First-Time Detailed and Comprehensive Moc Chau Travel Experience in 2022

Traveling to Moc Chau is no longer unfamiliar to the youth and professional backpackers in Vietnam. However, for many travelers, especially those visiting Moc Chau for the first time, exploring this beautiful and poetic plateau remains a daunting challenge. Here are some self-guided, budget-friendly Moc Chau travel experiences that will be a necessary 'lifesaver' for first-time visitors to Moc Chau, Son La.

2022 Moc Chau Travel Experiences

Content Categories

Moc Chau Plateau spans 80km in length and 25km in width, sitting at an altitude of 1050m above sea level. The climate in Moc Chau is exceptionally cool, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and immersing oneself in nature after days of study and work.

Here are some self-guided Moc Chau travel experiences: Timing, transportation, accommodations, tourist attractions, dining... to equip yourself with the most useful Moc Chau travel handbook.

Traveling to Moc Chau. Photo: Facebook

Where is Moc Chau? How far is Moc Chau from Hanoi?

Moc Chau is a mountainous district located in the southeast of Son La province, adjacent to the border. It is approximately 180 km northwest of Hanoi. To reach Moc Chau, you'll have to traverse various routes. The estimated travel time by bus is around 3 hours, while it takes 4 - 5 hours by motorbike.

Moc Chau is situated in the southeast of Son La province.

According to reviews from many backpackers, they all acknowledge that Moc Chau is beautiful in any season. Therefore, depending on your purpose, whether it's to experience a change of scenery or to 'hunt' for blooming flowers, choose the appropriate departure time for your trip.

Best time to visit Moc Chau/ When is the most beautiful time to visit Moc Chau

When you search for information online or look at the photos your friends share from their trips to Moc Chau, doesn't Moc Chau look beautiful? However, Moc Chau's beauty varies with each season. Sometimes she wears a vibrant yellow dress of wild sunflowers, while other times she stands bare, surrounded only by plum and peach orchards getting ready for harvest.

So, which month is the best to visit Moc Chau, and what is the most beautiful season for Moc Chau travel? Based on the experiences of professional backpackers, consider visiting Moc Chau during the following periods:

1. Travel to Moc Chau in January, February: The time before and after the lunar New Year is when Moc Chau attracts the most visitors. It's the season of white plum and peach blossoms covering the entire Moc Chau sky. Not only tourists but also many couples often come to Moc Chau during this time for wedding photoshoots.
2. Travel to Moc Chau in March: The white ban flowers bloom throughout the Moc Chau forest. The pristine beauty of the white ban forest is sure to captivate your gaze, leaving you unable to look at any other scene. Additionally, visiting Moc Chau during this time gives you the opportunity to participate in the Het Cha festival of the Thai ethnic people here.
3. Travel to Moc Chau from April to August: The climate in Moc Chau has entered summer, making it cool. It's the time when tea plantations and ripe plum orchards stretch out lush green. Although there are not many flowers blooming during this time, there are plenty of Moc Chau's specialty flowers and fruits ready for harvest in the fall.
4. Travel to Moc Chau from October to December: Besides the cool and pleasant weather, tourists also get to witness the legendary beauty of the hillsides, roads covered with wild sunflowers, and white mustard flowers, all without having to go to Da Lat.

If you already know the best time to travel to Moc Chau, then plan your trip to Moc Chau now. I believe you will have incredible experiences in Moc Chau.

Traveling to Moc Chau is always beautiful. Photo: Facebook

Guide on getting from Hanoi to Moc Chau

Moc Chau travel experiences by motorbike & car

If you travel by motorbike without stops, it will take about 3 – 4 hours. However, if you take it slow, capturing photos and enjoying the scenery, it may take around 5 – 6 hours. In the case of traveling by bus, the time will be a bit more efficient, only around 3 hours.

Starting from the capital Hanoi, there are 2 main routes from Hanoi to Moc Chau for you to choose from:

1. Route 1: Hanoi – Thang Long Avenue – Xuan Mai Town – National Highway 6 – National Highway 43 – Moc Chau (Son La).
2. Route 2: Hanoi – Thang Long Avenue – DTCT08 – Yen Bai Bridge – DT317 – National Highway 32 – National Highway 38B – National Highway 37 – National Highway 43 – Moc Chau (Son La). (This route is only for cars).

