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Every year when the harvest season comes, lovers of photography of travelers
flock to the highland area where there ar bewitching terraced rice fields. And
the best destination is Mu Cang Chai district in
Yen Bai province. In this entry
I will give you some information about how to
travel Mu Cang
Chai. In addition to beautiful paddy terraces, you can also learn the unique
features of H'mong ethnic people in the region. A life of poverty but warm with
friendliness, something difficult to find in today's modern life. The highlights
of the trip to Mu Cang Chai include the terraced rice fields stretching up to
the clouds, taste the famous sticky rice and enjoy hot spring bath at
Tu Le,
feel the life of H'mong people.
Best time to visit Mu Cang Chai:
Harvest season in
Mu Cang Chai is around mid September to the end of October. I
recommend that you check information with hotels there before coming. Another
time to visit Mu Cang Chai is May or June when H'mong people start planting
rice. It's also very beautiful watching the rice terraces reflecting the
sunshine. It would be a bit too rush if you travel 2 days with motorbike or 3
days by car.
Travel to Mu Cang Chai by car:
The distance from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is about 280 km, it takes almost a day
if you travel by public bus, you can spend the night in Tu Le commune or Mu Cang
Chai town, spend your evening at leisure or walking around, and on day 2 you
will spend the whole day wandering the featiful paddy fields, I recommend that
you rent a motorbike, beautiful places to take photo is from Tu Le to Mu Cang
Chai, stop at La Pan Tan commune where there are many rice terraces, the main
point of Mu Cang Chai area. If you like walking you can catch the bus to La Pan
Tan and then keep walking pass the high mountains for sightseeing, return to
Hanoi on day 3 of the trip.
Bike rental in Mu Cang Chai
You can contact and book before hand with the number belows: 0296263064 or
01665684574.
A motorbiking adventure to Mu Cang Chai must be the first choice to behold the
spectacular rice terraces, you can stop anywhere to take photos. Some highlights
in your trip includes La Pan Tan rice terraces, Lim Mong valley, Khau Pha pass,
especially you should go deep into La Pan Tan area, there is a dirt path along
the valley, go deeper into the area you will find many wondeful corners to take
beautiful photos.
If your time is limited you can take 2 and a half day with following options
- Drive in the evening from Hanoi to
Nghia Lo 190 km, you should start early as
it may be dangerous to travel at night, especially if it is your first time
traveling or those who have problems with eyes. Day 2 ride exploring the
beautiful scenery at
Khau Pha pass, the Lim Mong valley and La Pan Tan, sleeping
in Mu Cang Chai. Day 3 back to Hanoi, visit some places on the way, lunch at Thu
Cuc. If you have lunch at Nghia Lo you will arrive in Hanoi late.
- Take the train to Sapa on the evening of Friday, next day ride the bike from
Lao Cai to Mu Cang Chai about 200km, the train will arrve in Lao Cai about 5.00
am. If you start early you can arrive in Mu Cang Chai for lunch and spend the
afternoon in Mu Cang Chai, day 3 sightseeing around in the morning before
returning to Hanoi, arrive late in Hanoi about 10pm. This option will be harder
and more tiring, please consider if you are not really healthy as it is
difficult to sleep on train for some people and you will be tired the next day
With option 3 days you will have more time to visit and take photos. Day 1 ride
straight up to Mu Cang Chai, use your cameras in Khau Pha pass and Lim Mong
valley, overnight in Mu Cang Chai. Day 2 focus on shooting and wandering in La
Pan Tan, overnight in Nghia Lo, don't forget to try snake specialty. On day 3
you can travel to Suoi Giang, if you go to Ta Xi Lang you should start early.
Afternoon drive to Hanoi.
Some
motels and guesthouses in Mu Cang Chai:
- Suoi Mo hotel: Tel: 029 3878 643 - 0915 842 789 (1 vote for this guest house,
with a lovely double rooms)
- Moon guesthouse, centre of Mu Cang Chai district, Tel: 0293 878929 - 0912 05
8899 - 016 5678 2888. The hostel has internet access, breakfast, and motorbike
for rent
- Son Ca motel, tel 0293 878 185 - 0988 981 675
- Buu Dien guesthouse, contact Mr Thanh tel 0975644965 to book or you can ask
him to contact people if you want a homestay.
Several other motels along the main road. Should contact soon if youu go in
harvest season, ensure your booking by making a down payment.
Hotels in Nghia Lo - Yen Bai (A big town and should have more choices, if you go
on holiday should book in advance).
- Nghia Lo hotel, Tel: 029 3870 106 - 029 3870 428 - 0985 563 563
- Mien Tay hotel - Nghia Lo, Tel: 029 3870 698 - 029 3871 223
Prices range from 150.000 - 200.000 vnd a room for 2 people
Motels in Tu Le
- Hoang Quan motel, this motel offers herbal bath, pretty good. Room rates
between 150.000 - 180.000 vnd a room, group share available. Contact:
0293.897126
- Xom Vang guesthouse, located right at the beginning of Tu Le townlet, on the
way Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai, small rooms, en suite bathroom, dining is
available, rates 180.000 vnd a room with 2 single beds. Phone: 0293.897205 -
0918.177325 - 0982385440.
- Chuyen Dung restaurant, pretty famous. Motels combined with restaurant, most
expensive in Tu Le 220.000 - 250.000 vnd for a twin room. Dining room is just
downstairs. Food is bought up very quickly, need to order in advance, this motel
is famous for sticky rice with chicken
- Pho Nui Hostel in Tu Le Tel: 029 3897 115 - 0986 308 761.
- Suoi Tien motel, phone number: 029625512 - 0974357912
- Post Office motel, phone number: 01664851820.
Combine Mu Cang Chai trip with other places:
You can make a long trip to Mu Cang Chai and Sapa. Arrange a trip for 4 to 6
days. In the north there are 4 places to see rice terraces is Mu Cang Chai, Sapa,
Bac Son valley and
Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang). |
