All things need to know before travelling to Son La
1. Where is Son La?
Son La is a mountainous province, located in the center of the Northwest mountainous region of Vietnam. It is about 320 km northwest of the capital Hanoi. Geographically:
- Bordering Lao Cai and Lai Chau provinces to the North.
- Bordering Phu Tho province to the East.
- It borders Dien Bien province to the West.
- Bordering Thanh Hoa province and Huaphanh and Luangprabang provinces of Laos to the South.
2. How is Son La unique?
Son La‘s terrain is mainly low hills, with an average height of 600m to 700m. In addition, the large mountain systems in the province run in the direction of Northwest – Southeast. Together with Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the North, it forms a limestone plateau in the middle and divides this place into two basins of Da River and Ma River.
Furthermore, this land is home to many ethnic minorities such as Thai, H’Mong, Dao, Muong, … with their own customs and culture. The wars, conflicts between feudal dynasties and the period of resistance against foreign invaders took place continuously, creating a tumultuous historical picture for this land.
In particular, Son La is an attractive tourist destination for tourists who love to explore nature and culture. When coming here, you can participate in activities such as: trekking, mountain climbing, camping, exploring villages, experiencing local culture,…
3. When is the best time to visit Son La?
Son La has a temperate monsoon climate, divided into two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from May to October and the dry season is from November to April. The average annual temperature is about 20°C, the average annual rainfall is about 1,800 mm.
Therefore, to have a complete and memorable trip to Son La, you need to choose the right time. Because that is when the weather is favorable and the scenery is very beautiful and poetic. Here are some suggestions for the ideal time to travel to Son La:
Dry season (from November to April next year): This is the most ideal time to travel to Son La. During this period, the weather is cool, with little rain. It is suitable for sightseeing, exploring and climbing activities. In particular, in the spring from February to April, peach blossoms and plum blossoms bloom throughout the villages. It creates an extremely romantic and poetic scenery.
Rice season(from September to October): If you want to see the golden terraced fields of ripe rice, come to Son La during the rice harvest season. This is the best time to take photos and preserve impressive moments of the majestic Northwest region. Join our Hanoi to Son La photo tours with local expert guides, and let us help you capture unforgettable shots of Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes.
4. How to get to Son La?
4.1 Traveling to Son La
There are many ways to travel to Son La, depending on your preferences, needs and budget.
- Coach: This is a popular means of transportation to Son La. Departing from Hanoi, there are many reputable bus companies running to Son La with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 – 350,000 VND/way.
- Personal car: If you want to freely explore tourist attractions in Son La, you can travel by private car. The road from Hanoi to Son La is quite beautiful, with many majestic mountain views, however, you need to pay attention to the road and weather.
- Motorbike: Riding a motorbike to Son La is a fun experience for those who love to explore. However, you need to have experience driving on steep mountain passes and fully prepare necessary items such as helmets, raincoats, maps,…
4.2 Traveling around in Son La
Motorbike: This is the most popular means of transport in Son La, especially in rural areas and highland areas. Motorbikes can get into every corner so you can explore many beautiful scenes conveniently.
Car: If you are traveling in a large group or want to travel to remote locations, a car is the right choice. You can rent a car with a driver or drive yourself.
Motorbike service: Motorbike service is also a popular means of transportation in inner city areas and famous tourist destinations in Son La. Therefore, you can choose this means of transportation if you cannot rent a motorbike to drive yourself.
5. Sightseeings in Son La
Son La owns many famous destinations, beautiful, majestic and poetic. This place not only attracts tourists by the unique beauty of nature. But it is also attractive because of the unique cultural features of ethnic minorities.
5.1 Moc Chau Plateau
Known as “Da Lat of the Northwest”, Moc Chau is one of the top tourist destinations of Son La that you should visit. This place has a pure natural beauty, with its own characteristics of each season. Especially at the beginning of the year, Moc Chau is brilliant with the colors of plum, apricot, and peach flowers.
