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2024 Mu Cang Chai District Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
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🌾 The latest situation of rice - Mu Cang Chai
I returned from Mu Cang Chai just a few days ago. By the end of September, the rice in many places had turned golden, and in some places, it had even been completely harvested. However, Mu Cang Chai is the paradise of terraced fields in the Northwest, with rice paddies everywhere, so feel free to plan to come here within the next 2-3 weeks.
The most beautiful place to admire the rice fields in Mu Cang Chai is Móng Ngựa, where the rice is still lush green. Personally, I prefer the vibrant green color of the rice, creating a refreshing and pleasant space. It's only in the evening that it shines with a touch of gold.
Another point that many people might overlook is the Mâm Xôi hill. Here, the rice has gradually turned yellow. For those who love the shining golden color of terraced fields against the hills, make a note to explore this area soon.
In summary, from Mâm Xôi heading towards the town, the rice fields are still very beautiful, while heading in the opposite direction towards Bản Lìm Mông, the golden season has come to an end. Along this route, you can stop at any point along the road to admire the agricultural masterpiece of the H'Mong people.
The best time to appreciate the terraced fields is undoubtedly during sunset and early morning, from sunrise to before 9 a.m. Beyond this timeframe, you can still take photos freely, but the quality usually stops at being "mouth-watering" and "eloquent."
The magnificent rice terraces
Mu Cang Chai district is located in Yen Bai province's highlands, almost 300 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. The rice is on the hillside from the middle of September, the field turns bright yellow, and thousands of visitors go to admire the view of the country's most magnificent terraced fields. Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, located at the foot of the spectacular Hoang Lien Son range, are a cultural heritage produced by local people over decades. The government designated terraced fields in three communes, La Pan Tan, De Xu Phinh, and Che Cu Nha, as a National Landscape in 2007. Not only that, but Mu Cang Chai is one of the world's top ten most beautiful terraces.
In the last days of September, I and my photography-obsessed friends urged each other to explore and conquer the roads, to take in the natural beauty granted by the labor of those who live in the Northwestern mountain range. The terraced fields winded like golden waves in the blinding sunlight, catching those who were there. It was unforgettable!
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Sunset in Mong Ngua - Mu Cang Chai - A must see in the North West of Vietnam
#bestsunset
Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai, Vietnam) is one of the most unique places to see terraced rice fields, especially in late September when the fields turn golden. Although Mu Cang Chai offers numerous scenic spots, Mong Ngua stands out as the most spectacular destination, with sunset being the ideal time to visit.
Getting to Mong Ngua in Mu Cang Chai takes some effort, but the experience is well worth it. The best way is to drive directly to Mu Cang Chai, which takes about 6 hours. If driving isn’t an option, you can take a bus or shared minivan. We chose to drive our own car, and once we arrived, we rented a motorbike. Renting a motorbike locally is a popular choice for flexibility. The roads, especially those leading directly to Mong Ngua, can be challenging, so it’s best suited for experienced riders. If off-road riding feels daunting, there are plenty of motorbikes with drivers waiting at the foot of the hill.
We arrived at Mong Ngua around 4 p.m., where we found many photographers setting up their cameras, eagerly waiting for the sunset. Although Mong Ngua is a small area, it offers plenty of photo spots, and it's perfect for drone photography as well. Between 5 and 6 p.m., we witnessed the sunset and twilight—an unforgettable, magical moment.
Mu Cang Chai motorbike trip
Mu Cang Chai in autumn is another must-see destination in the Northeast of Vietnam. Famous for its stunning terraced rice fields and breathtaking landscapes, a motorbike trip here is highly recommended.
3D2N Itinerary to Mu Cang Chai
Day 1: Depart from Hanoi early in the morning. We traveled by private car, but you can also take a limousine or a bus. Stop in Nghĩa Lộ for lunch, where there are plenty of local restaurants. A must-try dish is ant eggs. In the afternoon, reach Tu Le and spend time exploring the valley. Overnight stay at Khau Pha Pass.
Day 2: Enjoy an early sunrise at Khau Pha, have breakfast, and then head to Mu Cang Chai. We rented motorbikes to explore around Che Cu Nha. After lunch, we headed to "Mong Ngua" to watch the sunset. Overnight in La Pan Tan.
Day 3: Start with an early sunrise at "Mam Xoi" for sightseeing. Afterward, return the bikes and head back to Hanoi.
#motortravel
Lung Cung - trekking in clouds for beginner
Lung Cung peak is named after a village deep in the most rugged mountainous area in Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai. Lung Cung village is home to more than 300 Thai households, including Kinh people. Diverse culture, mix of architecture, living habits and cuisine. The people here are very friendly and hospitable.
Lung Cung mountain peak is located at an altitude of 2913 m. Cloud covered all year round. The mountain top is submerged in silver clouds, like a sky oasis in a sea of clouds. In recent years, Lung Cung has become very famous and is the best cloud hunting location in Vietnam.
On the way to Lung Cung, you will pass through many villages and famous beautiful places of the Northwest such as Khau Pha, Che Cu Nha, Thao Chua Chai, Mu Cang Chai, Ta Co Y Valley...
From the experience of many people who have conquered Lung Cung, you should avoid the period from May to August because it is the rainy season when the roads are very muddy, the soil and rocks can easily cause landslides, and the rain in the forest causes the trails to become muddy. You lose track a lot, making it easy for inexperienced travelers to get lost. So this is the most suitable time to conquer Lung Cung peak:
January - February - March: Brilliant Spring colors
Like other Northwest regions, in spring, Plum and Peach blossoms bloom throughout the mountains and forests, a typical scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests. Below the mountain there may be no sunshine, but at the top, above the thick layer of fog, there is a clear blue sky and bright warm sunshine. Don't forget around March and early April to hunt for the most beautiful clouds.
September - October: Rice and Meo apple season
The road through Mu Cang Chai will make you ecstatic with the most beautiful terraced rice scenery in Vietnam. You also won't be able to miss the famous Lung Cung village with more than 3,000 ancient Meo Apple trees that will ripen fragrantly throughout the mountains and forests.
November - December: Flower season in the mountains
On the way to conquer Lung Cung peak, you will pass through Ta Co Y valley, where there are magically beautiful purple flower fields. All over the mountain slopes are wild sunflowers blooming brightly. The road to Lung Cung peak becomes real. poetic.
Trekking Lung Cung palace requires a minimum of about 2 days and 1 night. You can climb in 3 different directions: Thao Chua Chai village, Lung Cung village or Tu San village.
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