The farm owner mentioned that for the past two years, they have been test-planting a Japanese mustard variety with large, vibrant yellow petals and plants growing taller than knee-height. Thanks to the fertile soil, the flowers bloom uniformly and beautifully.

Moc Chau, located at an altitude of about 1,000 m, boasts a cool climate year-round, making it an appealing destination in northern Vietnam. In late winter and early spring, the plateau draws visitors with its diverse blooming flowers. Beyond peach and plum blossoms, the mustard flower season offers a popular experience, especially for those looking to capture early Tet holiday photos when visiting Moc Chau.

One such vibrant display is at Loi Tuoi Farm, situated in Van Son ward, about 8 km from Moc Chau town center.

Within the fields, the owner has arranged various miniature landscapes, such as a nearly 5 m tall straw bear, to cater to young visitors' photo-taking needs. Additionally, guests can participate in organic strawberry picking and visit the dairy farm. Photo: Hoang Duong

Quang Kien, a local tourism professional, explained that Moc Chau residents initially cultivated mustard for its leaves, seeds (used for oil pressing), and as feed for dairy cows. Over time, these striking yellow mustard fields transformed into popular tourist attractions. Many garden owners now actively grow mustard for tourism, charging visitors an entrance fee.

According to a farm representative, the farm plants mustard on a hill covering over 10 ha, utilizing staggered planting to ensure continuous blooming until the Lunar New Year. This strategy caters to the steady stream of visitors. Each flowering cycle typically lasts about two weeks before the blooms fade and the plants begin to fruit.

The farm welcomes visitors daily from 7h. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND per person, with no time limit for the experience.

Moc Chau's weather in early January typically ranges from 8-16 degrees C, offering dry and sunny conditions that facilitate comfortable travel. The farm representative reported that thousands of local visitors arrive each week.

"The spacious environment and fresh air create a truly peaceful and relaxing feeling at year-end", said Nguyen Ha Phuong, 29 years old, from Moc Chau.

Phuong, who visited the garden on 17/1, advised tourists to contact farm owners beforehand to inquire about the blooming status. She also suggested combining visits to Loi Tuoi Farm with other nearby mustard fields for a comprehensive experience.

Wide pathways crisscross the fields, allowing visitors to easily walk deep into the flower rows for ideal photo opportunities.

Quang Kien recommended visiting the mustard fields mid-week to avoid crowds. For stunning background photos, he advised using a wide-angle lens and shooting from noon to afternoon, when the weather is dry and free of fog.

Approximately 5 km from the yellow mustard fields, visitors can also explore white mustard fields in Thao Nguyen ward, with an entrance fee of 30,000 VND per person.

Moc Chau is nearly 200 km from central Hanoi, a journey that takes about 4 hours by oto. Tourists can take buses to Son La from My Dinh or Yen Nghia bus stations and alight in Moc Chau. From there, renting a motorbike or utilizing local motorbike taxis provides convenient access to various attractions within the area.

Tuan Anh

Photo: Quang Kien