Tam Dao-the little Sapa, the Da Lat of the North near Hanoi

Only around 80km to the west of Hanoi, Tam Dao is a perfect alternative of Sapa for the short escape from the busy Hanoi.

Tam Dao-the foggy town on the top of mountain

Despite being located in the North of Vietnam with 4 clear different seasons, the heat of summer seems to have no way to burn the town on the altitude of 900m. Dubbed as the little Sapa or Da Lat of the North, Tam Dao is a foggy town with cool weather all year long. This is a really small town, you can visit every corner of its on foot in just 1 single day and there is no diversity entertaiment here, but you love to have a place to rest your body and explore the spectacular nature, Tam Dao will not fail you.

A small town covered by fog all year long

The path to Tam Dao is quite easy most of the time, there are only few kilometers on pass from the foot of mountain to the top is a bit more challenging, You can buy a bus ticket to reach the town on the top of mountain, but if you dare to drive, it would be worthy in every moment. Along the pass from the foot of mountain to the top, your eyes will be astonished by the spectacular surrounding forest.

The spectacular curve on the way to Tam Dao

After the journey on the steep pass, you will reach the center of Tam Dao town near the top of the mountain. This lovely small towns is a tiny community consisting of hundreds of roofs. The first spot you should visit is the stone church of Tam Dao, the construction reminds of French architecture with the great view towards the vast area of spectacular mountains. Then you can walk up to the highest point of the town to enjoy some drinks of Quan Gio bar and admire the large green space of the mountains and forest, witness cloud floating around you as if it were the fairy land.

The church of Tam Dao

Or, you can also visit some temples and shrines here to immerse in the ancient atmosphere, or walk to the castle of Tam Dao to admire the beautiful construction.

The castle of Tam Dao

For those who love the exploration, Tam Dao national park is there for you to run to the ancient trees and beautiful wild orchids. If you visit the town in the rain season, don’t miss out the way to Thac Bac (Silver waterfalls), it’s as beautiful as a piece of silver produced by angels floating between mountains and sky of Tam Dao.

The mythical beauty of an ancient tree in Tam Dao national park

When your feet are tired and your eyes see enough magic landscape of Tam Dao, just stop by a food stall on your way and don’t for get Rau Su Su (a kind of vegetables) that could be planted anywhere in Vietnam but strangely tasty when it grows on the soil of Tam Dao. This place offers a wide range of food choice so do remember to grasp the chance to taste the great delicacies that are fed and grown at the place.

Su Su-a must-try dish in Tam Dao

When the night falls, walk to the square of Tam Dao to enjoy the funny atmosphere and admire the sparkling town at the mountains’ foot, then don’t forget to award yourself a nice sleep under the cool (or cold maybe) and the fresh air of Tam Dao to detox your body.