Cầu Đất Tea Hill (Cầu Đất Farm): A Century of Green Majesty
Cầu Đất Tea Hill (Đồi chè Cầu Đất), officially known as Cầu Đất Farm, is a sprawling, lush green landscape and one of the most serene destinations near Da Lat. Situated about 25 kilometers southeast of the city center at an altitude of approximately 1,650 meters, this location provides ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality tea, including Oolong and Black tea. The farm actively covers over 230 hectares, creating an immense, photogenic sea of green that stretches across the rolling hills.
History and Cultural Significance
The history of Cầu Đất directly connects to the French colonial era, which provides a rich cultural layer to the visit.
French Origin: French colonists established the tea plantation in 1927, recognizing Da Lat’s temperate climate as perfect for tea cultivation. For many years, the farm primarily produced black tea for export to Europe.
The Old Factory: The farm preserves the original Cầu Đất Tea Factory, which still operates today. The facility proudly maintains some of the original machinery imported from Europe, making it one of the oldest operational tea factories in Southeast Asia. Visitors gain insight into the traditional tea-making process from leaf picking to final packaging.
Modern Expansion: Today, Cầu Đất Farm functions both as a successful tea business and a popular eco-tourism site, offering specialty coffee and various farm products.
Visitor Experience and Activities
Cầu Đất offers visitors multiple rewarding activities centered around nature, history, and relaxation.
Cloud Hunting and Sunrise: Due to its high altitude, Cầu Đất is renowned as a prime spot for “cloud hunting” (Săn mây). Early morning visitors witness the stunning spectacle of the sun rising over a sea of clouds and mist rolling over the endless tea fields.
Photography and Check-in Points: The scenic landscape provides boundless opportunities for photography. Popular photo spots actively include the vast green slopes, the iconic red shipping container cafe (offering 360-degree views), and a vintage yellow train carriage repurposed as a cafe.
Farm Tours and Tasting: You can participate in dedicated tea and green farm tours (available for a separate fee). These tours allow participants to try hand-picking tea leaves and learn about organic farming practices. Additionally, you must sample the freshly brewed Oolong and other specialty teas and coffee at the on-site café.
Practical Visitor Information
Address: Xuân Trường, Da Lat, Lam Dong, Vietnam (Located in Cầu Đất Village, Xuân Trường Commune).
Entrance Fee: The farm does not charge an entrance fee for general access to the tea hills.
Operating Hours: Cầu Đất Farm is generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Tours & Activities: Specialized experience tours (e.g., tea picking, green farm tour) may require purchasing a ticket, often around 90,000 VND per person.
Best Time to Visit: For the best chance to see clouds and mist, aim to arrive between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM. The months from October to March offer the most reliably cool and foggy weather.
