Hong Anh

These days, the Moc Chau plateau (Son La province) is adorned with the pristine white of plum blossoms. Without waiting until the Lunar New Year, many plum orchards in Moc Chau and Van Ho have bloomed early since last month, covering hillsides and valleys in white, transforming the area into an attractive destination for tourists who love flower hunting and experiencing nature.

The two locations with the most plum orchards are Na Ka plum valley (Thao Nguyen ward) and Mu Nau plum valley (Moc Chau ward). The orchards covered in white plum blossoms create a scene that is both poetic and peaceful.

Many visitors liken stepping into a plum orchard these days to being lost in a fairytale land. The vast expanse of white plum blossoms, blending with the pale blue sky and the characteristic crisp coolness of the highlands, creates a feeling of relaxation and comfort for visitors.

According to locals, this year's favorable weather has resulted in early and fairly uniform plum blossoms. For over a month now, many orchards have been at their most beautiful, attracting numerous visitors from Hanoi, the Mekong Delta provinces, and even foreign tourists.

“During the holiday, I chose to go to Moc Chau for a change of scenery. It was the plum blossom season, and all my fatigue seemed to disappear. The scenery was very natural and peaceful,” shared Ms. Pham Ha, a tourist from Hanoi.

Plum blossom gardens are now open to visitors for sightseeing and photography, with an entrance fee of around 40,000 VND per person, and no time limit. Some gardens also sell local specialties and rent out traditional ethnic costumes to provide visitors with an additional experience.

More than just a check-in spot, the plum blossom gardens of Moc Chau offer a sense of slowness and tranquility, something many seek during the first days of the new year. Walking amidst the white blossoms and gazing at the ethereal mist hanging over the hills, visitors can easily forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

According to locals, the best time to admire plum blossoms is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sunlight is gentle, highlighting the flowers' colors, and the atmosphere is cool and pleasant. To enhance the experience, visitors can camp overnight in the plum orchards, either by bringing their own equipment or renting it from the orchard.

Getting there: From the center of Moc Chau, tourists can travel by motorbike or car to the plum orchards in Na Ka Valley and Mu Nau Valley, a distance of 8-10km.

Entrance fee to the garden: 40,000 VND/person

Note: For beautiful photos, visitors should wear white, pastel (light pink, light blue, cream yellow), or neutral colors (beige, cream, light brown) to harmonize with the pristine white flowers.

Additionally, visitors can choose red to create a striking focal point. Outfits such as the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), maxi dresses, or vintage-style clothing (classic attire that evokes the beauty of the past) are also very suitable.

The roads in Moc Chau are quite narrow, and traffic jams occur frequently.

Photos: Swan Lake, Tran Anh Duc, Le Hai