Mu Cang Chai is located in the middle Northwest of Vietnam. Every year, when September comes to an end, a drove of photographers, nature lovers, and travelers flock to Mu Cang Chai – an outlying district of Yen Bai Province – to see legendary golden terraced rice fields. Friendly locals, natural landscapes, and exotic food are reasons why it comes as no surprise to know that this is not the first-time visit of many travelers.
Mu Cang Chai was once a remote and impoverished district of Yen Bai Province. However, being endowed with the majestic and ever-changing scenery, Mu Cang Chai is now one of the most sought after destinations in the Northeast Vietnam. Visitors come to Mu Cang Chai to escape from the fast pace of life, get close to nature, and enjoy precious moments with their beloveds.
To set foot on Mu Cang Chai District, travelers have to pass through Khau Pha Pass – one of four most beautiful but dangerous mountain passes in Vietnam. It is located at the foot of Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, at an altitude of 1,000 meters above the sea level. Approximately 300 kilometers from Hanoi, this remote district is an ideal sightseeing spot welcoming thousands of visitors each year.
The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai falls on May to June and mid-September to mid-October. From May to June, it comes into a “poured water season” because heavy rains occur frequently and pour down nearby mountains. Terraced fields at this time are submerged due to the water flow from these mountains spilling into. The reflection of brilliant sunlight and blue sky make terraced fields glittering – the breathless moments that make even the toughest tourists amazed at. Meanwhile, travelling to Mu Cang Chai from mid-September to mid-October, sightseers can witness the brilliant natural beauty when this outlying town is coated with the golden color of ripen terraced fields.
A visit to Mu Cang Chai District will not be fulfilled if visitors miss following breathtaking scenic spots, including Khau Pha Pass, Tu Le Commune, Che Cu Nha Commune, Lim Mong Village, Thai Village, Mo Waterfall, Pu Nhu Waterfall. Regarding to Mu Cang Chai’s specialties, tourists will be surprised at a load of its exotic eats such as Tu Le green rice, five-color steamed glutinous rice, decne – a special type of apple in Vietnam, salmon, sturgeon, roasted grasshopper, fried crab, etc.
Especially, travelling to Mu Cang Chai in September, visitors will have a wonderful opportunity to take part in Mu Cang Chai Festival – an annual event hosted by Yen Bai Province to honor the beauty of nature. Not only can you adore picturesque ripen terraced fields but also take part in exciting traditional activities and learn more about the rich culture in here hospitable and warm-hearted residents.
Other attractions in Northwest Vietnam: Moc Chau Plateau; Mu Cang Chai; Son La prison; Dien Bien Phu
