1. Overview of Thanh Chuong Tea Island
Thanh Chuong Tea Island is a captivating eco-tourism area in Hoa Quan Commune (formerly Thanh An Commune, Thanh Chuong District), Nghe An Province. It is located over 50 kilometers away from Vinh. Covering more than 420 hectares, the area consists of numerous small islets encircling Cau Cau Reservoir. Each islet spans about one hectare, with tea cultivated on terraced slopes that form a lush landscape.
Thanh Chuong Tea Island draws visitors with its remarkable features:
- Unique beauty: From above, the islets resemble intricate fingerprints, unlike any other tea hills nearby.
- Year-round tea: The vibrant tea slopes are maintained year round, not just in certain seasons.
- Boat exploration: Thanh Chuong Tea Hill stands out due to the fact that visitors must rent a boat to explore the area. Aside from that, there is no entrance fee. Gliding through the calm water between the green islets, visitors can soak in the fresh air and breathe in the faint aroma of tea leaves.
2. Top things to do at Thanh Chuong Tea Island
2.1. Snap memorable shots of the lush tea hills
Amid the tranquil scenery, Thanh Chuong Tea Hill offers endless photo opportunities. The backdrop resembles a watercolor painting, with small and large islets scattered across the mirror-like water, blending seamlessly into the vast sky. The most enchanting moments occur early in the morning when the sun rises, mist lingers, and dewdrops glisten on tender tea buds swaying in the breeze. Visitors can rent traditional costumes and props, transforming into local tea pickers with a woven basket on the back for memorable photos.
2.2. Glide across the water in a kayak
A must-try activity for visitors to Thanh Chuong Tea Island is kayaking on Cau Cau Reservoir, weaving through the lush tea islets. From the small boat, you can touch the tea and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. Every view from the water is a work of art - sometimes it is a misty hillside in the morning light, other times a reflection of trees on the water’s surface.
2.3. Taste the fragrant flavor of Thanh Chuong’s finest tea
For a deeper connection with Thanh Chuong Tea Island, join the locals in picking and tasting freshly brewed Thanh Chuong tea. Along the slopes, you will find huts where farmers rest after work. These spots are perfect for enjoying peanut candy and a cup of green tea hand-picked, pan-roasted, and brewed on-site. Thanh Chuong tea carries a distinct flavor - slightly bitter at first, then gradually turning sweet on the palate. A sip of tea, a peaceful view, a cool breeze, and a friendly chat with the locals create a moment of calm far removed from the city’s rush.
>>> Discover: Top 11 things to do in Nghe An for an unforgettable trip
3. Helpful tips for visiting Thanh Chuong Tea Hill
3.1. Transportation
From other cities in Vietnam, you can board a flight to Vinh Airport in Nghe An, then hail a taxi or rent a motorbike to get to the pier that leads to Thanh Chuong Tea Island. Follow National Road 46A west for about 35 kilometers, then turn left onto Ro Bridge right after passing by a gas station. After the bridge, follow National Road 46C until you reach a large junction that connects with Ho Chi Minh Trail, then turn right. Stay on Ho Chi Minh Trail and you will arrive at the pier shortly.
From the pier, it takes about 10 minutes by boat to reach the heart of Cau Cau Reservoir. Boats are available in various sizes - from small ones for 2-4 people to larger ones for 10. Boat rental costs about 50,000 VND for visiting a single tea hill or 100,000 VND for touring all the islets.
3.2. Best time to visit
With temperatures ranging between 17°C - 28°C, Thanh Chuong Tea Island stays cool year-round, allowing tea cultivation in all seasons. This means you can pay your visit at any time. The early morning is the best time of the day for such a visit, with fresh air and mist rolling over the hills.
>>> Read more: Phu Xai Lai Leng: Explore the highest mountain in Nghe An
3.3. Notes
Here are some useful tips for a smooth visit to Thanh Chuong Tea Island:
- The locals offer various services, including food, drinks, and specialties such as Thanh Chuong tea and “nhut” (pickled young jackfruit), which make excellent souvenirs.
- Many boat operators also serve meals on board, featuring tasty dishes like "nhut" salad, grilled chicken, and fried shrimp.
- You can extend your trip with nearby attractions such as Coi Waterfall, Lua Waterfall, and Dong Danh Dam.
- You can also dine at floating restaurants or local homes, trying specialties like "nhut" salad, Giang River fish, Chua Market bamboo shoots, La Mac potatoes, or hill chicken soup.
- Several homestays are available for overnight stays, with prices starting from around 250,000 VND per night.
Thanh Chuong Tea Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. From gliding across the calm water to savoring the freshly brewed tea, every moment here is unforgettable. No matter when you visit, Thanh Chuong Tea Island promises serene landscapes and warm hospitality that will linger long in your memory.
For a satisfying retreat in Nghe An, you can stay at Vinpearl Cua Hoi Resort, Affiliated by Meliá, a luxurious haven set on the tranquil shore of Cua Lo Beach. Blending refined architecture with lush surroundings, this resort delivers a premium all-in-one experience, complete with a spa, gourmet restaurants, cafés, swimming pools, and a host of other amenities.
