Vietnam tourism part 2 : Na Hang - Tuyen Quang

The meandering road that stretches over 100km along the mountainside connects Tuyen Quang city to Na Hang district like a delicate silk ribbon. After a 2-hour drive on the winding road, A Hang town, a small town neighboring Son Cuoc, suddenly becomes captivating. Amidst the vast mountains, forests, and rivers, the gentle streets lining the Gam River resemble colorful brocade under the early sunlight. At the town's edge lies a large lake nestled beneath rocky mountains, resembling a watercolor painting. Referred to in the Tay Na Hang language as "thang," meaning the last field, this land is the ancestral home to 12 ethnic groups who have coexisted here for generations. Despite the challenging conditions in Tuy Cuoc, the residents remain united with a shared aspiration to overcome poverty and underdevelopment. Throughout history, people have believed that areas where multiple water streams converge signify prosperity. The meeting point of the Gam River and Nang River, flanked by majestic mountain ranges, paints a charming landscape. This ecological region exudes a pristine allure, with legendary tales surrounding each land and village. The rich cultural tapestry of the ethnic groups promises a delightful experience to all visitors, even those who only visit once. This convergence harmonizes the waters and serves as a magnet for tourists to explore Na Hang, featuring distinctive attractions like the mountain-perched Lam Binh restaurant within a National Scenic Spot. The Na Hang ecological lake, part of the Lam Binh nature reserve, spans 8,000 hectares bordering Bac Me district and Ba Be province in Bac Kan province. Home to numerous captivating tourist spots such as Bac Tang mountain and Bac Ta Temple, linked to the history of General Truong Van Vuong Tran Nhat Duat. The area also houses the destroyed Tran Dynasty's two dragon caves and a thousand-year-old tourist complex. These sites within the special National Scenic Spot preserve Na Hang's natural essence, offering an unforgettable experience to tourists visiting the over 43,000-hectare Lam Binh natural reserve. Hailed by the World Nature Conservation Organization for its diverse ecosystem, the Na Hang Lam Binh nature reserve boasts over 70 mammal species, 63 bird species, 35 reptile species, 25 amphibian species, and over 500 insect species. Visitors can encounter thousand-year-old gnat trees and red-book-listed snub-nosed monkeys, showcasing the area's biological richness. Tuyen Quang and Bac Kan provinces collaborate on scientific documentation and nature conservation, with the Ba Be Na Hang Trinh unit recognized as a World Natural Heritage. These protected zones, with buffer and core areas, facilitate connectivity for the Ba Be Lake tourist route. Na Hang's touristic allure extends to its natural wonders, like the Rash waterfall, or Thac Mo, resembling a strip of white silk from a distance. Rising five stories high, the tower now stands with two submerged floors due to flooding from the Tuyen Quang hydroelectric plant. The forest above Thac Mo echoes with gecko calls, enhancing its wild charm. Visitors immersing themselves in this heavenly space encounter the cool cascades and ancient forests at Thac Mo, a prominent tourist destination within the Na Hang ecological tour. As night falls, tourists delight in simple yet flavorful dishes like grilled field carp, wild vegetables, and sticky rice, reflecting the local culinary traditions. The must-have dried buffalo meat dish complements the soothing melodies amidst the 1,200m altitude setting, surrounded by majestic hills. Exploring Hong Thai unveils the refreshing air and breathtaking views of the ancient Xa Tuyet tea hills, spanning over 300 hectares of tea plantations like Tuyet Phuc, Van Tien, and Kim Tuyen. Hong Thai's specialty produce, including Le Peach plums, adds to the region's charm. Na Hang's rich cultural tapestry, encompassing 12 ethnic groups, converges in Hong Thai commune, showcasing the Dao Tien people's cultural space, terraced fields, and melodious tunes that captivate returning tourists. Con Vot commune offers rich village landscapes and delectable duck specialties, while Thuong Nong commune invites relaxation amidst Tay people's ancient villages, savoring green rice made from yellow flower sticky rice. Phiem Cung boasts a natural expanse of over 180 hectares, with vast plantations, including precious woods like gnat dinh lat, and a primeval forest area of over 145 hectares, offering a refreshing atmosphere.