The province of Phu Tho is located at the tip of the Red River Delta in the plains and lowlands of northeastern Vietnam. The Red, Da and Lo rivers run through this mountainous region which is home to various ethnic minority groups, above all the Kinh. The province intends to raise investment capital to serve tourist demands.
Nicknamed the ‘junction of three rivers’, the provincial capital of Viet Tri is a bustling industrial city, with some characteristics of a second-class city and some remaining traits of an ancient kingdom during the Hung King era. Viet Tri has been struggling to establish a historic and cultural reputation for future tourism.
Phu Tho’s major attraction is unquestionably the Hung Kings temple complex. Placed on the Nghia Linh mountain in the district of Phong Chau, this set of grandiose structures comprises four temples, a pagoda and the Hung Kings tomb. Visitors are required to climb 220 steps between the Dai Mon gate and the 15th century Ha temple.
Popular with Vietnamese tourists who head here for a change of pace and the cool climate, Tam Dao hill station is situated at over 1,000m above sea level. Founded by the French in 1907, this spot has maintained an element of colonial charm and presents some hiking and bird-watching options.
Linked by rail and road, Viet Tri city is 80kms (50 miles) from Hanoi and 50kms (30 miles) from Noi Bai International Airport, which serves Hanoi.