Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Phú Thọ – Hung Kings Temple, Tea Hills & Natural Wonders

1.Hai Van Pass

The Hai Van Pass (Đèo Hải Vân), sometimes known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” is much more than beautiful scenery; it highlights Vietnam’s magnificent nature, rich past and adventurous character. The stretch between Da Nang and Hue has a road known for winding through the Truong Son Range, where mountains meet the East Sea. Along this route you can see far views, high misty summits and cultural stories.

The Meaning & Role

• Hai Van Pass has long acted as a defining boundary between the Champa and Đại Việt ancient kingdoms. As time went on, the fortification grew in importance because its steep land made it a suitable spot for military protection of the coastline.
• At the top,, you can see the remains of a French fort and American shelters from the Vietnam War which highlight the region’s past turmoil.
• 🌏 A Cultural Divide: Throughout its long history, the Pass has separated the northern and southern Vietnamese cultures which are still easy to find in local ways of talking, eating and building along the route.
• Appearing on the BBC’s Top Gear Vietnam Special, Hai Van Pass is now a top choice for bikers and travelers worldwide.

When is the Best Time to Go

During the Dry Season (March – August), the weather is dry and sunny which makes it good for safe road trips. The sights are best seen during springtime.

Late morning or early evening: To reach the area when few people are there and the lighting is special.

Be careful not to travel during the Rainy Season (October – December) because the roads get slippery and visibility drops due to weather.

2.Hung Temple

Located on the green hills of Phu Tho Province, Hue Hung Temple (Đền Hùng) is special since it represents Vietnam’s beginnings and links history, mythology and the national pride of the people together. Many Vietnamese and foreign visitors take a pilgrimage to the Hung Kings’ Temple every year to honor the famous ancestors of the Vietnamese nation.

What makes it noteworthy & remarkable

👑 Celebrating the Hung Kings: The Hung Kings were the original leaders of the Vietnamese people and they founded Van Lang Kingdom, the earliest Vietnamese state, in 2,879 BCE. The Hung Temple Complex honors these kings for what they did to build Vietnamese culture, government and unity.

A Popular Spiritual Site: Since the 15th century, the temple has been expanded and is known today for spirituality, nationalism and mythology. The site has a number of temples, pagodas, altars and monuments on Nghia Linh Mountain.

Hung Kings’ Festival (Thng Y Dinh): Every year on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month, thousands come to participate in music, cultural performances and try various dishes. In 2012, the UNESCO chose it as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Optimal Time for Travelling

🗓️ During the Hung Kings’ Festival (around April), you can see colorful events, including ceremonies, performances, games and parades.

In spring (February to April), there is cool weather which is ideal for climbing the hill and exploring all the complex has to offer.

During the dry months, mornings are cooler and usually much less crowded.

3.Ho Chi Minh Highway

More than being a road, the Ho Chi Minh Highway lets you experience Vietnam’s culture, landscape and traditions. Stretching for over 1,000 kilometers, this route in the modern era passes through the same areas as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, going through thick jungles, deep valleys and more remote villages. Anyone who loves motorbikes or Vietnam’s history will find Highway 463 thrilling, scenic and unforgettable.

History & Importance

• The Ho Chi Minh Highway was not a wartime supply route like the Ho Chi Minh Trail which QueensTides connects to Laos and Cambodia, despite its name.
• 🇻🇳 Results of the War: Travellers often retrace the route that North Vietnamese soldiers used to bring supplies to the south during the war. The memorial now represents resilience, national unity and how much the nation changed after the war.
• 🏞️ Linking Areas of History: The highway unites rural parts of Vietnam, areas settled by minorities and war sites such as Khe Sanh and the A Shau Valley which are full of historical memories.

The Best Season

• Right from November to April is known as the Dry Season.
• Perfect for motorbike journeys because you find more stable roads and stunning mountain views.
• When the temperature is cool in the mountains, it is much more comfortable to ride.
• ☔ Don’t plan your trip during the Rainy Season (May to October).
• The challenging mountain areas get very slippery and are prone to landslides mainly in the center and north of the road.
• When it is extremely foggy, seeing what is ahead can be difficult and riding may become very dangerous.

4.Xuan Son National Park

Sitting in the foggy mountains of Phu Tho Province, only a 120-kilometer motorbike ride (about 4 hours) from Hanoi, Xuan Son National Park keeps its beauty hidden. Having high limestone hills, rich forests, age-old caves and special cultural groups, it attracts people who enjoy the wilderness and cultural adventures.

The Importance & Its Evolution

Xuan Son National Park was set up in 1986 to preserve the last large lowland tropical rainforest in the north of Vietnam. A large portion of the park, over 15,000 hectares, lays in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range which is known for its diversity of life and rare endemic animals and plants.

The park houses more than 1,200 plant species and over 365 different animals, including the slow loris, assam macaque and clouded leopard which are all either rare or endangered.

Black Thai (Thái Đen) is the main ethnic group in Xuan Son and they have peacefully shared their land with the environment for many years. You’ll get a special cultural setting from the stilt houses, farming and unique festivals in the area.

