treat guests. This drink is loved because Tuyen Quang’s weather is quite cool in the summer and snow falls in the winter, so people have the habit of drinking wine to keep their bodies warm. The taste of corn wine is also very easy to drink, sweet and easy to drink and has the typical aroma of corn.

7.11 Lo River Sandpiper Salad

The specialty Lo River Sandpiper Salad has an extremely attractive and appealing flavor and color. Fresh sandpipers after being cleaned are processed into salad. It harmoniously combines the sweetness of the fish, the rich aroma of minced bones, the sourness of lemon and the spiciness of fresh chili.

7.12 Buffalo Skin Salad

Buffalo Skin Salad is a unique specialty of the Tay people in Lam Binh, Tuyen Quang. Buffalo skin is heated over a fire, thoroughly cleaned, boiled until soft and thinly sliced. The dish combines the sweet and crunchy taste of buffalo skin, the richness of roasted peanuts, and the aroma of mac khen, coriander, coriander and banana flower.

7.13 Black pork

Tuyen Quang black pigs are raised naturally, eat wild vegetables and fruits, so the meat is firm, delicious, and not greasy. People processed black pork into many attractive dishes. Such as: boiled, grilled with galangal, stir-fried or made into sour meat. These are all dishes that you can’t miss when traveling to Tuyen Quang.

7.14 Steamed ke flower with meat

Ke flower has a small bell shape, is cleaned, has its pistil removed, and is stuffed with meat and eggs before steaming for about 15 minutes. When cooked, the flower blooms beautifully, the soft and fatty meat blends with the slightly bitter taste of the flower, creating a strange and attractive flavor.

7.15 Sticky rice cake with ant eggs

Sticky rice cake with ant eggs is a unique specialty of the Tay people in Tuyen Quang. The cake has a fragrant sticky rice crust, a fatty ant egg filling, mixed with the smell of green onions and dill, creating a unique flavor.

7.16 Five-color sticky rice

Five-color sticky rice is also a unique dish of the Tay ethnic group in Tuyen Quang. Sticky rice has five different colors: white, yellow, green, red, and purple. It symbolizes Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and symbolizes Earth, Water, Clouds, Rain, and Sunshine in harmony.

People made white sticky rice from normal steamed sticky rice, red sticky rice is from red rice leaves, green sticky rice is from ginger leaves, galangal leaves. And yellow sticky rice is from turmeric, purple sticky rice is from purple rice leaves.

8. Specialties to buy as gifts when traveling to Tuyen Quang

When traveling to Tuyen Quang, you can choose many local specialties as gifts for relatives and friends. Here are some suggestions:

8.1 Chiem Hoa sticky rice cake

Chiem Hoa sticky rice cake attracts tourists with its delicious flavor and soft, chewy crust. Moreover, they made it from yellow sticky rice, gai leaves, green bean filling and pork. Then, they wrapped it in dried banana leaves according to the traditional method.

8.2 Na Hang Shan Tuyet Tea

Na Hang Shan Tuyet Tea is a famous specialty of Tuyen Quang, attractive with a slightly astringent flavor and a sweet aftertaste. The characteristic of the tea is a thin, soft layer of hair like snow on the buds, bright green tea water, and a rich flavor.

8.3 Na Hang corn wine

Na Hang corn wine has a strong flavor, typical of the mountainous region of Tuyen Quang. Moreover, people brew the wine with Na Hang leaf yeast made from 20 types of herbs. Therefore, Na Hang corn wine has a unique aroma and a light sweetness.

8.4 Ham Yen pomelo

Ham Yen pomelo has a beautiful yellow skin, large fruit, and a slightly sweet taste mixed with a little sourness. This is a meaningful gift for tourists when visiting this land. You can also experience picking pomelos directly in the garden and capture beautiful moments.