In addition, in October, it is the season of wild sunflowers blooming beautifully, then the season of white mustard flowers covering the whole region. All of them bring charming beauty to this land. Join our Moc Chau tours and Moc Chau photo tours to witness these stunning flower seasons, capture unforgettable pictures, and experience the authentic charm of Vietnam’s highlands.
5.2 Moc Chau Tea Hill
For a long time, Moc Chau has been famous for its premium tea products. Therefore, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Moc Chau Tea Hill when looking for attractive tourist destinations in Son La. The tea hill is at its best from February to December. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to come to Son La during this time, take the opportunity to come here to take pictures and visit. At that time, you will see the scene of people harvesting and pruning tea gardens to prepare for the next crop.
5.3 Ban Ang pine forest
Very close to the famous Moc Chau town of Son La is the Ban Ang pine forest. With an area of up to 43 hectares, the forest has a cool and fresh atmosphere with a very pleasing scene of pine forests.
When you arrive at the pine forest, you can camp overnight to freely immerse yourself in the cold air and watch the sunrise. Besides, you can learn about the mulberry growing process and self-harvesting when it is in season from April to November.
5.4 Dai Yem Waterfall
Favored by nature with impressive beauty, Dai Yem Waterfall is considered the “treasure of Son La”. In addition, the name of the waterfall is associated with the legendary story of a girl who used a bib to save a young man from a raging flood.
With a height of over 100m, the waterfall is divided into 2 main floors, of which the first floor has 9 steps, the second floor has 5 steps. Every year from April to October, this place has a powerful waterfall with beautiful white foam because that is the time when a lot of water flows.
5.5 Pha Luong Peak
If you have ever experienced the feeling of conquering Pha Luong Peak, everyone has unforgettable memories and wants to come here a second time. Pha Luong Peak is considered the “roof of Moc Chau” with an altitude of nearly 2,000 m above sea level. This place often attracts young people to check in and admire the wonderful scenery.
5.6 Pha Din Pass
This is also one of the famous tourist destinations of Son La. The name of this pass is translated as heaven and earth, so Pha Din pass is understood as the place where heaven and earth meet. Located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, Pha Din Pass attracts tourists with its majestic, wild and extremely romantic scenery. In addition, along this pass are winding curves, with beautiful wild sunflower valleys on both sides.
5.7 Ta Xua Peak
As one of the highest mountain peaks in Vietnam, Ta Xua Peak is located at an altitude of over 2,800 m above sea level. Moreover, this place has a cool climate all year round with a famous destination called “dinosaur spine”. This is a beautiful cloud hunting spot from October to April.
In addition, Ta Xua peak has a rather rugged terrain. These are steep, narrow roads with deep abysses on both sides. Therefore, it is impossible to get here by car, you can only go by foot or motorbike. However, if you are not a steady driver, it will be very dangerous.
When you get here, you can take a motorbike taxi from the locals. They are professional drivers who will help you get through the rough road to the top of Ta Xua. From here, you can admire the vast, majestic scenery around.
5.8 Xim Vang
Xim Vang is not as prominent as Ta Xua but has an extremely unique landscape. These are the terraced fields with a golden yellow color. This place gathers the most beautiful fields of Son La, making everyone fascinated.
5.9 Hang Tau
Hang Tau is gradually becoming a famous tourist attraction of Son La. In particular, it is suitable for tourists who love to explore peace. This place impresses with the “3 no” life of the locals: no wifi, no phone signal and no electricity grid.
This village is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, home to more than 20 H’Mong ethnic households. When you come here, you will feel a strangely peaceful place. With the majestic space of the mountains and forests, it is almost isolated from the outside world.
5.10 Hawthorn Forest
Located at an average altitude of 1,800 m above sea level, Ngoc Chien Commune is recognized as the commune with the largest hawthorn forest in Vietnam. This flower species blooms white in March every year, creating a romantic scene that captivates tourists.