Peak and Off-peak Seasons

• Spring which lasts from March to May, is a beautiful season for us.
• Blooming flowers and weather that is cool and dry. Makes for great hiking adventures and country villages.
• From September through November is autumn.
• Crystal clear air and endless rice fields offer both pleasing sights and very good trekking conditions.
• Avoid coming in summer (June–August) because of the rains.
• The area may become boggy, unsafe for slipping and crowded with leeches and mosquitoes in months of the monsoon.
• During winter (December–February), the weather can be chilly.
• Not very hot during the day, but it gets chilly in the evenings, so bring something warm for the evenings if you are staying in a homestay.

Why Is Xuan Son A Good Place to See?

• A locale that is not as visited or crowded by tourists.
• Being able to experience local minority culture with no tourist influence.
• Unspoiled natural scenery with dramatic views of mountains.
• ✅ Reasonably priced and delegates can enjoy sunlight, traditional meals and warm ‘Brazilian ways.

5.Coi Village

Sitting in the quiet parts of Phu Tho Province, Còi Village shows what Vietnam is like in its most peaceful, genuine form. Because it is located among rice paddies, hills and stilt houses, the village offers a tranquil chance for people to connect with the environment and learn about traditional local ways.

Historical & Important

For many generations, communities from ethnic minorities such as the Muong and Black Thai have chosen to live in Còi Village, conserving their customs of working the land, music and carpentry.

🎆 Cultural Heritage:

Bamboo and wood are still used for building houses by locals and handwoven textiles, ceramics and herbal goods are produced in many homes.

The area shows how indigenous people share their knowledge of living sustainably, passed through speaking and listening.

Many go to Còi Village to seek spiritual growth, meditate and join traditions that remember the ancestors and local spirits. During beautiful festivals and harvest times, visitors may join or just watch the local people’s traditional rituals.

Ideal Visiting Period

In spring (February–April), the weather improves and nature begins to change.

• Wildflowers blooming and fresh green scenery give this season its natural beauty.
• It is cool and comfortable outside which is great for doing things in nature.
• The months of September, October and November make up autumn.
• At harvest time, rice fields are covered with golden wheat. This is when lots of cultural festivals and ceremonies happen.
• Summer happens from May through August.:
• While it may be very green with lots of tropical plants, the weather can be warm and humid too; makes for excellent opportunities to swim in the local streams and rivers.
• During winter (December–January):
• Meals are served at standard times and while the evenings are cool, everything remains calm and peaceful, making it great for meditation and cozy getaways.

• What are the reasons to spend time in Còi Village?

🍃 Nature and unpolluted villages without many tourists

Living experiences with real cultural integration among minorities

Opportunities to try out local crafts and have farm experiences

Travel that helps support the locals in the area

6.Den Mau Au Co

Sitting in the Hiền Lương commune, Hạ Hòa district, Phú Thọ province, Đền Mẫu Âu Cơ has a unique cultural atmosphere in northern Vietnam. The tiny temple and brief visits mean a lot to Vietnamese people because Âu Cơ, their mythical mother, is remembered there.

History & The Significance

👩‍👦 Origins in Mythology:

Legend in Vietnam tells that Âu Cơ was a fairy who married Lạc Long Quân, who was a dragon lord. Because of their children, there were 100 descendants, who became the Vietnamese.

After parting because of their natural preferences (mountains vs. sea), Âu Cơ arranged to take 50 of the children to the mountains and found the early mountain tribes, connecting them to the Vietnamese northern homeland.

The Temple is:

• Associated with a small hill, Đền Mẫu Âu Cơ honors her sacrifice, ways as a mother and position as the forbear of the nation.
• There are many pilgrimages at the temple during the Lunar New Year and Hùng Kings’ Festival to honor ancient roots.
• Spiritual Legacy is another version of this mix.
• It reflects the love of mothers, the togetherness of families and Vietnamese heritage.
• Both locals and visitors visit in hopes of gaining fertility, peace and good fortune.

Peak Season

• Spring (February through April) marks the beginning of wildflowers.
• The streets are decorated most colorfully around Tết (Lunar New Year) and Hung Kings Festival (March 10th of the lunar calendar).
• The atmosphere at the festival becomes unique because thousands of pilgrims join together.
• During autumn (September to November), nature displays its beauty.
• Enjoyable climate, less people around, perfect for a quiet trip.

🔥 What Is Special About Đền Mẫu Âu Cơ?

• A great interest in myths that formed Vietnam
• A perfect place located among nature for taking time to think.
• Easy to get to know, yet it offers a lot of cultural interest
• It’s not far from a number of famous historical sites nearby.

7.Buu Tri Pagoda

Budge Trì Pagoda rests peacefully within the lively city of Cần Thơ and gives visitors a calm spiritual experience filled with history. Because of its old-world beauty and peaceful setting, it’s popular with travelers wanting a more thoughtful stay in the Mekong Delta.

