Mu Cang Chai : The 2025 guide to the most beautiful place in Vietnam
- Noa
Mu Cang Chai is the best-kept secret that the Vietnamese don’t want you to know about. Located in Yan Bai Province, about a seven-hour drive from Hanoi or Mai Chau, the area is famous for its yellow-green rice fields interspersed with stunning terraces on the mountain slopes. If you love nature and authenticity, Mu Cang Chai is the perfect destination to spend at least two nights!
This post contains affiliate links 🔗
If you choose to purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission. It won’t cost you anything more, but it will allow me to continue sharing tips and information with the world. Thanks 🩷
Table of Contents
Seasons in Mu Cang Chai
There are two seasons worth visiting. Between September and October , it is a bit cooler and the rice fields are at their peak in colors of gold and green that seem unreal! This is the time when every terrace looks like a postcard. In the spring months, between April and June, the rice sowing phase begins, and the fields are covered in a fresh and stunning green texture.
How to get to Mu Cang Chai
From Hanoi, you can take a direct bus that reaches the town in 7-8 hours. There is also a direct bus from Sapa – a journey of about 5 hours, passing through picturesque mountains and valleys.
Recommened hotels in Mu Cang Chai
Accommodation in the town mainly includes cute homestays that will help you get to know the family and local life. Here are some highly recommended places:
A pleasant hotel with mountain views and simple, comfortable wooden rooms.
Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
Mountain view Dorms or private rooms with a balcony Includes an excellent breakfast
Book now ￬
Elegant and beautiful rooms in a rustic style, with a perfect view.
Rating of 8.5 on Booking.com Balcony and mountain view Private rooms with air conditioning Breakfast included
Book now ￬
A 4-star hotel with wonderful and very luxurious rooms! There is a pool and gorgeous views of the mountains.
Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com Spacious and luxurious rooms! Mountain view from the room Includes a pool with an amazing view
Book now ￬
What to do in Mu Cang Chai
Want to take some perfect photos? You’ve come to the right place! So where are the most beautiful trails and rice fields?
Mountain View: Điểm Bay Dù Lượn Khau Phạ
About half an hour from the town, you will find one of the stunning lookouts with views of the mountains and valleys of the area.
The Rice Fields - Mâm Xôi
You walk on small paths between the terraces, with a wide and amazing mountain view in front of you between all the fields.
Sunset at Móng nội Mù Cang Chải
The most perfect and magical place to watch a sunset! The pictures speak for themselves.
An hour and a half hiking trail that starts at Lapantan Paradise
An hour-long route, starting from the famous Lapantan Paradise homestay. The road takes about 45 minutes one way and passes between mountains, rice terraces, small streams and views of the valley.
There is a lot to explore in this area, so it is highly recommended to take a day trip with a guide and discover the most worthwhile places!
On the trip, you pass through traditional villages and learn about Hmong culture!
Rated 5/5 on Viator Hotel pickup and drop-off Entrance fees included Includes lunch and water
Book now ￬
A day trip to the rice terraces and surrounding villages. A short trip that is suitable for those who want to get a taste of the region and still have time to freshen up in town.
Recommended by 100% of travelers! Trek to the most beautiful spots in the area Includes entrance tickets to all attractions Includes lunch and water
Book now ￬
A motorcycle tour with a route that leads to the most beautiful sites in the area and includes stops at stunning viewpoints and meetings with local residents.
Rating of 5/5 One of the most special ways to experience Mo Kang Chai! A local motorcycle driver who is experienced on the roads in the area Includes lunch and water
Book now ￬
Restaurants in Mu Cang Chai
So the truth is that there aren’t too many restaurants in the area and there’s no Western food at all. We usually eat at the homestay, and there’s another excellent restaurant and a nice cafe in the area:
Nhà hàng Danh Thủy
A local restaurant that serves good traditional Vietnamese dishes. For breakfast, try the beef pho soup and in the evening, there is excellent hot pot!
1999 Milk Tea & Coffee
If you’re craving something sweet or just a cup of Vietnamese coffee, this is the place for you.
Destionations nearby Mu Cang Chai
If you’ve finished your visit to the area and are ready to move on to more exciting places, you have some good options in northern Vietnam. A popular and recommended destination to continue is Sapa, a mountain town with rice fields, waterfalls and local villages. The Ha Giang Loop is among the most advertised and beautiful attractions in Vietnam and indeed in the East in general. You can also jump into Mai Chau or Pu Luong to continue experiencing beautiful local villages. Another very special and not at all touristy destination is Moc Chau.
Mu Cang Chai FAQs
When is the best time to visit Mu Cang Chai
The most recommended time to visit is September-October , when the rice terraces are at their peak, or May-June , when the rice begins to grow.
How to get to Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi?
From Hanoi you can take a direct bus that reaches the town in 7-8 hours.
What do they do in Mu Cang Chai?
Besides hiking in the rice terraces, you can trek between the villages and see amazing sunsets!
What is there to eat in Mu Cang Chai?
The food in the area is mostly local. There are a few restaurants, banh mi carts, and cafes, but most people eat where they sleep.