Overview of Son La province

Son La is a mountainous province in the Northwest region of Vietnam, holding an important strategic position and about 320 km from the capital Hanoi. The province's geographical position is clearly shown through its diverse contiguous surfaces: to the north it borders Lai Chau and Lao Cai provinces; The east borders Phu Tho province; The west borders Dien Bien province and the south borders Thanh Hoa province and Hua Phan province of Laos. 

Province location Son La on Vietnam map

Son La has a tropical monsoon climate, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to October, and the dry season lasts from November to April of the following year. The favorable geographical location, bordering Laos, creates opportunities for the province to develop international trade and tourism, especially connecting with the Northwest provinces and neighboring countries.

Outstanding destinations in Son La

Moc Chau Plateau

Moc Chau Plateau

Moc Chau Plateau is one of the prominent destinations Son La province, famous for its majestic natural scenery, cool climate all year round and lush green tea hills. Moc Chau also has fields of pure white plum flowers in spring and bright yellow mustard flowers in winter. Tourists coming here can not only visit the natural landscape but also experience the typical cultural features of the Thai and Mong ethnic people.

Dai Yem Waterfall (Moc Chau)

Dai Yem Waterfall

Dai Yem Waterfall, located in Moc Chau ward, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Northwest. This place stands out with the white water flowing down from above, creating a magnificent scene. The waterfall is likened to the soft bib of a mountain girl. Visitors can explore the waterfall area on foot, enjoy the wild beauty and enjoy the fresh air.

Son La Prison & To Hieu Peach Tree

Son La Prison

Son La Prison, a national historical site, was once a place to detain revolutionary soldiers during the resistance period. This is an address not to be missed for those who want to learn about the history of the nation's struggle. Besides, the To Hieu Peach Tree, considered a symbol of resilience, is located right in the prison grounds, a place associated with stories of courage and sacrifice of heroes.

Ang Village - Thai Village (Moc Chau)

Ap version

Ban Ang is a Thai village located in Moc Son ward, which has a poetic setting with traditional stilt houses next to terraced rice fields and a blue lake. Visitors to Ban Ang will experience the simple life of the Thai ethnic people, participate in agricultural activities, enjoy local cuisine and learn about the unique customs and traditions of the people here.

Son La - Song Da Hydroelectric Reservoir

Son La hydroelectric reservoir

Son La hydroelectric lake is the largest artificial lake in Vietnam, located on the Da river. The lake is not only an important hydroelectric project but also an ideal destination for those who love to explore nature. With a large space, calm lake surface and surrounding green mountains, this is a great place for boating, fishing or picnic activities on the lakeside.

Ta Xua area - Bac Yen

Ta Xua

Ta Xua is one of the famous tourist destinations of Son La, especially for those who love trekking and exploring wild nature. This place has soaring, cloud-covered mountains, creating a mysterious landscape. Visitors to Ta Xua can not only enjoy fresh air, but can also conquer mountain peaks such as Ta Xua peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the cloud cover.

Below are other attractions in Son La in addition to the 6 outstanding places mentioned above:

  • Moc Chau tea hill - in Moc Chau ward

  • Dong Son Moc Huong –  Chieng Son commune

  • Ivory Falls –  in Moc Chau ward

  • Chieng Khoi Lake – Yen Chau commune

  • Lac village – Ban Mong –  Muong La commune

  • Muong Pon hot spring tourist area - Muong Pon Commune

Best time to travel

Son La has a temperate, cool climate all year round, with four distinct seasons. Spring from January to March is the ideal time to admire plum and peach blossoms in full bloom, creating beautiful scenery. Summer from April to June has a cool climate, suitable for outdoor activities and nature exploration. Fall from September to November is the time of ripe rice season, especially attracting tourists who love the beauty of terraced fields. Winter from December to January has a cold and foggy climate, suitable for those who want to experience a quiet and cool atmosphere.

Visitors coming to Son La need to pay attention to the weather in each season. In spring and summer, you should bring light, comfortable clothes, and in fall and winter, you need to prepare warm clothes, because the weather can be cold and wet. Choose the right time to travel to make your trip more complete.

Transportation information

Flight routes to Son La

  • Hanoi (HAN) - Son La (SLM)

    • Departure airport: Airport Noi Bai

    • Travel time (estimated): There is no commercial airport in Son La, so visitors need to fly to the nearest airports such as Dien Bien Phu Airport or Noi Bai Airport, then continue the journey by bus or car.

