This post was most recently updated on July 9th, 2019
Why explore Vietnam’s Moc Chau Plateau?
Guest Post by Peter Hanson
The Moc Chau plateau is located in Son La province, Vietnam, which is about 125 miles (200 km) from Hanoi. At just over 1000 meters above sea level, Moc Chau lies among a vast range of mountains and sports sprawling green fields across its entirety. It has been dubbed a paradise of flowers.
Panorama of Moc Chau Plateau, photo by Shutterstock
It is a major tourist destination, especially for travelers with a taste for ecotourism. Among its most popular attractions include vast terracedĀ plantations, strawberry farms, and dairy farms as well as local ethnic villages which are steeped in tradition and are well known for their traditional food and annual festivals.
Choosing a Vehicle to Get to Moc Chau
Road to Moc Chau, photo by Shutterstock
Our journey began in Hanoi city, the capital of Vietnam, and at first, we had a hard time figuring out how to get to Moc Chau in the northern mountainous region. However, it didnāt take long to find the perfect way to get there. Locals (and Google) convinced me and my friends that the best way to get there was by motorcycle.
Getting to Moc Chau by motorcycle
Traveling by motorcycle allowed us to explore the green tea fields, vast yellow fields of kale and Mexican sunflowers. Also, unlike our next best option, which was to travel by bus, we were able to make stops and take a moment to enjoy all the beauty of the northern Vietnamese countryside.
Endless green fields in Moc Chau
There are two routes from Hanoi city if you’re riding a motorcycle to Moc Chau. The 6-Highway is okay if comfort is a priority for you. However, if you prefer a bit of adventure, you should go for the Old 6-Highway. It’s a bit rough and you will have a difficult time getting to Moc Chau, but it’s by far the most scenic route.
The bamboo sticks are filled with sticky rice, called Lam rice
The Old 6-Highway runs along the Da River which boasts breathtaking waterfalls. It also passes by the Hoa Binh lake of hydroelectricity, which is a popular place in Vietnam. You also get to glimpse several villages which are home to the HāMong, a Vietnamese ethnic group.
The Best Time to Visit Moc Chau
Local children in spring
Spring time is by far the best time to visit Moc Chau. This is the season when the hillsides are covered in peach trees brimming with pink and white flowers. If there was ever a place to experience peace and tranquility, this is it.
Boys playing traditional games during the Spring
In the winter, all kinds of wild flowers spawn including white mustard flowers, the poinsettia (which are an iconic Christmas flower in Vietnam) and wild sunflowers which color the mountains in bright shades. I guess it really doesnāt matter what time of the year you visit Moc Chau, you will always be greeted by a natural storybook wonderland.
Things to do in Moc Chau
Getting to Moc Chau and witnessing the beauty of the Moc Chau plateau is just part of the visit. We spent our second day, or rather part of it (we had to visit the plateau again), learning about the surrounding area. It turns out that the plateau is located within a tourism zone that also includes the entire district of Van Ho.
Dai Yem Waterfalls
The whole area covers about 206,150 hectares and is meant to promote the development of tourism in the area and in neighboring districts. Also, the Dai Yem waterfalls, the pine forest in Ban Ang village and the deep caves in Ban On village are great places to spend some time if you’ll be staying awhile.
Farmers collecting tea in green tea fields
However, the main attractions in the area include The Moc Chau Resort, the Moc Chau Ecotourism Centre, and the Moc Chau Entertainment Centre which are all located in Moc Chau district.
Local children playing traditional games
Because there is so much to do and see, you may wish to stay for at least two days to get the full experience. If you enjoy some adrenaline with your peace and quiet, go on a rafting adventure on the Ma River for an unforgettable experience.
Crossing a bridge to enter the village
There is no better way to explore the Moc Chau plateau than riding a motorbike. You can explore the vast hills unhindered and feel the calm breeze as it carries bright flower petals across the fields. As an added bonus, the scene makes for the perfect photo to show your friends and family back home.
A Thais village with stilt houses
Accommodations and Dining
You donāt have to worry about the cost of a stay at Moc Chau, because accommodation is very affordable, as is the food. There are two areas in Moc Chau town littered with hotels and motels to choose from. The new farm town and old farm town average about $10-$15 per room and offer all the basic comforts of a temperate climate town in the countryside.
Inside a stilt house
Although the hotels and motels offered a good option, we chose a stilt house. It is a house raised off the ground, with Thai ethnic origins, and it is a favorite among visitors. Granted youāll have to endure cold showers but it adds to the adventure and the memories you’ll make! Ā The owner served us homemade Thai dishes, which were quite delicious.
