A Complete Guide For Mu Cang Chai Travel

Ba Nha Bridge

Ba Nha Bridge is a unique wooden bridge located about 10 kilometers from Mu Cang Chai town. The bridge spans a deep valley and offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and terraced rice fields.

The bridge is particularly beautiful during the rice planting season, when the fields are flooded with water and the young rice plants turn the fields a brilliant green color. Visitors can walk across the bridge and take in the breathtaking views, while also learning about the local culture and traditions.

Mo Waterfall

Mo Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located about 15 kilometers from Mu Cang Chai town. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a cool respite from the hot summer weather. Visitors can swim in the clear pools at the base of the waterfall or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The waterfall is also a great place for hiking and birdwatching, as it is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna.

What to do in Mu Cang Chai

Trekking and hiking

Mu Cang Chai is known for its stunning terraced rice fields and scenic mountains, which make it an ideal destination for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the countryside on foot, discovering hidden villages and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

There are many trekking routes available, ranging from easy walks through rice fields to more challenging hikes up steep mountain trails. Some popular trekking routes include La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh. These routes offer stunning views of the terraced rice fields and the surrounding mountains and provide an opportunity to learn about local agriculture and culture.

Homestay experience

Mu Cang Chai offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic local culture through a homestay with a local family. Guests can learn about the daily life of the local people, enjoy traditional meals, and even participate in local activities such as rice planting or harvesting.

Homestays are typically located in traditional stilt houses, which offer a unique and comfortable accommodation option. Guests can also learn about the H’Mong culture and traditions through the host family, and even participate in cultural events such as traditional music performances or festivals.

Photography

The terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai offer a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts. The fields change color throughout the year, from the bright green of the planting season to the golden hue of the harvesting season.

Visitors can capture stunning shots of the fields from various viewpoints, including Mam Xoi Hill and the top of the Khau Pha Pass. Local guides are available to help visitors find the best spots and offer tips on capturing the perfect shot.

Cycling

Cycling is a popular activity in Mu Cang Chai, offering visitors a unique way to explore the countryside. The area is dotted with small villages and scenic roads that are perfect for leisurely bike rides.

Visitors can rent a bike in Mu Cang Chai town and set out on their own or join a guided cycling tour.

Rice planting and harvesting

Mu Cang Chai is famous for its terraced rice fields, and visitors can experience the local agricultural traditions firsthand by participating in rice planting or harvesting.

Rice planting typically takes place in May and June, while harvesting occurs in September and October. Visitors can join a local farmer in the fields, learning how to plant or harvest rice using traditional tools and techniques.

Local market visit

Mu Cang Chai is home to several local markets, where visitors can experience the vibrant culture of the local people. These markets are typically held on weekends and offer a variety of goods, including fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and local food.

Visitors can browse the stalls and interact with the friendly vendors, learning about the local products and culture. Some popular markets include the Mu Cang Chai Market and the Nghia Lo Market.

Motorbike tour

A motorbike tour is a popular way to explore the stunning landscapes of Mu Cang Chai. Visitors can rent a motorbike in Mu Cang Chai town and set out on their own, or join a guided tour.

The area is home to several scenic roads and mountain passes, including the Khau Pha Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the terraced rice fields and mountains. A motorbike tour provides a unique and exciting way to experience the natural beauty of Mu Cang Chai.

Local cuisine

Mu Cang Chai is home to a variety of delicious local dishes, including grilled stream fish, sticky rice, and sour bamboo shoots. Visitors can enjoy these dishes at local restaurants or through a homestay with a local family.

Traditional cooking methods, such as grilling over an open flame, are also used to create unique and flavorful dishes. Visitors can also learn how to cook traditional dishes through cooking classes offered by local restaurants and homestays.

When to go to Mu Cang Chai

The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is from September to October, when the rice terraces are at their most vibrant and picturesque. During this time, the fields are filled with lush green rice plants, which turn a brilliant golden color as they ripen for harvest. This creates a stunning contrast against the surrounding mountainous terrain and clear blue skies, making for some truly breathtaking scenery.

However, it’s worth noting that the weather in Mu Cang Chai can be unpredictable, and visitors should come prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. The winter months (December to February) can be quite chilly, with occasional snowfall, while the summer months (June to August) can be hot and humid.

Visitors should also be aware that the roads to Mu Cang Chai can be quite challenging, with steep and winding mountain passes, so it’s best to plan ahead and take the necessary precautions.

What to eat in Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is known for its delicious local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the region’s agricultural traditions and the H’Mong ethnic minority’s cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include:

Recommended accommodations in Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge

This eco-friendly lodge is located near the rice terraces and offers comfortable bungalows with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lodge also has a restaurant serving local cuisine and offers guided tours and activities.

Homestay Ban Thai

This homestay is run by a H’Mong family and offers simple yet comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy traditional meals cooked by the family and participate in guided tours and activities, such as hiking and rice harvesting.

Mu Cang Chai Terrace Field Homestay

This homestay is located in the heart of the rice terraces and offers basic yet cozy rooms with shared bathrooms. The family provides delicious home-cooked meals and can arrange tours and activities, such as trekking and cycling.

Paddy Homestay

This homestay is situated in a quiet village and offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and scenic views of the rice terraces. The family provides traditional meals and can arrange tours and activities, such as bamboo rafting and cultural performances.

Muong Lo Sunrise Hotel

This hotel is located in Nghia Lo town, which is a good base for exploring Mu Cang Chai. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Kim’s Guesthouse

This guesthouse is located in the center of Mu Cang Chai town and offers basic yet clean rooms with private bathrooms. The guesthouse has a restaurant serving local cuisine and can arrange tours and activities, such as motorbike rentals and trekking.

It’s worth noting that many of the accommodation options in Mu Cang Chai are basic, and visitors should come prepared for a rustic yet authentic experience. It’s also a good idea to book in advance, especially during the high season from September to October.

How many days to stay in Mu Cang Chai

Day 1

• Morning: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. Have breakfast at a local cafe or restaurant.
• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try some Vietnamese cuisine.
• Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and an important historical and cultural site.
• Dinner: Enjoy a dinner of street food or at a local restaurant in the Old Quarter.

Day 2

• Morning: Take a morning trip to the nearby Ninh Binh Province to visit Tam Coc, also known as the “Ha Long Bay on land.” Take a traditional sampan boat ride through the limestone caves and rice paddies.
• Afternoon: Visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, which was the political and economic center of the country from the 10th to the 11th century. Explore the Dinh and Le temples, which were built in honor of the ancient kings.
• Dinner: Enjoy a final dinner in Hanoi, either at a local restaurant or trying more street food.