Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district located in Yen Bai Province, which is about 280km from Hanoi to the North West. Set in the altitude about 1.000 meters above sea level, Mu Cang Chai is well known for being one the most beautiful landscapes of rice-terraced fields of Vietnam. It is the inspirational destination for both domestic and foreign tourists with stunning natural scenery.

Though Mu Cang Chai has been more popular to tourists in the recent years, the local people still retain their traditional way of living. Any traveller visit Mu Cang Chai on their Vietnam private tour can witness the unique local culture as well as the majestic natural landscape.

Best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is from mid-September to mid-October when the rice terraced fields are ready for harvest. The entire area will be coverred with bright yellow of the rice and making the perfect background for taking great pictures. Also, the weather is cool and pleasant which is perfect for the hiking or trekking tours in Mu Cang Chai.

Alternatively, travellers can visit Mu Cang Chai during the pouring season between May and June when local people start the new rice crop. It gives a completely different view of the terraced fields when they are all flooded by the summer rains.

How to get there from Hanoi: There are different ways to get to Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi for travellers plan to visit the region on the Vietnam tour packages:

- From Hanoi, hire a car or motorbike and get there directly. Mu Cang Chai is about 280 km from Hanoi.

- Catch the bus from Hanoi to Lai Chau which passes through Mu Cang Chai. Then, rent a motorbike from the local hotels or homestays for visiting the villages in the area.

- Catch a bus or a train to Yen Bai City, then get a motorbike from there to complete the journey to and around Mu Cang Chai.