|
Tam Dao hill station belongs to Vinh Phuc province, about 40 km from
Hanoi.
Sharing the cool climate and the mountain-based locations, many people consider
Tam Dao as a miniature of Sapa. But actually, two sides are intrinsically
different. Tam Dao means three islands - a mountain range located about 75 km
north of Hanoi. The significant shorter distance from Hanoi to Tam Dao compared
to Sapa gives this area many advantages.
One can easily combine the visit to the mountain retreat area with a road trip
from Hanoi. The cool climate and extensive green is another advantage,
especially in the summer where Hanoi always seems overheated. Tam Dao is more
suitable for a relaxing retreat than an intensive adventure. Accommodation
facility as well as restaurants is readily available. The road that leads from
lowland to highland is breath-taking; those who are into physical activities can
never afford to muss a biking tour.
Tam Dao has numerous specialties and one should not leave the mountain area
without trying Lon Man - a special kind of pork and Su Su - delicious in both
fruits and its leafy vegetables. In winter time, be prepared with warmer clothes
since it can get quite cold. Suring the summer, it is pleasantly sunny but avoid
sun burn by applying plenty of sun block before hitting road.
Tam Dao Mountains are 80km long, 10-15km wide. At the early the 20* century
(1904-1906), it was transformed into a resort with comprises villas, hotels,
restaurants, sport fields, swimming pools, and dancing halls by the French.
Tam Dao range has three peaks: Ban Thach with 1,388m high, Thien Nhi with 1,375m
high and Phu Nghia with 1,400m high which emerge like three islets. The weather
is cool all year round with an average temperature of 20 to 220C and it may
changes four seasons in a day. During the hottest days, the temperature reaches
27"C (80.60F). Long ago Tam Dao was a tourist attraction.
Nowadays, Tam Dao becomes Tourist Resort with an area of 235 ha lying at the
attitude of 900m above sea level. It is a wonderful resort with fresh, pure and
cooling air, beautiful scenery. Many hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are
ready to serve tourists. It is worth to visit when tourists take a walk on
zigzagging mountain path to sightsee the landscape of mountain and forest in
this place. Other few places that should be listed in tourists' itinerary are
Bac (Silver) Waterfall, Mother Goddess Temple, Phu Nghia Peak. |
