Tea culture and train travel connect Hanoi-Thai Nguyen tourism

THE HANOI TIMES — Thai Nguyen, a northern province neighboring Hanoi, is an undiscovered gem that offers rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and renowned tea area, good for tourism once the two localities boost connectivity and tap potential.

Just over an hour's drive from the bustling center of Hanoi, Thai Nguyen Province welcomes tourists to experience the tranquil charm of its tea hills, picturesque scenery, and vibrant ethnic minority customs. But the place's potential remains unexploited.

An unpolished gemstone near Hanoi

In an effort to tap its tourism potential, Thai Nguyen has been actively promoting its diverse offerings. The recent "Conference to Promote and Advertise Thai Nguyen Tourism in Hanoi" held on April 1 was the joint effort of the Thai Nguyen Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Thai Nguyen Tourism Association, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, and the Vietnam Railways Corporation to highlight Thai Nguyen's rich tea culture and scenic spots.

At the conference, Le Ngoc Linh, Deputy Director of Thai Nguyen's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the province boasts over 1,000 historical relics, nearly 300 craft villages, and more than 300 outstanding One Commune One Product (OCOP) commodities.

The province's tea-growing regions, particularly Tan Cuong and La Bang, are steeped in centuries of tradition. Celebrated for its unique taste and quality, Thai Nguyen tea has gained international acclaim, making it one of Vietnam's most important agricultural exports.

Thai Nguyen's fertile soil, temperate climate, and rich history dating back to the 1920s when tea cultivation began, provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Today, the province is home to 22,200 hectares of tea farms, producing more than 267,000 tons of fresh tea annually, which fetched around VND13 trillion (US$553 million) in revenue in 2024.

The tea-growing landscape of terraced hills and mist-shrouded mountains is a source of pride for locals and a fantastic setting for ecotourism and community-based travel. To support tourism, local establishments have invested in tea-based experiences, offering tea tasting tours, accommodation, and local cuisine, cementing Thai Nguyen's identity as the "Tea Capital of Vietnam."

Aside from tea, Thai Nguyen also offers a stunning array of natural wonders, from tranquil lakes such as Nui Coc and Ghenh Che to the majestic peak of Tan Cuong mountain. Visitors can also explore the area's rich revolutionary history, exploring historical sites such as the Dinh Hoa Military Safe Zone and Memorial, which bears witness to the turbulent times of the war from 1955 to 1975.

Traveling to Thai Nguyen by train

One of the latest initiatives to boost tourism in Thai Nguyen is the introduction of a train from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen. This innovative approach helps maximize the charm of Vietnam's railways mainly with lush scenery, tea culture, and folk music performances.

The train journey and tea culture experience offers a curated exploration of Thai Nguyen's four famous tea regions: Tan Cuong, La Bang, Trai Cai, and Phu Luong. Guests can sample tea while learning about the health benefits and cultural significance of tea in Vietnamese life.

Thai Nguyen also offers night tours of the Thai Nguyen Museum with art performances, light displays, and an impressive array of 153 dishes made with tea. The tour is designed to showcase the versatility of tea, from refreshing beverages to gourmet cuisine.

A vision for sustainable and cultural tourism

Le Ngoc Linh of Thai Nguyen's Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said the province aims to double its visitors by 2025 to six million. Accordingly, the province targets different groups, including students, business travelers, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) visitors, with flexible itineraries designed to combine work and leisure. It is also actively developing its sports tourism infrastructure with new golf courses and a state-of-the-art stadium set to open in the coming years.

For international tourists, Thai Nguyen offers rich cultural and nature-based experiences. With tours focusing on tea culture, traditional cuisine, and community tourism, visitors can explore the province's deep connection to its natural environment and heritage. The ongoing development of hotels, resorts, and conference facilities will position the province as an attractive and accessible destination for large events and international travelers.

This April, the week-long festival themed "Experience the Land of Tea with Rich Identity" will feature traditional tea ceremonies and performances that celebrate the province's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and deep-rooted tea culture.