Long Coc: The Dream of Transformation

If someone were to ask about a land where simply stopping, taking a slow breath, and feeling the atmosphere would be enough to experience peace and tranquility, the answer would surely be Long Coc Tea Hill (Long Coc Commune). Often referred to as a “Halong Bay on land,” to the locals who are deeply connected to the endless green of the “upside-down bowl” shaped tea hills stretching to the horizon, Long Coc is more than just a beautiful place – it is a dream in the process of transforming.

No longer confined to a small area, Long Coc Commune today spans over 6,700 hectares after merging with the neighboring communes of Tam Thanh, Vinh Tien, and Long Coc. From the peaks of Mong Ngua Hill, Bong 1 Hill, or Giat Hill on an early morning, you’ll see hundreds of upside-down bowl-shaped hills rising through a thin mist, resembling massive green sticky rice trays.

But this beauty is not just natural. It is the result of over 8,700 residents from 10 ethnic groups (with the Muong and Dao people making up 85%) whose sweat and hard work over generations have transformed barren hillsides into a “green heritage region” full of life.

Long Coc currently has over 1,100 hectares of tea that are being harvested. However, the thinking of the locals here has evolved beyond just “selling leaves for money.” A revolution in quality has taken place: The people have switched to cultivating specialty tea varieties like Bat Tien, PH1, and LDP1. Products such as “Premium Bat Tien Green Tea” and “Dinh Tea,” which have achieved the 4-star OCOP certification, are now available in many provinces, bringing the rich flavors of the mountains of the Land of the Kings far and wide.

The allure of Long Coc extends beyond tea. Visitors are also drawn to the unique local cultural values, such as the Sacrifice Ceremony, the Dao people’s “Lap Tinh” dance, or the resounding gong melodies of the Muong people. In addition, natural landmarks like Tap Waterfall, Nine-Level Waterfall, and May Pass have become new stopping points for those who love exploration.

Currently, the commune boasts six well-established homestay facilities (notably Long Coc Ecolodge), welcoming approximately 3,000 to 4,000 visitors annually. These numbers speak volumes, demonstrating that Long Coc is on the right track by combining agriculture with experiential tourism.

While the autumn and winter months are typically considered the “off-season” for domestic tourism, Long Coc, with its geographic, natural, and cultural advantages, has managed to maintain stability in tourism. It has become an attractive destination for both domestic travelers seeking experiences and international tourists alike.

The resolution of Long Coc Commune’s Party has set an inspiring goal: By 2030, Long Coc will become one of the country’s top green tourism destinations, aiming to welcome 10,000 visitors annually. To realize the dream of transformation, Long Coc is steadily improving its infrastructure, from organizing a Night Market every Saturday evening to developing walking and cycling routes around the tea hills. The ultimate goal is to build a circular economy model, where every resident can thrive on the land of their homeland.

Le Hoang