When visiting here, you not only have the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery, but you can also relax by the hot mineral spring system, which is a special tourism product in this area. Add this experience to your Vietnam classic tours and enjoy a perfect blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
5.11 Ban Mong Mineral Spring
It is an ecotourism destination 5 km from the center of Son La City. The road to Ban Mong Mineral Spring winds around the spacious hillsides, making it very convenient to travel. When you come here, you will be able to admire the beautiful natural landscape. And enjoy the cool, fresh air.
5.12 Na Kha Plum Valley
Na Kha Plum Valley is filled with the white color of plum flowers, brilliant and beautiful in spring. When the weather is cold and the sky is clear and warm. Moreover, this is considered the largest plum valley and a famous check-in tourist destination of Son La for many years.
5.13 Bat Cave
Located right in the center of Moc Chau town, Bat Cave has an area of nearly 7,000 m². The Thai people here also call it Sa Lai Cave, meaning water cave. Because there is a large underground water source inside. You will need to climb about 240 steps to reach the cave entrance, although it is hard, in return you will be able to see the soft and graceful path. It will dispel all the fatigue in your journey.
5.14 Ngu Dong Ban On
If you are looking for a tourist destination to explore nature in Son La, you should not miss Ngu Dong Ban On. There are 5 caves here that were discovered by local people in 2006. They still retain their mysterious and wild features thanks to not having too many tourism services exploited.
The inside of the cave is impressive with giant stalactites of all shapes. You will need to spend about a day trekking along the trail leading into the cave and exploring this cave complex.
5.15 Noong Cop Pine Forest
Noong Cop Pine Forest is an attractive eco-tourism destination of Son La province. It covers an area of over 1,300 hectares, covered by rows of tall, cool pine trees. It creates a majestic, poetic natural landscape.
This is an ideal place for you to relax, rest and immerse yourself in nature. In addition, you can also take a walk under the cool, green pine canopy, enjoying the fresh, cool air. Besides, you can also participate in interesting outdoor activities such as picnicking, camping, trekking, etc. Join our Northwest Vietnam trekking tour to combine these exciting experiences with breathtaking mountain landscapes and authentic encounters with local hill-tribe culture.
5.16 Son La Prison Relic
Ranked as a special national historical relic in 2014. Son La Prison was built in 1908 by the French colonialists with an initial area of 500 m². Later, the area increased to more than 2,000 m² after 3 expansions.
There are two collective detention cells, 5 individual detention cells and a row of underground cells 3 m deep. In particular, Son La Prison Relic has a solid architecture, stone beds for prisoners. And comes with a system of shackles along the length of the floor.
Currently, this prison is a tourist attraction that attracts a large number of visitors. When you come here, you can learn about the heroic history of the Vietnamese people. And the resilient spirit of revolutionary prisoners.
5.17 Son La Hydroelectric Plant
After 7 years of construction, Son La Hydroelectric Plant was inaugurated in 2012. In particular, it has the largest scale in Southeast Asia. Currently, this project is still the largest hydroelectric plant in Vietnam, providing more than 20 billion kWh of electricity to the national power system.
When you come here, you can take a boat ride on the hydroelectric lake to admire the wild and mysterious beauty. As well as enjoy the wonderful feeling of relaxation. On both sides of the lake are the stilt houses of the indigenous people, you can participate in the traditional boat racing festival. Or visit the market scene along the Da River or admire the Pa Uon Bridge,…
5.18 General Vo Nguyen Giap Forest
The original name of this forest was Ban Nhot forest. But later, people changed its name to the name of General Vo Nguyen Giap forest. To express respect and gratitude to the talented general of the Vietnamese people. The forest has an area of 200 hectares with dense, lush trees and is surrounded by two mountain ranges.
5.19 Thung Cuong Village
Thung Cuong Village is a small village about 3km from Moc Chau town. Surrounding it are majestic mountains and cool green forests. Moreover, this is also the home of the H’Mong ethnic group, with traditional stilt houses made of wood and thatched roofs. The people here mainly live on rice farming, animal husbandry and brocade weaving.
