In December, the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam embrace winter's beauty. Visitors to Moc Chau District in the northern mountainous province of Son La should explore these five destinations including the tea plantations, mustard flower fields, and Hang Tau Valley to immerse themselves in nature, as recommended by travel blogger Quang Kien.
1. Moc Chau tea hills
Located 2 kilometers from Moc Chau Farm Town, the tea hills span over 4,000 hectares and feature 60-year-old Shan Tuyet tea plants.
From December to February, tea branches are pruned, giving the hills a green appearance that looks like a vast carpet.
The tea hills, often covered in morning mist, offer free entry, allowing visitors to explore by motorbike and take photos. Visitors can purchase tea as souvenirs, such as Snow Shan Tea and Oolong Tea, priced from a few hundred thousand to several million dong per kilogram. (VND1 million = US$39)
Moc Chau is about 200 km from Hanoi, with a travel time of 4–5 hours. For motorbike travelers, the old National Highway 6 route is recommended for its scenic views. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus to Son La from My Dinh or Yen Nghia bus stations, get off at Moc Chau, and rent a motorbike to explore the tourist spots.
In December, Moc Chau's average temperature ranges from 15–17 degrees Celsius.
2. Na Ka and Mu Nau plum gardens
Moc Chau is home to 1,300 hectares of plum orchards. The plum blossom season lasts about a month, with blooming times varying based on weather and humidity. By December, many orchards begin to bloom, and visitors are advised to contact orchard owners beforehand for updates on the blossoms.
Na Ka and Mu Nau are the two largest plum-growing valleys in Moc Chau and popular destinations for visitors. Na Ka is easily accessible, with plum trees lining both sides of the road, offering views ideal for sightseeing.
The photo shows a plum orchard in Na Ka Valley, taken on Dec. 10.
Mu Nau, surrounded by rugged mountain paths, offers a sense of adventure. However, the road to Mu Nau is steep, unsuitable for inexperienced drivers.
For safe exploration, local motorbike taxis are available. The best time for photos is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, as visiting early means the mist has not cleared, and going too late risks losing sunlight.
3. White mustard flower fields
Chieng Xuan Commune features fields of white mustard flowers that bloom in early December. The area, about 30 kilometers from Moc Chau center, is accessible via rugged roads, making motorbikes or off-road vehicles ideal for the journey.
From National Highway 6, visitors can take the route through the pine forest, Coc Town, and Chieng Xuan Commune, covering about 15 kilometers, though the path is challenging.
Alternatively, they can follow the route through Dai Yem Waterfall, Chieng Ve Farm, Chieng Son Border Post, and Chieng Xuan Commune, which spans 30 kilometers. While longer, this route is easier to travel.
Other places to see mustard flowers include Pa Phach Village, Na Ka Valley, Bo Bun Village, and the Moc Chau tea hill area. However, these fields are smaller in size.
Visitors are advised to avoid stepping on the plants and can also enjoy other blooms like daisies and poinsettias nearby.
Visitors can also find other flowers, such as five-colored blossoms, spider flowers or wild sunflowers in grasslands or along the paths leading to the mustard fields.
4. Hang Tau Village
Known for its untouched beauty, Hang Tau Village is located in Ta So 1 Village, Chieng Hac Commune, about 18 kilometers from Moc Chau Town.
In the past two years, the H’Mong people in Hang Tau have shifted their livelihood from agriculture to tourism. Visitors can explore the area with an entry fee of VND30,000 ($1.20) per person. The 7-km road from Ta So 1 Village to Hang Tau Valley is rocky, making it challenging for inexperienced drivers. For convenience, motorbike taxi services are available for round trips at a cost of VND150,000 ($5.90).
Hang Tau Village offers a winter landscape with green meadows and plum blossoms blooming alongside cornfields. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local lifestyle by learning embroidery techniques for dresses, harvesting bamboo shoots, catching chickens, cooking, and enjoying corn wine.
5. Pha Luong Peak
Nicknamed "The Roof of Moc Chau", Pha Luong Peak sits on the Vietnam-Laos border at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Visitors can embark on a trekking journey to the summit, taking about 3 to 4 hours from the Pha Luong Border Post. December's dry weather makes it a popular time to trek, offering the chance to see peach and plum blossoms blooming in the forest.
The trail features stunning views but is challenging, with rocky slopes and narrow paths winding through mountain crevices. Trekkers are advised to prepare and research the route beforehand.
