In early September, I set aside the busy pace of work to embark on a journey with colleagues to Long Coc, a serene region in Tan Son district, Phu Tho province, Vietnam. A friend, experienced in photography tours, had described the tea hills here as a breathtaking landscape, reminiscent of a fairyland—often compared to the “Ha Long Bay of the midlands.” Inspired by this, I led a photography group from Kuching, Malaysia, departing at 2 a.m. to capture the beauty of the region in perfect weather conditions.
What a memorable experience! The day before, I had carefully planned for our group to depart at 2 a.m. sharp to catch the sunrise at Long Coc tea hill. However, due to an oversight, I mistakenly set my alarm for 1 p.m. instead of 1 a.m. Thankfully, the driver stepped in to assist, ensuring the group was ready for departure. Despite the mix-up, I arrived just in time at 3 a.m., and we set off as planned that night.
Long Coc tea hill is located in Long Coc commune, Thanh Son district, Phu Tho province, approximately 125 kilometers from Hanoi and 70 kilometers from Viet Tri city, making it a convenient travel destination. The area spans nearly 700 hectares of tea hills and is positioned along the route to several notable tourist attractions, including Hung Temple, Au Co Temple, Lac Long Quan Temple, Thanh Thuy Hot Mineral Water Resort, and Xuan Son National Park.
Thanh Son and Tan Son districts are renowned for their tranquil natural beauty, enhanced by the unique cultural heritage of the Muong and Dao ethnic groups. These qualities have drawn numerous visitors, particularly photographers, eager to capture the captivating scenery.
Upon arriving in Tan Son, the picturesque beauty of Long Coc’s tea hills immediately stood out. The tea plantations stretch across the landscape, appearing as perfectly shaped, upside-down bowls, gently rolling over the terrain. Small pathways weave through the hills, creating a mosaic that invites exploration.
The view from the Bong peak, one of the best vantage points, offers a panoramic glimpse of the rolling tea hills, often shrouded in mist. This serene and ethereal atmosphere is especially enchanting in early autumn, where the shifting seasons add a fairy-tale quality to the scenery.
A Natural Masterpiece
As we wandered the narrow, misty paths between the hills, we marveled at the lush green expanse unfolding before us. The tea hills, set against a backdrop of harvested rice fields and silvery clouds, resembled an otherworldly, magical landscape. The scene was made all the more captivating by the presence of towering limestone mountains, which added to the distinctiveness of this midland region.
It is said that the tea hills are most beautiful during late autumn and early winter. At that time, the air is cool but not harsh, and the golden sunlight casts a shimmering glow over the tea buds. The scenery seems to embody all four seasons, with the misty mornings of autumn blending seamlessly into the warmth of noon and the calm of twilight.
From March to December, the tea plants are lush and green, creating a verdant carpet across the landscape. Muong girls, dressed in traditional white shirts, can often be seen tending the fields, adding to the picturesque charm of the area. During the winter months, when the tea plants are pruned for dormancy, the hills take on unique forms, sparking the imagination of visitors.
A Changing Landscape
As winter transitions into spring, the tea hills of Long Coc are bathed in sunlight, creating a vibrant, jade-green glow. The warmth of the noon sun disperses the lingering mist, revealing the peaceful beauty of the landscape. By late afternoon, the hills are draped in soft, autumnal light, with white clouds floating gently across the horizon. The scene grows more enchanting as evening approaches, with mist and clouds enveloping the hills in a mystical embrace. This is a photographer’s dream, as the fleeting moments of twilight offer the final opportunity of the day to capture the magic of Long Coc before it fades into night.
Cultural and Economic Significance
Long Coc tea hills are not only a natural wonder but also an important livelihood for the local Muong people. In recent years, the number of visitors has surged, especially after Phu Tho province’s collaboration with Ho Chi Minh City and seven northwestern provinces to promote tourism (2021-2025). As a result, tourists from the south have increasingly flocked to Long Coc to experience its beauty.
A Tea Lover’s Paradise.
The essence of Long Coc’s charm is not limited to its scenic beauty but extends to its premium tea. The tea grown here is primarily Bat Tien, a variety used to produce Oolong tea, originally imported from Taiwan. Thanks to the ideal soil and climate, the tea thrives in Long Coc, becoming a regional specialty. When brewed, the tea has a clear, shimmering green color, with a delicate fragrance and a balanced taste that lingers on the palate, leaving a refreshing sensation.
In conclusion, Long Coc tea hills offer visitors not only a feast for the eyes but also a cultural and sensory experience that blends the natural beauty of the land with the artistry of the local people. It is a destination that captivates the heart and soul, making it a must-visit location for travelers and photographers alike.
The photographs featured were generously contributed by renowned photographers from Kuching, Malaysia, including Chew Swee Kee, SC Chong, Peter Chai, Wilson Ho, Sunset Hunter, Claymond Leong, and Mrs. Lyn Ngui, the wife of Chew Swee Kee. Their journey from September 7th to 16th, 2024, took place during Typhoon Yagi, and they expressed their gratitude for the smooth passage and safety throughout.
I extend my heartfelt thanks for placing your trust in me during this trip. I hope it will be a memorable experience for you, and I look forward to welcoming you back in the coming years to explore more captivating destinations in Vietnam.