Vietnam is synonymous with two colours: the red of the flag, and the green of its lands. From the emerald waters of Halong to the verdant rice paddies of SaPa, visitors are struck by scenes so green, they look almost too beautiful to be true. This is indeed the case in one area that’s less on the tourist map than others – Moc Chau, the mountainous area 200 km from Hanoi, dubbed “the green pearl” of the Northwest. 

Eco-travellers in the know visit to admire the beauty of the many tea plantations, fruit orchards, flower fields, mountains and forests; and to savour the year-round cool climate. Now, with Moc Chau named 'World's Leading Regional Nature Destination 2022' at the World Travel Awards, more people have the region on their travel radar.

Thinking of visiting Moc Chau for a nature escape? Here are some things to see and do…

---

Swim beneath waterfalls

As both ‘green and blue spaces’ – places in nature and near water, respectively – being near waterfalls is beneficial to our mental health. Boost your mood with a trip to one of Moc Chau’s many waterfalls. 

Nang Tien Waterfall (“fairy waterfall”), 26km from Moc Chau, has two floors. The water at the bottom pool is hip level, and there are many streams for little ones to splash in. Take the mossy steps to the top level, and you’ll be rewarded with a pool deep enough for practising your SUP skills. 

Closer to town, another waterfall with outstanding natural beauty is Dai Yem (also called Ban Vat). This is undoubtedly the most popular waterfall in the region, and is one of the most admired in Vietnam. It has two parts, one of which has nine waterfalls. Go during the rainy season to admire the many cascades of varying sizes and widths rushing into the pools below. Surrounding the falls, there are landscaped gardens and facilities to make your day out comfortable.

Visit forest attractions

In recent years, ‘forest bathing’ has emerged as a science-backed wellness trend. Breathe in the scent of fresh pine at Moc Chau’s Ban Ang Pine Forest. Walk around the lake, or rent a bike. If you go at the right time of year, you’ll get to see the beautiful yellow of the surrounding canola fields. There’s also a strawberry farm here, where you can pick your own delicious fruit for a picnic.

For a sense of culture and history, head to the Tay Tien Forest Park. Here you’ll find the Lam Vien Tay Tien Monument. It was inspired by the poem “Tay Tien”, by poet Quang Dung, who was a soldier in the Tay Tien Military Regiment, set up during the French resistance war. 

Go fruit picking  

Thanks to its temperate climate, Moc Chau is ideal for growing fruit, which is why agricultural tourism is flourishing. In particular, visitors go to pick and sample navel oranges, persimmons, apricots, strawberries, peaches and plums. 

Are you a budding photographer keen on getting your own shots of white plum blossoms in bloom? Head to the Na Ka valley from the middle of January to the end of February. To taste the fruit, go plum picking from March to May.

Explore peaks and plateaus

The altitude (1,054 metres above sea level) makes this region ideal for growing tea, one of Vietnam’s favourite beverages. In fact, Moc Chau is home to the largest tea plantations in the land. These stunning tea hills, about 25 minutes from the town, are a must-visit. Rolling hills seemingly painted with row upon row of tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see. What’s more, they’re tended to by people from ethnic minorities who’re typically dressed in hyper-colourful traditional attire, which makes for vivid colour contrasts. Take a tea tour from April to December to learn how to pick and process the tea. Before you go, do a tea tasting and buy tea to take home. On some tours, you can rent traditional clothes for photos. Trail runners should consider joining the annual Vietnam Trail Marathon that runs through the plantations.

Craving a climb? Take the 40km trip to Pha Luong Peak, the “roof of Moc Chau”, at 2,000 metres above sea level. The route there is challenging, and the climb takes one to four hours, depending on your fitness. 

Another option suitable for the whole family (provided they’re not afraid of heights) is to walk the longest glass-bottomed bridge in the world, Bach Long (‘White Dragon’). At 150 metres high and 633 metres long, the transparent suspension bridge won a Guinness World Record early in 2022. Brave the walkway for awe-inspiring, panoramic views.

Go caving

Where there are mountains, so there are caves. Moc Chau has plenty. In particular, there’s ‘Bat Cave’ (Son Moc Huong), along the main road through town. Climb the steep steps to reach the mysterious cavern full of shrines, stalactites, stalagmites – and bats. Legend goes that a dragon once flew over the area and, seeing its beauty, decided to stop and stay. In thanks, he gifted seven pearls to the place, which became the seven mountains.

_{Source: Internet}

Trek the nature reserve

For an abundance of flora, fauna, waterfalls and caves, head to the Xuan Nha Nature Reserve, which comprises about 23,000 hectares of natural forest. Some of this is covered in limestone karsts, so you can just imagine the dramatic scenery that awaits you. Botany enthusiasts will be in their element, as the diverse flora includes medicinal plants and endangered species. What’s more, 160 mammal, 48 bird, 44 reptile and 19 amphibian species are found here. 

Sleep on stilts

Moc Chau is home to 12 distinct ethnic minority groups, many of whom live in stilt houses. These can be found in locations including Doi village, Hoa village and Ang village. Book a homestay here to sleep on stilts, sample traditional dishes, and learn more about a refreshingly different way of life.