Kolia Organic Farm – Organic Tea Hills and Flower Gardens Among the Clouds of Phia Den
At an altitude of over 1,000 meters at the foot of Phia Oac Mountain, where mist hangs in the air year-round, a lush green farm spreads across rolling tea hills, blooming hydrangea gardens and a still lake that reflects the surrounding mountains and forests. This is Kolia Organic Farm, one of the most popular destinations in the Phia Oac – Phia Den area, where you can admire the flowers, sip tea and stay overnight surrounded by nature.
Where Is Kolia?
Kolia Organic Farm is in Phia Den Hamlet, Thanh Cong Commune (former Nguyen Binh District). Since July 2025, the new Thanh Cong Commune has been formed from the former Quang Thanh and Thanh Cong communes.
Kolia is about 70 km from Cao Bang City and just over 200 km from Hanoi. The farm welcomes visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Cao Bang’s First Organic Tea-Growing Region
Kolia’s story began with tea. Kolia Company was founded in 2011 in the Phia Den and Phia Oac mountain region, with the mission of developing Cao Bang Province’s first large-scale organic tea-growing area.
The tea is grown at elevations above 1,200 meters in a cool climate shrouded in mist year-round. These conditions help the leaves grow thicker and develop a higher concentration of natural compounds, giving the tea its distinctive flavor. The tea plants are cultivated to IFOAM international organic standards, without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
From a tea-growing region, Kolia gradually developed into an ecotourism destination. Today, it is a highlight of Nguyen Binh, with a self-contained green ecosystem offering accommodation, activities, hands-on experiences, dining and community culture. Stilt houses, tea hills, flower-lined paths, fields of blooms and medicinal herb gardens draw visitors throughout the year.
What to Do at Kolia
Stroll Through the Organic Tea Hills
The sweeping green tea hills are the heart of Kolia. Early in the morning, when dew still clings to the tea leaves and clouds drift slowly by, the scenery is at its best for a walk and photos.
See the Seasonal Flower Gardens
Kolia is known for its expansive hydrangea garden. The flowers here are blue because of the soil’s pH. Depending on the season, the farm also grows roses, myrtle flowers, sunflowers, butterfly pea flowers and more.
Tip: Many visitors say May is the best time to see the hydrangeas in bloom. In summer, the sunflowers add a brilliant splash of yellow.
Relax by the Lake
A beautiful lake sits within the grounds, its still surface reflecting the tea hills and surrounding mountains and forests. It’s an ideal spot to rest, take in the scenery and enjoy a cup of tea.
Enjoy Kolia Tea
Don’t leave Kolia without trying its tea. Kolia tea has a natural aroma and a delicately sweet finish. A pack of organic tea also makes a thoughtful souvenir to take home.
Camp on “Love Hill”
Kolia’s campsite is known as “Love Hill,” thanks to its vibrant seasonal flower gardens and elevation of around 1,000–1,200 meters. Privately managed, the site offers a quiet atmosphere and good security. The resort can prepare meals for guests. At night, enjoy a star-filled sky; early risers can watch the sun rise over the hill.
Stay Overnight and Dine
Kolia offers accommodation, a restaurant, a garden and a terrace. If camping isn’t for you, you can stay in the resort grounds. Many tours stop at Kolia for lunch and a break, with time to photograph the tea hills and admire the summit of Phia Oac.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Head to the summit of Phia Oac to watch clouds gather.
- Midday: Return to Kolia for lunch and a break.
- Afternoon: Walk through the tea hills and flower gardens, take photos by the lake and enjoy some tea.
- Evening: Camp or stay overnight at Kolia and gaze at the stars.
Explore Phia Oac – Phia Den
- Phia Oac Peak (1,931 m): Go cloud hunting and admire the frost.
- Phia Den Red Villa and Vong Tien Cung Shrine: French-era remnants and a legend of fairies.
- Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest: A lush bamboo forest high in the mountains.
- Beautiful Vernicia Tree: A nearby photo spot during the Vernicia blossom season.
- Phan Thanh Grass Hill and Hon Da Song Ao: Green grasslands and a unique photo spot.
Tips for Visiting Kolia
- Contact the farm in advance to book meals, accommodation or a campsite, especially on weekends and during flower season.
- Bring warm clothing: At over 1,000 m above sea level, mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer.
- Don’t pick flowers, break branches or step on flower beds when taking photos.
- The road to Phia Den has many bends and can be foggy, so drive slowly with your headlights on.
- Keep the area clean, especially when camping.
Final Thoughts
Kolia is more than a beautiful farm. It’s the story of an organic tea-growing region established among the cloud-wrapped mountains of Phia Den, now a place where visitors come to slow down, admire the flowers, drink tea and sleep beneath a star-filled sky. When you visit Phia Oac, set aside at least half a day for Kolia. You may find yourself wanting to stay longer than planned.
