Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district located in Yen Bai province. To move from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai, tourists must pass through the Khau Pha pass – One of the four great passes in Northwest Vietnam. Situated approximately 300km from Hanoi, it is a popular destination during the ripe rice season, attracting thousands of tourists from both within the country and around the globe.
To go to Mu Cang Chai, there are some means of transportation:
1. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by local bus
2. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by high-quality bus
3. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by motorbike
4. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by taxi
5. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by private car
2. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by high-quality bus
3. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by motorbike
4. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by taxi
5. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by private car
1. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by local bus
Traveling from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai by local bus has lower fares than other transport and is mainly used by local residents. However, tourists may find them unsuitable. The buses usually depart from My Dinh bus station.
- Price: About 250.000 VND/pax
- Travel time: 7 hours
- Time schedule: 19.00 – 22.30
- Advantages: Low cost, safe
- Disadvantages: Passengers have to take a taxi to the bus station and then take another bus from the station to their hotel or homestay in Mu Cang Chai. However, in case the bus breaks down or there is a communication gap with the driver, you may miss your travel plan. Moreover, if you get off at the wrong bus station, you may lose your way, and finding other transportation options in the mountainous area could be difficult. Due to these challenges, not many foreign tourists choose this mode of transportation.
>>>Book local bus ticket online at: Vexere.com
Or directly at bus station with some bus companies: Cuong Lan (pick up at 14 Ho Tung Mau str), Ha Trang, Khanh Thuy.
2. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by high-quality bus
High-quality buses have become popular for the Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai route. These VIP buses have only nine comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, USB ports, and reading lamps. They make the journey feel like home.
- Price: 300.000 – 380.000 VND/pax
- Travel time: 6-7 hours
- Schedules: 6 – 7 AM and 10 – 11 PM
- Advantages: nice and clean bus, not stop on they to get more passengers, the route is guaranteed.
- Disadvantages: Not proactive in time, still have to take a taxi to the pickup point.
>>> Reference to book the high quality bus:vexere.com
or directly with the bus companies: Limousine Toan Anh, Anh Khang Authentic
3. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by motorbike
Many young people are interested in riding a certain vehicle, which provides adventurous and thrilling experiences, especially when traveling from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai. However, undertaking this journey requires good preparation, good health, riding skills, and a good motorbike, as this route includes complicated terrain with passes, steeps, and high mountains like Ach Pass and Khau Pha Pass. Additionally, it is advised to bring motorbike repair tools as there are only a few repair shops along the way.
- Motorbike rental: 12 – 15 USD/day. Not included gasoline
- Travel Route: From Hanoi – Ho Tung Mau str – National Road 32 – Nghia Lo – Khau Pha pass – Mu Cang Chai
- Travel time: about 7- 8 hours
- Advantages: Proactive in time, low cost, could stop anywhere on the way for photos and enjoy the beautiful landscapes
- Disadvantages: Tired after 7-8 hour ride. Dangerous for amateurs due to road bends and edges.
Advice for tourists: Do not ride continuously from Hanoi to Mu Chang Chai. Instead, stop overnight at Nghia Lo Valley and then continue on to Mu Cang Chai the next day. This way, you can visit Nghia Lo's beauty spots and ensure your safety for riding the next day.
Reference to rent motorbike in Hanoi:
Flamingo Travel:
Add: 66 Dao Duy Tu str, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Tel: +84.912.214.554
Web: https://flamingotravel.com.vn/
Motogo
Add 1: 1081 Hong Ha, Chuong Duong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Add 2: 81 Nguyen Kha Trac, Mai Dich, Cau Giay, Hanoi
Tel: 0966 456 969
Web: Motogo.vn
4. Go to Mu Cang Chai by taxi
This is easy transportation but not a good choice for a mountainous road; the vehicle is not suitable, and the driver does not have much experience on this road. In addition, the cost is higher than the private car. Or even much higher if you get the wrong taxi. Not many tourists choose this kind of transfer. The average price is from 3.500.000 VND/way
5. Travel to Mu Cang Chai by private car
A private car is a great option for traveling long distances in 7 hours from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai. To visit Mu Cang Chai, tourists typically need 3-4 days and a professional driver or tour guide who knows the destinations well to help them visit all the beautiful places in Mu Cang Chai.
- Travel time: 7 hours
- Price: 1.300.000 VND/day (for at least a 3-day trip)
- Advantages: Proactive in time, safe, and your travel routes are guaranteed, private space, no wasting time for waiting.
- Disadvantages: High cost than other public transportation.
>>> Reference to book the private car from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai
Learn more about Mu Cang Chai journey:
04 Comments
Spain
Vietnam
India
Vietnam
Hi Sudhir,
Thank you for your requirement.
For this route, I recommend you a tour guide to support you. It is in mountainous areas and it is complicated for foreigners. Our driver could not speak English and he could not take you to discover the real beauties in this route. If possible, please consider a full package with accommodation and meals, in this area, if the meals are not arranged in advance, you will not find the restaurant.
Thanks a lot.
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