History & Importance

• An Important Historic Site:
• Bửu Trì Pagoda was built in the mid-18th century which makes it one of the oldest pagodas nearby.
• Shengdian has always played a key role in Mahayana Buddhism, offering worship space as well as classes and events for Buddhist followers.
• Spirituality includes influencing the mind and spirit:
• Many ideas from the past continue today with frequent chanting ceremonies, lessons in Buddhism and funds being raised for charity at the pagoda.
• During main Buddhist holidays such as Vesak and Vu Lan (Ghost Festival), both monks and people from the general public visit the temple for meditation.

When Is the Best Time to Go

• Morning (Hours Before Registering):
• Less heat and smaller groups of visitors. You could find monks starting the day with rituals or singing together.
• Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death are always celebrated on three specific dates.
• When the temple is most decorated and activities are on their highest such as on full moon days, Vesak and Vu Lan.
• However, the venues are sometimes much busier these days.
• From December to April is the Dry Season.
• Enjoy visiting Cần Thơ and the region more, because there is less rain and the skies are clearer.

🙏 What are the Reasons to Visit Bửu Trì Pagoda?

• 🎯 Provides a peaceful escape from busy city life
• ✨ Highly spiritually and historically important
• Mekong Delta gave me a unique experience of Vietnamese culture.
• This area is near important attractions in Cần Thơ like Cai Rang Floating Market and Ong Pagoda

8.Ohayo OnSen & Spa

Situated in a calm area, Ohayo Onsen & Spa gives guests an enjoyable experience by mixing Japanese hot baths with cutting-edge spa services. Travelers trying to relax and detox will enjoy this spa which beautifully merges culture, nature and a soothing experience.

History & Importance

• The presence of Japanese Onsen Culture in Vietnam:
• Drawing on centuries of onsen (hot spring) history in Japan, Ohayo Onsen introduces Japanese style baths to Vietnam.
• Natural mineral waters that are therapeutic, surroundings free of distractions and mindful rituals are important in onsen culture.
• Wellness & Healing
• Mineral-rich hot springs at Ohayo Onsen ease muscle tension, increase circulation and encourage overall good health.
• It is not limited to spa treatment; it also introduces people to time-honored Japanese methods of relaxation, adjusted to the local scenery.

The most suitable time to visit is …

• During the cooler months (October to March), the sun is…
• Onsen are best experienced during cooler times, since hot mineral waters feel very soothing.
• Because the climate is not as hot, the atmosphere is more peaceful and comfortable.
• 🕛 Weekdays are when places tend to be less crowded.
• Going to the museum in the mornings or on workdays is less crowded and quieter.

9.The Hygge Farm

The Hygge Farm is a cozy little retreat on a quiet farm, created to feel like hygge—the Danish sense of being comfortably happy. The farm gives people a chance to relax, appreciate nature and enjoy a better lifestyle in a friendly setting.

What Was its History & Significance

• Taking ideas from the Hygge way of life:
• Farmers look to Danish hygge for ideas which places importance on being comfy, united and aware.
• The idea was to bring visitors closer to the environment to help them refresh and enjoy green thinking.
• Agriculture and the environment have always been the main concerns for Canada’s economy.
• Fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits are grown at the farm by using organic and eco-friendly processes.
• It provides educational activities to make people aware of the environment and persuade them to be more sustainable.
• 🤝 Community and Wellness
• Not only is farming done here, but workshops, yoga lessons, cooking courses and sharing culture are also featured.
• The farm exists to help its guests experience greater health, inner peace and a better relationship with nature.

What are the reasons to Visit The Hygge Farm?

A real eco-friendly farmstay that promotes being mindful and healthy

Involvement with gardening and using natural farming practices

🌱 The area offers a warm and peaceful atmosphere like in hygge homes

It is ideal for letting go, learning something new and discovering simple joys again.

10.Thanh Thuy Health Resort

Through The Tien Quang District, Thanh Thuy Health Resort is located about 65 km northwest of Hanoi and presents a peaceful way to enjoy nature, relax and experience Vietnamese culture. Due to its healing hot springs and peaceful surroundings, the resort draws guests interested in peace, good health and Vietnamese culture.

• History & Importance
• Some 25 years back, the Thanh Thuy hot spring system began to be studied and it stretches across 1 km² over the Da River. The water in the springs is drawn up from holes that are around 30–60 meters deep and the temperature varies from 37°C to 43°C and sometimes goes as high as 53°C. Minerals like sodium, calcium and radon make the waters known for helping treat arthritis, different types of skin conditions and improving blood circulation.
• Because of its potential, the local government has contributed to making Thanh Thuy a wellness tourism center that offers natural and modern health care experiences.

• Best Season for a Visit
• Thanh Thuy Health Resort can be visited all year, but most people choose it during autumn months (September to November) because of the pleasant weather and colorful leaves. Participating in the Thanh Thuy Tourism Week – Autumn 2024 also gives the opportunity to experience cultural festivals, enjoy street entertainment and look at local handmade goods.

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