Mention Mu Cang Chai, and people immediately think of mesmerizing terraced rice fields winding gracefully around the mountain slopes, forming soft golden curves shimmering in the sunlight. Located in Yen Bai province at an altitude of about 1,000 meters above sea level and around 300 km from Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers.
The beauty of Mu Cang Chai transforms with the seasons: during the water-pouring season (May–June), the fields shine like giant mirrors reflecting the sky; in the ripe rice season (September–October), the entire valley turns into a radiant golden sea, creating a majestic and poetic natural painting.
Riding a motorbike along winding mountain roads, breathing in the fragrant scent of ripening rice, and listening to the wind whispering past your ears — this is an unforgettable experience. You feel small amid the vast mountains yet deeply embraced by a peaceful, romantic atmosphere unique to Mu Cang Chai.
Unmissable destinations
Khau Pha Pass
Khau Pha Pass, considered one of the “four great passes” of Vietnam, is one of the longest and most dangerous mountain passes in the North, stretching about 30 km.
From the top, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Lim Mong and Lim Thai valleys, where terraced fields layer endlessly toward the horizon.
In the ripe rice season, the entire area turns into a glowing golden ocean, with drifting clouds floating at eye level — creating a magnificent and magical scene. If lucky, you might witness the Khau Pha paragliding festival, where participants soar above the golden fields for an exhilarating perspective.
La Pan Tan
La Pan Tan is considered the “heart” of Mu Cang Chai’s terraced fields. It is famous for its iconic “golden sticky rice tray” shape — a giant circular terraced field resembling a beautifully arranged tray of sticky rice, which has become a symbolic image of local tourism.
Walking through La Pan Tan, visitors can stroll along narrow dirt paths, pass by H’Mong villages, encounter smiling children, and see women carefully carrying rice or weaving on wooden porches.
The scenery here is peaceful, rustic, yet full of life, making visitors want to stay longer to fully savor the natural beauty and the simplicity of highland life.
Lim Mong Village
Lim Mong Village lies at the foot of Khau Pha Pass and is known as the “most precarious village” in Mu Cang Chai. The road to Lim Mong is challenging, but the scenery is pristine, impressive, and deeply poetic.
Lim Mong appears with small wooden houses nestled among lush green terraced fields, with light kitchen smoke rising gently in the late afternoon.
Visitors can experience the daily life of the H’Mong people, taste local dishes, and even join farming activities such as harvesting rice or planting corn.
Lim Mong offers a sense of closeness and tranquility, helping you escape the city’s hustle and immerse yourself in the slow, soulful rhythm of mountain life.
Tu Le Hot Springs
On the way to Mu Cang Chai, many visitors stop at Tu Le to rest and enjoy the natural hot springs.
Tu Le is famous for its vast, green rice fields and warm mineral springs. After a long day of conquering mountain passes, soaking in the warm water while watching the sky and listening to the gentle streams brings a deep sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Moreover, Tu Le is renowned for its fragrant, soft green sticky rice (cốm), leaving a lingering taste of purity and simplicity from the mountains.
