Mu Cang Chai, a mountainous district of Yen Bai, Vietnam has become a popular destination for travelers to enjoy lush golden terraced fields, to discover the daily life of ethnic people, and to admire majestic beauty of mountains. Our itinerary will help you have a great time in Mu Cang Chai.
How to get there?
By motorbike: It may take 8 to 9 hours to ride a motorbike to Mu Cang Chai.
By sleeping bus: You can take a sleeping bus from Giap Bat or My Dinh Bus Station which costs about $12 to reach Mu Cang Chai.
How to get around?
By motorbike: It’s recommended to hire a motorbike so that you can fully discover the beauty of Mu Cang Chai
By motor-taxi: Or if you are not really sure about your driving ability, then, it’s a good idea to take a motor-taxi. You should remember to haggle over the price.
Hitch-hiking: Hitch-hiking is one of the cheapest ways of traveling. You should get a lift of local people since they often pass by this road.
When to visit?
Mu Cang Chai is at its best in harvest season (September and November) and in pouring water season (May and June). These are the two most appropriate time to admire the magnificent scenery of the Northwestern mountains when golden rice terraces stretch across the mountainside.
Terraced fields in harvest season
A corner of Mu Cang Chai in pouring water season
What’s the weather like in Mu Cang Chai?
It’s hard to predict the weather in mountainous areas since it constantly changes in a day. There may be rain at night, fog in the early morning, and sunshine in daytime. You should bring a raincoat and a jacket to prevent from sudden rains.
What to bring?
Warm clothes, Jackets
Camera
Telephone, charger
Personal items
Mosquito repellent & some necessary medicines
Where to stay?
You can pick some guesthouses and home-stays in Tu Le Commune, Nghia Lo Town or Mu Cang Chai Town with price ranging from $7 – $10. During peak season, it may cost about $15 – $20/room.
Where to visit?
Khau Pha Pass
Khau Pha Pass is one of the four most dangerous pass in Vietnam’s Northwest region. It’s also an ideal place to watch rice terraces in harvest season.
Golden rice terraces in Khau Pha Pass
La Pan Tan
Terraced fields in La Pa Tan in pouring water season
Lim Mong Village
Cao Pha Valley
Cao Pha Valley when looking from high above
What to eat?
Don’t forget to try some typical dishes of Mong and Thai ethnic groups such as Five-color steamed glutinous rice, Pa pinh top grilled stream fish, or grilled chicken with “mac mat” leaves.
Five-colored steamed glutinous rice
What to buy as a souvenir?
Tao Meo (cardamom) is a special fruit of Yen Bai. It is good for those who have high-blood pressure or heart and stomach-related diseases. Tao meo is at its best in September and October. It may cost about $1/kg.
“Tao meo”
Besides, there are many colorful and skilful embroidered products with affordable prices. All are hand-made.
Colorful products in Mu Cang Chai Fair