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For Thu Ha, also known as Ha Moc, her first trip to Moc Chau left a deep impression, from the natural scenery to the everyday cultural stories. When asked why she chose Moc Chau for this trip, Ha readily replied: "I had never been to Moc Chau before. Before the trip, I imagined it as a miniature Da Lat with strawberry farms, fruit orchards, and charming cafes. But the Moc Chau I found was completely different. It's not only beautiful but also full of cultural flavor, like a vibrant painting of the people and nature here."
Moc Chau - a complete picture of natural scenery and unique culture.
It's not just a tourist paradise, but also an encounter with everyday stories.
Contrary to pre-trip expectations, Thu Ha's experiences were not only filled with idyllic scenery but also with profound stories from the local people. One of the highlights of the journey was the opportunity to meet the owner of the homestay where she stayed, and from there, stories about Moc Chau seemed to unfold through the local person's narrative.
Cozy atmosphere at the homestay
"The homestay owner told me about the traditional Hmong dó paper-making workshop, about the meticulous steps involved in creating each sheet of paper. They also shared about the lives of the local people, about how they preserve their ethnic culture through small details. The scenery may flash before my eyes, and I might not remember everything in three days, but these profound and intimate memories are unforgettable and may become the reason I return to Moc Chau again," Ha shared emotionally.
A journey amidst majestic nature.
Throughout her trip to Moc Chau, one of the places that left the deepest impression on Thu Ha was the indigenous Hmong village of Hang Tau. It wasn't a new destination, but its rustic and pristine beauty left Ha feeling speechless. Hang Tau felt like another world, a place without phone signal, surrounded only by towering mountains and fresh air. The sparse population and lack of tourists created a rare sense of peace.
"This is truly a place to 'escape,' to temporarily set aside the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature," Ha confided.
Hang Tau village – where time seems to stand still amidst simple houses and the wild beauty of the mountains and forests.
The moment that Hà will always remember is when the sun set on the road leading to Táu Cave. From the rock welcoming her to Tà Số, she watched the sun disappear behind the mountains, its pale yellow light blending with the lingering mist. The national flag fluttered in the evening breeze like a symbol of pride, evoking in her a deep love and connection to her homeland. "Tà Số not only bathed in the golden light of the sunset but also filled my heart with a feeling of pride and emotion at the sight of that breathtaking natural scenery," she shared.
The Hmong children playing brightened up the whole space.
A unique experience: Making traditional Vietnamese dó paper with the Hmong people.
During her trip to Moc Chau, Thu Ha also participated in a traditional Do paper-making workshop in Hua Tat village. This is an uncommon activity, little known to tourists, but it is precisely this uniqueness that makes it unforgettable. The workshop was held in the home of a local Hmong person, with a traditional atmosphere creating a unique and authentic experience.
Experience the traditional dó paper-making craft in Hua Tat village.
Beyond simply participating in processes like pounding the paper pulp, decorating the frame, or pouring the pulp into the mold, Ha also listened to stories about the culture, beliefs, and life of the Hmong people. "Every step in the paper-making process is an art, from preparing the raw materials to the meticulous attention to detail in each stage," she recounted. The final product, a piece of exquisitely decorated handmade paper adorned with flowers and plants, is not only a souvenir but also a memento that holds meaningful memories of the trip.
Travel on a budget but have a fulfilling experience.
With years of experience traveling independently, Thu Ha always has secrets to making trips economical yet fulfilling. She says thorough preparation is the most important factor: "Always plan in detail beforehand, from choosing homestays and transportation to sightseeing spots. Taking the time to research homestays, compare prices and quality will help you find suitable accommodation without spending too much."
In addition, Ha also advises tourists to choose the right time to visit, such as the canola flower season, strawberry season, or corn blooming season, in order to fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the unique culture of the area.
Moc Chau is a place rich in cultural identity, where every person, every custom, and every dish is a precious piece in the overall picture of the Northwest highlands.
This trip opened up new perspectives for Ha on Moc Chau, a place rich in cultural identity, where every person, every custom, and every dish is a precious piece in the overall picture of the Northwest highlands. And perhaps, for Thu Ha, Moc Chau will forever be a destination associated with beautiful memories and unforgettable emotions.
