The Magical landscape of Long Coc Tea Hills in Northern Vietnam

Long Coc Tea Hills in Phu Tho is a breathtaking hidden gem in northern Vietnam, often called the “Halong Bay of the Midlands.” While most visitors find Phu Tho town with the sacred Hung Temple, the province also boasts this stunning landscape of rolling green hills shaped like upside-down teacups, offers a great escape and a lovely spot for photography. In the early morning mist or under the warm glow of sunset, the winding roads and layered slopes of Long Coc create scenes so picturesque they look like they’ve come straight out of a painting.

Conveniently located just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, Long Coc Hills is one of the most beautiful and photogenic tea-growing regions in Vietnam, perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking off-the-tourist tracks. Join us as we explore this serene destination and share everything you need to plan your visit to Long Coc, Phu Tho.

The Photogenic landscape of Long Coc tea hill

Long Coc Tea Hills are located in Phu Tho Province, in northern Vietnam, about 70 km from Viet Tri City and around 125 km northwest of Hanoi. As one of the most beautiful tea-growing areas in Vietnam, Long Coc has become a symbol of Phu Tho’s natural beauty and is often called the “Halong Bay of the Midlands.”

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in early 2015, a photographer named, Ut Muoi was among the first to discover and promote the scenic beauty of Long Coc. His captivating photos of the mist-covered hills went viral in since then, helping Long Coc gain fame among Vietnamese photographers and travel enthusiasts. Since then, it has become one of the top destinations for landscape and nature photography in northern Vietnam.

The tea cultivation area in Long Coc covers an areas of nearly 600 hectares, with each hill averaging about one hectare of tea plantations.

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What to See and Do at Long Coc Tea Hills

Photography among the tea hills

The Tea Hills stretch endlessly toward the horizon, with each perfectly rounded hill resembling an upside-down green teacup. Formed by generations of local farmers, the landscape is often compared to a living masterpiece of nature. From above, the rolling hills appear and disappear in layers of mist—one moment hidden, the next revealed, creating an atmosphere so surreal.

The best time of the day to visit the Long Coc Tea Hills is at sunrise when the first rays of sunlight cut through the morning fog, painting the valley in soft golden light. Walk through the tea rows, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and capture the ethereal beauty that has made Long Coc a favorite among photographers.

While the hills here differ from the heart-shaped tea hills of Moc Chau, their mystical charm under the mist makes them equally mesmerizing, like something out of a fairy tale.

Meet Muong & Dao Ethnic Minorities

After the photography across the immerse beauty, we suggest you to take your time to explore the authentic culture of the Muong and Dao ethnic minorities in nearby villages. Few tourists make it here, which makes the experience even more genuine.

As you wander through the village, you’ll often see local women carrying heavy baskets filled with rice or freshly picked tea leaves, their bright smiles reflecting a life deeply connected to nature.

To truly experience the charm of this region, spend a night or two with a local family. It’s a wonderful opportunity to slow down, enjoy the calm of the countryside, and get a firsthand glimpse into traditional daily life. During your stay, you’ll also have a chance to savor unique regional dishes that reveal the area’s culinary heritage:

• Banh tai: A dish resembling banh cuon but thicker and shaped like an ear (hence the name “tai,” meaning “ear”). It’s filled with minced pork and onion,  a simple yet flavorful breakfast favorite among locals.
• Thit chua (Sour meat): Made from thinly sliced pork that’s partially grilled, then fermented in bamboo tubes with toasted rice powder called “thính.” The result is a fragrant, slightly tangy delicacy you won’t find anywhere else.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Long Coc Tea Hills from Hanoi

The Long Coc Tea Hills in Phu Tho are breathtaking all year round, but the most magical time to visit is from November to early spring, when the morning mist gently rolls over the tea hills, creating a dreamy, otherworldly scene.

Many visitors say this is when the hills feel alive, the cool weather, the smell of fresh tea leaves, and the golden sunrise make it perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike. On weekends, you’ll often see young couples and local photographers capturing wedding or Instagram photos in the soft morning light.

Summer is also a wonderful time to visit if you prefer clear skies, but aim to arrive early in the morning before the heat sets in. Whether you visit in mist or sunshine, Long Coc Tea Hills never fail to offer a moment of calm and natural beauty worth waking up early for.

How to Get to Long Coc Tea Hills (Easiest ways to visit)

The Long Coc Tea Hills are located about 125 kilometers from Hanoi, making them an ideal weekend getaway for travelers seeking natural landscape and tranquility. The journey from Hanoi to Long Coc Tea Hills usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the route you choose.

Several travelers who’ve made the trip mention that the drive itself is part of the adventure, winding roads, misty hills, and stretches of rural scenery that make you slow down and breathe in the countryside air.

Here are three main routes from Hanoi to Long Coc Tea Hills, Phu Tho

• Route 1: Nguyen Trai street→ Ring Road 3 → Thang Long Avenue → Yen Bai Bridge → Provincial Road TL87A → Dong Luan → Thang Son → QL70B/DT316 → Route 322 → Long Coc Tea Hills.
• Route 2: Nguyen Trai → Khuat Duy Tien → Highway 08 → Lac Tri → Phuc Tho → Continue along Provincial Road TL87A (similar to the first route).
• Route 3: Take National Route QL32 → Thanh Son → Continue towards Xuan Son National Park → Ask locals for directions to Long Coc Commune — the tea hills are just nearby.

Many travelers prefer taking the QL32 route because it passes through smaller villages where you can stop for a coffee, stretch your legs, and capture local life on camera.

Bottom line: A photography spot in northern Vietnam

A few travelers describe Long Coc Tea Hills as a hidden gem of Northern Vietnam. Whether you’re coming for photography, a peaceful escape from Hanoi, or to enjoy the crisp mountain air, this place never disappoints.

Combine your visit with Xuan Son National Park nearby for a full nature getaway, and remember to respect the tea fields by not stepping into the rows or picking leaves.
Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, and your camera , the misty sunrise views are unforgettable. As one visitor said, “Sipping tea on a foggy morning here feels like time stands still.”

About the author

Hamid is a Hanoi-based travel writer and photographer who loves exploring Vietnam’s hidden corners and sharing authentic local experiences through his lens and words. His stories often focus on culture, people, and nature — from misty tea hills to vibrant craft villages.

Reference: Phu Tho Commune Government Portal