This is one of the most challenging motorcycle routes, with most of the journey involving mountain climbing and steep ascents through forests. There are sections without a clear path where you must push through the underbrush and find your own way, long stretches without cell phone signal, no GPS, no tech gadgets, and no tourism services whatsoever. If you’re a true adventurer looking to challenge yourself, read on at RuudNguyen.com
Where is Hang Tau located?
The peaceful life in Hang Tau (Photo: Bui Ngoc Cong – Rot’s Blog)
Hang Tau is located in Ta So 1 hamlet, Chieng Hac commune, Moc Chau district, Son La province. It’s one of the most pristine locations in Moc Chau and is gradually becoming known to people. Many who hear the name Hang Tau for the first time might think it’s a cave, but in reality, it’s an agricultural cultivation area spanning about 1 hectare. With its utterly wild scenery, like a miniature steppe amidst the Northwest mountains, Hang Tau is also nicknamed “The Primitive Village”.
Surrounding the village are only trees, animals, and about 20 wooden houses. The local people even do not speak the Kinh language. The population here mainly consists of the Hmong ethnic group, who engage in farming, swidden agriculture, and livestock breeding throughout the year.
What’s more remarkable is that this place has no electricity, no signal, and none of the dust and smoke of urban areas; everything here is completely original and has not been greatly impacted by humans. This place has started selling tickets to tourists, with each person required to pay 30k to enter this village.
The road to Hang Tau is quite steep, with many sections full of rocks and pebbles, so you should ride a strong manual bike to overcome the high slopes. Many dangerous sections require a steady hand on the wheel, and scooters are not recommended; I’m not sure about cars.
Currently, around December, the white mustard flowers bloom abundantly, and you can visit Hang Tau for a chance to see and photograph the sparkling white mustard flower gardens.
Inside Hang Tau, there are no food or drink sales, so everyone should prepare in advance. The landscape is surrounded by high mountains, with a valley of lush green grass in the middle. From a flycam’s view, this is an extremely chill and peaceful space, so please don’t litter!
To meet the local children, it’s best to go on weekends, as they have to go to school on weekdays. If you go, remember to bring some candy to give to the children and it’s advised not to give them money.
It’s best to visit Hang Tau in the morning. If you want to stay through lunch or overnight, you can bring tents and go camping. In winter, the outdoor temperature is quite cold, so you need to bring enough warm clothes and blankets. If you’re returning the same day, try to head back early and not too late, as it can be dangerous due to the difficult roads.
The road to Hang Tau is also hard to find; everyone should search for “Ban nguoi Mong Nguyen Thuy” on Google Maps and follow it, or you can download an offline map before going in. Once inside, there will be no signal, so remember to proactively ask locals along the way to be sure.
Towards the end of the year, this place becomes even more beautiful with plum and peach blossoms. What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Moc Chau right away.
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