4-Day Tour of Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces

Private Groups

Rice Terraces

Kid-Friendly

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mu Cang Chai on this 4-day tour, where you will explore the iconic rice terraces carved into the mountains, experience the rich culture of local ethnic communities, and enjoy stunning landscapes that change with the seasons. Immerse yourself in traditional village life, savour regional cuisine, and take in panoramic views of one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations.

Highlights

Ethnic minorities

Stunning Rice Terraces

Khau Pha Pass Hike

Duong Lam Ancient Village

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Tour Details

Price

Adults:

  • Solo adult travellers pay the standard adult rate.
  • Groups of 2 or more enjoy discounted rates per person.

Children:

  • Children under 3 years old travel for free.
  • Children ages 3-11 pay 75% of the adult rate.

* Please see our FAQs page for further pricing details.


Season

We operate all year round, except for Vietnamese New Year. Please contact us for more details.


Trip specifications

This tour only operates as a private tour meaning it is fully customisable. All group sizes can be accommodated. We provide child seaters for little kids.



Included

  • All entrance fees
  • Fully air-conditioned vehicle 
  • All taxes
  • English-speaking guide
  • Bottled water
  • 4 nights at hotel/homestay 
  • Breakfasts + lunches

* Please note we can cater for any dietary requirements just be sure to get in touch beforehand.


Not included

  • Gratuities for Your Guide & Drivers
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses

What to bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Insect Repellent
  • Light Jacket
  • Raincoat or Poncho

What to wear

Please be sensitive to the local customs and ensure you dress respectfully.

Loose, free-flowing clothing is preferred given we will be visiting local communities. Knees and shoulders should be covered at all times.

Itinerary
rice terraced fields

Your English-speaking guide will greet you at your hotel before escorting you to Yen Bai Province. Journey northwest through a stunning mountainous region home to diverse ethnic minority groups, including the Blue H’mong, Thai, Zao, and Lu.

Nestled at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in Yen Bai Province, about 280 km from Ha Noi, Mu Cang Chai is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, featuring some of the most winding mountain passes on one side and the most stunning rice terraces in Viet Nam on the other. This destination is perfect for hikers and photography enthusiasts, especially during the golden season of the rice terraces in September and October.

√ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

√ Accommodation: Host family/ hotel

ethnic women with colourful dresses

In the morning, embark on a 7-km hike along the dikes of the lush rice terraces in the H’mong villages of Cau Ba Nha and La Pan Tan. You will be captivated by the beauty of the terraced fields and the vibrant colours of the traditional attire worn by the local villagers.

After lunch, you will transfer to Tu Le, a little mountainous region inhabited by different groups of ethnic minorities including H’mong Blue, Thai, Zao, and Lu. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Hoang Lien Son Mountains in Yen Bai province, Tu Le is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, with winding mountain passes on one side and stunning rice terraces on the other.

√ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

√ Accommodation: Hotel

Khau Pha Pass

This morning is devoted to hiking. Embark on a 4-km trek starting from Khau Pha Pass and descending into Lim Mong Village, home to the Thai ethnic group. Admire the breathtaking scenery and take the opportunity to connect with the local ethnic minorities.

Savour the flavours of authentic regional cuisine with a delightful meal at a welcoming local’s home. Continue your journey towards Nghia Lo Town. Traverse picturesque hills adorned with tea plantations and latan palm trees. This town is located in Muong Lo Valley surrounded by green mountains and dotted with lakes, rice fields, rivers and houses on stilts of ethnic minorities.

Along the way, stop at Suoi Giang to explore the Shan Tuyet tea plants, known as “national heritage trees.” Next, visit the Pang Cang Village of the H’Mong people for an immersive cultural experience.

√ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch

√ Accommodation: Host family/ hotel

an ancient alley

Set off early to explore the local Muong Lo Market, once one of the largest and most bustling markets in the mountainous Yen Bai Province of northwest Viet Nam.

Then, leave for Ha Noi, crossing the hills and valleys, adorned with tea plantations and latan palm trees. On the way, make a stop at Duong Lam Ancient Village, a thousand-year-old treasure nestled along the banks of the Red River. Famed for its preservation of traditional Vietnamese culture, Duong Lam is also the birthplace of two legendary kings, Phung Hung in the 7th century and Ngo Quyen in the 9th century.

Take a leisurely stroll through the village to meet the locals, and you might even encounter some of the elderly women known for their traditional “black teeth,” a cultural practice from bygone days.

√ Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
√ Accommodation: Hotel

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