Hidden among the white clouds of the Hoang Lien Son range, O Quy Ho Tea Hill is quietly becoming one of Sa Pa’s most enchanting seasonal destinations. Tucked along the road leading to the legendary O Quy Ho Pass, this hillside landscape blends endless waves of green tea with soft pink cherry blossoms, creating a scene that feels almost unreal.
Where Tea Hills Meet the Clouds
Located about seven kilometers northwest of Sa Pa town, O Quy Ho Tea Hill, also known as O Long Tea Hill, sits gently along National Highway 4D. From here, rolling tea terraces stretch across the slopes, their curves shaped carefully over time. On misty mornings, clouds drift low across the hills, turning the entire landscape into a dreamlike panorama that draws photographers and nature lovers alike.
A Rare Symphony of Green and Pink
What sets this tea hill apart is its fleeting beauty. Cherry blossom trees are planted among the tea rows, and when they bloom from November to early January, the hillside transforms. The lush green of tea leaves becomes the backdrop for soft pink petals, creating a romantic contrast that has earned the place its poetic nickname, “the pink dream of the Northwest.”
At peak bloom, the scenery feels almost storybook-like, delicate yet vibrant, peaceful yet striking. It is a moment that exists only once a year.
When to Visit for the Best Experience
O Quy Ho Tea Hill is privately owned and only opens to visitors during cherry blossom season, typically from December to January. The exact timing depends on weather conditions, so travelers are advised to follow local updates one to two weeks in advance.
The most magical moments arrive at sunrise and sunset. Gentle light spills across the tea slopes, highlighting the pale pink blossoms and softening the green hills into pastel tones. During these hours, the landscape feels suspended between reality and dream.
Getting There from Sa Pa
Reaching O Quy Ho Tea Hill is simple and scenic. From Sa Pa town, the journey takes around twenty to thirty minutes by motorbike or car. Travelers follow National Highway 4D toward Silver Waterfall and O Quy Ho Pass, a route celebrated for its dramatic mountain views and fresh alpine air.
The road includes sharp curves and steep sections, especially near the pass. Those unfamiliar with mountain driving should consider hiring a car or traveling with an experienced driver, particularly during foggy or rainy weather.
A Moment Worth Chasing
O Quy Ho Tea Hill is not a place defined by crowds or permanent attractions. Its beauty lies in timing, light, and nature’s brief generosity. For those who arrive at the right moment, it offers more than photographs. It offers stillness, wonder, and the rare feeling of standing inside a living painting high above the valleys of Northwest Vietnam.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 