Note that on the way to Moc Chau, there are some quite dangerous sections. According to our self-guided Moc Chau travel experience, pay attention to these points:

Photo: Facebook

If you choose to travel to Moc Chau by motorbike, simply follow the route of National Highway 6 (note that it's the new National Highway 6, not the old route) leading to Hoa Binh province. From Hanoi, to get to National Highway 6, you can go through Nguyen Trai – Thanh Xuan or take the Lang Hoa Lac route. The route is relatively straightforward, but you will encounter some intersections, so pay attention to road signs, ask locals, or use Google Maps to make sure you turn in the right direction.

The Lang Hoa Lac – National Highway 6 route is the main road, quite important, so there is a large volume of traffic passing through here. The road from Hanoi to Moc Chau is not too difficult for those who have experience in long-distance motorbike trips. When traveling by motorbike, you can combine the Moc Chau trip with attractive tourist destinations in Hoa Binh such as Mai Chau, Kim Boi, Thung Nai, and more.

The beauty of the Moc Chau motorbike adventure route

In the Moc Chau travel experience by motorbike, on National Highway 6, there are plenty of gas stations for refueling. Especially when reaching the Thung Khe pass, ensure a full tank as there are very few gas stations afterward, and they are scarce along the way. In the Moc Chau farming area, there is only one gas station near the Moc Chau farming market.

For those traveling to Moc Chau in large groups or with family, you can either drive your own car or rent a private car for your group. The experience of driving to Moc Chau by car is quite convenient as the roads in the Moc Chau area are spacious. Cars, including sedans and buses with 30 seats or fewer, can reach tourist attractions such as tea hills, dairy farms, and the Pine Forest at Ang Village. Only the area of Pa Phach village is inaccessible by car, so if you want to visit Pa Phach, you can rent a motorbike for transportation.

Travel experience to Moc Chau by bus

There are many bus trips from Hanoi to Moc Chau, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person. It is recommended to choose high-quality buses for a comfortable journey and avoid overcrowded conditions. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Hanoi to Dien Bien and get off at the corresponding stop.

Below is information on some bus companies you can consider if you plan to travel to Moc Chau by bus:

In the travel experience to Moc Chau, you can also take a regular bus at a slightly lower price, around 150,000 VND per person. There are plenty of buses from Hanoi to Moc Chau, approximately 30 trips per day. For a direct journey to Moc Chau, it's advisable to catch the morning buses. If you catch a bus around noon, it may only take you to Son La, incurring additional travel costs to Moc Chau.

Traveling to Moc Chau by what means?

In the adventure of Moc Chau, for convenient sightseeing, you can rent a motorbike. You can rent bikes directly from hotels or choose from the motorcycle rental addresses in Moc Chau mentioned in the article: Tips for renting a motorbike in Moc Chau.

Photo: FB

What to wear and prepare for Moc Chau travel?

In the experience of solo travel to Moc Chau, you will need about 2 days to explore the beauty of the Moc Chau plateau, so you need to prepare some essential items to bring:

1. Clothing: The weather in Moc Chau is quite cold. If you go at the end or beginning of the year, warm clothes should always be a priority. If you travel to Moc Chau from April to August, during the summer, the weather is sunny during the day, but it gets chilly in the evening, so bring thin clothes and a jacket to adapt.
2. Footwear: Sports shoes are always the top choice for every adventure, especially in high mountainous areas like Moc Chau. You can also prepare flat-soled shoes for easy movement without foot pain.
3. Personal items: Bring essential personal items: face towel, toothbrush... If your group plans to camp outdoors, you can also bring a tent.
4. Cash: Depending on the itinerary and the duration of your Moc Chau adventure, estimate how much money to bring. Bring enough cash for gas and food along the way, as there are many ATMs in Moc Chau town serving tourists for cash withdrawals.
5. Camera: Moc Chau is famous for its poetic landscapes, so having a good camera or a quality camera phone to capture every moment is essential. Oh, don't forget to bring a power bank.

Tea hills in Moc Chau. Photo: FB

Best hotels and homestays in Moc Chau right now

Where to stay in Moc Chau? If you have a generous budget, you can choose modern hotels with full facilities in the central area of the town, with room prices ranging from 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per night. Or you can opt for some budget guesthouses in Moc Chau, more affordable, only 50,000 VND per person for dormitory rooms, or 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per night for double rooms.

