New colors in the tourism landscape of Thai Nguyen.

After the merger, Thai Nguyen has gained many of the tourism resources of the former Bac Kan province. Alongside the verdant green of the rolling tea hills, there is now the added charm of the colorful traditional costumes of the Tay, Dao, and H'Mong people reflected on the turquoise waters of Ba Be Lake, captivating the hearts of visitors.

Picturesque scenery. Photo: Bao Han

The scenery is breathtaking.

Ba Be Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Northern Vietnam, covering approximately 500 hectares, stretching over 8 kilometers in length, reaching a depth of 35 meters, and containing 90 million cubic meters of water. It was once ranked among the Top 20 most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world by UNESCO… The allure of these "both new and old" destinations always excites both domestic and international tourists when they visit.

The late autumn sunset over Ba Be Lake is even more poetic. Photo: Bao Han.

Ms. Ma Thi Sao, a tour guide in Pac Ngoi village, Ba Be commune, excitedly shared that in the last days of the year, Pac Ngoi village is more bustling than usual as it welcomes many international groups seeking to experience the local culture. Amidst the peaceful mountain scenery, one of the most attractive activities for tourists is learning how to make sticky rice cakes wrapped in purple leaves – a specialty with a natural purple color and a distinctive flavor of the Tay people here.

Making purple sticky rice cakes with the Tay people of Pac Ngoi village. Photo: Bao Han.

For many tourists, immersing themselves in the warm atmosphere of a forest fire, experiencing each step of making the cakes from pounding glutinous rice flour with bamboo pestles to shaping the cakes and adding black sesame or mung bean fillings… and then enjoying the delicious treat themselves amidst the melodious Then singing and the rhythmic sounds of the Tinh lute… are unforgettable experiences.

A group of French tourists exploring Ba Be Cave. Photo: Bao Han

Mr. Do Tuan Anh, a tourist from Hanoi, said he was completely satisfied and felt it was not a waste of time to drive over 200km to Ba Be Lake to experience the rich culture of the ethnic minority people there.

And they enthusiastically performed the bamboo pole dance. Photo: Bao Han

On warm nights by the fire in the courtyard of the stilt houses, in the heart of Ba Be, the lively sound of pestles pounding sticky rice cakes wrapped in purple leaves adds to the unique scenery and atmosphere. Mr. Nguyen Duc Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ba Be commune, shared that the merger creates many advantages for the locality's development as Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan have similarities in cultural identity. Thus, Ba Be commune has more opportunities to expand the spread of its unique identity throughout the region.

A joyful chorus

Located near Ba Be Lake, Bach Thong commune was formed by merging Duong Phong, Quang Thuan, and Dong Thang communes. These were originally key areas famous for tangerine cultivation. Currently, the commune has over 500 hectares of orange and tangerine trees, with an average yield of about 5,000 tons per season.

The 2025 Orange and Tangerine Festival and Agricultural Products Market in Bach Thong commune has just been held. Photo: Bao Han

According to Mr. Ha Ngoc Viet, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bach Thong commune, oranges and tangerines are not only a key crop but also the main source of livelihood for more than 500 households in the commune. Many households have achieved impressive incomes ranging from 100 to 300 million VND per harvest, affirming the sustainable economic value of this regional specialty.

Now, this agricultural product also serves as a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over. On December 6th and 7th, Bach Thong successfully organized the Orange and Tangerine Festival and Agricultural Products Market 2025.

Community-based tourism village in Thai Nguyen today. Photo: Bao Han

The Citrus Festival is not only a place for trade, but also an attractive invitation to tourists from near and far to come to Bach Thong to explore the natural beauty, experience the unique culture, and enjoy the sweet, exquisite flavors of Thai Nguyen's specialties along with tea.

The bamboo forest of Phiêng Phàng, Thượng Minh commune, Thái Nguyên province during harvest season. Photo: Bảo Hân

Tourism in Thai Nguyen will reach even greater heights with additional resources from the former Bac Kan province. Photo: Bao Han

In the near future, Thai Nguyen will continue to strengthen regional linkages with Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang provinces in developing tour routes, joint promotion, and organizing cultural and tourism events.

Hanoi New Newspaper

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/nhung-gam-mau-moi-trong-buc-tranh-du-lich-thai-nguyen-20251211085758946.htm