Mu Cang Chai

4,8/5

(249 reviews)

Destination

Overview

Vietnam’s Most Spectacular Terraced Rice Fields

An off-the-beaten-track discovery not to be missed!

The district of Mu Cang Chai is located in Yen Bai Province, about 300 kilometers from Hanoi. Less known compared to Sapa, Mu Cang Chai nevertheless offers breathtaking landscapes that we highly recommend not to miss!

The Hmong communities living in the district have developed a unique rice-growing technique that allows them to cultivate on steep slopes. This method ensures excellent water drainage and effectively prevents erosion, though it requires significant manual labor. The result is both ingenious and awe-inspiring for visitors.

The road between Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai is even nicknamed the “photographers’ road” due to the spectacular scenery along the way.

With our three-day tour, you will discover places such as the Tu Le Valley and the Hmong villages of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh. You will have the chance to stay either in an ecolodge surrounded by rice fields or in a local homestay for a true immersion with a Hmong family.

Dare to step off the beaten path – you won’t regret it!

Travel tip: Despite occasional rains at this time of year, the best period to visit is during the rice harvest season in August and September, when the rice fields glow in shades of green and gold.

Why Go There?

Recommended Activities

Mountain hiking

Take photos of the terraced rice fields

Stay overnight in a local homestay

Stay overnight in an ecolodge

Try paragliding over the rice terraces

Fiche circuit

3 days

The Rice Terraces of Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai

Homestay in Nghia Lo, Sculpted Rice Terraces of Mu Cang Chai, and Cultural Immersion with Mountain Communities

Fiche circuit

5 days

Sapa and the Terraced Rice Fields of Northern Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai and Sapa in 5 Days: Terraced Rice Fields, Scenic Hikes, and Authentic Encounters with the Hmong

Client testimonials

They share their experiences

Helina – cruise tour

“Mathieu was truly wonderful. A big thank you for all the flawless arrangements! We had an amazing cruise with so many beautiful memories 🥰 – the crew was incredibly friendly, and all the activities were very well organized.”

Christelle – Vietnam tour

“An effective agency and more … We discovered Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min through Hue and Hoi An thanks to the excellent services. To choose the tour I had excellent exchanges with the agency throughout the preparation of the trip so that it fits what we wanted. We had three different guides. All friendly and speaking English very well. The drivers were professional (and you have to be to get around Vietnam),very attentive and punctual.”

Gregorio – cruise tour

“Such a great experience! They organised a transfer from our homestay in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, directly to Cat Ba. We did the Lan Ha Bay cruise, spending 2 days and 1 night around. This bay is beautiful and quiet, indeed we didn’t meet too many boats so we appreciated the panorama 100%. Our boat was beautiful and we shared the cruise with another couple, so it is the best choice if you are looking for a peaceful experience”

Rama – Parfum d’Automne cruise tour

“EXTRAORDINARY Agency I called on them for a cruise on September 23rd in the evening to ask for a place for a cruise on the 24th (my birthday) not only did they take care of my return from sapa to Hanoi that same evening, on the 24th on the boat all the crew knew about my birthday, they wished me, also made me a surprise cake in the evening. The stay on the boat was so amazing that I added an extra night , without being a ray of sun, he smiles all the time and pampers us throughout the cruise.”

Arthur – Four Season Cruise Tour

“The agency took great care of us, answering all our questions and showing real flexibility. We went on a cruise in Lan Ha Bay aboard the Quatre Saisons junk. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the scenery absolutely stunning. We didn’t come across many other boats along our route, which made the experience even more special. The activities were well organized and done in small groups, which we really appreciated.”

Gael – Northern Vietnam tour

“Exceptional service and magnificent organized tours ! We’re Swiss and took advantage of Parfum d’Automne’s offers to visit Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, next to Halong Bay, and the Pu Luong region in the northwest mountains of Vietnam. It was fantastic! We met a lot of great locals, not least thanks to the guides and tours organized by the agency.”

4,8/5 (249 avis)

4,6/5 (142 avis)

Travel Tips & Inspiration

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