When you come here, you will have the opportunity to see the blooming white mustard fields all over the horizon. Or take pictures, check in to have beautiful souvenir photos.
5.20 Pa Phach Village
Every afternoon, Pa Phach Village is characterized by the phenomenon of fog, which makes the landscape mysterious and cool. When you come here, you not only have the opportunity to admire the beautiful natural scenery. You can also learn and explore the life, activities and culture of the Green H’Mong people here.
5.21 Hong Ngai Village
Hong Ngai Village is home to the H’Mong ethnic group with unique “earthen houses”. People made them of rammed earth and roofed with thatch. Moreover, this place is known as the “ancient village” of the H’Mong people with traditional cultural features preserved intact.
When you come here, you may hear about the story of A Phu’s Wife. They are characters that the writer To Hoai took from Hong Ngai village. In addition, legend has it that in the past, the god Hong Ngai was sent down to earth by the Jade Emperor to quell the rebellion. When the weather was harsh, there was crop failure, famine and epidemics. He helped the people restore a happy and prosperous life, so the name of the village appeared from there.
6. Specialties when traveling to Son La
Son La cuisine carries the flavors of the Northwest region of Vietnam in general. But there are still unique features that make many tourists fascinated. If you have the opportunity to travel to Son La, you should not miss the following delicious dishes.
6.1 Pa Pinh Top (grilled fish)
This dish is made from fresh stream fish, marinated with typical spices of the Northwest such as mac khen, chili, ginger, lemongrass, … Then, they grill them on charcoal until they are evenly golden brown. Moreover, grilled fish with pa pinh top has the sweet aroma of fish, mixed with the spicy taste of chili. And the strong aroma of mac khen, creating an unforgettable flavor.
6.2 Smoked buffalo meat
Smoked buffalo meat is also very famous in Son La in particular and the Northwest region in general. In addition, this dish is mainly made from buffalo or pork raised naturally on the mountainside. People will take the meat into pieces and marinate it with spices such as chili, ginger, salt, and mac khen. Then, they smoke each piece of meat over the smoke of charcoal burned from forest trees.
When enjoying smoked buffalo meat, you will feel the toughness. Snacking or eating with cham cheo, processing into stir-fried salads are all very delicious and attractive.
6.3 Buffalo skin salad
The dish is made from boiled buffalo skin, thinly sliced, then mixed with herbs, roasted peanuts, shrimp paste and spices. Buffalo skin salad has the crunchy taste of buffalo skin, the sour taste of shrimp paste, the spicy taste of chili and the aromatic taste of herbs. It creates a unique and attractive flavor.
6.4 Stir-fried veal
The dish is made from fresh veal, marinated with typical spices of the Northwest such as mac khen, chili, ginger, lemongrass, … Then, people stir-fry it in hot oil until it is evenly golden brown. Therefore, fried veal has the sweet and soft taste of veal, mixed with the spicy taste of chili. And the strong aroma of mac khen, creating an irresistible flavor.
6.5 Five-color sticky rice
The dish is cooked using glutinous rice colored with natural leaves such as purple leaves, ginger leaves, sticky rice leaves, etc. Five-color sticky rice has bright colors, delicious flavors and meaning wishing for luck and prosperity.
6.6 Chieng Mai Duck
Chieng Mai Duck is a specialty duck breed of Son La, famous for its delicious flavor, sweet, soft meat and not greasy.
Here are some delicious dishes from Chieng Mai Duck that you should try when coming to Son La:
- Boiled Chieng Mai Duck: Has golden, crispy skin, sweet meat. When enjoying, you dip it with lemon salt, chili or fish sauce mixed with lemon, garlic, and chili, which is very flavorful.
- Grilled Chieng Mai Duck: Has the soft sweetness of the meat, combined with the spicy taste of chili and the strong aroma of Mac Khen, creating an irresistible flavor.
