Moc Chau Town
Hotels, restaurants and markets, with tea hills a short ride away.
Find hotels here North Vietnam
Moc Chau
- Best time
- Nov – Mar
- Ideal stay
- 2 days 1 night
- Avg. cost
- $30 – $60/day
- Airport
- 180km from Hanoi
Moc Chau Overview
Moc Chau is a cool plateau at about 1,000m with rolling tea hills, dairy farms and winter blossoms. It suits couples, photographers and weekenders from Hanoi who want cool air, open views and simple farm food without a long trip.
Highlights of Moc Chau:
- Tea hills: Walk or ride among the tea rows at sunrise. The heart-shaped tea hill is a popular photo stop.
- Dai Yem Waterfall: Best after the rains, when the water runs full. Paths can be slippery, so wear grip shoes.
- Flower season: Plum and peach blossoms appear from about January to March. Weekends are crowded.
- Dairy farms: Taste fresh yogurt and milk from local farms. Many farms sell direct, and a stop takes about 30 – 45 min.
Best Time to Visit: Nov – Mar brings cool, clear days and flower seasons. Jun – Aug is rainy with muddy paths, and mist can hide the hills in the early morning. Flower weekends and Tet are very crowded, so a weekday visit is calmer.
Book homestays early for flower weekends.
Where to stay in Moc Chau
Where to base yourself, by travel style.
First-timers Tea-hill views Tea-Hill Homestays
Views over tea rows and sunrise walks. Few restaurants at night.
Find hotels hereCamping-style stays Pine Forest Camps
Quiet camping-style stays. Basic facilities and cold nights.
Find hotels here
Things to do in Moc Chau
Hand-picked things to do.
When to visit Moc Chau
Temperature, rain and crowds by month.
January
13.4°C ~ 56°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
February
15°C ~ 59°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
18.8°C ~ 66°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
April
21.6°C ~ 71°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
23.4°C ~ 74°F
22 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
24.4°C ~ 76°F
21 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
23.9°C ~ 75°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
23.3°C ~ 74°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
22.3°C ~ 72°F
23 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
19.7°C ~ 67°F
16 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
17.4°C ~ 63°F
10 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
December
13.6°C ~ 56°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
What to eat in Moc Chau
Local dishes worth trying.
Getting to Moc Chau
Times, costs and booking links.
Step 1: Fly to Hanoi (HAN) Land here, then head into central Hanoi
Noi Bai Airport is about 35km north of central Hanoi. Off-peak the drive takes about 40 min; at rush hour allow up to 1.5 hrs. There is no metro to the airport.
- Best option: GrabCar or Xanh SM: fixed in-app fares of about 200,000 – 350,000 VND ($8 – $14) to the Old Quarter. A metered Mai Linh taxi costs about 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16).
- Bus: Express bus 86 costs about 45,000 VND ($1.80) and takes 45 – 60 min to the Hanoi Railway Station area. Bus 7 costs about 8,000 VND but takes 60 – 90 min.
- Scam tip: Use the app or a branded metered taxi. Avoid unbranded cars and touts, and keep your address saved in Vietnamese.
Step 2: Bus to Moc Chau Limousine vans from Hanoi, 4 – 5.5 hrs
The limousine van is the most popular option and picks up in Hanoi. A sleeper bus is a budget alternative.
- Limousine van: About 4.5 – 5.5 hrs and $8 – $33 depending on the operator.
- Sleeper bus: About 4 – 5 hrs and $10 – $17. Avoid overnight buses that arrive at 2 – 3 AM.
- Private car: About 4 – 6 hrs and $85 – $300 per vehicle.
- Booking tip: Book ahead for weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Explore by Scooter Winding hills and fog; ride carefully
Moc Chau is spread across the plateau, so most visitors rent a scooter or hire a driver.
- Scooter: Rentals cost about $7 – $15 per day. Carry a valid licence.
- Car with driver: Best for several stops in one day.
- Road risk: Winding mountain roads, fog and rain. Avoid night riding.
- Tip: Start early for clear views.
FAQs
When do the plum blossoms bloom in Moc Chau?
Usually from late January to mid-February, around Tet, and each bloom lasts about two weeks. Dates change each year with the weather, so check recent reports before you travel.
How far is Moc Chau from Hanoi?
Moc Chau is about 200 km from Hanoi. A limousine van takes about 4 to 5 hours and a public bus 5 to 6 hours, and fog on Thung Khe Pass can add 30 to 60 minutes. Many visitors stay one night.
Is two days enough for Moc Chau?
Yes. Two days and one night cover the tea hills, Dai Yem Waterfall and a plum garden or the pine forest.
What is the weather like in Moc Chau?
Nights are cool and the plateau is above 1,000 m. November to April is mild and mostly dry. In March and April the air can be hazy because of burning in the region.
What can I see in Moc Chau?
The main sights are the tea hills, Dai Yem Waterfall, dairy farms and pine forests. In winter and early spring the plum and peach flowers are the highlight.
