3-Day Itinerary to Explore Moc Chau During Lunar New Year

Moc Chau, located in Son La Province in northern Vietnam, is one of the most beautiful highland destinations during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday. Around this time, plum blossoms and peach blossoms are in full bloom, strawberry harvests are at their peak, and the region’s cool weather and stunning landscapes make it a perfect getaway for families and travelers seeking both scenic views and cultural experiences. The following itinerary is based on advice from a local tour guide, Quang Kien.

Strawberry – Speciality of Moc Chau

Day 1: Discovering Nearby Scenic Spots

After your arrival in Moc Chau and checking into your hotel, start your trip by exploring some of the flower gardens and scenic spots close to the town center.

One of the most popular early stops is Na Ka Plum Valley. This is a valley filled with plum trees that burst into white blossoms during January and February, creating a truly magical scene perfect for photos and relaxing walks. The path into the valley is easy to navigate, and vehicles can often access the gardens directly. While Na Ka is the closest and most accessible, there are also other plum-blossom areas a bit farther out, including Mu Nau Valley, the area near Cho Long, Pa Phach Village, and Phieng Canh Village, each offering equally beautiful views but typically fewer crowds if you want a quieter experience.

Not far from the plum gardens is the iconic Heart-Shaped Tea Hill. This rolling green tea plantation has become synonymous with Moc Chau’s landscape, its undulating rows of tea bushes form a perfect heart shape, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the region. Many travelers like to photograph the fields during the golden hour before sunset, when the light softly illuminates the hills.

Before dinner, be sure to relax with coffee at one of the area’s scenic cafés. Popular choices include Stone Coffee, Orange Wing Café, and Halian Garden Café, all of which have wide views over the tea fields and surrounding countryside, perfect for watching the sunset and capturing more memorable photos.

If plum blossoms and peach blossoms are still in bloom at the Town Square area, the Wind Hill, or in Mu Nau, take some time to visit those spots as well. The colors and gentle fragrance of the flowers create a wonderfully seasonal Tet atmosphere.

Beautiful view of Na Ka Plum Valley

Day 2: Strawberry Picking and Primitive Trek to Tau Cave Village

On your second day, head out toward more natural and rustic landscapes. After the rainy season, the area around Tau Cave Village transforms into a lush expanse of green grass and fresh foliage, offering an ideal environment for trekking, photography, and nature exploration.

Tau Cave Village, often referred to simply as Tau Village, lies around 20 km from the Moc Chau center. The trek there is an experience in itself: narrow, winding roads lead through dramatic mountain scenery. Be aware that services in Tau Village are limited, with weaker electricity and no reliable internet connection, but this remoteness is part of the charm for many travelers. Simple lunch options are available in the village, allowing you to enjoy local meals in a peaceful hillside setting.

On the way to Tau Village in the morning, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by some of the strawberry gardens dotted along the route. Farms such as Chimi Farm, Hana Farm, Green Farm, and Lam Son Farm offer strawberries that are large, sweet, and ripe for picking. You’re welcome to snack right in the field or buy fresh fruit to take with you.

Once you reach Tau Village, you can enjoy horseback riding, taking photos of the mountain views, walking through the hills, and absorbing the fresh air.

Wild beauty of Tau Village

Day 3: Orange and Persimmon Orchards or Waterfall Exploration

On your final day in Moc Chau, explore the region’s fruit orchards and other nature spots. Around Tet, orange and persimmon orchards near the town center still have fruit hanging on the trees, offering bright bursts of color and plenty of opportunities for photos.

The oranges grown here are Navel oranges, originally from Australia, that thrive in Moc Chau’s cool highland climate. Visitors can wander through the groves, sample fresh oranges straight from the tree, and take in the scenic orchard landscapes. Typically, orchard admission costs between 40,000–50,000 VND per person, and fresh oranges are sold by the kilogram (around 60,000–80,000 VND/kg, depending on size).

Moc Chau’s persimmons, introduced from Japan, come in two main varieties: crisp persimmons and astringent persimmons. Astringent persimmons are usually not eaten raw because of their tartness, but their intense red color makes orchard photos especially striking.

If you’d prefer a refreshing outdoor alternative, consider visiting either Fairy Falls or Chieng Khoa Waterfall. These waterfalls are situated further from town, but their serene beauty and natural settings make the longer drive worthwhile.

Special fruit – Navel Orange

Local Foods Worth Trying

While in Moc Chau, be sure to sample some of the local specialties that reflect the region’s flavors and agricultural heritage. Recommended dishes include:

• Salmon and Sturgeon: Moc Chau’s cold climate makes it ideal for freshwater fish farming.

• Milk Hot Pot: a rich, creamy dish centered around local dairy.

• Fried Calf: tender and flavorful.

• Fried Mountain Stream Fish: freshly caught and simply prepared.

Some well-known restaurants in the town center where you can try these dishes are Peach Garden Restaurant, Bat Cave Restaurant, Salmon 64, Salmon 26, Xuan Bac, and Fat Tam’s Place.

Creamy Speciality of Moc Chau – Milk Hot Pot

Tips for a Great Trip

Because Moc Chau is such a popular destination during Tet, with many visitors arriving to enjoy the local blossoms, fruit harvests, and festive atmosphere, it’s wise to book your accommodations and transportation early. Conditions on rural roads, especially toward outlying attractions like Tau Village, can vary, so check local weather and road updates before you travel.