Tam Dao is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the city’s heat and immerse themselves in fresh, cool nature. With its unique “four seasons in one day” climate, majestic landscapes, and numerous attractions, Tam Dao is always a top choice for short getaways. Are you planning a self-guided trip to Tam Dao? This article from “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) will share all the tips for traveling to Tam Dao on your own, from transportation, accommodation, dining to a detailed itinerary, helping you have a complete and memorable trip.
Tam Dao is not just a tourist destination; it’s also a part of many Vietnamese people’s memories, especially those who have heard of the famous resort built by the French in the early 20th century. Today, Tam Dao has become a familiar destination, attracting visitors with its natural beauty, unique architecture, and exciting experiences.
Where is Tam Dao? Directions to Tam Dao
Tam Dao is a town in Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc province, about 80km from Hanoi. Located at an altitude of over 1000m above sea level, Tam Dao is surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests.
Panoramic view of Tam Dao from above covered in clouds
Ways to get to Tam Dao:
- Motorbike/Self-driving car: This is a popular choice for young people due to its proactiveness and comfort. You can follow the Thang Long bridge direction, turn into National Highway 2, and go straight to Tam Dao. The road is quite easy, but there is a 13km mountain pass that is quite steep and winding, so you need to drive carefully.
- Bus: You can take a bus from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus station to Vinh Yen, then take a bus or taxi to Tam Dao.
- Shuttle Bus: Newway bus runs directly from Hanoi to Tam Dao, picking up passengers at some fixed points. The fare is about 100,000 VND/person/trip.
Best Time to Visit Tam Dao
Tam Dao has its own beauty in each season.
- Spring (February – April): The weather is cool, hundreds of flowers bloom, suitable for those who love romance and want to admire the scenery.
- Summer (May – August): Tam Dao is an ideal place to escape the heat because the temperature is always about 5-6 degrees Celsius lower than in Hanoi.
- Autumn (September – November): This is the best time to visit Tam Dao. The weather is cool, fresh, and the trees are green, very suitable for taking photos and exploring.
Autumn scenery in Tam Dao with cool weather and green trees
- Winter (December – January): If you want to experience cloud hunting, come to Tam Dao in winter. The town is immersed in fog, creating a very romantic and peaceful scene.
Where to Stay in Tam Dao? Hotel & Homestay Recommendations
Tam Dao has many accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly homestays.
Some suggested hotels:
-
Sofia Tam Đảo Hotel & Spa: 3-star hotel, central location, modern amenities, with restaurant and spa. Price from 1,200,000 VND/night.
Sofia Tam Đảo Hotel & Spa with modern architecture -
Nam A Hotel: 3-star hotel, near the market, affordable price. Price from 700,000 VND/night.
-
Chan May Tam Dao Hotel: Cheap price, beautiful view, but small rooms and no breakfast. Price from 450,000 VND/night.
Chan May Tam Dao Hotel with mountain view -
Anivia Hotel Tam Đảo: Newly built 3-star hotel, spacious rooms, breakfast included. Price from 600,000 VND/night.
Anivia Hotel Tam Đảo with spacious and comfortable rooms -
Bao Nhan Dan Hotel: 3-star hotel, beautiful view, with campfire and karaoke. Price from 300,000 – 400,000 VND/night.
Bao Nhan Dan Hotel with unique architecture and beautiful view
Note when booking a room:
- Tam Dao is located in the mountains, so room rates are usually higher than in other tourist destinations.
- You should book a room 10-15 days in advance, especially on weekends or holidays to avoid running out of rooms and get better prices.
Must-Visit Attractions in Tam Dao
Tam Dao has many attractive attractions, and you can easily move between these points as they are quite close to each other.
-
Tam Dao Old Stone Church: Ancient architectural work with a strong Gothic style, a familiar check-in spot for tourists.
Tam Dao Old Stone Church with unique Gothic architecture -
Tam Dao Heaven Gate (Cổng trời Tam Đảo): From here, you can admire the panoramic view of Tam Dao town in the mist.
Tam Dao Heaven Gate with sturdy stone architecture -
Tam Dao Television Tower: To reach the tower, you have to climb 1400 stone steps, but the scenery along the way is very beautiful with many flowers.
Tam Dao Television Tower reaching high on the mountain peak -
Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple: A sacred temple located on the way up to the television tower.
Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple with ancient architecture -
Silver Waterfall (Thác Bạc): Majestic waterfall with white water flowing down from a height of over 50m.
Silver Waterfall with white water flowing -
Rung Rinh Peak and Hell Temple (Chùa Địa Ngục): Adventurous destination, suitable for those who like to explore and conquer.
Rung Rinh Peak with rugged landscape
What to Eat in Tam Dao? Tam Dao Specialties
When you come to Tam Dao, you cannot miss the following specialties:
- “Tai Kien Dot” Beef (Thịt bò tái kiến đốt): A unique dish with a characteristic sour and spicy flavor.
- “Sam Sua” Fruit: A specialty fruit of Tam Dao, with a sweet and refreshing taste.
- Tam Dao Hill Chicken (Gà đồi Tam Đảo): Chickens are raised naturally, so the meat is firm, chewy, and sweet.
- “Lon Man” (Armpit-carried Pig) (Lợn mán (lợn cắp nách)): Pigs are raised in the forest, so the meat is delicious and low in fat.
- Su Su Vegetable (Rau su su): A typical vegetable of Tam Dao, which can be processed into many delicious dishes.
Tai Kien Dot Beef, a unique specialty of Tam Dao
Suggested Itinerary for a 2-Day 1-Night Trip to Tam Dao
Here is a sample itinerary for a 2-day 1-night trip to Tam Dao:
Day 1:
- Morning: Travel from Hanoi to Tam Dao.
- Afternoon: Visit Ba Chua Thuong Ngan Temple and the television tower (if time permits).
- Evening: Visit Silver Waterfall, have coffee at Gio Cafe, and check-in at Tam Dao Castle. Have dinner and stroll around Tam Dao night market.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit Tam Dao Stone Church, Heaven Gate, and check-in at Tam Dao square area.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the famous Tam Dao Cloud Bridge. Travel back to Hanoi.
Top 5 Coffee Shops with Beautiful Views in Tam Dao
Tam Dao not only has beautiful scenery but also many lovely cafes with “million-dollar” views.
-
Gio Cafe Tam Dao: Famous cafe with open space and views overlooking the mountains.
Gio Cafe Tam Dao with mountain view -
Rock Cafe Tam Dao: Cafe opposite the Stone Church, unique and cozy design.
Rock Cafe Tam Dao with unique architecture -
Cafe Xanh Tam Dao: Cafe with green space, lots of trees.
-
Sky Garden Tam Dao Bistro: Cafe with modern design and spacious outdoor space.
-
Sky Gate Coffee: Cafe known as “Tam Dao Heaven Gate” with unique design and beautiful views.
Sky Gate Coffee with unique design
Important Notes When Traveling to Tam Dao
- If traveling by motorbike, choose a manual scooter instead of an automatic scooter because of the steep mountain roads.
- You should bring sports shoes or sandals for easy climbing and walking.
- Ask for prices before eating or buying goods to avoid being overcharged.
- Bring necessary medicines because there are few pharmacies in Tam Dao.
- If going in the summer, bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- If going in the winter, bring warm clothes, scarves, and gloves.
Hopefully, with these self-guided Tam Dao travel tips shared by “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) above, you will have a fun, memorable trip and explore all the beauty of this “second Da Lat”. Wish you a wonderful journey!