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Located in the north of Vietnam, Moc Chau is a vast plateau in Son La province. With its extremely cool temperate climate, it's an ideal destination to visit in early summer.
Getting to Moc Chau isn't difficult; the roads are good, and there are many bus routes from Hanoi directly to the district center. The 300 km journey takes about 6 hours by car. If you leave at 8 am, you should arrive around 2 pm.
This was the perfect time to check into our pre-booked room, so we could drop off our belongings and rest right away. Currently, Moc Chau has many homestays with unique architecture, spacious interiors, and a close connection to nature, all at very reasonable prices. A 6-hour drive isn't short, so take a break to recharge, forget the hustle and bustle of city life; you're here to relax and slow down.
In the late afternoon, as the sun softens, take some time to explore your homestay, take a few photos, and enjoy the cool highland air. In the evening, enjoy a delicious salmon hotpot. Fresh salmon caught from the stream tastes completely different from the frozen salmon we usually buy at the supermarket. Around the steaming hotpot, we eat and chat, sharing stories about life, the hustle and bustle of work, or budding romances. After dinner, rest and go to bed early so you can start your highland exploration journey at dawn the next day.
After breakfast at the homestay, you can visit Moc Chau Happyland for some fun. Built on a spacious area of about 5 hectares, Moc Chau Happyland is a rather attractive entertainment and resort complex. You can take photos with the flower gardens, participate in recreational games like bumper balls on the grass, which is quite enjoyable.
Our next destination is Dai Yem Waterfall. According to locals, the waterfall is named Dai Yem because, according to legend, it is the sash of a girl who saved a young man from a flood. Since we're already here, why not take off our shoes and step in to feel the cool stream water, cup our hands to drink, and savor the refreshing sweetness of nature?
In the tourist area, many locals have set up lunch stalls offering traditional dishes marinated and prepared according to family recipes. Grilled meat, grilled eggs, and sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes are must-try dishes. The meat is sweet and fragrant thanks to the mountain spices, the sticky rice is soft and aromatic, and the hot grilled eggs dipped in salt are a perfect combination – you'll want to eat another one after the first. While eating, you can chat with the stall owners, listening to them tell stories about life in the mountains, hear about interesting guests who have visited them, and hear the "naive" memories of city dwellers visiting the mountains for the first time.
In the afternoon, we can visit Ban Ang pine forest. The cool air and relaxing scenery are perfect for a stroll. And don't miss the chance to watch the sunset over Ban Ang lake. The dreamy, romantic scenery might even spark a beautiful romance.
Roasted chicken is an excellent choice for dinner in the highlands. The free-range chicken is tender yet firm, with crispy skin and perfectly seasoned, leaving a delightful taste that lingers on the tongue.
Early morning is the perfect time to visit a tea plantation. The vast expanse of lush green is incredibly refreshing. It would be a shame not to take out your phone/camera and snap a few photos once you're there.
Beside the tea hills are fields of white mustard flowers. The carpet of blooming flowers exudes a pristine beauty that soothes the soul, making all the worries of life disappear. Take a deep breath to feel the fresh air of Moc Chau in the morning, then let your mind wander in the gentle sunlight of early morning.
Before returning to Hanoi, stop by Dairy Farm to play with the friendly sheep, sample fresh cow's milk, and enjoy some refreshing yogurt. Just that alone will leave a lasting impression on you in Moc Chau. Returning to the hustle and bustle of hot Hanoi, you'll find yourself longing to return to this cool, green highland.
