Na Hang, Tuyen Quang - An Unseen Land

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This article is written for those who travel to search for the off-beaten paths, the unseen lands of Vietnam where travel bloggers are unlikely to write about it, and where only the locals know.

Na Hang is a mountainous district located within the Na Hang and Lam Binh districts of Tuyen Quang province. It's situated about 100km away from the city center. This place boasts diverse natural landscapes with majestic mountains and vast lakes. Due to this, tourism in Na Hang has been growing, making it one of the most attractive destinations in Tuyen Quang. To the best of our knowledge, only a limited number of travel agencies include this remarkable destination in their offerings. As a travel agency focused on tailor-made experiences, we take great pleasure in unveiling the undiscovered beauty of Northern Vietnam for your upcoming adventure.

Covering an area of up to 15,000 hectares, with 8,000 hectares of water bodies, this place has earned the beautiful nickname "Ha Long on Land" because of the picturesque scenery – thousands of shades of green from the rivers, streams, grass, and rocks. Each time of the year has its own unique beauty. Particularly, in a single day, visitors can experience the climate of all four seasons. The mornings are cool and fresh like spring, afternoons are warm and sunny like summer, evenings are cool with a hint of autumn breeze, and nights turn chilly with the true cold of winter.

When is the best time to visit Na Hang?

Influenced by the tropical monsoon climate, Na Hang's weather is divided into two main seasons: summer and winter. Summer lasts from April to September, characterized by hot, humid weather and frequent rain. Winter begins from October to March of the following year, featuring cold, dry weather with less rain and more frost. Generally, each season offers a distinct landscape, so apart from the rainy season in Northern Vietnam, you can visit Na Hang at any time for its beauty.

February - April: Taking place after Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), this period emerges as one of Na Hang's most vibrant festival seasons. During these months, you can actively partake in the festivities of the local ethnic communities and relish the sight of the mountains.

May - September: These months offer an optimal time for nature enthusiasts keen on discovering Na Hang's terrain. With the arrival of the rainy season, lakes and waterfalls thrive, augmenting the romantic ambiance of Na Hang. If you're planning a trip in July or August, it's recommended to stay updated on weather forecasts as these months mark the peak of the rainy season.

November - January: Acknowledged as the prime window for a Na Hang visit, these months present a cooler, drier climate. The landscape during this period is adorned with white frost, draping the mountains and hills, creating an atmosphere that's both tranquil and poetic. Ensuring you're equipped with warm clothing is essential for your well-being.

Additionally, there's another milestone to experience in Na Hang, which is the ripe rice season. Each year, the rice season falls on different dates, but usually in September according to the Gregorian calendar.

What to do in Na Hang?

  • Explore the villages:

Apart from the scenic beauty, Na Hang tourism also offers a unique cultural experience with 12 different ethnic groups, where ethnic minorities make up 89.3% of the population, mainly Tày, Dao, and Mông. Each ethnic group contributes to a vivid culture. If you visit during Tet, you might witness festivals like Lồng Tông, Cầu Mùa, Cầu Mùa (Tày ethnic group), Lễ hội Đình (Cao Lan ethnic group), and traditional ceremonies like Lễ cấp sắc, lễ Tết Nhảy (Dao ethnic group), and more. You can also participate in activities like fishing in streams, traditional weaving, basketry, and rice wine fermentation.

  • Discover the beauty of the primeval forest:

Na Hang is home to several famous waterfalls like Khuoi Nhi Waterfall, which stretches about 3 km and consists of multiple layers and small watercourses that regulate and distribute water. Thac Mo (Dream Waterfall) is also a prominent spot in Na Hang. The entrance to the waterfall is a winding path beneath the primeval forest canopy. From the green-blue water surface of Lake Pac Ban atop the Pắc Ban Mountain, soft, elegant cascades flow down the mountain's base. The ecosystem of the primeval forest in Na Hang features ancient forests with various valuable wood species, intertwined vines, and a rich array of plants, colorful butterflies, and birds.

  • Visit the Na Hang Hydropower Plant:

The Na Hang Hydropower Plant, now renamed the Tuyen Quang Hydropower Plant, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Tuyen Quang. Located on the Gam River watershed, it's the fourth-largest hydropower plant in the North after the Sơn La, Hoà Bình, and Lai Châu hydropower plants.

Recommended Northern Vietnam Itineraries:

While Sapa and Ha Giang are the most visited destinations in the north, followed by Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai. Tuyen Quang is worth the place to add to your journey.

3 days 2 nights: Hanoi – Tuyen Quang – Na Hang – Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Tuyen Quang – My Lam Mineral Spring (Yen Son)

Day 2: Conquering Na Hang

Day 3: Na Hang – Hanoi

6 days 5 nights: Hanoi – Na Hang – Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Hanoi

This is the most extensive itinerary, allowing you to explore the entire Northeast region. You'll need about 6 days and good physical condition for this journey:

Day 1: Hanoi – Na Hang – Thuong Lam

Day 2: Thuong Lam - Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh

Day 3: Yen Minh – Dong Van

Day 4: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng – Bao Lac – Phong Nam

Day 5: Discover Ban Gioc Waterfall

Day 6: Cao Bang – Hanoi

The above are some travel experiences and the latest information shared by Ftripvietnam. Hopefully, with this information, you'll have a fulfilling trip to Na Hang! If you want to save time and need assistance, consider Ftripvietnam as your resource.

Reviewed by
Diep Van

Founder & Photography Guide

Specialties: Culture, landscape, portrait, hiking, active and adventurous tour

Besides my unlimited passion for traveling, a professional tour guide for over a decade, I have been taking photographs since sitting at Hanoi of the University of Culture in the early 2000s. Photography started as a hobby but it was seriously taken due to my work relations and my significant passion for the beauty of our world, especially in Southeast Asian parts such as Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

Within a few years of taking photographs, my works began to be recognized by many reliable international publications such as AFAR Travel, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph newspaper. In addition, I continuously add to my growing profile by winning numerous major awards: 3rd Position of The Independent Photographer 2018, 1st Position of Amateur Photographer of the year 2018, Grand Prize Winner of the AFAR Travel Photography 2019, and a Gold Award of San Francisco Bay International Photography 2020.

I photograph a wide variety of subjects, from travel to landscapes to street scenes. I enjoy documenting the East’s rich cultural heritage and its land soaked in glorious sunrise or sunset light in remote and secluded spots. And, I am very happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. You can visit Luminousvietnamtour to explore tour!

Na Hang, Tuyen Quang - An Unseen Land