Train to Son La

  • Hanoi – Son La

    • Currently, there is no direct train route from Hanoi to Son La. Visitors can take the train to stations near Son La such as Yen Vien Station or Hanoi Station and then transfer by bus or car.

    • Departure station: Hanoi Station

    • Travel time (estimated): 8 – 9 hours

Passenger bus to Son La

  • Hanoi - Son La

    • Departure station: My Dinh bus station, Luong Yen bus station

    • Travel time (estimated): 4 - 7 hours

    • Many high-quality bus companies operate this route, such as:

      • Duc Quyen: Sleeper bus, seats, ticket price from 300,000 - 355,000 VND.

      • Minh Chau Limousine: High quality limousine, ticket price from 350,000 - 500,000 VND.

      • Hai Van Xuan Trang: Seat and sleeper car, door-to-door service.

Moving within Son province La

To travel within the province and between tourist areas such as Son La and Moc Chau, visitors can choose:

  • Taxis and technology vehicles:
    Taxi companies such as Mai Linh Son La and Grab technology vehicle service are present in Son La, serving tourists traveling in the city and surrounding areas.

  • Internal buses:
    Bus routes such as Son La - Moc Chau, Son La - Mai Son operate continuously from 5am to 7pm every day, convenient and economical for tourists.

  • Rent motorbikes and self-driving cars:

    • SIXT Vietnam: Providing motorbike rental services in Son La and Moc Chau.

    • Motorvina: Quality motorbike rental service in Son La.

    • Car rental price:

      • Motorbike: from 100,000 - 250,000 VND/day.

      • Self-driving car: from 500,000 VND/day.

Accommodation information in Son La

Luxury (4, 5 star hotels)

Muong Thanh Luxury Son La

Muong Thanh Luxury Son La Hotel

  • Address: No. 2 To Hieu, To Hieu Ward, Son La Province

  • Price from: 990,000 VND/night

  • Muong Thanh Luxury Son La is the first 5-star hotel in Son La city, located in a central location with convenient transportation. The hotel includes 154 modern rooms, fully equipped with high-class amenities such as infinity swimming pool, gym, spa & massage, restaurant and bar. This is the ideal choice for travelers who want to experience the combination of modern amenities and majestic natural beauty of the Northwest. 

Muong Thanh Moc Chau Hotel

  • Address: Sub-area 2, Thao Nguyen ward

  • Price from: 1,200,000 VND/night

  • Muong Thanh Moc Chau Hotel is one of the high-end hotels in Moc Chau, located near famous tourist attractions such as the hills heart tea and Dai Yem waterfall. The hotel provides convenient services such as a swimming pool, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, along with luxurious rooms, providing a vacation experience 

Resort

>Moc Chau Retreat Resort

  • Address: Hamlet 3, Chieng Di sub-area, Moc Son ward

  • Price from: 800,000 VND/night

  • Moc Chau Retreat Resort is located amidst beautiful nature, with traditional stilt house design, 4-season swimming pool and picnic activities such as tea picking, mountain climbing, and fishing. The resort is the ideal choice for those who love tranquility and immersion in nature.

Moc Chau Eco Garden

  • Address: Muong Sang commune, Moc Chau ward

  • Price from: 1,000,000 VND/night

  • Ecological resort with 14 separate bungalows, designed according to Northwest stilt house style. Visitors can visit the flower garden, participate in activities such as cycling, fishing and enjoy local cuisine.

Other experiences

>Pa Phach Farmstay

  • Address: Pa Phach village, Moc Son ward

  • Price from: 350,000 VND/night

  • Pa Phach Farmstay offers the experience of living close to nature and indigenous culture. Visitors can participate in activities such as picking plums and apricots, baking, weaving and enjoying Thai specialties.

Moc Chau Hobbiton

  • Address: Sub-area 70, Moc Son ward

  • Price from: 800,000 VND/night

  • Moc Chau Hobbiton is a Hobbit-style resort, with beautiful small houses located in the middle of nature. Visitors can relax, enjoy the fresh air and participate in activities such as walking, taking photos and enjoying local cuisine.

