Mu Cang Chai: Vietnam's Hidden Rice Terrace Gem

Mu Cang Chai is a small district in the Yen Bai province of Vietnam, located about 300 kilometers from Hanoi. It is known for its stunning rice terraces, which are some of the most beautiful in the world.

The rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai were built over centuries by the local Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. They are a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of these people. The terraces are carved into the mountainsides, and they follow the contours of the land. This allows them to capture the maximum amount of sunlight and water, which is essential for growing rice.

The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is during the harvest season, which is from September to October. This is when the rice terraces are a riot of colors, ranging from green to golden yellow. The views from the top of the mountains are simply breathtaking.

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.

Che Cu Nha, Vietnam. Photo by phuyentravel.com.vn

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.

The road to the viewpoint is quite steep. From the town of Nga Ba Kim, follow the road to the village. Turn right at the first T-junction to La Pan Tan Viewpoint where you can enjoy the whole panorama of golden terraced rice fields on all the mountain hills.

La Pan Tan, Vietnam. Photo by mia.vn

Mam Xoi Hill – most beautiful rice field hill

Mam Xoi, or Mam Xoi Hill (Sticky Rice Tray Hill), is located about 5 kilometres from La Pan Tan and is slightly smaller, but still very beautiful. The advantage is that this viewpoint is a bit closer to the main road. La Pan Tan is a bit further from civilization. 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.

On Ba Nha Bridge, there is often a group of locals offering travelers a guided tour to Mam Xoi Hill for around 50,000 VDN. There is also a H’mong costume rental service for those who want to dress up as H’mong people and pose with the beautiful backdrop. You can also take beautiful trekking here. Furthermore, you will find little or no accommodation or restaurants here.

Mam Xoi Hill, Vietnam. Photo by pinterest.com

Sang Nhu – Horseshoe hill

Sang Nhu Viewpoint is only 2 kilometers from Mu Cang Chai. The rice fields on Sang Nhu are mainly known by one hill called Horseshoe Hill. The terraces of the rice fields have the shape of a horseshoe.

Sang Nhu, Horseshose hill, Vietnam. Photo by vivutravel.com

In addition to its rice terraces, Mu Cang Chai also offers a variety of other attractions, including:

- The Khau Pha Pass: This pass is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

- The Pu Nhi Nature Reserve: This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, monkeys, and birds.

- The Hmong and Dao villages: These villages offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local ethnic groups.

The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is during the harvest season, which is from September to October. This is when the rice terraces are a riot of colors, ranging from green to golden yellow. The views from the top of the mountains are simply breathtaking.

If you are looking for a beautiful and off-the-beaten-path destination in Vietnam, then Mu Cang Chai is a great choice. The rice terraces are simply stunning, and the area offers a variety of other attractions as well. 

SOURCE: localvietnam.com