Tam Dao National Park

Tam Dao National Park is a protected nature reserve centered on the Tam Dao mountain range about 80 km northwest of Hanoi, now within Phu Tho Province after administrative merger. Established in 1996 covering about 36,883 hectares, it preserves subtropical evergreen forest, high biodiversity and cloud-capped peaks up to 1,300 meters. Notable for cool climate, French-era hill station remains, waterfalls and trekking routes, it serves as a major ecotourism and conservation area near Hanoi.

Visitors can expect a cool, misty mountain landscape with dense subtropical forest, rugged peaks and valleys. The park offers marked trekking trails, viewpoints over the surrounding lowlands, waterfalls such as Silver Waterfall, and remnants of French colonial villas and church. Areas include visitor centre, forest paths, and biodiversity exhibits. Activities focus on nature walking, birdwatching and photography in a humid, forested environment with steep and sometimes slippery terrain.

The Tam Dao area was developed as a French colonial hill station in the early 20th century due to its cool climate. The forest was designated as a protected forest in 1977 and Tam Dao National Park was officially established on 6 March 1996 to conserve the northern Vietnam subtropical forest ecosystem and biodiversity.

The park area is culturally associated with the cool-climate hill resort tradition and is home to ethnic communities including San Diu and Dao groups in surrounding communes. It is valued for nature-based recreation, environmental education and conservation of Vietnam's northern forest heritage.