Visit Vietnam’s “Tea Islands”! | A Complete Guide to Thanh Chuong Tea Islands in Nghe An
Do you like tea?
Vietnam is actually one of the world’s largest tea-producing countries, ranking 6 th in the world. Tea is grown across Vietnam, from the northern provinces to central Vietnam and the country’s highland areas.
One of the most beautiful tea-growing areas in Vietnam is the Thanh Chuong Tea Islands in Nghe An Province, central Vietnam.
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| Thanh Chuong Tea Islands |
Located about 1.5 hours by car from Vinh City, the capital of Nghe An Province, the area is famous for its green tea-covered islands surrounded by water. Visitors can take a boat around the lake, stop at one of the tea islands, and enjoy Vietnamese tea while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
From Hanoi, the journey takes around three hours if you combine a flight to Vinh with a car ride.
I have visited Thanh Chuong several times, and in this article I will introduce everything you need to know, including things to do at Thanh Chuong Tea Islands, boat prices, how to get there, nearby attractions, local food, and accommodation options.
Contents
What Are the Thanh Chuong Tea Islands?
Things to Do at Thanh Chuong Tea Islands
How to Arrange a Boat Tour and Prices
Best Time to Visit
Things to Do Around Thanh Chuong
Waterfalls and Nature Spots
Cultural Attractions
Local Experiences
Thanh Chuong’s Local Specialty: Nhút
Recommended Restaurants
Where to Stay in Thanh Chuong
How to Get to Thanh Chuong Tea Islands from Vinh
Visiting with a Tour
Summary
What Are the Thanh Chuong Tea Islands?
Thanh Chuong Tea Islands, known in Vietnamese as Đảo Chè Thanh Chương, are located about 50 kilometers west of Vinh City, the capital of Nghe An Province.
The landscape dates back to the 1960s, when water flowing down from the surrounding mountains was dammed to create a reservoir for agriculture.
As the water level rose, the hilltops became small islands. Tea cultivation later spread across these islands, creating the unique landscape visitors can see today.
Things to Do at Thanh Chuong Tea Islands
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| I once brought a friend from Ghana here, and he was very impressed by the view of the green tea islands from the boat |
The best way to experience the Tea Islands is to take a boat tour around the lake.
During the boat ride, you can stop at one of the islands and take a break while drinking locally grown tea.
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| Landing on one of the tea islands |
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| Taking a group photo with the homestay staff |
Traditional ethnic costumes are also available to rent in some places, making the area popular for photography.
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| A tea shop on one of the islands |
How to Arrange a Boat Tour and Prices
There are several local businesses around the lake that can arrange boat tours of the Thanh Chuong Tea Islands.
These are some of the places I often use:
Boat operator 1: Gió Lào Eco Lodge
Boat operator 2: Đảo chè Thanh Chương, Nghệ An
Boat operator 3: Nhà Thuyền Trường Sơn
A private boat costs around 300,000 VND per boat.
If you share a boat with other travelers, the price can be as low as 50,000 VND per person.
Prices are based on information available in April 2026.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Thanh Chuong Tea Islands can be visited throughout the year.
The best season is generally from February to September.
From February to April, temperatures are relatively mild, making sightseeing more comfortable.
If you want to combine the Tea Islands with a visit to nearby waterfalls, May to September is especially enjoyable.
Things to Do Around Thanh Chuong
There are several natural and cultural attractions around Thanh Chuong in addition to the Tea Islands.
If you have your own car or motorbike, you can visit many of these places independently.
Alternatively, if you stay at a local homestay or hotel, the owner may be able to introduce you to nearby attractions or help arrange transportation.
Waterfalls and Nature Spots
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| Liếp Waterfall (Thác Liếp) |
The following waterfalls are popular in the Thanh Chuong area:
During the summer season, roughly from May to September, small restaurants also operate around Liếp Waterfall.
Important: Mobile phone reception can be weak on the roads leading to the waterfalls.
It is a good idea to download an offline map in advance or visit with someone who knows the local area.
Liếp Waterfall
Cultural Attractions
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| Bạch Mã Temple |
Bạch Mã Temple (Đền Bạch Mã) is considered one of the four major sacred temples of Nghe An Province.
The temple is dedicated to Phan Đà, a military commander who participated in the Lam Sơn uprising, Vietnam’s war of resistance against Ming rule from 1418 to 1427.
According to local tradition, Phan Đà fought wearing white armor and riding a white horse. After his death, he became worshipped as the White Horse God, or Bạch Mã.
Local Experiences
Orange picking
Orange picking
Thanh Chuong is also known for its oranges.
There are many citrus farms in the area, and homestay owners may be able to take you to a local farm owned by one of their friends or relatives.
You can find the orange farm I visited here.
Orange picking with Thu, the owner of my homestay
Thanh Chuong’s Local Specialty: Nhút
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| Nhut |
One of the most famous local foods in Thanh Chuong is Nhút.
Nhút is a traditional fermented food made by shredding young jackfruit and preserving it through fermentation.
Historically, it developed as a way for local people to preserve food and have something to eat throughout the year during difficult times.
It has a unique flavor and is surprisingly delicious, so I definitely recommend trying it when you visit Thanh Chuong.
Recommended Restaurants
There are not many restaurants specifically aimed at tourists around Thanh Chuong Tea Islands.
However, if you are looking for somewhere to eat near the lake, I recommend the following restaurant:
This restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including Vietnamese hot pot, goat meat, duck, and local specialties.
It is also a convenient choice for groups.
There is even a staff member who can speak Japanese.
If you travel to Đại Đồng, the main town in Thanh Chuong, you will find more restaurant options.
Where to Stay in Thanh Chuong
There are several accommodation options around the lake.
The following places can also be booked relatively easily through websites such as Booking.com and Agoda.
This lakeside homestay is run by Thu, who appears several times in this article.
The homestay can arrange boat trips as well as dinner.
It is particularly popular with international travelers exploring Vietnam by motorbike.
This is a farm stay located inside a large agricultural property.
Villa-style accommodation is available, and many different tropical fruits are grown around the farm.
This hotel is located slightly farther from the Tea Islands, in Đại Đồng, the main town of Thanh Chuong.
It is a convenient option if you prefer to stay closer to restaurants and other services.
How to Get to Thanh Chuong Tea Islands from Vinh
From Vinh International Airport, the Thanh Chuong Tea Islands are approximately 50–60 kilometers away, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours.
A day trip from Vinh City is therefore possible.
One of the easiest options is to hire a taxi or private car in Vinh for the day.
Visiting Thanh Chuong Tea Islands with a Tour
Vinh Guru Tours offers tours to Thanh Chuong Tea Islands and is one of the local travel companies I recommend.
Vinh Guru Tours – Official Website
Summary
If you are traveling in central Vietnam and looking for somewhere away from the usual tourist routes, Thanh Chuong Tea Islands are well worth visiting.
Cruising between small green islands covered with tea plants is a unique experience, and the surrounding area also offers waterfalls, local food, cultural sites, and countryside experiences.
If you visit Nghe An Province, consider adding Thanh Chuong Tea Islands to your itinerary.
For more travel information and sightseeing spots throughout Nghe An Province, Vietnam, see my complete Nghe An travel guide below.
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