Tuyen Quang City - A hidden gem nestled in the northeastern region of Vietnam, along the poetic Lo River, stands as the vibrant capital of Tuyen Quang Province. Located approximately 165 kilometers north of Hanoi, this charming city beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese culture with modern urban development. The city's crown jewel is the impressive Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, spanning 12 hectares, which transforms into a magical wonderland during the annual Tuyen Quang Lantern Festival in September, featuring towering lantern displays that have earned recognition as one of Vietnam's most unique cultural celebrations.
Exploring the city reveals a tapestry of experiences, from the serene City Park with its picturesque Tan Quang Lake to the therapeutic My Lam Hot Springs, just 14 kilometers from the city center, where visitors can indulge in natural mineral-rich waters. The local culinary scene offers distinctive flavors through specialties like grilled Lo River fish and seven-spice roasted duck. Modern amenities, including the contemporary Vincom Plaza Tuyen Quang and a growing selection of international-standard hotels, complement the traditional charm. The city's strategic location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions while enjoying the comfort of urban facilities and the warm hospitality of the local people, who take pride in sharing their cultural heritage with international visitors.
Several local taxi companies operate in Tuyen Quang City, with Mai Linh Taxi being one of the most reliable. Taxis are equipped with meters, and prices typically start at around 12,000 VND ($0.50) for the first kilometer. You can easily hail taxis on main streets or ask your hotel reception to call one for you. Most drivers don't speak English, so it's advisable to have your destination written in Vietnamese.
The most convenient way to reach Tuyen Quang City from Hanoi is by taking a direct bus from My Dinh Bus Station, with the journey taking approximately 4-5 hours and costing around 200,000 VND ($8-9). Buses run frequently throughout the day from 6 AM to 6 PM, and you can also book a private car service through your hotel or local travel agency for more flexibility, though this will cost significantly more at around $60-80 per vehicle.
The ideal time to visit Tuyen Quang City is between September and November or from February to April when the weather is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F). These months offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring the city and its surrounding attractions, while also coinciding with several local festivals, including the famous Mid-Autumn Festival featuring unique large-scale lanterns that the city is known for.
A comprehensive visit to Tuyen Quang City typically requires 2-3 days to explore the main attractions, including the historic Tan Trao revolutionary base, the majestic Na Hang Lake, the ancient Mac Dynasty Citadel, and the City Square with its cultural exhibitions. Visitors should also make time for the Tuyen Quang Museum, local temples, and the night market, with most attractions being accessible within the city center or through organized day trips.
English-speaking guides can be arranged through your hotel's front desk, local travel agencies in the city, or by contacting the Tuyen Quang Tourism Information Center at least one day in advance. Guide services typically cost between $30-50 per day, and while not all guides are fluent in English, the more experienced ones can effectively communicate and share detailed information about the city's history and culture.
Tuyen Quang's culinary specialties include Com Lam (bamboo-tube rice), Vit Quay Lang Yen (roasted duck), and Banh Gai (black sticky rice cake), which can be found at local restaurants along Tan Quang Street and around the central market area. The night market near Nguyen Tat Thanh Street is particularly good for sampling street food, while restaurants like Nha Hang Hoa Sim and Quan An Ngon offer traditional dishes in more comfortable settings with English menus available.
Travel Tips for Tuyen Quang City
Explore Tuyen Quang City