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The Rice Terraces of Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai

Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
3 days
Mu Cang Chai
Authentic

Overview

Here is an excursion not to be missed! In just three days, you will discover the daily life of two important ethnic groups of Northern Vietnam, along with the stunning natural environments they inhabit.

Your immersion begins in Nghia Lo, home to the Thai (both White and Black). The locals, known for their warm hospitality, will be delighted to share their traditions with you—from clothing to traditional music. You’ll spend the night in a homestay, offering a deeper connection with their way of life. You will also explore the Nghia Lo valley and its beautiful tea fields, a hidden gem few travelers know about.

Next, you’ll head into the mountains toward Mu Cang Chai district, home to what are arguably the most breathtaking terraced rice fields in all of Northern Vietnam (yes, we dare to say it!). Here, you’ll meet the Hmong people, who usually live on the mountainsides and are the very ones who have carved these iconic rice terraces into the landscape.

In just three days, you will gain a rich insight into local life and the cultural diversity of Northern Vietnam.

Practical Information

Duration
3 days
Start/End
Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour guide language
English
Visited regions
Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai
Best time to go
Between June and end of September
Ideal for
Everyone
Difficulty
Easy
Accommodation
Ecolodge/Homestay

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Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi - Duong Lam - Nghia Lo (L, D)

After breakfast, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will head out on the road with a first stop at Duong Lam village (Mong Phu), a village deeply representative of the culture of the Red River Delta inhabitants, considered the cradle of Viet (Kinh) civilization. It is famous for its ancient houses, some of which have belonged to the same families for more than 300 years. You will visit a few of these traditional homes and enjoy lunch in one of them.

Afterward, visit the communal house and the Mia pagoda.

In the afternoon, continue northward, entering a landscape of increasingly high hills covered with tea plantations. You will pass the Khe Pass before reaching, by the end of the day, the Thai town of Muong Lo, nestled in a vast rice plain surrounded by high mountains—the largest in the North after Dien Bien Phu.

Dinner and overnight stay with a local host in Muong Lo.

Day 2
Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (B, L, D)

After breakfast, take the road toward Mu Cang Chai, passing through Tu Le. You will begin with a 1.5-hour walk through the rice fields along the Tu Le stream.

Continue your journey along the mountain road, surrounded by peaks rising over 2,000 meters and overlooking breathtaking terraced rice fields. Along the way, you will pass through the Hmong villages of Nga Ba Kim and La Pan Tan, both renowned for their spectacular stepped rice terraces.

Arrival in Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon. Overnight stay on site.

Day 3
Mu Cang Chai - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast with your hosts, set out to visit the villages of Che Cu Nha or Phinh Ho with a 2-hour hike.

Then, return to Hanoi, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Several stops will be made for photos or short walks.

Arrival in Hanoi around 6:00 pm.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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+84 9 66 59 98 05

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