1. An overview of Na Hang District in Tuyen Quang
Na Hang is located in the northern part of Tuyen Quang Province, about 110 kilometers away from Tuyen Quang City. It borders the provinces of Ha Giang and Cao Bang to the north, Bac Kan Province to the east, Chiem Hoa District to the south, and Lam Binh District to the west.
Nestled in the basins of the Gam River and Nang River, Na Hang boasts lush rice fields interspersed with limestone mountains, pristine forests, and serene lakes. Each stream, river, and forest in this area is tied to fascinating legends, making it an inviting place for visitors to explore. Additionally, Na Hang is rich in cultural diversity, being home to 12 ethnic groups, each with their unique traditions.
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2. How is Na Hang weather? - The best time to visit
Na Hang welcomes tourists year-round. The best time to visit is during summer from May to September, when the weather is cool and the scenery is vibrant thanks to abundant water. However, July and August are prone to storms, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
In spring (February - April), Na Hang dazzles with blooming flowers and lively festivals. During autumn, the cool weather invites visitors to admire golden rice fields and enjoy the Mid-Autumn Festival in Tuyen Quang Province. In winter, the landscape transforms into a dreamlike world with mist-covered valleys.
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3. Best places to visit on your trip to Na Hang, Tuyen Quang
3.1. Na Hang Lake
Na Hang Lake spans over 8,000 hectares, offering breathtaking views. A boat ride on the tranquil water reveals a serene landscape of dense forests with ancient trees reflected on the water's surface. Here, visitors can explore attractions such as Mo Waterfall, Phia Vai Cave, and Khuoi Nhi Waterfall.
After the one-hour boat ride, visitors can stop by Khuoi Nhi Waterfall, which resembles a white silk ribbon amidst lush greenery with its multi-tiered cascades. Here, you can enjoy activities like climbing the falls, bathing in its cool water, and experiencing the playful nibbling of fish on their feet.
Na Hang Lake transforms into a cultural hub at night with tours like "The land of Then singing," where visitors can interact with the Tay ethnic community and enjoy traditional "Then" singing performances.
3.2. Pac Ta Temple
Amidst the vast mountains, Pac Ta Temple is a sacred site frequented by locals for prayer and reflection. Situated at the foot of Pac Ta Mountain - the tallest peak in Na Hang, the temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess. It has been renovated into a spacious structure with curved eaves, dragon-carved pillars, and large statues flanking its entrance. Here, visitors can admire its architecture, seek blessings, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding mountains.
3.3. Mo Waterfall
Located in Na Hang - Lam Binh Nature Reserve, Mo Waterfall (Pac Ban Waterfall) is a stunning cascade flowing through moss-covered cliffs. Stretching about 2 kilometers with small tiers and a 20-meter-high peak, it offers visitors a refreshing retreat. At Mo Waterfall, you can bathe in the cool pools, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and listen to the melodious sounds of birds. As night falls, the area comes alive with various cultural activities, including dancing, singing, and campfire making.
3.4. Coc Vai (Vai Pha)
Another stunning spot in Na Hang is Coc Vai. During a kayaking trip on the Gam River to Coc Vai, visitors can marvel at the pristine landscape with hundreds of limestone peaks, the distant view of Pac Ta Mountain, lush rice fields, and serene primeval forests. Upon reaching Coc Vai, you will be awestruck by a striking stone pillar rising dramatically from the emerald water. Steeped in the legend of Tai Ngao - a heroic figure who built a dam for the local people, this attraction is a sacred place for prayers.
3.5. Song Long Cave
Recognized as a national relic, Song Long Cave in Na Hang is a marvel of nature that sparks curiosity. Accessible after a three-hour boat ride on Na Hang Lake, this large cave features a 40-meter-high, 50-meter-wide entrance and extends over 200 meters. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by unique stone formations that form the magnificent cave entrance. Inside, there are stunning stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colors. The fresh air within the cave provides a peaceful escape from the outside world.
3.6. Hong Thai Commune
Situated over 1,000 meters above sea level, Hong Thai Commune in Na Hang is a haven of fresh air. The commune is renowned for its scenery of majestic mountains and terraced rice fields, offering breathtaking views that can be seen from a paragliding flight. Visitors can come year-round to admire the spring beauty of pear and peach blossoms, the summer allure of flooded fields, the autumn gold of ripened rice, or the winter wonder of cloud-covered landscapes. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the Dao and Mong ethnic groups, enjoying their love songs, traditional dishes, and cultural festivals.
3.7. Phia Vai Cave
For history enthusiasts, Phia Vai Cave is a treasure trove of prehistoric relics. This archaeological site in Na Hang contains thousands of stone tools, fossilized remains of early humans, and other items hidden within hardened layers of sediment. These artifacts date back to 20,000 - 11,000 years ago. A unique feature of Phia Vai Cave is the fossilized remains of early humans - an extraordinary discovery in Southeast Asia, with bodies buried in a curled position and seashells placed in the eye sockets of the deceased.
