Home
Things To Do in Sapa
Transport Hanoi – Sapa
Other Routes
Things to do
Travel GuideO Long Tea Hill: Sapa’s Enchanting Tea Gardens & Blossom Joy
O Long Tea Hill is a beautiful place in Sapa, Vietnam. It is known for its green tea fields and lovely sakura blossom trees. The air is fresh, and the view is calm and peaceful. Many people come here to walk, take photos, and enjoy nature. In spring, the pink flowers from the trees make the hill look like a dream. It is a nice spot to relax and feel happy. If you love quiet places, you will enjoy this hill.
Overview of O Long Tea Hill
O Long Tea Hill is located on the way to the O Quy Ho Pass, in Sapa town, Lao Cai province. It’s about 7 kilometers northwest from the center of Sapa. The tea hill stretches along National Highway 4D and sits at an altitude of around 1,800 meters above sea level. The views here are like something straight out of a painting – absolutely breathtaking and sure to capture anyone’s heart the moment they arrive.
What Are Special Things About Long Tea Hill?
Let’s explore why Long Tea Hill is special, with its scenic vistas, fragrant tea gardens, and captivating stories that enhance its charm as a premier travel and tea destination.
O Long Tea Hill: Sapa’s Stunning Sea of Tea Leaves
O Long Tea Hill is famous for its beautiful tea plantations that cover rolling hills, making the landscape truly stunning. The tea grown here is some of the best in Sapa, known for its unique taste and great quality. When you walk through the tea fields, you’ll notice neat rows of carefully trimmed tea bushes, with paths that give you amazing views of the mountains around.
Tea growing at O Long Tea Hill has a long history, with traditional ways passed down from one generation to the next. Thanks to Sapa’s cool weather and rich soil, the tea plants thrive and produce top-quality leaves. If you visit, you’ll also get a chance to learn how tea is made – from picking the leaves by hand to processing and drying them. It’s a peaceful and interesting experience that shows the hard work behind every cup of tea.
Sakura Blossom Magic: When Cherry Trees Paint O Long Tea Hill
Another coolest thing about O Long Tea Hill is the cherry blossom trees that bloom around the tea fields. From December to January, the hills get covered in pink and white flowers, making everything look super pretty. The blossoms remind you of the ones in Japan, with soft pink petals standing out against the green tea plants. It’s a really special view and a great spot for photos or just relaxing in nature.
What Makes O Long Tea Hill a Must-Visit?
If you’re heading to Sapa, O Long Tea Hill is a must-visit for its peaceful vibe, tea fields, and beautiful cherry blossoms.
1. Strike a Pose Among Endless Tea Rows
In recent years, O Long Tea Hill has become a trending check-in spot, especially among young travelers. With its endless green tea rows stretching smoothly along the hillsides, this place is a dream for photography lovers. The backdrop of layered mountain ranges adds even more charm to the already stunning view.
As you stroll through the fields, you might also spot local Hmong women picking tea leaves, carrying traditional baskets on their backs. This simple, everyday scene adds life and authenticity to the landscape – a beautiful moment many visitors love to capture.
2. Chase the Clouds – A Dreamy Sky-High Experience
O Long Tea Hill is also a hidden gem for cloud-hunting in Sapa. Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and you’ll see soft, white clouds floating gently above the hills. The sight of tea fields and cherry blossom trees peeking through the mist creates a magical, fairytale-like view.
It’s a surreal moment — as if the tea hills are rising above the clouds — and one you definitely don’t want to miss.
3. Fall in Love with the Cherry Blossom Season
Each winter, usually from December to January, O Long Tea Hill transforms into a romantic wonderland. Cherry blossom trees are planted between the rows of tea, painting the hills with soft shades of pink. The contrast between the green tea bushes and the pastel blossoms creates a breathtaking scene that leaves many visitors in awe.
