After the administrative merger, Thai Nguyen has gained many additional tourism resources from the former Bac Kan province. Alongside the lush green of rolling tea hills, the province is now enlivened by the vibrant traditional costumes of the Tay, Dao and H’Mong ethnic groups… reflected in the emerald waters of Ba Be Lake, creating a scene that captivates visitors.
Picturesque natural scenery. Photo: Bao Han
Captivating landscapes
Ba Be is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Northern Vietnam, covering approximately 500ha, stretching over 8km in length, reaching depths of up to 35m and holding 90 million m³ of water. It was once ranked by UNESCO among the Top 20 most beautiful freshwater lakes in the world. The allure of these "both new and old" destinations keeps domestic and international tourists excited to visit.
Late autumn sunset on Ba Be Lake becomes even more poetic. Photo: Bao Han
Ms. Ma Thi Sao, a tour guide in Pac Ngoi Village, Ba Be Commune, excitedly shared that during the final days of the year, Pac Ngoi Village seems more bustling than usual as it welcomes many international delegations seeking to experience indigenous culture. Amidst the peaceful mountain setting, one of the activities attracting the most visitors is learning how to make banh day la cam, a traditional purple glutinous rice cake made with magenta leaves of the Tay people.
Making purple glutinous rice cakes with Tay people in Pac Ngoi Village. Photo: Bao Han
For many tourists, immersing themselves in the warm atmosphere around a forest hearth, experiencing each step of cake-making - from pounding glutinous rice with bamboo pestles, shaping the cakes, adding fillings such as black sesame or mung bean - then enjoying the finished delicacy while listening to Then singing accompanied by the melodious Tinh lute, becomes an unforgettable memory.
A group of French tourists exploring Ba Be caves. Photo: Bao Han
Mr. Do Tuan Anh, a visitor from Ha Noi, said he was completely satisfied and felt no regret driving more than 200 km to Ba Be Lake to truly “live” in the culturally rich environment of ethnic minority communities there.
And joyfully joining bamboo dances. Photo: Bao Han
On warm evenings around stilt houses deep in the heart of Ba Be, the rhythmic sound of pounding purple glutinous rice cakes echoes cheerfully, contributing to a unique atmosphere. Mr. Nguyen Duc Dung, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Be commune, noted that the administrative merger has created favorable conditions for development, as Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan share many cultural similarities. As a result, Ba Be commune now has greater opportunities to further spread and promote its cultural identity across the region.
A vibrant chorus
Near Ba Be, Bach Thong commune was formed through the merger of Duong Phong, Quang Thuan and Dong Thang communes - areas traditionally known for tangerine cultivation. The commune currently has more than 500 hectares of orange and tangerine orchards, with an average output of around 5,000 tons per harvest.
The 2025 Orange and Tangerine Festival and agricultural fair in Bach Thong commune recently organized. Photo: Bao Han
According to Mr. Ha Ngoc Viet, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bach Thong commune, oranges and mandarins are not only key crops but also the main source of livelihood for more than 500 households. Many families earn impressive incomes ranging from VND 100 million to VND 300 million per harvest, affirming the sustainable economic value of this regional specialty.
Today, these agricultural products have also taken on a new role as tourism offerings, attracting visitors from all over. On December 6–7, Bach Thong successfully organized the 2025 Orange and Tangerine Festival and Agricultural product fair.
Community tourism village in Thai Nguyen today. Photo: Bao Han
The Orange and Tangerine Festival was not only a venue for trade but also an inviting call for visitors to come to Bach Thong to explore its natural beauty, experience unique cultural values and savor the sweet, refined flavors of Thai Nguyen’s specialty fruits alongside its renowned tea.
Phieng Phang bamboo forest, Thuong Minh Commune, Thai Nguyen Province during harvest season. Photo: Bao Han
Thai Nguyen tourism will reach even further with additional resources from the former Bac Kan Province. Photo: Bao Han
In the near future, Thai Nguyen will continue to promote regional linkages with Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang provinces in developing tour routes, joint promotion and organizing cultural tourism events.