In addition, if you want more options for your vacation in Son La, here are a few other accommodation suggestions worth considering - suitable for many different styles and budgets:

  • Windsor Hotel - Local address: 408 Tran Dang Ninh, To Hieu ward

  • Star Xanh Hotel - Address: To Hieu ward

  • Phoenix Moc Chau Resort - Address: Ban Ang Pine Forest, Moc Son ward

  • Moc Chau Arena Village - Address: Km 122/180 National Highway 6 Sub-Zone, Moc Son ward

  • Son La Star Hotel - Address: 10 Nguyen Luong Bang, To Hieu Ward

  • Huong Son Hotel - Address: 102 Le Thanh Tong, To Hieu Ward

Local festival cuisine and culture

Famous restaurants

Store 75 (Be Chao Moc Chau): Bo Bun sub-area, Thao Nguyen ward

Quan 75

If you want to enjoy Moc Chau's famous veal dish, Restaurant 75 is an address not to be missed. This is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants for its freshly prepared veal dish, soft and sweet meat, crispy skin, dipped in signature soy sauce. The restaurant's space is spacious and affordable, always crowded with locals and tourists. The food is served quickly and the price is reasonable. Reference price is about 150,000 - 350,000 VND/person, depending on the number of dishes ordered. In addition to veal, the restaurant also serves many other Northwest specialties.

Moc Chau 64 Salmon Restaurant: Chieng Di sub-area, Moc Son ward

64 Salmon Restaurant impresses with fresh salmon and sturgeon ingredients raised locally, ensuring quality. The menu is very diverse with attractive dishes such as salmon salad, sour sturgeon hotpot, grilled salmon... skillfully prepared to retain the natural sweetness of the fish. The cozy restaurant space, with both outdoor areas and private rooms, is an ideal destination for those who love cold-water fish cuisine. Reference prices range from 250,000 - 600,000 VND/person, depending on the type of fish and set menu you choose.

Local Cuisine

Nam Pia – Thang Co A Tua Restaurant – 58 Tran Dang Ninh, To Hieu Ward: Coming to Son La, if you are brave enough, you should Try Nam Pia - the most unique Thai dish. This dish is made from animal organs and "pia" (immature digestive fluid). A Tua restaurant is a familiar address for locals to enjoy highland specialties, where you can experience the original Nam Pia flavor.

Di Hoa's kitchen buffalo meat – No. 212, Nguyen Luong Bang Street, To Hieu Ward: This is a reputable brand of kitchen buffalo meat, suitable for enjoying or buying as a gift. The meat is marinated with bold Northwest spices such as Mac Khen, Doi seeds and then smoked on a wood stove, creating a characteristic delicious flavor. The store has a clear address, products are carefully packaged, ensuring quality.

Cuisine discovery experience

Pa Pinh Top (Grilled folded fish) - Stilt houses and homestays in Ban Ang, Moc Son ward: Folded grilled fish is the quintessence of Thai cuisine. Fresh stream fish is marinated with Mac Khen, ginger, lemongrass, and herbs, then clamped onto a bamboo stick and grilled over charcoal. Enjoying hot Pa Pinh Top with Lam rice and Cham Dao in a traditional stilt house space is an authentic culinary cultural experience that you should try when visiting tourist villages.

Lam Rice and Grilled Chicken - Restaurants along Highway 6 or fairs: This is a rustic but extremely attractive culinary duo. Fragrant sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, hill running chicken grilled until golden brown and marinated with mountain spices. You can easily find small roadside shops or in local markets, where the flavors always remain the most rustic and original.

In addition to the above addresses, people can refer to some other famous shops such as:

  • Dong Hai Restaurant - 316 Chu Van Thinh, To Hieu ward

  • Farm Vuon Dao salmon – Vuon Dao sub-area, in Thao Nguyen ward

  • Tuan Gu Restaurant - 70 Tran Dang Ninh, To Hieu Ward

Son La cultural experience

Het Cha Festival: This is a special festival of the White Thai people in Moc Chau, usually taking place around March 23-26 of the solar calendar every year in the villages. The festival means giving thanks to the shaman for treating the villagers and praying for a healthy new year and a good harvest. Visitors will be immersed in the bustling atmosphere of Xoe dances, folk games such as shuttlecock throwing, quick cheek toss and admire the brightly decorated Nei tree (Chá tree).

