Sơn Tây, Vietnam
Region: Hanoi
Geographic Coordinates: 21.133300, 105.500000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 230577
Language: Vietnamese
Sơn Tây is a district situated in the western part of Hanoi, Vietnam. It has a population of over 200, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometers. The town is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains which makes it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts. The town has a long and rich history dating back to the 10th century when it was known as Tây Kinh. During the French colonial period, Sơn Tây played an essential role as a military base due to its strategic location.
The district also played a significant role during the Vietnamese revolution against French colonization and later during the Vietnam War. One of Sơn Tây’s most famous tourist attractions is Duong Lam Ancient Village located about 60 kilometers from Hanoi. This village boasts traditional architecture, Temples, Pagodas and ancient houses that date back over 400 years. Visitors can also enjoy cycling through narrow streets while admiring rice fields and other scenic views. Another attraction worth visiting in Sơn Tây is Thay Pagoda or Master’s Pagoda which dates back to the early 11th century.
The pagoda features beautiful architecture with intricate carvings on pillars, Roofs and walls that depict various scenes from Buddhist teachings. For those who love outdoor activities like hiking or trekking, Ba Vi National Park offers beautiful trails that wind through lush forests with stunning views of surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore caves like Tan Vien Cave which houses many legends about gods who once lived there.
Sơn Tây also boasts several museums such as Son Tay Prison Museum showcasing artifacts related to Vietnamese struggles against foreign invaders including exhibits on torture methods used by French colonialists during their occupation period. In addition to its historical significance and natural beauty, Sơn Tây offers visitors delicious local cuisine like bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) and phở gà (chicken noodle soup). The town’s night market is also a great place to sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.
Overall, Sơn Tây is a charming destination that offers visitors the perfect blend of history, Culture, Nature and delicious cuisine. It’s an ideal location for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi while still being close enough to explore this vibrant city.
- Thầy Pagoda
- Duong Lam Ancient Village
- Ba Vi National Park
- Son Tay Ancient Citadel
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village
- Van Phuc Silk Village
- Tay Phuong Pagoda
- Khoang Xanh – Suoi Tien tourist area
- Hanoi West Lake Water Park
- Hoa Binh Lake
- The major industries and businesses in Sơn Tây, Vietnam include:
- Agriculture
- Handicrafts
- Tourism
- Small-scale manufacturing
- The city is known for its production of:
- Traditional handmade pottery and ceramics
- There are also a number of small factories producing:
- Textiles
- Garments
- Shoes
- In addition to these industries, Sơn Tây is home to several tourist attractions including:
- The ancient citadel Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site
- Ba Vi National Park
- Agriculture plays an important role in the local economy with:
- Rice paddies
- Vegetable farms
- Fruit orchards
- Tea plantations surrounding the city
- The Battle of Son Tay: In 1970, a team of United States Army Special Forces soldiers conducted a raid on a prison in Son Tay to rescue American prisoners of war. Although no prisoners were found, the raid was considered a success in terms of its planning and execution.
- Đặng Tiến Đông: A Vietnamese revolutionary who played an important role in the country’s struggle for independence from France and later fought against the United States during the Vietnam War.
- Thích Quảng Đức: A Buddhist monk who famously set himself on fire in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1963 to protest against the South Vietnamese government’s persecution of Buddhists.
- Trịnh Công Sơn: A singer-songwriter who is considered one of Vietnam’s greatest musicians. His songs often dealt with themes such as love, peace, and social justice.
- Lê Lợi: A Vietnamese emperor who led a successful rebellion against Chinese rule in the 15th century and founded the Later Lê dynasty.
- Nguyễn Ái Quốc (Ho Chi Minh): The founder of modern Vietnam and leader of its communist revolution.
- Hồ Chí Minh Trail: A network of roads and trails used by North Vietnam to transport troops and supplies during the Vietnam War, which passed through Son Tay province.
- The Mường people: An ethnic group native to Son Tay province who have their own distinct language, culture, and traditions.
- The Trấn Vũ Temple Complex: A series of temples built between the 11th and 17th centuries that are dedicated to various deities from Vietnamese mythology.
- The Thành Thái Palace: An ornate palace built by Emperor Thành Thái in the early 20th century that served as a summer residence for the royal family.
- Đường Lâm Ancient Village: This is a well-preserved ancient village with traditional architecture and culture.
- Thầy Pagoda: A beautiful pagoda nestled in the mountains, featuring intricate carvings and stunning views.
- Hanoi Ceramic Museum: An interesting museum showcasing the history and art of Vietnamese ceramics.
- Son Tay Citadel: A historic fortress built in the 19th century to protect Hanoi from invading forces.
- Ba Vi National Park: This scenic park offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and hot springs for visitors to enjoy.
- Duong Lam Homestay: Experience rural life in Vietnam by staying with a local family in this charming village.
- Kim Quy Cave (Golden Turtle Cave): Explore this mystical cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites that is said to be home to a golden turtle bringing good luck.
- Tay Phuong Pagoda: One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, featuring beautiful wooden statues of Buddha and intricate carvings on its pillars.
- Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Visit this famous pottery village where artisans have been creating beautiful ceramics for centuries.
- Thanh Chuong Viet Palace: An impressive complex featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture, art collections, gardens, and cultural performances awaits visitors here!
- Đoan Ngọ Festival: This festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month to ward off evil spirits and pray for good health.
- Trùng Thủy Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, this festival honors a local deity believed to protect water sources.
- Hùng King Temple Festival: This festival is held annually from the 8th to the 11th day of the third lunar month to commemorate Vietnam’s legendary founders.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival features colorful lanterns, lion dances, and mooncakes.
- Tết Trung Thu (Children’s Day): Also known as Mooncake Festival, this event celebrates children with games, toys, and traditional sweets.
- Sơn Tây Firecracker Festival: Held annually in February or March during Lunar New Year celebrations, this event features fireworks displays and a parade showcasing local culture.
- Bánh cuốn Sơn Tây (Sơn Tây steamed rice rolls)
- Chả cá Lã Vọng (Lã Vọng grilled fish)
- Nem rán Sơn Tây (Sơn Tây fried spring rolls)
- Phở bò Hàng Đậu (Hàng Đậu beef noodle soup)
- Bún chả Hương Liên (Hương Liên grilled pork with vermicelli noodles)
- Quán Cơm Gà Thanh Hoa (Thanh Hoa chicken rice restaurant)
These dishes can be found at various street vendors and local restaurants in Sơn Tây, such as the famous Phở bò Hàng Đậu restaurant or the popular Bún chả Hương Liên eatery.
- Ba Vi National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
- Duong Lam Ancient Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese village life.
- Thung Nai is a scenic valley that is perfect for hiking and cycling.
- Hoa Binh Lake, the largest man-made lake in Vietnam, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Tay Phuong Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple that features intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
- Son Tay Citadel was built during the Nguyen Dynasty as a historic fortress which now serves as a museum showcasing the region’s history.
- Van Phuc Silk Village is known for its silk production where visitors can watch weavers at work and purchase handmade silk products.
- Ba Vi Eco-Tourism Area has various outdoor activities such as zip-lining, kayaking, wall-climbing and more!
- Ngo Quyen Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Ngo Quyen- one of Vietnam’s greatest heroes who fought against Chinese domination in the 10th century AD
