About Phu Tho
Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam is the sacred cradle of Vietnamese civilization, where legend says the Hung Kings established the first Vietnamese state. This spiritual heartland offers travelers a profound cultural journey centered around the UNESCO-recognized Hung Kings Temple Festival, held annually at the historic Hung Temple complex on Nghia Linh Mountain. Beyond its cultural significance, Phu Tho boasts stunning natural landscapes including the serene Xuan Son National Park with its limestone mountains, caves, and diverse ecosystems, and the picturesque Ao Chau Pond ecological area. Visitors can experience traditional crafts like tea cultivation in Thanh Son district and explore the unique cultural practices of local ethnic minorities. The province's authentic rural charm, combined with its status as the origin of Vietnam's ancestral worship traditions, makes it a destination for those seeking cultural depth rather than typical tourist trails.
Places to visit in Phu Tho
Nhat Anh hotel
Nhat Anh hotel, Đường S1, Phường Tây Thạnh, Thuận An, 72008, Vietnam
Khách Sạn Lý Cường 2
Khách Sạn Lý Cường 2, Đường số 7A, Phường An Lạc, Ho Chi Minh City, 73118, Vietnam
Khách Sạn Thanh Trinh
Khách Sạn Thanh Trinh, 337, Khuong Viet Street, Phường Tân Phú, Thủ Đức, 72015, Vietnam
Hotel 88
Hotel 88, Duong Luy Ban Bich, Phường Tân Phú, Thủ Đức, 72031, Vietnam
Khách Sạn Thanh Loan
tphcm, Số nhà 45 Q, Ong Ich Khiem, Phường Bình Thới, Thủ Đức, 72015, Vietnam
Sao Mai
Sao Mai, 896, Đường Nguyễn Trãi, Cholon, Thủ Đức, 73000, Vietnam
Kat in Love
Kat in Love, Hẻm 391 Sư Vạn Hạnh, Phường Hòa Hưng, Thủ Đức, 72712, Vietnam
Khách sạn Minh Châu
Minh Chau Hotel, 119 - 119C, Hoa Hung St., Phường Hòa Hưng, Thủ Đức, 70150, Vietnam
Street Food Ghetto
Street Food Ghetto, Hẻm 633 Ðiện Biên Phủ, Phường Bàn Cờ, Thủ Đức, 72406, Vietnam
Khách Sạn White Lion
Khách Sạn White Lion, 15, Cao Thang, Phường Bàn Cờ, Thủ Đức, 72406, Vietnam
Khách Sạn Hoàng Quân
Khách Sạn Hoàng Quân, Hẻm 58 Thạch Lam, Phường Phú Thạnh, Thủ Đức, 72031, Vietnam
Rovina
Rovina, Su Van Hanh, Phường An Đông, Thủ Đức, 72712, Vietnam
Khách sạn Equatorial
Khách sạn Equatorial, Hẻm 19 Hùng Vương, Phường Chợ Quán, Thủ Đức, 72760, Vietnam
NATURAL HOUSE hostel
NATURAL HOUSE hostel, 39, Đường Hùng Vương, Phường An Đông, Thủ Đức, 72415, Vietnam
Phòng Cho Thuê Phương Thanh
Phuong Thanh Motel, Số nhà 833, 3 Thang 2, Phường Diên Hồng, Thủ Đức, 72712, Vietnam
Travel Tips for Phu Tho
Getting Around
Public buses connect Viet Tri City with districts and Hanoi, but schedules can be irregular. Motorbike taxis (xe om) and traditional cyclos are common for short trips in towns. Ride-hailing apps like Grab operate in Viet Tri City. For flexibility, rent a motorbike (international license recommended) or hire a car with driver for day trips to temples and national parks. Local buses serve rural routes but are basic. Boats are available for scenic trips on the Red and Lo Rivers. For Xuan Son National Park, organized tours or private transport are best.
Best Time To Visit
March to April and September to November. March-April is ideal for the Hung Kings Temple Festival (10th day of the 3rd lunar month, usually April), with vibrant cultural activities and pleasant spring weather. September-November offers cool, dry autumn conditions perfect for exploring national parks and rural landscapes. Avoid the hot, humid rainy season from May to August when flooding can occur, and the cool but often foggy winter months of December-February.
Local Customs
Show respect at temples and historical sites, especially Hung Temple—dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), remove shoes where required, and speak quietly. During festivals, follow local guidance for rituals. When visiting ethnic minority villages (Muong, Dao), ask permission before taking photos. Tipping is not expected but appreciated in tourist areas; 5-10% in restaurants is generous. When invited to homes, bring a small gift. Avoid public displays of affection. Use both hands when giving/receiving items, especially from elders. During ancestor worship ceremonies, observe respectfully without interrupting.
Safety Information
Phu Tho is generally safe with low violent crime. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and markets; keep valuables secure. Road safety is the primary concern: traffic can be chaotic, especially in Viet Tri City; exercise extreme caution when crossing streets and consider hiring local drivers for rural areas. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial tour guides at Hung Temple. Rural areas and national parks are safe but inform someone of your plans when hiking. Avoid political demonstrations. Police are generally helpful but may have limited English.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Phu Tho are adequate for basic care, with Phu Tho General Hospital in Viet Tri City being the main public facility. For serious conditions, travelers are advised to go to Hanoi. Common health concerns include seasonal flu, dengue fever (especially during rainy season), and gastrointestinal issues from food/water. Recommended vaccinations: routine vaccines plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis for rural/long-term stays. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water. Mosquito repellent is essential, particularly in rural and forested areas like Xuan Son National Park.
Languages Spoken
VietnameseMuongDao
Quick Facts
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
₫
₫
Timezone
Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh +07:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+84
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
1.4 million
Area
3534.6 km²
Government
Provincial People's Committee
ISO Code
VN-25