In the experience of solo travel to Moc Chau, we often book hotels through Agoda to enjoy many room rate discounts. There are up to hundreds of hotels and homestays in Moc Chau available on Agoda, you can check details HERE.

We will compile a list of some beautiful, affordable hotels and homestays in Moc Chau that are popular among tourists for your reference:

Mường Thanh Hotel

Our Home Homestay

Mama’s House Hostel

Enchanted Cottage Moc Chau

Moc Chau Eco Garden Resort

Top Tourist Attractions in Moc Chau

What to do in Moc Chau? Explore local villages, famous landmarks, dairy farms, and more. Here are the most popular tourist destinations in Moc Chau for your reference:

Moc Chau during the buckwheat flower season. Photo: FB

A must-visit hotspot in Moc Chau, the entrance fee to the Moc Chau Glass Bridge is 100,000 VND per person. This 100m-long glass bridge hangs gracefully at a height of 20m, located in the Dải Yếm Waterfall tourist area (in Muong Sang commune, Moc Chau)

Moc Chau Glass Bridge. Photo: FB

This is the paradise of plum and peach blossoms. You can visit it on the way to Moc Chau. However, an essential Moc Chau travel tip when visiting the Mông ethnic village is to ask for permission from the village chief. Once granted, you can freely admire the beauty of the peach and plum orchards here.

Capturing moments with peach blossoms. Photo: FB

The Pine Forest of Ban Ang stands out as one of the most beloved tourist spots in Moc Chau. From the town center, travel approximately 2km along National Highway 43, and you'll reach this pine forest, often likened to a miniature Da Lat in the Northwest region (entrance fee: 30,000 VND).

Photo: FB

Within the pine forest area, you'll find the Chimi Strawberry Garden. As Chimi Farm is situated within the pine forest, there's no need for an additional entrance fee, but if you wish to purchase strawberries, prices range from 240,000 to 350,000 VND per kilogram.

Chimi Strawberry Garden

Dai Yem Waterfall is situated in the Vat region, Mường Sang commune, approximately 5km from the center of Moc Chau, along National Highway 43 towards the Long Sap border gate. With a height of about 100m, it cascades day and night, creating a wonderfully enchanting and roaring scene. The name 'Dai Yem' (Veil) comes from the way the waterfall appears from a distance, resembling a 'veil' stretched across the hills, bathed in the golden hues of sunlight.

Dai Yem Waterfall Moc Chau. Photo: FB

When mentioning Moc Chau, the dairy farms are a must-visit. This vast green grassland is home to some of the largest dairy farms in the North. Exploring these farms provides a chance to engage in activities caring for adorable dairy cows, from milking to feeding. Don't forget to buy some fresh, pure milk or dairy products—a specialty of the Moc Chau plateau—as gifts for your loved ones.

Moc Chau boasts three heart-shaped tea hills that attract many tourists: the heart-shaped tea hill in the Taiwan area, the tea hill in Moc Suong farm in Tan Lap 1 and 2 areas, and the heart-shaped tea hill in Tan Lap 3 area. To reach these tea hills, start from the old Moc Chau town, follow National Highway 43 (old road 6), pass the market area 70 for about 1km, then turn at the intersection to head to Tan Lap commune. After traveling 10km, you'll find signs. Go straight to Tan Lap, turn left to Ngu Dong – Ban On. Turn right for a little over 1km to reach the Taiwan tea hill, or go straight to the Tan Lap tea hill.

Explore the lush green tea hills together

This is the most enticing tourist spot in Moc Chau at night, with an entrance fee of only 50k/person. You can indulge in photography and Instagram-worthy moments with the illuminated models such as the moon, lighted pathways, stars, Eiffel Tower, mushroom, and light spheres.

Happy Land is a newly beloved tourist area in Moc Chau where young people flock for endless and diverse photo opportunities. In terms of travel experience, the road to Happy Land Moc Chau may not be the most scenic, with a fairly steep slope. So, when you come here, remember to drive slowly, hold the steering wheel firmly, and, when going around corners, use the horn to signal oncoming vehicles. (Entrance ticket: 30,000 VND)

Photo: FB

In addition to the prominent tourist spots in Moc Chau mentioned above, there are many other captivating destinations such as Ban Pa Phach, Long Sap border gate, Pha Luong pass, Laos market, and the Ngu Dong On village.