- Stir-fried Chieng Mai Duck with Lemongrass and Chili: Has the soft sweetness of the meat, the spicy taste of lemongrass and chili and the crunchy sweetness of bell pepper, creating a dish that stimulates the taste buds.
- Stir-fried Chieng Mai Duck with Galangal: Has the soft sweetness of the meat, the spicy taste of chili and the strong aroma of galangal, creating a dish that is rich and attractive.
6.7 Son La Pickled Pork
Sour Pickled Pork is a specialty dish of the Dao Tien people living in Moc Chau, Son La. This dish is made from fresh pork, marinated with special spices and undergoing a natural fermentation process. It creates a sour, salty and aromatic flavor. Therefore, this is also a dish you must try when coming to Son La.
6.8 Mac Nhung Porridge
Mac Nhung Porridge is a specialty dish of the Black Thai people living in Son La. It is made from Mac Nhung fruit – a typical fruit of the Northwest mountains and forests. In particular, this porridge not only has a delicious and unique flavor but also brings many health benefits.
6.9 Suoi Bang Rock Snail
In Suoi Bang, rock snails are available from April to August during the rainy season. This type of snail buries itself in thick layers of leaves and lies still underground. When preparing, people clean the snails and boil them, then eat them with a spicy, sour and rich dipping sauce. Combined with the spicy and aromatic flavor of forest leaves and the sweet and crunchy taste of rock snails, it will bring diners an unforgettable flavor.
6.10 Nam pia
This dish is made from the internal organs of cows, goats or buffaloes. They simmer them with spices and especially add “pia” – a thick liquid in the small intestine of cows. Many people find the bowl of nam pia at first to be inedible. However, when slowly tasting it, they will feel the taste and aroma of mac khen. While eating nam pia, sipping a cup of fragrant wine, you will feel the sweetness on the tip of your tongue.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Son La
Usually, Moc Chau and Ta Xua are the places with the most rooms. In addition, the city center also has many hotels for you to choose from. Depending on your preferences, needs and budget, you can choose different places to stay when exploring Son La.
7.1 Hotels:
- Muong Thanh Luxury Son La Hotel: The most luxurious 5-star hotel in Son La, located in the center of Son La city. The hotel is conveniently located, close to many sightseeing and shopping places. Moreover, it has full modern amenities such as a swimming pool, gym, restaurant, bar…
- Thao Nguyen Resort: 4-star resort located on Moc Chau plateau, about 200 km from Son La city. Besides, this place has majestic and poetic natural scenery, with green tea hills, rustic villages and majestic mountain ranges.
- Hoa Binh Hotel: 3-star hotel located in the center of Son La city, with full basic amenities.
7.2 Homestays:
- Skyline Farm & Homestay: Homestay has a beautiful, peaceful location, with majestic, poetic natural scenery.
- Hobbiton homestay Moc Chau: Homestay has a unique bungalow design and a castle in a real-life fairy garden.
- Mother’s house: Homestay has a romantic view when located next to the hillside, in the middle of a charming ancient apricot forest.
- Arena village homestay: Homestay is surrounded by beautiful rice fields. It has a variety of room types from stilt houses, bungalows, to container rooms.
- V house: Homestay has a rustic style, expressed through wooden houses with thatched roofs.
8. Some important notes when traveling to Son La
To have a smooth trip to Son La, you should pay attention to some important things below:
- You should book a hotel or homestay before traveling. Especially during peak season.
- You should bring clothes suitable for the weather, hats, caps, sunscreen.
- Be careful when participating in traffic, especially in rugged mountainous areas.
- Respect the culture of local people.
- Keep personal property carefully, do not go alone at night.
- Protect the landscape and environment of the destination, do not litter.
Son La is an ideal tourist destination for those who love to explore wild nature and unique culture. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on your tours in Son La to explore this beautiful land with unforgettable memories.
