Solo Adventure in the Misty Mountains of Tam Dao

A Day Among the Clouds

Today was all about immersing myself in the natural beauty and serene atmosphere of Tam Dao National Park. Leaving the tech world behind, I embraced the cool mountain air and lush landscapes, a welcome change from my usual Bristol routine. It's amazing how a change of scenery can truly invigorate the spirit.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Rock cafe and restaurant. It was a charming spot, and the coffee was robust enough to kickstart a day of exploration. After fuelling up, I set off to Tam Dao National Park. The park itself is an expansive area of biodiversity, and I was eager to explore as much of it as I could. The trails were well-maintained, and the foliage was dense and vibrant, a testament to the region's rich ecosystem. I even managed to capture some decent shots with my camera, though no photograph can truly capture the feeling of being surrounded by such natural grandeur.


Explore the lush beauty and diverse wildlife of Tam Dao National Park, a serene retreat in Vietnam's northern highlands.

As I hiked, I couldn't help but reflect on my life back in Bristol with Eleanor and Kenji. I missed them, of course, but I also knew that this solo journey was important for me. It was a chance to reconnect with myself, to find inspiration in new surroundings, and to bring back fresh perspectives to my work and family life. I thought about how much Kenji would love running around these trails, his boundless energy perfectly suited to the great outdoors. I made a mental note to plan a family trip here in the future, perhaps when he's a little older and can appreciate the beauty of it all.

The weather in Tam Dao in November is pleasantly warm, with average highs of 78°F (25°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C). There was a slight chance of rain, but thankfully, the skies remained clear for most of the day, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding valleys. I did forget my umbrella, though, a small oversight that I'll be sure to rectify tomorrow. The humidity was noticeable, but the cool mountain breeze kept things comfortable.

Sometimes, the greatest discoveries are not new lands, but new eyes.

After spending a good few hours exploring the national park, I decided to head over to Cầu Mây Tam Đảo, the famous cloud bridge. It's located in the town of Tam Dao, Vĩnh Phúc province. The bridge is about 2km from the center of town. As I approached, I could see why it was such a popular spot. Perched high above the valley, the bridge offered panoramic views of the misty landscape. It felt like walking on air, surrounded by nothing but clouds and mountains.


Discover the breathtaking views and tranquil atmosphere at Cầu Mây Tam Đảo, a must-visit tourist attraction in Vietnam's beautiful mountains.

The bridge itself is a marvel of engineering, a sturdy structure that inspires confidence even as it sways gently in the breeze. I took my time crossing it, pausing to soak in the views and snap some photos. There were other tourists around, but the atmosphere was peaceful and serene, a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. I imagined Eleanor would love this place, her passion for photography finding endless inspiration in the stunning vistas. Maybe I should bring her here someday.

I took some photos while on the bridge. It was built about 20m above the ground, and is 50m long, connecting two small mountains. It gives a great view of the green valley and the clouds floating by. It's not just a great place to take pictures, but also a symbol of how people and nature can come together. The entrance fee to Cầu Mây Tam Đảo is 15,000 VND per person.

For lunch, I ventured to Nhà Hàng Phương Đông (Dê núi), a local restaurant known for its mountain goat dishes. I decided to be adventurous and try a few local delicacies. The goat meat was tender and flavorful, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices. It was a far cry from the familiar flavors of home, but I enjoyed the experience of trying something new and authentic. It reminded me of my travels through Japan, where I always made it a point to sample the local cuisine, no matter how unusual it seemed.


Discover Nhà Hàng Phương Đông in Tam Đảo for exquisite mountain goat dishes and stunning scenic views—a true taste of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, I took a leisurely stroll through the town of Tam Dao, soaking in the local culture and atmosphere. I visited Hương Giang Shop, a small store selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. I picked up a few small trinkets for Eleanor and Kenji, tokens of my journey that I hoped they would appreciate. I also spent some time simply observing the locals, watching them go about their daily lives, and trying to glean insights into their culture and way of life.


Discover unique clothing and local craftsmanship at Hương Giang Shop, a must-visit clothing store in the scenic Tam Đảo region of Vietnam.

As the day drew to a close, I found myself at Nhà Hàng Thảo Nguyên-Tam Đảo for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, and the food was delicious. I savored each bite, reflecting on the day's adventures and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such a beautiful and unique place. The staff were very friendly. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst breathtaking views at Nhà Hàng Thảo Nguyên-Tam Đảo.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit Thiền viện Trúc Lâm An Tâm, a Zen monastery, and Tay Thien Tam Quan Gate [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”]. I'm looking forward to experiencing the spiritual side of Tam Dao, and perhaps gaining some insights into the local Buddhist culture. I'm also planning to grab breakfast at Tam Dao Sky Garden, lunch at Sake Restaurant, and dinner at Nhà Hàng Tuấn Nam [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”]. And in the evening, I might check out Kyama Tam Đảo - Cocktail & Beer, a local bar, for a relaxing drink before heading back to my guesthouse [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”].

As I sit here now, writing in my travel journal, I feel a sense of peace and contentment. Tam Dao has a way of slowing things down, of allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. It's a place where you can reconnect with nature, with yourself, and with the world around you. And as I drift off to sleep tonight, I know that I'll be dreaming of misty mountains, cloud bridges, and the warm, welcoming spirit of Vietnam.