Things to know about Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai (Mù Cang Chải) is a mountain district in Vietnam‘s Yen Bai province, North Vietnam, Vietnam. From Hanoi, travel 300 kilometers north, immersing you in breathtaking rice terraces. The district is nestled amidst the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, offering stunning natural beauty. Immerse yourself in magic: breathtaking rice terraces sculpted by Hmong traditions, vibrant local specialties, and majestic Hoang Lien Son mountains. Hike through valleys, discover steaming hot springs, and capture the beauty of every season.
Best time to visit Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai’s beauty shines all year round.
Springtime (February – April): While the rice terraces rest, the mountains come alive with springtime beauty. Wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors, painting the slopes in a stunning display. This is a fantastic time for trekking and enjoying the fresh mountain air. The skies are clear and offer fantastic opportunities for photography.
Watering Season (May – June): Lush green mountainscapes come alive as rice paddies are flooded, transforming the terraces into shimmering reflection pools. This period offers a unique perspective on the landscape.
Golden Yellow Season (September – Early October): The star attraction! Rice terraces transform into a sea of golden yellow as they ripen for harvest. This is the peak tourist season due to the breathtaking scenery.
How to get to Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
You can go by BUS or rent a motorbike to go to Mu Cang Chai
BUS: Mainly depart from Hanoi at 5-8 pm, some midnight. Therefore, if you travel by plane to Hanoi and then get to Mu Cang Chai, check your airplane time carefully. You can catch the bus directly at My Dinh bus station or book the ticket on Vexere platform HERE.
Here is how you ride the motorbike (not recommended because it is difficult)
My Dinh – Nhon – Son Tay – Trung Ha Ba Vi Bridge (or Dong Quang Bridge from Son Tay turn left towards K9) – Thanh Thuy – Thanh Son Phu Tho – Tan Son Thu Cuc – Ba Khe – Van Chan – Nghia Lo town – Tu Le – Khau Pha Pass – Nghia Ba Kim – Mu Cang Chai town. You should leave at 5 am. It will be around lunch time when you around.
What to do in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Paragliding in Khau Pha Pass: Khau Pha is the venue for the annual paragliding festival “Flying on the Golden Season. You can book the tour to experience the thrill of paragliding while enjoying the panoramic views of the Lim Mong Valley during the golden rice season. The tour must be booked in advance to secure the slot.
You can check details of the experience HERE
Discover the beauty of Mam Xoi Lon, the most beautiful hill in the Northwest mountains, captivates people with golden ripe rice terraces, becoming the symbol of Mu Cang Chai. Many people believe that the best time to admire the rice terraces is in the morning. The thin rays of sunlight begin to shine, intertwining with each other and spreading over the mysterious mist. It feels like being lost in a promised land, walking in the middle of a vast yellow sea filled with white smoke.
And much more breathtaking scenery to explore: Bamboo Forest, Big Raspberry Hill and Small Raspberry Hill, Lao Chai Hamlet, Big Horseshoe Rim, Lim Mong and Tu Le Hamlets
What to eat in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai offers a culinary adventure with dishes from the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups. Sample the unique flavors of Green Rice, Five-Colored Sticky Rice, and black Chung Cake. Savor the smoky goodness of Pa Pinh Top grilled fish and grilled chicken with Mac Mat leaves, or try the local specialty of dried buffalo meat.
To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider asking your homestay to prepare you a traditional meal. This is a fantastic way to experience the unique flavors and dishes of the region.
Where to stay in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai does not have many resorts or luxury hotels. Accommodation is mainly in the form of homestays, which are divided into different areas:
The town center: Home to the main market, as well as several restaurants and shops. It is also a good place to find information about the area and book tours.
Ngã Ba Kim: Ngã Ba Kim is located at the junction of the roads to Mu Cang Chai and Than Uyen. It is a popular stop for tourists, as it is home to some restaurants and guesthouses.
La Pan Tan commune: La Pan Tan commune is located in the mountains to the east of Mu Cang Chai. It is home to many beautiful homestays, as well as the Hmong village of Che Cu Nha. They are a popular destination for hiking and trekking and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Here are some curated options for you to consider:
Homestay:
Resort
Some final notes
I hope that this travel guide from hivietnam will help you in planning a wonderful trip. Here are some other notes you might need to prepare:
Warm clothes: The daytime is cool but the nights are very cold. It is a mountainous area, so the colder it gets at night, the more warm clothes you should bring.
A good mentality when traveling on mountain passes and downhill slopes. The roads in Mu Cang Chai are quite dangerous when going downhill.