Suoi Giang

Overview

Photo: yenbai.gov.vn

As spring arrives, the vibrant hues of the Northwestern mountains beckon eco-travelers to immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of Suoi Giang, nestled near the majestic Fansipan peak. While popular tourist attractions are a must-see, visitors should not miss the stunning landscapes of Suoi Giang. Here, standing on the gravel paths and observing local farmers expertly plucking young shan tea leaves, travelers can experience the area’s natural splendor and the rich culture of the hospitable Hmong community.

History

Suoi Giang has long been intertwined with the captivating legend of the snow shan tea tree, a tale recognized and passed down by the Hmong people. According to the legend, a fairy once visited the region and planted mysterious seeds, which eventually sprouted into lush green tea plants. Subsequently, a group of Hmong migrants, escaping a malaria epidemic, happened upon the area. They discovered these strange plants and, after tasting the leaves, experienced renewed health. Believing this was a divine sign, they decided to settle and named the location "Suoi Giang."

Photo: luhanhvietnam.com.vn

Location

Located at an altitude of nearly 1,400 meters above sea level within the grand Fansipan mountain range, Suoi Giang is a commune in the Van Chan district of Yen Bai province. The area lies approximately 12 km from the district center and encompasses eight villages, home to over 740 households primarily engaged in tea cultivation.

Climate

Suoi Giang enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, providing visitors the unique opportunity to experience all four seasons in a single day—with warm days and chilly nights. The climate resembles that of Sapa and Da Lat, making it an ideal destination for fans of cooler, wintry weather throughout the year.

Photo: zingnews.vn

How to get there

By motorbikes and cars

From Hanoi, you can take Highway 32 or 70 and travel around 200 km to Yen Bai province. From there, continue to the center of Van Chan district and travel another 13 km to reach Suoi Giang.

Note: The journey to Suoi Giang can be challenging with steep and winding roads, so ensure you are prepared for the drive.

By bus

DONG A Limousine
Hotline: 09.33.44.99.86 – 09.33.44.99.56 (24/7)
Dat Xe Viet ATV
Hotline: 09.83.18.86.38
Other bus services include Hoang Phu Limousine, Xe Daily Limousine, and Nam Thang Limousine.
Ticket price: 200,000 - 400,000 VND one way.

What to expect from Suoi Giang

Picking shan tea leaves and engaging in Hmong culture

Visitors to Suoi Giang are sure to remember the breathtaking ancient snow shan tea hills, which are hundreds of years old. The tea fields stretch toward the horizon while embodying the rich traditional culture of the Hmong ethnic group. The term “snow shan” refers to the frost-covered young buds that wait to bloom come spring.

Photo: thanhnien.vn

Suoi Giang tea is renowned for its exquisite flavor. When sipped, it initially offers a hint of bitterness, which then transitions into a sweet, clear essence reminiscent of freshly picked green tea. On winter's first days, a warm cup of Suoi Giang tea while overlooking the panoramic view of Nghia Lo town is a perfect antidote to the cold and stress.

Pang Cang Cultural Village

In Pang Cang and throughout Suoi Giang, ethnic minorities are known for their friendliness and hospitality. They are eager to share their traditions with visitors, including how to pick and brew tea using traditional methods.

Photo by @Hai Duong

For those wishing to enjoy lunch in Pang Cang, hosts typically serve local delicacies such as hill chicken, dried buffalo meat, wild pork, and sticky rice paired with cassava wine. Additionally, for those interested in taking home a taste of the area, traditional “Men men” cakes can be purchased as souvenirs.

Homestay & tea-serving experience

Photo: chetaxua.com

In the past decade, Suoi Giang has developed stilt houses in the style of the Hmong people, which have been transformed into homestays for visitors wishing to stay overnight. Recently, a new cultural workshop for Suoi Giang tea has also been established, where visitors can savor snow shan tea specialties and participate in tea-making classes. The workshop provides various accommodations, allowing guests to relax and connect with nature. The best time to visit Suoi Giang is during spring, coinciding with the Hmong festival honoring their ancestral tea tree, featuring a variety of cultural and culinary activities.

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