Overview
This Mu Cang Chai trekking tour takes you deep into one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Over four days, you’ll hike through layered rice terraces, visit remote Hmong and Thai villages, and cross mountain passes like Khau Pha. The tour offers a balance of light adventure, authentic homestay experiences, and cultural discovery — perfect for travelers who want to connect with nature and local life away from the tourist trail. All logistics, meals, and accommodations are arranged for a smooth experience.
Highlights
- Hike through Mu Cang Chai’s stunning rice terraces, including the famous Raspberry Hill
- Sleep in traditional stilt-house homestays of Thai and Hmong families
- Cross the breathtaking Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s highest mountain roads
- Visit remote villages, learn about farming life, and try batik drawing with locals
- Flexible trekking routes and all arrangements included for a worry-free trip
Itinerary
Homestay Bung Som
Tucked in a quiet valley just outside Tu Le, this traditional stilt-house homestay offers stunning sunrise views over the rice fields and surrounding mountains. Guests sleep in a clean and comfortable community room, with shared bathrooms and cozy curtains for privacy. The relaxed atmosphere, local meals, and warm hospitality make it a memorable base for exploring the countryside.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 7:30 AM to begin the journey northwest, heading into the heart of northern Vietnam. The road trip covers about 250 km, with scenic views and a gradual shift from cityscapes to mountain passes and rice fields.
Arrive in Tu Le by early afternoon. Stretch your legs with a walk through the valley, exploring rice fields, streams, and quiet Thai and Hmong villages. It’s a relaxed start with time to take in rural life, traditional stilt houses, and maybe even dip your feet in the stream alongside local kids.
Depending on your energy and preference, choose from a 2-hour or 3.5-hour hike. Both routes take you along muddy paths, through rice terraces, and across small streams — nothing too steep, but just adventurous enough to feel like a journey. You’ll end the day at a local homestay in Bung Som village.
Dinner is served at your host family’s home. Enjoy a peaceful night in a wooden stilt house run by a local Thai family. Private rooms or hotel stays can be arranged if preferred.
Homestay Hello Mu Cang Chai
Set on a hillside with sweeping views of Mu Cang Chai’s rice terraces, this peaceful homestay offers a truly immersive experience in Hmong culture and mountain life. Rooms are spacious and clean, some with private terraces overlooking the valley, while homemade meals showcase fresh, local ingredients. Friendly hosts are always on hand to help with treks, activities, or simply sharing stories over a cup of tea or a glass of “happy water.”
After breakfast, hit the road to Mu Cang Chai, driving over Khau Pha Pass — one of Vietnam’s highest and most dramatic mountain passes. Stop along the way for views over Lim Mong and Lim Thai villages, and the famous paragliding launch point.
Arrive in La Pan Tan and start a scenic 3-hour trek to Raspberry Hill, a terraced mountain slope famous for its circular rice patterns. These man-made formations were shaped by Hmong farmers over generations and are among the most photographed landscapes in Vietnam.
After the hike, either enjoy a simple roadside lunch or step into a local Hmong household to cook and share a traditional meal — a great way to learn more about daily life.
Continue hiking through a bamboo forest to Mang Mu village, where you’ll visit a local house and try your hand at batik fabric drawing — an art form passed down through Hmong generations. From there, trek to Mong Ngua village, known for its horse-shaped rice terraces and spectacular sunset views. The trail here is steeper, but the payoff is worth it.
Spend the night in a traditional Thai or Hmong stilt house. If you’re curious to experience more of Hmong life, you can choose to stay in Hello Mu Cang Chai Homestay in La Pan Tan.
Zoni Home Tram Tau
This comfortable homestay offers stunning mountain views, cozy rooms with private terraces, and easy access to local sights like Tram Tau hot springs and Ta Xua peak. Guests can enjoy generous home-cooked meals, complimentary tea and coffee, and helpful support for hikes, day trips, and transport. With peaceful surroundings and thoughtful touches throughout, it’s an ideal base for exploring the Tram Tau region.
Start your day with a 3–3.5 hour hike through rice fields and remote mountain paths from a Thai village to Che Cu Nha. Along the way, pass waterfalls, hill farms, and isolated Hmong communities. You might even get a chance to try rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season.
After the trek, loop back to La Pan Tan and return to Raspberry Hill — a chance to revisit this stunning viewpoint at a different time of day, or venture a bit farther depending on your pace and interest.
Hop in the car for a 3-hour drive to Tram Tau, a quiet mountain town known for its hot springs and peaceful landscapes. Check in to Zoni Home, your cozy homestay for the night.
You have two options this morning:
- Relax at the Tram Tau hot spring and enjoy a peaceful soak with mountain views
- Or go for a short, easy hike through Luu village’s rice fields, home to the Thai ethnic group
For those wanting a bit more challenge, there’s a slightly tougher 7 km trek to the beautiful Ta Xua waterfall.
After lunch in Tram Tau, begin the drive back to Hanoi. Expect to arrive by early evening, with drop-off at your hotel and a warm farewell from your guide.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Round trip transportation by prviate car from your hotel to Mu Cang Chai and back
- English speaking guide
- All meals are included ( 3 Breakfasts + 4 Lunches + 3 dinners)
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and signseeing fees
- Water: 1 little/day/person
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Personal items: Clothes, rain-gear, foot wears
- Extra drinks
- International Travel Insurance
FAQs
The trekking ranges from easy to moderate. You’ll walk between 5 and 17 km per day, often on uneven paths, rice fields, and gentle slopes. It’s suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. If needed, we can adjust the hiking distance to suit your comfort.
The tour runs in light to moderate rain, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. In case of extreme weather or safety risks, the itinerary may be adjusted. Your guide will advise on the safest and best plan.
Bring light hiking clothes, good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a small daypack, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. A flashlight or headlamp is useful for rural areas with limited lighting.
No. Your main luggage stays in the car or at the homestay. You’ll only need a small daypack for essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera during the hikes.
You’ll stay in traditional stilt houses hosted by local Thai or Hmong families. These are basic but clean and comfortable, with shared sleeping areas and mosquito nets. Private rooms or hotel upgrades can be arranged on request.
Dress modestly, especially in remote villages. Always ask before taking photos of people, and follow your guide’s advice when visiting homes or participating in local activities. A respectful attitude goes a long way.
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