Overview
Escape the city and head deep into Vietnam’s northwest for a journey through some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. This 3-day Mu Cang Chai tour takes you from Hanoi into the heart of Yen Bai Province, where golden rice terraces cascade down steep hillsides and local H’mong villages preserve traditional ways of life. With scenic drives, a full-day trek, and plenty of time for photography, it’s an ideal mix of nature, culture, and quiet rural charm — all arranged with comfort in mind.
Highlights
- Drive along the winding Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic mountain routes
- Trek through La Pan Tan’s UNESCO-recognized rice terraces
- Visit remote H’mong villages and learn about their daily life and customs
- Enjoy local food and warm hospitality at a comfortable eco-lodge
- Flexible finish in either Hanoi or Sapa after the tour
Itinerary
Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge
Perched on a quiet hillside overlooking the rice terraces, this eco-lodge blends rustic charm with spacious, comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden setting. The lodge offers home-cooked meals using fresh seasonal ingredients, and guests can enjoy sunrise or sunset views right from their veranda. It’s also a convenient base for exploring nearby Hmong villages and trekking routes through the Mu Cang Chai countryside.
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi around 8:00 AM. Once you leave the city behind, the scenery quickly shifts to rural landscapes, with rice fields, rivers, and small villages lining the road.
Stop at a local restaurant in Yen Bai Province to enjoy a Vietnamese lunch and take a short break before continuing into the mountains.
Reach your accommodation in Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon. After checking in, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting for the rest of the day.
Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge
Perched on a quiet hillside overlooking the rice terraces, this eco-lodge blends rustic charm with spacious, comfortable rooms and a peaceful garden setting. The lodge offers home-cooked meals using fresh seasonal ingredients, and guests can enjoy sunrise or sunset views right from their veranda. It’s also a convenient base for exploring nearby Hmong villages and trekking routes through the Mu Cang Chai countryside.
Take a break along the trail and enjoy a simple picnic lunch in a peaceful outdoor setting surrounded by rice fields.
Around 4:00 PM, your private driver picks you up at the end of the trail and takes you back to your accommodation. You’ll have the evening free to unwind after a rewarding day.
Enjoy a final lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your journey back. You can choose to return to Hanoi or continue onward to Sapa, depending on your travel plans.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 2 nights accommodation at Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge (or similar), deluxe room with breakfast
- All meals as mentioned: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Private car with driver for the entire trip
- English-speaking guide for trekking and local support
- Guided full-day trek from Che Cu Nha to La Pan Tan
- Entrance fees and local permits
- Drinking water during trekking
- All transfers, including hotel pick-up in Hanoi and drop-off in Hanoi or Sapa
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
- Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in or late check-out at accommodations
FAQs
The trek covers around 10 km on uneven, terraced terrain. It’s moderate in difficulty — suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. If needed, we can adjust the pace or arrange a shorter route.
The tour runs rain or shine. In case of light rain, we’ll continue with waterproof gear. For heavy rain or unsafe conditions, we may adjust the route or reschedule the trek for safety.
Light hiking shoes or sturdy walking shoes with good grip are best, especially for the trekking day. Avoid sandals or open footwear.
Dress modestly, ask before taking photos of people, and avoid entering homes unless invited. Your guide will help explain local customs during the visit.
Yes, we can accommodate most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals — just let us know in advance so we can arrange it with the local hosts.
Most accommodations provide basic wifi, but connection can be slow or unstable. A local SIM card with mobile data is useful for staying connected in rural areas.
We provide a picnic lunch and drinking water for the trekking day. You should bring a refillable bottle and snacks if you prefer something extra.
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