Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam is a beautiful north west destination to visit. It's known for its stunning terraced fields that stretch out in layers. If you're unsure of where to go, check out the top tourist spots in Mu Cang Chai below.
The local people take great pride in the terraced fields, which cover an area of about 330 hectares. These fields are famous among tourists and are the top attraction in Mu Cang Chai. The twisting and stretching terraces form vivid pictures that captivate visitors from both nearby and far away. It can be said that the Hmong people have created a truly unique masterpiece with their own hands
Especially in summer, when you visit Mu Cang Chai, you'll see beautiful green rice fields. In autumn, the fields turn a bright yellow when the rice is ready to harvest. The rice terraces in this area are a result of the creativity and efforts of the local ethnic communities and have become a unique cultural feature of the place.
The terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai have been recognized as a national relic
Visitors to Mu Cang Chai not only enjoy the stunning views of terraced fields from afar, but also capture memorable moments of the beautiful scenery. In 2007, these fields were officially designated as a national relic. You can visit the most picturesque spots like Che Cu Nha commune, La Pan Tan and De Xu Phinh to witness the fields' breathtaking beauty.
Khau Pha Pass is a very famous tourist spot in Mu Cang Chai and is the favourite route of many backpackers because of its stunning and winding mountain pass. To get there from downtown Yen Bai, you travel in the opposite direction on National Road 32 for about 5 hours. You'll pass through Tu Le commune and reach Khau Pha pass, where you'll see beautiful undulating mountain ranges. From Khau Pha, you can enjoy breathtaking views of mature rice fields belonging to the Thai and Hmong ethnic groups and take captivating photos.
From the Khau Pha pass, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides
Note: The road to Khau Pha pass will have dangerous curves and thick fog. In case you cannot go by yourself, you should book tours from trusted travel agencies to ensure safety and have the best experiences.
This commune of Tu Le is located on National Road 32, near the foot of Khau Pha Pass, in Van Chan District of Yen Bai Province. When it comes to Tu Le, people often talk about the fragrant aroma of ripe rice. On the trip to the Northwest, tourists always stop to enjoy the delicious sticky rice of ethnic Thai people.
Fragrant aroma of ripe rice
The most famous specialty of Tu Le commune is steamed sticky rice served with grilled chicken, peanuts or sesame. In addition, visitors also have the opportunity to admire houses on stilts appearing in the smoke, pictures of Thai girls frolicking in the water, or buffalo grazing in the field.
Lim Mong village is hidden in the fanciful clouds all year round. In Yen Bai there are many villages of the Hmong people separated by mountains and undulating at the foot of the vast green valleys. But Lim Mong is a bit more special and is named as one of the "big four dangerous places" by travel lovers. You can learn the traditional life and customs of the ethnic mountain people. You can also enjoy the culinary specialties of the Hmong people of Mu Cang Chai.
Lim Mong Village in May - the stunning view from a stop point on the way (Photo: Thuy Hang)
When talking about the popular attractions in Mu Cang Chai, we can't forget to mention Mo Waterfall. It is situated in Mo De commune, Mu Cang Chai district, between the peaks of Na Hang B and Na Hang A. This waterfall impresses all visitors because of its crystal-clear water, off-white foam, and brilliant forest flowers. When tourists visit, they get to witness a picturesque scene with the blue sky, vibrant red wild banana flowers, and the white plum and apricot flowers, all embellish the white waterfall.
Mo waterfall with its clear water and off-white foam
Thac Ba Lake is often called "Halong Bay on the mountain at Mu Cang Chai". It is one of the biggest man-made lakes in Vietnam. Thac Ba Lake has around 1,300 islands, big and small, with charming caves. Visitors can go on a boat trip to breathe in the fresh air and admire the natural views. There are several must-see places like Xuan Long Cave, Ong Waterfall, Thuy Tien Cave, Bach Xa Cave, and more.
Thac Ba Lake consists of 1,300 islands
In Ngoi Tu village, you can learn about the special aspects of Mu Cang Chai culture and experience its abundant natural resources. The village has a pleasant and cool climate in the summer and gets quite cold in the winter. It is surrounded by various natural features like lakes, waterfalls, rocky and earthy mountains, rivers, streams, as well as the Cao Bien mountain range and Elephant Mountain. These elements combine to create a captivating landscape. Tourists visiting Mu Cang Chai can take a stroll through the village, admire the beautiful scenery, explore the local way of life, and savour the special local cuisine..
Tourists can learn the typical characteristics of Mu Cang Chai culture at Ngoi Tu village
Lung Lo Pass is famous among young backpackers because it holds the stories of brave soldiers and ordinary people who fought in the Dien Bien Phu resistance war. It's a 15 km long road that was crucial during the war. Lung Lo Pass also has a significant historical importance because it was heavily bombed by the enemy, with over 2,000 bombs dropped in that area.
Lung Lo pass
Pu Nhu Waterfall is located just 10 km to the west of Mu Cang Chai District. It is fed by streams that flow from the forests upstream of Than Uyen in Lao Cai Province. The waterfall is made up of multiple levels, with water columns reaching around 20m high.
The waterfall has the water columns about 20m high and is divided into several steps
Chop Du Lake is a poetic and untouched place nestling behind a mountain and covers 16 hectares of land. The lake has a variety of plants and animals, making it a diverse and thriving ecosystem. The water in Chop Du is clear and peaceful, mirroring the lush green forests that surround it. You can explore the lake's enchanting scenery by boat, enjoying the gentle sounds of the oars and immersing yourself in the natural beauty.
The wilderness of Chop Du Lake
Among several North Vietnam destination, Mu Cag Chai is really a must-see site. It promises to bring you a memorable adventurous experience. Exploring this region allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes and witness the local way of life.
>> To embark on an exciting journey, please see: Mu Cang Chai and North West Vietnam package tours
