Mu Cang Chai , Vietnam

Full Day Private Trekking Mu Cang Chai

Active

(32 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and experience the unique culture of the H'mong people on a private guided tour. Visit iconic viewpoints and trek scenic routes known only to locals, for a more authentic and peaceful experience away from the crowds. As a private tour, your itinerary can be tailored to your fitness level and personal interests.

Available options

Pick up at Garrya MCC Resort

This upgrade includes pick up & drop back at Garrya Mu Cang Chai Resort (Address: Bản Pú Nhu, Mù Cang Chải District, Yên Bái)<br/>Pickup included

Pick up at Nga Ba Kim

This option includes pick up and drop back at Nga Ba Kim town (Chợ Ngã Ba Kim)<br/>Pickup included

Pick up at Mu Cang Chai town

This upgrade includes pick up and drop back at your hotel/homestay in Mu Cang Chai town<br/>Pickup included

Pickup at Le Champ TuLe Resort

This upgrade includes pick up and drop back at Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot Spring & Spa (QL32, Tú Lệ, Văn Chấn, Yên Bái)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Lunch

Local tour guide speaking English

Entry/Admission

Detailed itinerary

Start your day with a hotel pickup in Mu Cang Chai and transfer to the trekking point. A local H’mong guide will lead you through scenic rice terraces in La Pan Tan and Mu Cang Chai, with stops at iconic viewpoints like Đồi Mâm Xôi (Raspberry Hill) and La Pan Tan viewpoint.

Along the way, you’ll walk through H’mong villages, meet locals working in the fields, sewing at home, or tending buffalo, and see how they live in the high mountains. During the right season, you may also try farming activities like planting or harvesting rice by hand.

Your English-speaking H’mong guide will share stories about daily life, culture, food, and seasonal traditions in the rice terrace region.

Lunch is included — enjoy a home-cooked meal with your guide and get a true taste of local life.

Note: This is a private and flexible tour. The itinerary will be adjusted on the day based on your fitness level, start time, and weather.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

VI EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

30 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Go to the entrance of Mu Cang Chai Backpacker Hostel and look for a guide with a yellow T-shirt

About Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai is a stunning rural district in northern Vietnam, renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. This picturesque region offers a glimpse into the traditional life of ethnic minorities and is a haven for nature lovers and photographers.

Top Attractions

Terraced Rice Fields

The terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai are a UNESCO-recognized landscape, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the traditional farming practices of ethnic minorities.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free

Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha Pass is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains.

Nature Half-day Free

La Pan Tan Village

La Pan Tan is a traditional village of the H'Mong ethnic minority, offering insights into their culture, customs, and way of life.

Cultural Half-day Free to explore, small fees for cultural performances

Must-Try Local Dishes

Thang Co

A traditional H'Mong dish made from horse meat, offal, and herbs, cooked in a clay pot.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Sticky Rice

A staple food in the region, often served with various accompaniments like grilled pork, eggs, and pickled vegetables.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Muong Pork

A dish made from pork cooked with bamboo shoots and herbs, originating from the Muong ethnic group.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians

Popular Activities

Trekking Motorbike tours Boat rides on Pu Ta Leng Lake Strolling through terraced rice fields Visiting ethnic minority villages Attending cultural performances Experiencing traditional H'Mong ceremonies and festivals

Best Time to Visit

September to November

This is the best time to visit Mu Cang Chai as the terraced rice fields are in full harvest, offering stunning landscapes and vibrant colors.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: H'Mong dialect
English: Limited

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Mu Cang Chai is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken, especially in remote areas.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night in remote areas.
• Be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded markets.
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from Mu Cang Chai

By bus

My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are available but infrequent. They are more suitable for traveling between major points within the district.

Taxis

Limited

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mu Cang Chai Town La Pan Tan Village

Day trips

Nghia Lo

50 km (31 miles) • Half-day to full-day

Nghia Lo is a town known for its beautiful lakes, ethnic minority villages, and traditional crafts.

Tu Le

30 km (18 miles) • Half-day to full-day

Tu Le is a small town known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Festivals

H'Mong New Year • Late December to early January

Pro tips

Visit during the harvest season (September to November) for the most stunning landscapes.
Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the terraced rice fields and ethnic minority cultures.
Stay in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience and to support the local community.
Carry cash as card acceptance is limited, and small denominations are useful for local purchases.
Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings and early mornings.