Ha Tay is an agricultural province of the northern Vietnam, located in the Red River Delta. It is adjacent to Hoa Binh to the West, Vinh Phuc province to the North, Hanoi to the East and Ha Nam province to the South.
Consisting of mountainous regions, midlands, plains and low-lying regions, Ha Tay's tropical monsoon climate is divided into three microclimates ranging from cold to tropical hot climate. Hot and humid climate affected by marine winds presents on the plain zones whereas continental climate affected by the western winds exposes in hilly zones and in the mountainous zones the weather is likely cold with an average temperature of 18 Celsius.
Ha Tay is considered the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhist religion with hundred of temples and pagodas. It is actually well-known for having the largest pagoda of the country, the Chua Huong, means 'perfume pagoda' which was built in the early 10th century on the Huong Son, 'perfume mountain'. It is only 60 km south of Hanoi and the most enjoyable way to reach it is to take a one-and-a-half-hour boat trip to sense breathtaking scenery. The beauty of mountains, rice paddy, lively streams and the peaceful and quiet atmosphere are ingredients of the unforgettable scene.
Chua Huong is not only a place for religious people but is also a historical remain and a place for mountain climbing lovers. Chua Huong Festival, the most famous pilgrimage to Huong pagoda, takes place during 1st-3rd month after Tet and lasts all spring. It is considered Vietnam's longest celebration and the most crowed festival with at least 30,000 pilgrims joining per year.
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