Many years ago, Mu Cang Chai was known as “The Forgotten Land in Vietnam” because of its remote location. Now it is more famous and loved by both domestic and foreign tourists. Although more touristy than in the past, this area still remains authentic with the excellent natural landscape and traditional way of life.
Coming to Mu Cang Chai to enjoy the beautiful landscapes, discover unique cultural features here, as well as the daily life of hill tribes. It is mainly inhabited by the Black Hmong, a subgroup of one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Beautiful Hmong villages are spread throughout the region. Each offers a glimpse into a rich culture.
The most stunning rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai
This place is known for having some of the most beautiful terraced rice paddies in Vietnam, as well as Asia itself. People have worked diligently on this artificial miracle for years. Herebelow are some places you should go to get the the most impressive terraces:
Che Cu Nha – highest terraced rice fields
The area around Che Cu Nha has very steep slopes and a good view of the terraced rice fields. This remote commune can be found around 25 kilometers from Mu Cang Chai. The road to the viewpoint of the terraced rice fields is just 2 kilometers, but very steep and quite dangerous if you go by motorcycle. But getting to the top of the viewpoint will be completely worth it, especially on clear days. You can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that are completely covered with terraced rice fields.
La Pan Tan – National Heritage
The most famous rice terraces in the area are those of La Pan Tan. These terraces are about 30 kilometers from the town of Mu Cang Chai and everyone who comes here wants to see them. That is not surprising. The rice terraces are very impressive. In addition, despite being the highlight in the region, they are not very busy yet. Certainly not when you compare that to Sapa. La Pan Tan’s terraced rice paddies have been ranked among the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, these fields, together with those in Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh, were labeled as national heritage. You will find here, besides the viewpoint, some small-scale accommodations and a handful of restaurants.
Sticky Rice Tray Hill
It is located about some kilometers from La Pan Tan and is slightly small, but still very beautiful. The advantage is that this viewpoint is a bit closer to the main road. The reason this hill is so famous is that the entire hill is made completely of terraces, so that the top of the hill has a round shape like a tray of glutinous rice.
Other things you should visit Cang Chai:
Villages: Kimnoi is the popular village in this place, when you visit here, you will have the feeling that this place is like a highland city. It is located along the river, full of shops, restaurants and food stalls. A small market in the center, with a bridge over the river leading to the village. The village with all houses are stilt houses, made of wood. It is also known for its homestays and the weekend’s cultural activities allow travelers to join in, such as campfire and traditional Thai dancing. Beside this village, you can come to others which are Ze Xu Phinh, Lim Thai, Sa Ren, Lim Mong and Hua Khat, where will find the real traditional life of the hill tribes, especially the Hmong minorities.
Waterfalls: Dream waterfall, it is located in a small canyon. To get to the base of the Mo waterfall you have to hike for around 30 minutes and if you want to see the great view from the 4th level of the waterfall you have to walk a bit further. The waterfall is most beautiful during the rainy season when there is a lot of water falling down at a height of 40 meters.
The Pu Nhu waterfall is located near the village of Pu Nhu, about 10 kilometers from the city of Mu Cang Chai.
When you should visit Mu Cang Chai
There are two most beautiful seasons for you to consider to explore this place, but it is also worth discovering the region outside of these seasons, because then there is hardly anyone to be found.
Harvest season in mid-September to mid- October: the period when the whole valley has yellow colored rice fields.
Watering season – from May to June: it is when the summer rains start to pour over the mountain, the water is directed the mountains onto the terraces. The dry soils is softened and prepared so that the rice will be planted. It is the time for farmers start plowing for a new crop in the mountainous terrace fields, it is wonderful to see how the fields of water reflect the environment.
Do you think about the trip to Mu Cang Chai, please contact us to get more information.
