Paradise Of Terraced Fields

The beautiful terraced fields are the first reason you should visit Mu Cang Chai. About 2,200 hectares of land are terraced fields, of which 500 hectares are recognized as national heritage. 

mam xoi hill in mu cang chai vietnam - rice terrace in vietnam

Mam Xoi Hill - symbol of the golden season of Mu Cang Chai

The British Telegraph newspaper ranked the terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai the second most beautiful in the list of 12 most beautiful terraced fields in the world in 2018. 

The most beautiful places to view terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai include: 

  • Khau Pha Pass: one of the four great passes and is also the most beautiful place to view terraced fields in the Northwest.

  • Mam Xoi Hill: symbol of the golden season of Mu Cang Chai, in La Pan Tan commune, more than 8 km from the town center.

  • Che Cu Nha: the road to get there is a bit difficult, but the terraced fields are large and poetic.

  • Horseshoe Hill: in Sang Nhu, 2km from the center, where there are picturesque semicircular terraced fields.

rice terraces in mu cang chai vietnam

The terraced fields are like sparkling golden stairs

Primeval Forest And Impressive Waterfalls

In addition to terraced fields, Mu Cang Chai also has large old forests and primeval forests of up to 20,293 hectares. This place has a conservation area for ornamental species with the center being Che Tao commune and the periphery of De Su Phinh, Pung Luong, and Nam Khat communes. 

Notably, the bamboo forest located in Na Han Tua Chu village was established more than 60 years ago, with an area of ​​more than 1 hectare. It still retains a wild look, covered with the lush green color of hundreds of thousands of straight bamboo trees. 

is mu cang chai worth visiting - bamboo forest in mu cang chai

The 60-year-old bamboo forest is located 20 km from the center of Mu Cang Chai town

Mu Cang Chai also has an abundant waterfall system that you should visit.

  • Pu Nhu Waterfall: belongs to La Pan Tan commune, the waterfall has a water column height of about 20m divided into many steps.

  • Mo Waterfall: located between two hills Na Han A and Na Hang B in Mo De commune. There are 7 impressive spots for you to stop and admire.

waterfalls in mu cang chai vietnam

Mo Waterfall in Mu Cang Chai

Unique Cultural Life Of The Hmong People

In addition to natural beauty, the lives of people in Mu Cang Chai also have many cultural heritages to explore. For many generations, the Hmong people have simply lived together, keeping their traditional culture.

ethnic people in vietnam

Hmong woman draws patterns with beeswax on fabric

In addition to the technique of growing wet rice on terraced fields, the Hmong people are also artisans who create many handicrafts. Brocade weaving is one of the oldest and most unique cultural features. The fabric is woven from flax fibers, made entirely by hand with many elaborate steps. Hmong women also know how to embroider and create patterns on fabric with beeswax.

is mu cang chai worth visiting

The sound of khen has appeared in the lives of the Hmong people for a long time

Hmong men always have at least one khen. Khen is a wind instrument consisting of many small bamboo tubes, arranged close together, with one end connected to a wooden soundboard. The sound of khen has entered their spiritual life, men play khen in festivals, on wedding days, funerals or even on ordinary days. 

Adventure Games

Coming to Mu Cang Chai, you can also participate in adventure games to see the panoramic view of the beautiful terraced fields from above such as paragliding. Two locations are serving this adventure game: Khau Pha Pass and La Pan Tan commune, which have super beautiful views and vast space for unforgettable memories.

is mu cang chai worth visiting - paraglide in vietnam

Enjoy panoramic views of terraced fields from above

Not far from Mu Cang Chai, you can also ride the longest zipline in Vietnam located in the Aeris Hill adventure game area in Nuoc Nong village, Tu Le commune, Van Chan district. Zipline has 2 stages with a total length of 1.2 km connecting Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai districts.

is mu cang chai worth visiting - zipline in vietnam

Ride the longest Zipline in Vietnam at Mu Cang Chai

Tasty Local Specialties

Mu Cang Chai is home to the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups, so there are many unique dishes. It will make you excited and eager to enjoy it. 

is mu cang chai worth visiting

Grilled chicken with clausena indica leaves dipped in a sauce called cham cheo

  • Mu Cang Chai sausage: has a strange flavor, and smells of smoked meat and charcoal.

  • Grilled pork sandwiched with wild trees: meat from free-range black pigs.

  • Grilled chicken with clausena indica leaves served with cham cheo: free-range chicken served with a dipping sauce only found in the Northwest.

  • Khau Pa salmon: Mu Cang Chai is home to the largest salmon farm in the North according to European standards. 

  • Five-color sticky rice: sticky rice colored with familiar vegetables, tubers, and fruits.

  • Tu Le green rice: made from young rice flowers, soaked in milk and harvested early in the dew-drenched morning. Suitable to buy as a gift. 

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about things to do in Mu Cang Chai!

Surely the above 5 reasons are enough to answer the question Is Mu Cang Chai worth visiting, right? This attractive location is not only a terraced rice paradise but also has a unique local culture and many interesting experiences. Don't hesitate to add this place to your Vietnam itinerary. Contact the NEW team if you need support.