=> If you're not confident enough to travel independently in Moc Chau, you can try booking a 2-day 1-night Moc Chau tour, which is currently a popular choice among tourists. The itinerary includes visiting Thung Khe pass, Dai Yem waterfall, Happy Land flower garden, Na Ka plum valley, and more, starting from only 900k/person. Details HERE

Specialties of Moc Chau not to be missed/ What to eat when in Moc Chau?

What to eat when traveling to Moc Chau? The dishes in Moc Chau carry the Northwest's distinctive flavors. You can enjoy dishes like soil sweet potatoes, cat mustard greens, products from young cow's milk, buffalo skin salad, thang co (traditional dish), salmon, suot fish, peach, plum, and beef jerky... you'd regret missing out on these.

Moc Chau's specialty - salmon. Photo: FB

Photo: FB

1. Xuan Bac 181 Restaurant. Location: Chieng Di small area, Moc Chau Farm Town. Hotline: 0212.3.669.466 – 0366.083.486
2. Goat meat at Tran The Hotpot Goat Restaurant (near Muong Thanh hotel), address: Chieng Di Small Area 32, Farm Town Moc Chau. Phone: 0212 3769 361
3. Restaurant 75 Moc Chau - Northwest Buffalo. Location: Km 73, small area 3, Moc Chau Town. Hotline: 0915 869 227 – 0979 740 338
4. Salmon Restaurant 64. Location: Km179, National Highway 6 (bordering Van Ho and Moc Chau districts). Hotline: 0966051999 – 0988251999
5. Quan 70 Nam Hung. Location: Chieng Di small area, Moc Chau Farm Town. Hotline: 0914.368.004 – 091 206 5051

Hill chicken in Moc Chau. Photo: FB

Indulge in Moc Chau grilled dishes. Photo: FB

What to buy as gifts in Moc Chau/ Shopping addresses in Moc Chau

When traveling to Moc Chau, don't forget to buy gifts! When returning, don't forget to buy: Smoked buffalo meat, veal, various cakes and candies made from Moc Chau cow's milk, roasted cakes, dồi candies, peanut candies, cat apples, wine,... to bring as gifts.

Shopping addresses are arranged in order from Son La to Hanoi:

1. Shopping cluster #1 – Location: Intersection 73 (near Moc Chau town). Stores: Nam Thao: tea, milk, cat apples, corn, roasted cakes, dồi candies, buffalo meat, smoked beef. Or Moc Y Quan: goat dishes; tea, milk, cat apples, corn, roasted cakes, dồi candies, honey, pollen.
2. Shopping cluster #2 – Location: Tiểu Khu 32 + Bó Bun. Stores: Anh Dong, Cuong Huyen, Hung Mung, Hoa Khiem: Tea, milk, cat apples, corn, roasted cakes, dồi candies, corn wine,
3. Shopping cluster #3 – Location: Intersection 70. Stores: Than Gai, Van Thanh, Lien Thao, Tan Thuy: Tea, milk, cat apples, corn, roasted cakes, dồi candies, chẳm chéo, various wines. Stop to pick up passengers to Hanoi or Son La.
4. Shopping cluster #4 – Location: Cherry Garden Intersection (intersection to Thong Cuong, or tea hill in the town). Stores: Sen Tuan, Nga Loc, Thanh Truong, Hien Sang.
5. Shopping cluster #5 – Location: Tiểu Khu Chieng Di. Stores: Quan 70, Quan 181, Quan 64, Quan Quang Bac: Tea, milk, cat apples, corn, roasted cakes, dồi candies, chẳm chéo, various wines.

Photo: FB

Some notes when traveling to Moc Chau

Surely, by reading this far, you have envisioned how your upcoming trip to Moc Chau will be. However, take note of the following self-guided Moc Chau travel experiences to make your journey more complete than ever:

Moc Chau has long been a must-visit destination in Northwest Vietnam for adventurous souls. With the insightful Moc Chau travel experiences shared above, may your journey to explore the captivating beauty of Moc Chau be filled with excitement. Wishing you a joyful trip, and don't forget to explore more travel tips for other destinations on dulich9.com.

Posted by: Tran Tien

Keywords: Detailed and specific first-time Moc Chau travel experiences in 2022