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Exploring the Century-Old Tea Village of Cau Dat is a vastly different and memorable experience in the floral city of Dalat.
Embark on a Cloud-Chasing Journey in the Hundred-Year-Old Tea Village of Dalat
Waking up early in the morning, after enjoying a warm cup of coffee to warm oneself, a group of young photography enthusiasts heads towards Trai Mat. The early morning in Dalat is chilly with every breath, uphill climbs, winding roads, and fog enveloping the hands of the driver. Patches of wild sunflowers, orchards of ripe persimmons, make the highland morning feel less cold and desolate.
After nearly 30 km, the tea region of Cau Dat (Xuan Truong commune) gradually reveals itself with a lush green color spread across consecutive hills. This area is at an altitude of over 1,600 meters above sea level, hence the cold climate and year-round fog cover.
This place is closely associated with families following the age-old tradition of tea cultivation, creating the prestigious brand of Cau Dat tea. With its pristine natural environment, cool temperatures, and year-round fog, Cau Dat tea plants absorb the essence of heaven and earth, giving the leaves superior qualities compared to tea grown in other regions. Cau Dat tea was processed by the French and exported to European countries nearly 90 years ago.
Before the sunrise, the dense fog gradually gives way to wispy white clouds hovering over the hills. A group of people stops their vehicles at an empty patch of land, then eagerly unpack their gear, each seeking a spot to hunt for clouds. Just as one spots a beautiful cloud formation in one corner and rushes up to a higher vantage point to capture it, the wind carries the clouds away, truly a cloud chase! Following the direction of the wind to find clouds, capturing the exquisite moments of nature, weaving through the dew-drenched tea rows, one feels tiny amidst the vast scenery here.
As the sun rises, the fresh green tea buds stretch out to welcome the sunlight. The tea hills become more visible to the eye. Here and there, a few 'lonely' tea bushes stand tall amidst neatly lined tea rows. A vast expanse of green extends to the horizon. As the workers immerse themselves in the tea rows, life in the hundred-year-old tea village returns to its normal rhythm.
Photography enthusiasts bid farewell to the tea hills, the sun no longer making their hands tremble with cold, their minds filled with a mesmerizing green hue.
Cau Dat is located 22 km southeast of the city center of Dalat. Take Tran Hung Dao - Hung Vuong Street, reach National Highway 20, follow the signs to Trai Mat, drive straight to Xuan Truong village, and inquire about the way to the tea hills belonging to Cau Dat Tea Joint Stock Company.
If you need to rent a motorbike to travel from Dalat, inquire at locations near Dalat Market, Bui Thi Xuan Street, Phan Boi Chau Street... with prices ranging from 80,000 VND per day for manual bikes or 100,000 VND for automatic scooters.
The early morning weather in Cau Dat is quite chilly, so make sure to bring warm clothes and be cautious with electronic devices to avoid moisture from the fog. After sightseeing, return to the main road, where local eateries in Xuan Truong village offer dishes such as Quang noodles, beef noodles, priced at around 20,000 VND per bowl.
As per Vnexpress.net
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Referenced from: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMarch 2, 2016
