Just 200km from the capital, a quiet Mong village tucked in the hills of Moc Chau beckons with its natural charm and peaceful vibes.
Tucked along the road to Na Ka plum valley lies a little-known village inhabited by the Mong ethnic people. With its untouched beauty and rustic charm, this village is a balm for the soul.
Bich Huyen and her son walking through the peaceful village of Ta Phin.
In early January, Hoang Tu and Bich Huyen, a couple from Hanoi, brought their two children (aged 9 and 6) on a weekend trip to Moc Chau in Son La Province to enjoy the blooming season of plum and mustard flowers. The family left Hanoi at 2:30 PM on Friday and returned by 7:30 PM Sunday.
“We’ve visited Moc Chau many times, but the goal this time was to reach Ta Phin - a wild, untouristed village I stumbled upon while scrolling social media,” Huyen shared.
Ta Phin village, located in Tan Yen commune, is about 200km from Hanoi and 25km from Moc Chau town center. It is home to the Mong ethnic community.
Ta Phin retains its original charm with traditional houses nestled among lush mountains, orchards of plum and peach trees, wildflower meadows, and open pastures.
Locals call it the “village of Stone Pillars” due to its unique rock formations.
“The village lies along the same route as Na Ka valley and Hang Tau. On the way, we passed many gardens full of persimmons and oranges. Most of the road is paved, with only the final 2–3 kilometers being rough and challenging,” Huyen explained.
The family arrived in the afternoon. As there are no tourist facilities in the area, Ta Phin is ideal for those seeking peace and solitude - or a spot to pitch a tent and camp.
Locals often refer to Ta Phin as “the village of Stone Pillars” due to the unique rock formations scattered throughout. These naturally sculpted stones, varying in shape and height, added a playful element for the children, who enjoyed climbing them.
“During the rainy season, rising water levels transform the village into a miniature Trang An. Visitors can explore by boat. But when we visited, the skies were clear, and the landscape was blanketed in the yellow and white of mustard blossoms - absolutely poetic,” Huyen recalled.
A field of mustard flowers glowing in the late afternoon sun.
A simple wooden bridge in Ta Phin village.
As the sun began to set, smoke curled up from kitchen fires, softening the village in the golden glow of dusk.
Simple details - wooden swings, benches, a handmade bridge, even fences or feeding areas - unexpectedly turned into picturesque corners for photography lovers.
Unlike commercial destinations, Ta Phin charms with its simplicity and calm. The flat, spacious land is perfect for camping. Locals are kind, welcoming, and happy to share their daily rhythm with respectful visitors.
A standout feature of Ta Phin is its namesake lake. After the rainy season, Ta Phin Lake becomes a peaceful mirror of the surrounding mountains and sky, earning it the nickname “the Trang An of Moc Chau.”
White plum blossoms in full bloom in Moc Chau during January.
The family also camped at the remote and peaceful Chieng Khua. Photos provided by the family.
Visitors can reach the village by car or motorbike. Since there are no formal tourist services, it’s advisable to bring food, water, and camping supplies if planning to stay overnight.
According to Huyen, one of the most important things travelers can do is protect the environment - leave no waste behind and respect the culture and routines of the local Mong people.
On the way to Ta Phin, visitors can also stop at the Heart-shaped Tea Hill, the plum blossom valley, or take a shortcut to Hang Tau - a well-known Mong village with its own charm.
During this trip, Huyen’s family also discovered another serene camping spot: Chieng Khua, a quiet place to enjoy nature far from the crowds.
Those with more time should consider staying overnight in Ta Phin. Sunrise in the mountains, followed by a slow sunset behind the hills, offers a soulful ending to a tranquil retreat.
Vietnamnet.vn
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