Lunch served in our stilt house
If you prefer to eat out, there are many great restaurants in the Moc Chau town center. However, the best of them are outside town. Just 5km outside town, along the 6-highway, are restaurants 70 and 64 which are great if you need another excuse to ride a motorcycle on the open road. A decent meal here goes for about $6, which shouldnāt hurt your pocket too much.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, visit the Trung Hieu restaurant on Tran Huy Lieu street. You can purchase a chicken hot pot for about $30, for a table of six. We visited this restaurant and joined up with another group who had organized a camp fire with Thai dancers for just $60. The experience was one of a kind and we still talk about it to this day.
Traditional dancing of Thais
The journey to discover Moc Chau is not just about the the destination but also getting there.Ā It’s a trip with few amenities, but worthwhile. I am sure you will not regret visiting. The important thing is to not go alone — be sure to go with your friends and have a fun trip!
About the author:
Peter Hanson
Peter HansonĀ is a motorcyle enthusiast and expert on motorcyle travel. He loves to travel and has covered a lot of countries over the past eight years. In each country, he takes the time to record his impressions. Now we can benefit from his journeys and travel tips.
Be sure to visit his blog, Lets Ride Motorbike, to read more articles and helpful tips about motorcyle travel.
Looking for more motorcycle tips? SeeĀ A How-To For the Best Motorcycling in SE Asia…
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Great photos of a wonderful adventure!
You had an outstanding experience in Moc Chau, Peter! Keep up the good work, this place seems stunning.
I had no idea there was so much agriculture in the area, great information, and beautiful photos!
We have never had the opportunity to travel by motorcycle, but it sounds like an amazing way to see the Vietnamese countryside – all that vast greenery is gorgeous. I really love how you captured the images of the kids playing – you can almost feel the spirit of the place through your photography. I am a fan š
Much thanks! So glad you enjoyed it!
I’d love to travel there by motorcycle. You get a great view of everything on the way! What a beautiful region, and I love your photos.
Wow, such beautiful shots especially of the tea garden and the local kids.
I am sure the Old Highway route gave you great adventure. Vietnam has been on my mind and I am thinking about doing it this year.
It’s so green! I’d love to visit and see the terraces and to see some traditional dances. I had never even heard of the Moc Chau Plateau. Thanks for sharing!
Moc Chau looks amazing. I went to Vietnam in 2015 but had no idea about this town.
Ive written it down in case I ever visit Vietnam again š
x
I’ve never heard of the Moc Chau plateau before, thought I spent 1 month travelling quite extensively around Vietnam. It looks like a beautiful region, I love the cultural aspect and seeing kids still wearing traditional clothes. Bookmarking this to come back to when I start planning for Asia later this year!
So glad you liked the article; thank you, Tami, for allowing me to share it.
We had a few memorable days in Moc Chau and some places that were also along the 6 Highway route. A strenuous trip with many dangerous slopes and passes but in return, the result made us very happy. My friends also had the same opinion.
I had never even heard of Moc Chau and now I definitely want to go. Vietnam is fast moving UP my must-visit list.
This place looks amazing!!!! Vietnam is just a couple of hours flight from the Philippines so we’ll be sure to check out Moc Chau. We’d have to practice driving a motorbike first though. Will be sure to check this out when planning for the trip!
You’re brave for taking a motorcycle, but then again it looks like you can take in and capture so much more. Beautiful photos of everyday life. Thanks for sharing!
This is so pretty. I hate that I missed it when I was in Vietnam. I would love to visit when I return. It looks like an amazing trip.
What an adventure! I’d love to take a motorbike into the plateau region. Stellar pictures too.
Sounds like a really lovely time. I absolutely love your photos! And of course, now I want a bamboo stick filled with sticky rice. š
The pictures are beautiful. It looks like a great place I need to visit! I definitely need to visit Vietnam, but that $100+ visa for Americans is killing me :(!
Travel by motorcycle would of been my choice for sure. (as a fellow biker) those pictures are fantastic and you really captured the village, life and culture. It’s incredible. Great post and very inspiring.
I’ve been living in Vietnam for over a year and am Sapa bound at the end of April to go trekking! However, this seems like a totally doable side trip and it seems were going at the most perfect time in the year. Those tea fields are also all sorts of gorgeous. Wow!
I love how you captured the genuine happiness of the children, Peter! I’d definitely visit here when I go to Vietnam! Xx
Such a Beautiful place! i missed the visit
Btw thanks for great share š
Awesome place to visit. Nice pictures though. If I have a chance, I will go to this place to enjoy the atmostphere.