The majestic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai
Lovers of rice fields, come to Mu Cang Chai. In this mountainous region of Vietnam, the rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see will delight travelers in search of authenticity and picturesque landscapes !
Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district in the west of Yen Bai province, about 300 km northwest of Hanoi. Located at 1,000m above sea level on the side of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai stretch over the hills, creating the majestic beauty of the mountains of northwestern Vietnam..
Considered as one of the cradles of rice farming, Mu Cang Chai has nearly 500 hectares of rice terraces, classified as a national heritage site in 2007. Mu Cang Chai is also one of the most beautiful terraced fields in the world..
This region fascinates photography lovers by its wild nature and authentic atmosphere. The road leading to Mu Cang Chai is called the “photographers’ road”, it allows you to take beautiful pictures of the rice terraces and the houses of the ethnic minorities hidden in the mountains.
The rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai are the result of the work and experience of the Hmong, Dao, Thai people for thousands of generations. Overcoming difficulties, farmers have used their knowledge and spiritual and ritual beliefs to maximize annual yields. The rice terraces reflect the complex rice production, historical values and unique culture of the ethnic groups.
The rice fields of Mu Cang Chai are also home to various ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Dao and Thai. While walking in Mu Cang Chai, you will have the opportunity to see them daily working assiduously on the true works of art that are the rice fields.
Where to see the rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai?
Coming to Mu Cang Chai, you will see everywhere multi-layered rice terraces, they are an integral part of the landscape.
The Khau Pha pass
To get a glimpse of the rice fields, it is recommended to go up to Khau Pha Pass, one of the four major passes of Vietnam. The winding roads passing through many famous sites such as La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le, Che Cu Nha, Nam Co overlook terraced fields where small Hmong houses stand. Every year in the season of ripe rice, the paragliding festival of Khau Pha takes place on this pass, it allows the most daring to fly over and admire the splendid rice terraces from above.
The villages of Che Cu Nha, La Pan Tan and De Xu Phinh
These are three Hmong villages located on both sides of the “photographers’ road”, with the most impressive rice terraces. They have been classified as national cultural heritage. You can go for a walk in the middle of the rice fields to meet the Hmong people in traditional costume. They live in wooden houses on the slopes of the mountains.
Tu Le village
Tu Le is a charming mountain village nestled in a valley covered with rice terraces, dotted with small wooden houses on stilts. This village is inhabited by Hmong and Thai people. You will cross suspension bridges and rice terraces to meet minorities in traditional costumes who will welcome you warmly.
When to see the rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai ?
The best times to see the spectacular rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai are the water season and the harvest season.
The water season extends from May to June. The water floods the fields, softens the dry soil and swells it before plowing before transplanting the rice. The rice fields are watered in a huge mirror of water on the ground. It is a breathtaking landscape !
The harvest season is from mid-September to mid-October. The whole area is decorated with beautiful carpets of bright yellow ripe rice in an impressive picture offered to visitors. Don’t miss the cultural festival of rice terraces held in Mu Cang Chai at the end of September every year.
A tasty and truly authentic moment out of time awaits you in front of the rice fields of Mu Cang Chai. Here, the majestic nature and the kindness of the Hmong people take you to another world.