3.8. Tat Ke - Ban Bung Nature Reserve
Spanning over 33,000 hectares across four communes, Tat Ke - Ban Bung Nature Reserve is considered the "green lungs" of Tuyen Quang. It features diverse ecosystems with over 2,000 plant species, 88 mammal species, 294 bird species, many reptiles, and amphibians, including endangered species listed in Red Books. Visiting this Na Hang Nature Reserve allows tourists to explore its rich ecosystems and enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale-like garden. Visitors can also trek through ancient forests, cross rugged paths, and bathe in cool waterfalls.
3.9. Local fair markets
For those interested in the cultural aspect of highland ethnic groups, come to Da Vi Market and Yen Hoa Market in Na Hang. These traditional markets preserve the rustic essence of local fair markets from the past, serving as both places for trading goods, meeting, and sharing stories. Visitors can discover local products such as produce, vegetables, poultry, and farming tools, and traditional attire. You can also savor local delicacies and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of these markets.
4. Unique cultural festivals celebrated in Na Hang District
Na Hang is home to diverse ethnic communities with vibrant traditions. At a local festival, visitors can explore the art of weaving brocade, costume decoration, Then singing, and Tinh playing. You can also visit cultural spaces such as the Tay people's ancient villages.
Some of the standout festivals in Na Hang include:
- Long Tong Festival: Held annually on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year, this grand celebration of the Tay people features rituals such as offering tributes to guardian spirits and praying for favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and peaceful life. Visitors can enjoy lively traditional games like tug-of-war, stilt walking, and blindfolded goat catching.
- Fire Jumping Festival: This ancient Red Dao festival is held annually on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year. It is a mesmerizing tribute to the fire deity, believed to bring warmth, happiness, and vitality to the community. Amidst the flickering flames, participants will perform spirited dances around and over the sacred fire, accompanied by the beat of drums and gongs.
- Hand Fishing Festival: Taking place in Nang Kha Commune on the 10th day of the Lunar New Year, this festival celebrates the local aquaculture. In a 500-square-meter pond teeming with fish, participants will joyfully catch fish by hand. This practice is said to bring good fortune for the new year and creates an energetic atmosphere.
- Huong Sac Na Hang Festival: In early March, visitors can explore Na Hang’s natural and cultural beauty at this festival. It showcases the unique tourism products of Na Hang District to people across the country and abroad, including traditional costumes, national scenic spots, agricultural products, etc.
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5. Guide for first-time visitors to Na Hang in Tuyen Quang
5.1. How to get there?
Na Hang is located about 250 kilometers away from Hanoi. To get there, tourists will first travel from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang City by motorbike, car, or coach. The route is straightforward, following the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway and then the Tuyen Quang - Phu Tho expressway, with a total travel time of about 2 hours. From Tuyen Quang City, it is approximately 110 kilometers to Na Hang, with the travel time being another 2 hours. The recommended route is National Road 2 - Provincial Road 190 - National Road 279.
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5.2. What to eat?
Not only does Na Hang boast picturesque landscapes and unique traditions, it is also famous for a variety of local dishes. These dishes are rich in the distinct flavors of the ethnic groups living there. Popular specialties include sour pork, dried Da Vi noodles, dried buffalo meat, rice field carp, stir-fried buffalo skin with bamboo shoots, salad made from local fish, and corn wine fermented with leaves.
5.3. Where to stay?
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Na Hang’s nature and local way of life, it is recommended to stay in the traditional Tay ethnic stilt houses. These homestays are equipped with basic amenities and typically cost around 70,000 VND per person per night. Staying in these homestays offers tourists an opportunity to experience the daily life of ethnic people, taste traditional dishes, and listen to Then songs of the Tay people.
5.4. What to note?
Here are some tips for tourists visiting Na Hang in Tuyen Quang:
- It is recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
- Wear comfortable clothing for the season.
- Bring long-sleeved clothes for the cool evenings and swimwear for waterfall bathing and kayaking during summer.
- Don’t forget to pack shoes for trekking, as the terrain in Na Hang is mountainous.
- Bring personal items (toothbrush, face towel, etc.) and medical supplies (pain relievers, bandages, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.).
- For capturing memories, bring a camera and a power bank.
- Keep the environment clean by avoiding littering.
- Learn about the customs of the local ethnic minorities to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
- If you plan on driving to Na Hang, ensure that you have good driving skills as the roads are long and steep.
Na Hang is a must-visit destination for visitors who are seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From exploring majestic mountains and enjoying local delicacies to immersing oneself in the life of ethnic communities, Na Hang promises a journey filled with discovery.
Beyond Na Hang, Tuyen Quang is renowned for other captivating natural and cultural attractions including My Lam Mineral Spring, Tan Trao Relics, Tien Cave, Wind Cave, and Nguyen Tat Thanh Square.
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