Moc Chau - Immerse yourself in a dream of flowers
In the section below, you will find a two-day itinerary for Moc Chau, one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Vietnam.
Day 1: Moc Chau farm town - Pa Phach village grass fields
If you reach Moc Chau Farm Town around noon, check in, refuel with a hearty homestay lunch and begin your journey.
A must-see is the ethnic village of Pa Phach, located on a plateau on Highway 6, about five kilometers from the village intersection.
Here, enjoy the endless rows of flowers stretching to the horizon and the fresh air. As the saying goes, the harder the climb, the more beautiful the view, the path leading up to Pa Phach is quite exciting with sharp turns and steep slopes.
At this time of year, the cauliflower and plum blossoms begin to fill the fields in Pa Phach. Walk along the small off-road paths and admire the peaceful sea of white blossoms.
In Pa Phach there is a mountain called "the secret mountain top of Moc Chau", an ideal place to watch the sunset. Ask locals for directions to its top, as it is not on Google Maps.
On the way from Pa Phach to the city, you will pass many wide and green pastures, which are perfect for a photo backdrop or a picturesque stopover.
Day 2: Tea Plantation - Heart Tea Hill - Na Ka Plum Valley
Start your morning with a trip to one of the green tea farms scattered across the Moc Chau Plateau.
This is a lesser known destination that most travelers miss. Instead, most vacationers visit the famous heart-shaped tea hill.
Unlike tourist sites such as Ban Ang Pine Forest, Dai Yem Waterfall, and the "Glass Bridge of Love" that charge admission, a plantation tour is completely free.
At the end of your exploration, stop by the café at the entrance to enjoy a high-quality tea and buy local souvenirs such as dried plums, teas like O Long, and Indian prickly pear seeds.
Na Ka Valley is located on the way to Tan Lap commune, about seven kilometers from Heart Tea Hill. Na Ka is one of the most breathtaking plum valleys of Moc Chau. The road leading here is particularly convenient and can be used by car and motorcycle.
Mu Mau Plum Valley is another attraction of Moc Chau. Currently, this valley is also teeming with plum blossoms. It is located deep in the forest and is not accessible by car.
To get here, you need to hire a local motorcycle cab to drive you around. The total cost is VND 140,000 ($6), including VND 120,000 for the motorcycle cab and VND 20,000 for the entrance fee.
If you are pressed for time, Na Ka Valley is preferable to Mu Mau for plum blossom. The entrance fee to the garden is also 20,000 VND.
Normally, plum blossoms begin to bloom around late January to early February to welcome spring, but this year they began blooming in mid-December.
Neben der Besichtigung und dem Fotografieren der Pflaumengärten wird den Besuchern der Genuss von frisch gepflückten Früchten wie Orangen und Mandarinen zusammen mit schwarzem Klebreisjoghurt empfohlen.
The valley is like a garden of paradise when in bloom. Photo: stellamocchau
Just one kilometer from Plum Valley are extensive orange and tangerine gardens. Admission to the gardens costs 20,000 VND about 80 cents.
Directions
The route from Hanoi to Moc Chau is not too challenging for beginner backpackers, although some parts are shrouded in fog at this time of year. National Highway 6, which connects Hoa Binh province with Moc Chau district, is particularly gray and foggy.
Be careful when driving over Thung Khe Pass into Van Ho District. It is better to avoid driving in the early morning or late evening when the mists of smog are the strongest.
Depending on the route and vehicle, the travel time from Hanoi to Moc Chau is between four and five hours.
By motorcycle it is a 200 kilometer trip. It is recommended to take a bus if you have no experience in driving through mountainous terrain. A bus ticket costs VND160,000-200,000 ($6.9 - 8.7) per person. Once you reach Moc Chau, you can rent a motorcycle to see the sights.
Accommodation
There are many nice rustic guesthouses such as Bo House, Nha Ta, The November, Hillside House and Mama's House. A shared room costs VND100,000 ($4.3) per night, while a private room ranges from VND450,000 to VND900,000.
Food and beverages
Enjoy local specialties such as pan-fried veal, fresh fish from the rivers, local kale and rice cooked in bamboo tubes.
For dinner, you should order a barbecue or hotpot pot in advance from your host family. These usually cost 150,000 VND per person. In addition, there is a wide selection of restaurants and eateries in the city center.
