Tam Dao Hill Station

Up in the clouds, the damp hill station of Tam Dao feels like the mountain town that time forgot—almost. In 1907 French developers scaled the rugged 4,590-foot peaks (there are three of them) north of Hanoi and decided the cool weather of a nearby mountain retreat could serve the French well. The result was a graceful town of elegant villas surrounded by lush vegetation and sweeping views of the valley below. Since the French left in 1954, however, little grace has been bestowed on Tam Dao, whose chalet charm took a decided turn for the worse when Soviet-era architecture announced itself in the form of a monstrously square 40-room hotel. Although still not what it once was, the town square and most villas around have been renovated and many Vietnamese tourists enjoy the views and food from the restaurants around town. More and more development is underway and Tam Dao is rising again as another weekend destination easy reachable from Hanoi. The Animals Asia Bear Rescue Center is located at the foot of the mountainous road leading to Tam Dao Hill Station.