9. Accommodation when traveling to Tuyen Quang

When traveling to Tuyen Quang, you do not have to worry about where to stay overnight. Because Tuyen Quang is a very famous destination in Vietnam, the accommodation facilities here are extremely rich, diverse and evenly distributed in different tourist destinations. You can refer to some accommodation facilities below.

9.1 Hotels:

• Muong Thanh Grand Tuyen Quang Hotel. Address: No. 207 Binh Thuan Street, Group 13, Tuyen Quang.
• Lavender Hotel. Address: 98 Tran Phu Street, Tan Quang Ward, Tuyen Quang.
• Royal Palace Hotel Tuyen Quang. Address: 176A Binh Thuan Street, Tan Quang, Tuyen Quang.
• Mai Son Hotel. Address: No. 104 Nguyen Trai Street – Tan Quang Ward – Tuyen Quang City
• Kim Long Hotel. Address: No. 500, 17/8 Street, Group 23, Phan Thiet, Tuyen Quang.

9.2 Guesthouses:

• Thong Nguyen Guesthouse. Address: Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang.
• Green Hill Hostel. Address: No. 529A Nguyen Van Linh, Quang Trung Ward, Tuyen Quang.
• Ancient Town Guesthouse. Address: No. 29 Group 3, Dong Van Town, Dong Van, Tuyen Quang.
• Giac Xua Guesthouse. Address: House number 28, Group 1 Tran Phu Street, Meo Vac Town, Tuyen Quang..
• Double Mountain Guesthouse. Address: Group 1, Tam Son Town, Tuyen Quang.

9.3 Homestays:

• Ecolodge Panhou Village. Address: Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang.
• Knife Lodge. Address: Nam Dam village, Quan Ba commune, Quan Ba, Tuyen Quang.
• Ma Pi Leng homestay. Address: Ma Pi Leng Village, Pai Lung, Tuyen Quang.
• Homestay Anh Mua. Address: Sung La, Dong Van, Tuyen Quang.
• Tay Homestay. Address: Tien Thang Village, Phuong Thien, Tuyen Quang.

10. Some necessary notes when traveling to Tuyen Quang

To have a complete adventure trekking tour in Tuyen Quang. You need to prepare in every aspect. Especially prepare the following necessary items:

• Costumes: In addition to seasonal outfits. You should bring warm clothes, shoes, socks and gloves. Tuyen Quang’s weather at night will be low.
• Shoes: Tuyen Quang’s roads are very difficult to travel. You should bring shoes suitable for mountain travel. You should prepare 1-2 pairs to use during the trip.
• Cash: To be proactive in everything and in case of need. You should bring cash. About 50% of the cost of the trip. The rest you can put in your card and carry with you. When needed, you can withdraw at ATMs in cities and districts passing by.
• Medicine: The climate up here is very harsh. Therefore, to protect your health, you should bring some preventive medicine such as flu medicine, stomach ache medicine, diarrhea medicine, etc.
• Photography equipment: Tuyen Quang landscape is very beautiful. To save the most beautiful images here. You should prepare a camera, a selfie stick and a backup battery.
• According to Tuyen Quang travel experience, if you choose a motorbike to travel. You shouldn’t choose a suitcase, you should choose a backpack for easy carrying.
• In Tuyen Quang, there are many steep roads, so make sure your steering wheel is steady when traveling by motorbike.

Especially notes

• When renting a motorbike in Tuyen Quang, remember to carefully check the motorbike. You should choose a new motorbike with a registration period of at least 2 years. Also choose a motorbike with 2 rear view mirrors for easy observation.
• You should try to end the trip when it is still light. Because Tuyen Quang will have many dangerous roads and visibility may be limited when it gets dark.

Tuyen Quang is a place with extremely beautiful natural landscapes. If you are planning to visit this place, please immediately contact Origin Vietnam – the leading tour operator for the best tours in Tuyen Quang. With a team of consultants, tour operators and experienced and dedicated local guides, we will accompany tourists on their journey to explore Vietnam with unforgettable memories and experiences.