Mu Cang Chai is an indispensable place in Vietnam, both for its grandiose scenery of rice fields (for me the most impressive of Vietnam), as by the possibility of discovering the way of life of the hmong people, an ethnic minority representative of the country.

Located approximately 1000m of height, Mu Cang Chai has a cool climate during the greater part of the year, even in summer, the season that is especially worth to go for the rice fields are sown in may-June and the harvest is in September-October. This, along with its natural landscapes, waterfalls, traditional houses, rivers, and mountains make it an incomparable spot and perfect for those adventurers who want to discover one of the most authentic parts impressive and Vietnam.

“This place to me personally I was shocked, both by her beauty as by the fact that it is a place which is still rarely visited by tourists compared to other areas such as Sapa or Ha Giang, areas that Mu Cang Chai has nothing to envy. ”

Alberto

What to do in Mu Cang Chai?

Within the region of Mu Can Chai, The Pán Tẩn, on the slope of the valley, is an area in which it is worth to stay (I stayed in Indigenous homestay). From The Pán Tẩn it is easy to appreciate the beauty of the rice fields; relaxing day watching the clouds flowing through the valley night and watching the stars at night in the light of a bonfire. Other areas similar to The Pán Tẩn are Che Cu Nha and Di Xu Phinh.

In addition, in this area you will have the opportunity to discover the daily life of the villages of the ethnic groups local. In the homestay where I stayed during my first visit, I lived with a hmong family, with whom I had the pleasure to live with for three days. In this time I ate with them, drank the famous liquor of rice and I had the opportunity to peek into their everyday lives and their culture. Thanks to Chù and his family I was able to learn about their music and religion, and I could see how they make their clothes, take care of your cattle and grow your land.

During your trip to Mu Cang Chai, I recommend that you hire a tour of trekking and/or motorcycle into your accommodation to discover with a local guide the most amazing places of Mu Cang Chai. The prices of these tours are downright affordable (around 500k VND – €18,5), and I assure you that they are worth.

How to get to Mu Cang Chai?

Located approximately 300 km from Hanoi and 140km of Sapa. It is possible to get to Mu Cang Chai by bus, minibus or motorbike from various points of Vietnam. You can book your tickets for bus in Book Way.

If you decide to travel on a motorcycle, you have to know that coming from Hanoi, the section that goes from Nghia Lo Mu Cang Chai is truly beautiful, with scenery of mountain, rice fields and traditional villages of ethnic minorities.

Where to stay in Mu Cang Chai?

I stayed in Indigenous homestay in Mu Cang Chai, and for me it was a perfect place. This homestay is run by a hmong family, is located in the high mountains and the views from my room were truly impressive. In addition, the house is located between two of the most iconic visit in Mu Cang Chai, and in the surroundings of the house you can enjoy stunning views. Yes, don’t expect the frills: this accommodation is for those who seek the authentic experience with a hmong family. On the other hand, the level of English of the hosts is pretty much zero, so it is possible that you may have to use Google translator to communicate. The brother of the host speaks English, and be able to give you directions on Whatsapp or even a guide on a tour for you.

If you’re looking to stay in a bed a little bit more luxurious, you can stay in one of the bungalows of Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge. Visitors of this place say that the views are absolutely stunning, the food delicious and made with fresh ingredients and the bed comfortable.

I invite you to download this file with recommended accommodation in Vietnam, based on the opinions of travelers who are part of my group FB and group of WhatsApp.

When is it better to go to Mu Cang Chai?

The best times to visit the rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai are the months between May – June, rainiest months in which the inhabitants of this area, plant the rice fields and in which it can be clearly the water running between the terraces, and the months of September – October, the time of harvest in which you will find the rice fields of a yellow color that is very characteristic.

One last tip

Bring hiking shoes, a sweatshirt, raincoat, umbrella, and sunscreen!