Golden Season in Mu Cang Chai
If you want to experience this place in all its glory, mark your calendars for September and October.At this time, the field of Yen Bai is in the midst of its ripe rice season, presenting not only stunning beauty but also a bustling, lively atmosphere as locals gather to harvest the rice fields. If you’re considering exploring the iconic terraced fields there, this golden season is the most opportune moment to marvel at this exquisite landscape.
This period also sees a surge in visitors to there, surpassing the usual crowds. Travelers flock here not only to admire the mesmerizing rice fields amidst the highlands of Yen Bai but also to chase clouds as autumn transitions into early winter. Therefore, if traveling by coach, it’s advisable to secure tickets in advance, ideally one to two weeks prior to your planned visit.
Getting to Mu Cang Chai
The distance between Hanoi and Yen Bai spans approximately 300 kilometers, a relatively manageable distance. Nevertheless, the journey presents greater challenges compared to routes leading to destinations like Sa Pa or Moc Chau, mainly due to the presence of mountain passes and steep inclines along the route.
By passenger bus or by car
One option is to catch a bus from My Dinh bus station. The majority of these buses pass through Nghia Lo town, although some may opt for the Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway to gather passengers from various provinces.By private vehicle
If you intend to journey with your own vehicle, it’s advisable to follow the conventional path via road 32. The recommended itinerary commences at My Dinh, passing through Nhon, Son Tay, Trung Ha Ba Vi bridge (or Dong Quang bridge if you veer left from Son Tay towards K9), Thanh Thuy, Thanh Son Phu Tho, Tan Son Thu Cuc, Ba Khe, Van Chan, Nghia Lo town, Tu Le, Khau Pha Pass, Nga Ba Kim, culminating in final destination. To ensure arrival in time for lunch, departure around 5 am is optimal.Alternatively, for a smoother highway expedition, opt for the Hanoi route traversing Noi Bai – Lao Cai – National Highway 279 – and Highway 32. However, this route extends over 50 km further and presents rougher road conditions.Where to Stay in there
The lodging options in this journey predominantly consist of economical choices such as budget hotels, homestays, and stilt houses. Stilt houses, capable of accommodating anywhere from 10 to 30 individuals, emerge as a favored selection among tourists. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, consider staying at one of the charming homestays in there. These cozy abodes, often built in traditional stilt-house style, offer a warm and authentic experience. Here are some of top picks:– Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge– Do Gu Homestay– Suoi Giang A Chong HomestayMu Cang Chai Ecolodge provides meticulously crafted facilities, infused with warmth and hospitality. Their establishment boasts homestay, bungalow, dormitory. Nestled amidst pristine mountains, amidst the harmonious melodies of birds and butterflies, this locale offers an unparalleled experience of local authenticity. The price ranges from $12 to $68 for above.Suoi Giang A Chong Homestay provides inner courtyard views, accomodations, balcony and garden. The price of this place costs $23 per night for 2 adults.Traditional dishes of Mu Cang Chai
