Tam Dao: Awakening Potential and Creating Momentum for a Tourism Breakthrough

Tam Dao has long been known as a “green rendezvous” for travelers. Beyond its year-round cool climate and breathtaking natural landscapes, Tam Dao is undergoing a powerful transformation, progressively leveraging its potential and advantages to turn tourism into a key economic sector and a driver for sustainable development.

Tam Dao Tourism Area attracts a large number of visitors for sightseeing and relaxation right from the beginning of the year.

Awakening Potential and Expanding Development Space

Situated at altitudes ranging from 100 to over 1,200 meters above sea level, Tam Dao is blessed with a temperate climate and an average temperature of approximately 18°C. Amidst the sweltering summer days of Northern Vietnam, this destination acts as a “giant air conditioner,” providing a refreshing and relaxing escape. This advantage made Tam Dao an ideal retreat as early as the beginning of the 20th century, when it was selected by the French for resort development.

The region boasts a rich ecosystem with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna within the Tam Dao National Park. Vast primeval forests, murmuring streams, and lush pine woods create a landscape that is both majestic and poetic. This serves as a vital foundation for developing eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and scientific research.

A poetic scene with European-style architecture standing out amidst the Tam Dao mountains.

Furthermore, Tam Dao is a land steeped in tradition, home to nearly 50 historical, cultural, and religious sites. Annual festivals such as the Chan Suoi Temple Festival and the Ha Village Wrestling Festival not only preserve cultural identity but have also become unique tourism products.

A major turning point in its development is the expansion of administrative space. Currently, Tam Dao covers 79.2 km2 with a population of nearly 34,800—a significant increase from the past. This expanded space allows for comprehensive master planning and functional zoning to maximize the potential of every area.

Elevating Experiences Toward Sustainability

Nighttime music spaces contribute to a unique entertainment highlight, attracting tourists to Tam Dao.

Tam Dao is diversifying its offerings to meet the increasing demands of modern tourists. Beyond traditional sightseeing, the locality is developing community-based tourism, sports tourism, and experiential travel. Local OCOP products, such as Cordyceps, Ba Kich wine, and the “humpback” Banh Chung of the San Diu people, are being promoted as cultural stories that enrich the visitor experience.

Seasonal cultural events provide highlights throughout the year, from the vibrant Azalea Festival to the evocative “Winter Marks” events, making Tam Dao an "attractive four-season destination." The tourism infrastructure has also seen clear growth, with 194 accommodation establishments totaling 2,456 rooms, including high-end hotels, villas, and homestays.

The statistics reflect this positive trajectory. In 2025, Tam Dao welcomed approximately 350,000 visitors, with the central tourism area alone attracting over 303,000 arrivals. Notably, for four consecutive years (2022–2025), Tam Dao was honored by the World Travel Awards as the "World’s Leading Town Destination."

The Stone Church is a popular check-in spot for tourists visiting Tam Dao.

In the coming years, Tam Dao remains committed to sustainable tourism linked with environmental protection. The locality will focus on completing infrastructure, attracting investment, and accelerating digital transformation in tourism management and promotion.

With its solid foundation and drastic solutions, Tam Dao is poised for a breakthrough, progressively asserting its position as a green, friendly, and vibrant tourism icon on both the national and international maps.

Thuy Huong