Het Cha Festival

Independence Day of the Mong people: Taking place on the National Day of September 2 of the solar calendar in Moc Chau plateau, this is the biggest and most unique festival of the Mong people. From all villages, Mong people eagerly flocked to the town center in their most splendid brocade costumes. The love market, the sound of the flute calling friends, the games of throwing pao, playing tu lu... create a colorful cultural space, deeply expressing the spirit of solidarity and national pride.

Some other cultural experiences in Son La:

  • Hoa Ban Festival (Xen Muong Festival) - Of the Thai ethnic group, often performed released in March of the solar calendar, honoring the beauty of the symbolic flower of the Northwest region and praying for favorable weather.

  • Visit cultural villages - Ban Ang (Moc Chau), Ban Mong to learn about the life, stilt house architecture and culinary culture of Thai people.

  • Explore Moc Chau tea hill – Experience tea picking with people at Tam Tim tea hill, O Long tea hill and learn about the tea production process.

  • Participate in highland markets - A place to exchange goods and cultural activities of ethnic minorities, taking place on a regular schedule in the districts.

  • Visit Son La Prison - Historical relic special national history, a place that marks the resilient fighting spirit of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers.

Amusement park

Chimi Farm strawberry farm

Chimi Farm

Chimi Farm is one of the largest strawberry farms in the North and is a favorite destination of many families as well as young people when coming to Son La. Not only a farm, Chimi Farm is also designed as an amusement and picnic area with fresh space, close to nature. Visitors here can pick ripe strawberries themselves and enjoy products made from strawberries such as smoothies, yogurt, and strawberry jam right at the counter. In addition, the farm's grounds also have many beautiful "virtual living" photography corners such as windmills, beautiful small wooden houses and seasonal flower gardens.

  • Reference ticket price:

    • Entrance ticket: Free.

    • Price of strawberries picked at the garden: ranges from 250,000 - 350,000 VND/kg, depending on the season and strawberry variety.

    • Drinks and products from strawberries: cost from 30,000 - 60,000 VND.

Bach Long Glass Bridge

Located in Moc Chau ward, Bach Long glass bridge is an impressive structure and a destination for those who love thrills and want to admire the majestic beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests. With a total length of 632m, this is considered the longest glass walking bridge in the world. Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below and experience the feeling of floating in mid-air. Moc Chau Island tourist area, where the bridge is located, also integrates many other adventure games such as Zipline, Airslide and children's play area.

  • Reference ticket price:

    • Adults: 550,000 VND/ticket on weekdays and 650,000 VND/ticket on weekdays and 650,000 VND/ticket on weekdays and 650,000 VND/ticket on weekdays. VND/ticket on weekends or holidays.

    • Children (from 1m - 1.4m tall): 350,000 VND/ticket on weekdays and 450,000 VND/ticket on weekends or holidays.

    • Children under 1m: free.

    • Tickets include experiencing the glass bridge and visiting attractions in the tourist area.

Some other amusement parks in Son La

  • Dai Yem Waterfall tourist area: Moc Chau ward

  • Tourist area Happy Land Moc Chau tour: Dwarf village, Moc Chau ward

  • Moc Chau Island tourist area: in Moc Chau ward

Suggested tour

Experience tour

Moc Chau tour - Canola and plum blossom season (2 days 1) night)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Moc Chau (visit the heart tea hill, Ban Ang pine forest, Na Ka plum valley, strawberry picking experience) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: From 1,350,000 VND.

  • Organizer: PYS Travel, The Sinh Tourist.

>Ta Xua Cloud Hunting Tour - "Dinosaur Ridge" (2 days 1 night)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Bac Yen - Ta Xua (cloud hunting at Ta Xua peak, check-in "dinosaur spine" Hang Dong) - Hanoi.

  • Method of transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: 1,580,000 VND.

  • Organizing unit: Vietgoing Travel, Elite Tour.

Adventure tour

Tour Conquering Pha Luong peak - Roof of Moc Chau (2 days 2 nights)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Moc Chau - trekking to conquer Pha Luong peak, explore the wild beauty of the mountains and forests bordering Vietnam - Laos - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car + Motorbike (short distance) + Trekking.

  • Reference tour price: 1,850,000 VND.

  • Organization: Go Trekking, Viettrekking.

Tat Nang - Chieng Yen Waterfall Tour (2 days 1 night)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Van Ho - Chieng Yen (experience bathing in hot mineral springs, trekking and crossing Tat Nang waterfall, explore Thai villages) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: Contact for detailed price.

