Located around 100 km away from Yen Bai city, Tram Tau district is an ideal destination for travelers who seek to connect with nature, explore pristine landscapes, and immerse themselves in the distinctive cultures of the Mong and Thai ethnic communities.
Seasons of Beauty
Tram Tau reveals its most enchanting side when its terraced rice fields transform from lush green to golden hues, typically occurring from mid-August to mid-October. If you visit during the winter, you'll encounter the characteristic chill of the Northern region.
From spring to summer, Tram Tau is perfect for trekking groups due to dry weather and the vibrant terraced fields.
Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Tram Tau is by road. If you're coming from Hanoi, the easiest route is to head to Nghia Lo town (approximately 190 km) and then proceed to Tram Tau (around 30 km).
Nghia Lo also serves as a transit point for farther destinations like Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai.
The road from Nghia Lo to Tram Tau offers picturesque views and is relatively easy to navigate, although some sections are narrow and winding, requiring careful driving.
Accommodation
While Tram Tau lacks large hotels, it provides homestays and guesthouses. Here are three popular homestays:
- Suoi Khoang Nong Tram Tau (Cuong Hai): Located in Zone 5, this homestay blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings, using rustic materials. It offers 1-2 bed bungalows, both standard and VIP, as well as communal dorms for 6 to 20 people. Prices range from 800,000 VND to 5.5 million VND per unit.
- Doi Che Tram Tau: Situated in Zone 3, this homestay boasts a beautiful location with lush greenery, mountain views, and terraced rice fields. It offers various bungalows (small and large) and a spacious 120 m2 outdoor swimming pool with stunning views. Additionally, there's a two-story building with ten private rooms. Prices start from 200,000 VND per person.
- Xoe Homestay Tram Tau: Located in Hat Luu village, this homestay follows a similar design style to the aforementioned homestays, featuring natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and palm leaves. It offers three types of rooms: Community, Xoe Non, and Xoe Chai. Room prices range from 250,000 VND to 4.5 million VND.
Activities
Natural Hot Springs: The natural hot spring resort, Cuong Hai, located within Suoi Khoang Nong Tram Tau Homestay, is a "little Bali" amidst the mountainous region. This place offers a picturesque setting with clean and naturally sourced hot spring water, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. It's a must-visit attraction in Tram Tau.
Tà Chì Nhù Peak: Tà Chì Nhù Peak, standing at 2,979 meters above sea level, is often called the "roof of Yen Bai province" and is the 7th highest peak in Vietnam. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is a popular trekking destination. The best time to conquer Tà Chì Nhù is during clear days when you can witness a sea of clouds against the azure sky.
Tà Xùa Peak: Tà Xùa Peak, at an altitude of 2,865 meters, lies at the border between Tram Tau and Bac Yen districts.
Many trekkers choose the route from Tram Tau for a more adventurous experience, while vehicles can reach the peak from Son La.
The journey to the summit is approximately 25.2 km round-trip. This peak offers mesmerizing views, including lush forests and vibrant flowers, making it a worthwhile trek.
Hang Te Cho Waterfall: Hang Te Cho is a remote Mông village in Làng Nhì commune, known for its unique waterfall of the same name. The journey to Làng Nhì can be challenging due to narrow, winding roads with steep inclines, but the village and waterfall offer a mystical experience.
Hang Te Cho Waterfall is characterized by its cascading water, creating a serene and captivating landscape with the blend of green mountains and foaming white water.
Ban Cu Vai Village: Ban Cu Vai, located about 20 km from Tram Tau's town center, sits atop a mountain and is shrouded in mist year-round.
The name "Cu Vai" translates to "stretching clouds across the sky" in the Thai language. This village epitomizes the tranquil natural setting of the Northwestern region, with traditional Mông houses, terraced fields, and colorful hillside flowers.
Local Delicacies
Tram Tau offers a variety of local delicacies, including:
- Cơm Nếp: Sticky rice dishes.
- Xôi Ngũ Sắc: Multicolored sticky rice.
- Muồm Muỗm Rang: Local snacks.
- Bánh Chưng Đen: Black square glutinous rice cakes.
- Rau Dớn: A local herb.
- Rêu Suối: A type of edible moss.
- Ruốc Tôm: Shrimp paste.
- Cá Sỉnh Nậm Thia: A local fish.
- Thịt Mắm Cơm Đỏ: A fermented fish dish.
Shan Tuyet Tea from Phinh Ho
Shan Tuyet Tea in Tram Tau is grown at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,500 meters above sealevel. The unique climate in this region, characterized by high humidity and year-round fog, imparts Shan Tuyet Tea with a delightful fragrance.
This tea features green leaves, a pleasant aroma, a slightly bitter taste, and a sweet aftertaste. What sets it apart is its natural sweetness, without the need for additional seasoning or additives.
Măng Ớt (Spicy Bamboo Shoots)
Măng ớt is a local delicacy crafted from bamboo shoots that exclusively thrive in the highland areas of Tram Tau. These bamboo shoots are special, small in size, and possess a delicate flavor. They are an essential ingredient in the local cuisine, finding their way into various dishes such as stir-fries, salads, and soups.
Nếp Nương Rice
Nếp Nương, Chí chủa, and Nếp Cẩm are rice varieties cultivated by the Mông people in Tram Tau.
These rice types are renowned for their unique aroma and taste. They require soaking for 2 to 4 hours and have a sticky, soft texture when cooked. Nếp Nương rice is naturally sweet, reflecting the essence of the local mountains and landscapes.
Black Pork from Tram Tau
Tram Tau is famous for its black pigs, with over 20,000 of them raised in the area. These pigs are raised for an extended period, typically one to two years, resulting in flavorful, lean meat.
They possess distinct characteristics, including long snouts, small feet, small ears, and long black fur along their backs. Although they are small in size and slow to mature, their meat is fragrant, low in fat, and not excessively greasy.
The meat consists of a layer of thick skin followed by tender, succulent meat that is both juicy and sweet. Raised in a free-range environment, they primarily feed on rice bran, corn, cassava, and banana leaves.
Due to their long history of domestication, they have developed strong adaptability to the harsh climate of the highlands, making them resistant to diseases.
Tram Tau's black pork is highly sought after for its distinct taste and texture. It is commonly used in local dishes, such as grilled preparations, braised dishes, or as the main ingredient in traditional Mông dishes.
he tender and flavorful meat of the black pork adds a unique touch to the local culinary experience.
In conclusion, Tram Tau is a captivating destination in Northern Vietnam, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, adventure, and unique cultural experiences.
Whether you're seeking stunning landscapes, rejuvenating hot springs, challenging trekking trails, or a taste of authentic local cuisine, Tram Tau has something special to offer every traveler.
Plan your visit to this hidden gem and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tram Tau's mountains, rice terraces, and warm hospitality. It's a place where you can truly connect with nature and experience the rich tapestry of the local culture.
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