Topography

Vinh Phuc is located in the transition area between midland mound and hill area and the Red River Delta. Therefore, the topography is lower and lower from Northwest to Southeast and is divided into 3 ecological zones: lowland, midland and mountainous area. In this area, Tam Dao mountainous range is provincial and national valuable tourism resource. This area has complicated topography which makes it difficult to establish infrastructure, especially traffic system. Midland area is next to the mountainous area, running from northwest to southeast. In the hill land area, it is possible to establish industry and urban area develop fruit trees, industrial plants in combination with raise cattle. In the area, there are many big lakes like Dai Lai, Xa Huong, Van Truc, Lien Son, Dam Vac which are the water supply for production activity, transform environment and develop tourism. Lowland area includes new and old alluvium sub-region. This area has flat topography which is convenient to develop infrastructure, urban residential area, and suitable to farming production.

Climate

The province is located in tropical monsoon, hot, wet climate area. The average annual temperature is 23.2-25oC. Wind direction is mainly Southeast from April to September, Northeast from October to March, along with hoarfrost. Only the mountainous area of Tam Dao has cool climate all year round (the average temperature is 18oC), along with green mountainous and forest landscape which is suitable to develop tourist, relaxing, entertainment activities.

Tourism

The attraction of Vinh Phuc comes not only from more than 500 relics, cultural works and many special traditional festivals, but also from its diverse cultures built up for thousands of years, which are hidden in its place-names and residents, creating its own characteristics. Tam Dao Tourist Resort is an ideal summer resort in the North, located 900m above sea-level. It is a wonderful resort with fresh, pure and cooling air, beautiful scenery. Many modern accommodations are built here to serve tourists. Nearby, Tam Dao National Park is unforgettable address. The vegetation cover is representative of five types of tropical forest. The flora consists of 904 species and the rich fauna includes 307 species. Also, visitor cannot ignore the cool and clear atmosphere at Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) where you can enjoy all the blessings endowed by nature and relax for a while before climbing more than 1,000 steps to reach the Temple of the Mountain Lady to burn an incense stick for her. Tourists also cannot miss the chance to visit Truc Lam Tay Thien Zen Monastery which is considered to be one of the most impressive and peaceful monasteries in Vietnam. Located at the western area of Nam Viet Capital in the past, Tay Thien worships the Mother of the Country, Nang Thi Tieu, a female general in the Hung King's dynasty.

Transportation

Road, waterway, railway are very convenient. Vinh Phuc is on railway route: Hanoi - Vinh Phuc - Phu Tho - Yen Bai - Lao Cai. There is National Highway No.2 linking to Phu Tho.