  • Organizing unit: Units specializing in trekking and discovery tours.

Family tour

Moc Chau resort tour - Dai Yem Waterfall & Bridge of Love (3 days 2 nights)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Moc Chau (relax at the resort, visit Dai Yem waterfall, experience walking on the Bridge of Love, visit a dairy farm) - Hanoi Noi.

  • Transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: From 2,890,000 VND (depending on resort class).

  • Organization unit: Antamtour, Vietnam Booking.

>Tour to Explore Song Da Lake - Quynh Nhai (2 days 1 night)

  • Itinerary: Son La City - Quynh Nhai (boat ride on Song Da Lake, visit the islands, learn about the culture of the White Thai people, enjoy river fish specialties) - Son City La.

  • Transportation: Car + Boat.

  • Reference tour price: Contact for latest prices (usually organized by local travel agencies in Son La).

  • Organization unit: Son La Tourism, tourism cooperatives in Quynh Nhai.

Eco-tourism

Tour to Explore Xuan Nha Nature Reserve (2 days 1 night)

  • Itinerary: Moc Chau - Xuan Nha (trekking to explore diverse forest ecosystems, learn about rare flora and fauna species, experience life with indigenous people) - Moc Chau.

  • Transportation: Car + Trekking on foot.

  • Reference tour price: Contact for specific price.

  • Organizer: Travel companies specializing in ecological and community tours.

Ngoc Chien - Muong La Tour: Hot mineral bath and ripe rice season (3 days 2 nights)

  • Itinerary: Hanoi - Muong La - Ngoc Chien (experience natural hot mineral bath, see terraced fields in ripe rice season, explore Luoi village culture) - Hanoi.

  • Transportation: Car.

  • Reference tour price: Approx. 2,500,000 VND.

  • Organizer: Sapa Explore Travel, tour units specializing in the Northwest route.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Son La is not only a majestic land with green plateaus and a unique national culture not only is it a place where visitors can find countless unique specialties and souvenirs, imbued with the flavor of the Northwest mountains and forests. Below are detailed suggestions for you to choose as gifts for relatives and friends.

Souvenirs in Moc Chau

Handmade souvenirs are not only beautiful but also contain cultural values and ingenuity of indigenous people.

  • Brocade items: These are sophisticated products of Thai and H'Mong ethnic women. You can find scarves, handbags, wallets, clothes, stuffed animals... with brilliant, unique patterns, woven entirely by hand.

  • Wanting products from rattan and bamboo: Products such as baskets, baskets, and small pretty decorations made from rattan and bamboo represent the rusticity and closeness to the nature of the Northwest mountains and forests.

  • Silver jewelry: Silver jewelry exquisitely crafted according to the traditional designs of the H'Mong and Dao people is also a unique and valuable gift choice.

  • Ethnic musical instruments: Hmong flutes, cat flutes or Thai flutes are unique souvenirs for those who love likes music and folk culture.

Suggested shopping places

  • Markets and night markets: Local markets such as Na Si Market (Mai Son) or Moc Chau Night Market are where you can find a full range of goods from fresh agricultural products to handicrafts.

  • Commercial centers and supermarkets: In the city center there is Vincom Plaza Son La, or in Moc Chau there is Specialty supermarkets, which provide products with beautiful packaging and quality assurance.

  • Specialty stores and rest stops: Along tourist routes, especially in the Moc Chau area, there are many shops and rest stops selling a variety of specialties and souvenirs for tourists to choose from.

Information support and other information

>Son La Provincial Police

  • Address: No. 678, Le Duan Street, Chieng Sinh Ward

  • Emergency phone number: 113

  • Phone: 069 2680 189

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La Province

  • Address: Khau Ca Street, Group 8, To Hieu Ward

  • Phone: (0212) 3 852 270

Son La Provincial Market Management Department (Consumer Protection)

  • Address: No. 230 Truong Chinh Street, Group 1, To Ward Brand

  • Phone: 02123 853 374

From the romantic Moc Chau plateau to the majestic cloud-hunting Ta Xua, blending with the unique cultural identities of 12 ethnic groups, Son La is a destination with a strong Northwest imprint, promising to leave unforgettable memories in the hearts of tourists. guest.