Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam

Vĩnh Phúc, a small province near Hanoi that Thai people still rarely know

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today I will take you to experience a real trip inVĩnh Phúc ProvinceOne of the provinces in the Red River Delta of Vietnam. I traveled here myself from Sapa by train, arriving at Vĩnh Yên Station at 3:30 AM. Vĩnh Yên is the capital city of this province. The atmosphere was very quiet with almost no people. I tried walking outside the station but it was still dark and no travelers were around. I had to call a taxi, of which only a few were waiting. I faced the problem of fully booked hotels in the city center, so I had the taxi take me to a hotel by the roadside opposite Big C, about 7 kilometers from the city center. For those arriving late, I recommend not walking out of the train station. It's safer and more convenient to call a taxi to wait.

Vĩnh Yên City with Its Unique Charm

I stayed in Vĩnh Yên for 7 days because besides resting, I also worked and edited online at the hotel where I stayed. This place is much quieter than big cities like Hanoi. I bought fresh groceries fromBig C Vĩnh Yênwhich is located outside the city, and cooked some meals myself. The atmosphere here blends authentic Vietnamese style with a moderate level of modernity.

Most travel within Vĩnh Yên city uses metered taxis, called “taxi đồng hồ” here. I took metered taxis several times and never experienced being cheated or taken on detours, which is very good for tourists unfamiliar with Vietnamese routes.

Travel to Tam Dao: The Misty Mountains Near Vĩnh Phúc

When it comes to the top tourist attraction of this province, it has to beTam Dao Peakwhich is a triple-peaked mountain with a valley in the middle. It is often misty year-round, giving a little Sapa-like atmosphere. It’s not far from Hanoi and Vĩnh Yên. Most tourists driving up to Tam Dao don’t stop in Vĩnh Yên city, which keeps the city peaceful and charming as a small town worth exploring.

I recommend taking a taxi from Vĩnh Yên to Tam Dao because local taxi drivers are very familiar with the mountain routes, unlike taking a taxi directly from Hanoi which may be unfamiliar and risky. Also, traveling from Hanoi to Vĩnh Yên is very convenient by train, or by bus departing from Kim Ma station in Hanoi, taking about 1 hour with a fare of only 30 baht.

Vĩnh Yên Market: Experience the Authentic Lifestyle of Vĩnh Phúc People

I stopped by to stroll atVĩnh Yên Marketan open-air fresh market without a roof, selling a variety of fresh goods including pork, chicken, duck, fish, and fresh vegetables. The market gets lively in the late morning. The winter morning air has a light mist, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.

What I liked most was seeing bicycle carts selling vegetables and meat going right to customers’ doorsteps. This is a unique charm of the mobile market in Vĩnh Yên that clearly differs from other places. Additionally, the market has two or three dog meat shops following local traditions still preserved.

Vĩnh Phúc Cuisine: Similar to Hanoi but with Unique Highlights

The food of Vĩnh Phúc people is similar to Hanoi’s but with slightly different styles and eating cultures. For example, the bánh mì here uses grilled pork strips instead of fried eggs or the southern favorite ốp la. I tried it and found the taste rich and well-balanced.

For seafood lovers, I recommend trying Vietnamese-style grilled button squid, which I demonstrated inYouTubewhere I recorded it before. There are also interesting Vietnamese chicken biryani and nem fang dishes. (See my videos onVietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Nem Fang)

If you are interested in deep local cuisine, you can read more atFood of Vĩnh Yên People, Vĩnh Phúcwhich I wrote.

Relaxing Stays in Vĩnh Yên and Tam Dao

For accommodation in Vĩnh Yên, I recommend the hotel where I stayed:Trung Du Hotelwhich is located opposite Big C, close to shopping and food areas, convenient and comfortable. This hotel is suitable for those who want a quiet rest with good service.

As for Tam Dao, there are many hotels to choose from, but I suggest exploring yourself because the small town has many beautiful spots. Vietnamese people like to visit and relax here on weekends or in summer. Many hotels only open during the tourist season.

Activities and Culture in Vĩnh Phúc

Besides nature tourism and tasting food, Vĩnh Phúc also has interesting local culture such as the red-whiskered bulbul bird contest in Vĩnh Yên. This melodious bird is popular among northern Vietnamese who raise and compete with them. I had the chance to watch and record clips. If interested, read more inVietnamese Red-Whiskered Bulbulwhich I wrote.

Another activity I didn’t miss was trying Vietnamese massage in Vĩnh Yên, which differs from massages in Thailand and neighboring countries by using hot stones placed on the back. It’s a unique and highly recommended experience. Read details inVietnamese Massagewhich I have written about.

Summary: Vĩnh Phúc Province is Perfect for Those Who Want a Chill Trip Near Hanoi

Vĩnh Phúc is a small province with few foreign tourists but has its own charm: the peacefulness of Vĩnh Yên city, the freshness of nature on Tam Dao peak, and the local lifestyle and food worth exploring.

If you want to explore northern Vietnam deeply, not just Hanoi or Sapa, I, mr.hotsia, recommend stopping by Vĩnh Phúc. I guarantee a unique new experience.