4. Savor the Flavors of Local Cuisine
While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to visit nearby ethnic villages and try the delicious local Sapa food. Some must-try dishes include grilled stream fish, bamboo-tube rice (cơm lam), roasted chicken, and corn wine. These simple but flavorful dishes offer a real taste of life in the highlands – warm, hearty, and unforgettable.
5. Sip Fresh Tea with a View
Don’t leave without trying a cup of fresh Ô Long tea! Some local farms offer tea-tasting sessions where you can enjoy warm sips while soaking in the mountain views. It’s a simple, relaxing experience – perfect for tea lovers.
6. Extend Your Journey with a Scenic Ride to Tram Ton Pass
Once you’ve soaked in the peaceful charm of O Long Tea Hill, don’t rush back just yet – keep going along the same road and you’ll reach Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Sitting nearly 1,900 meters above sea level, it’s known for its dramatic views of mountain peaks and cloud-filled valleys, earning it the nickname “Heaven’s Gate.”
This route also leads you to other popular Sapa attractions like the Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall, both great for a quick walk in nature and stunning photos.
How to Get O Long Tea Hill?
If you’re thinking about getting to O Long Tea Hill from Hanoi, here’s the lowdown to help you plan your trip. The hill is near Sapa, which is about 320 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, so you’ll first need to make your way to Sapa town before heading to the tea fields.
Step 1: Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa Town
The first part of the trip is to reach Sapa town, the main gateway to O Long Tea Hill. There are several transportation options, each with its pros and cons:
- Bus/Coach: Multiple bus companies operate routes from Sao Viet Bus, HK Open Tour, G8 Bus. These buses typically take about 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Buses range from standard to luxury sleeper coaches, offering comfort for overnight travel. Prices vary from $19 to $21. This option is affordable and popular with tourists.
- Train: Another option is to take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai station. The train ride is longer, usually about 8 hours, but it offers a scenic experience and a chance to relax in a sleeper cabin. From Lao Cai station, visitors need to take a taxi or shuttle bus for approximately 1 hour to reach Sapa town. Train tickets vary by class, but generally cost between $36 and $55.
5/5
- Limousine or Private Car: For travelers seeking more comfort and speed, private cars or limousine vans are available. These services reduce travel time to around 4 to 5 hours, with prices ranging from $148 – $195. This option provides door-to-door convenience but costs more.
Step 2: From Sapa Town to O Long Tea Hill
Once in Sapa, O Long Tea Hill is about 10 kilometers away, located on the way toward Ban Ho village. Travelers can rent a motorbike, take a taxi, or arrange for a local tour guide to visit the hill. The road to the tea hill winds through beautiful landscapes, including terraced rice fields and mountain villages, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.
>> Related articles: How to Get Around in Sapa: Maximize Your Joyful Journey Experience
Tips To Visit O Long Tea Hill, Sapa
- Visit early in the morning for the best views. Between 6:00 – 8:00 AM is ideal for soft light, fewer crowds, and stunning photos in the dreamy “mini Europe” landscape of Sapa.
- The road to the tea hill includes winding mountain passes, so if you’re riding a motorbike, drive carefully and stay alert, especially in foggy or rainy weather.
- Entry is free, but it’s respectful to ask permission from the H’mong family who helps take care of the tea hill before entering.
- Stay safe during all activities, especially if you’re walking, soaking in hot springs, or boating nearby. Always follow local safety guidelines.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, especially on uneven paths.
- The best months to visit are from September to November or March to May when the weather is pleasant and blossoms like cherry and white apricot flowers are in full bloom.
- Bring light snacks and water since the tea hill is quite far from Sapa town and there are limited services nearby.
- Keep the area clean – please don’t litter and help protect the natural beauty of the landscape.
Conclusion
To wrap up, O Long Tea Hill is a beautiful place in Sapa. The green tea fields stretch far and wide, making the hills look very calm and fresh. In spring, the pink Sakura blossom trees add soft colors to the view. Walking here feels peaceful and happy. It is a great spot to enjoy nature and take nice photos. Visiting O Long Tea Hill is a nice way to relax and see the beauty of tea farms and flowers all in one place.