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The Northwest region never fails to enchant visitors with its vibrant natural scenery, friendly locals, and rich cultural identity. Join the 3 Days 2 Nights Northwest Tour to uncover more about this fascinating land!
3 Days 2 Nights Northwest Tour: Admire the Spectacular Ripened Terraced Fields in Mu Cang Chai
Muong Lo
Nghia Lo town is situated on National Highway 32, 80km west of Yen Bai City. The Muong Lo fields here are the second-largest in the Northwest, stretching straight with flying storks and boasting renowned delicious rice. Muong Lo is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai ethnic dances and offers a taste of their famous cuisine.
Explore Muong Lo on the 3 Days 2 Nights Northwest Tour, discover spacious stilt houses, participate in the Cau Mua festival, immerse in the lively Khèn music and Chôm Chiêng dance, and savor the intense flavors of local rice wine, all while admiring the grace and charm of Thai girls.
If you haven't immersed yourself in the enchanting traditional Thai dances of the Mường Lò community, your journey is incomplete. Xòe, a unique cultural expression, is the epitome of the Mường Lò ethnic group. For the Thais, xòe is a spiritual delight indispensable in every celebration and festival.
The Thai cuisine boasts intricate dishes, each with its own distinct flavor. Particularly noteworthy are the grilled dishes, known as 'lam nhọ,' where various meats, poultry, or fish are expertly seasoned, skewered on bamboo sticks, and grilled over charcoal or hot embers.
In addition to grilled delicacies, the Thai people excel in crafting spices to accompany dishes like sticky rice and steamed delicacies. Their meticulous technique involves steaming the rice with hot vapor, resulting in a soft, elastic texture that doesn't stick to your fingers.
Furthermore, 'cơm lam' (bamboo-cooked rice) is a specialty reserved for special occasions, festivals, or treating guests. Depending on the season, Thai hosts may offer delicacies such as bitter or sweet bamboo shoots, water morning glory, or sesbania leaves, paired with a rich blend of chili, ginger, salt, and aromatic herbs.
Khau Phạ Pass
Khau Phạ Pass is situated among the 'Four Great Mountain Passes' in the northern mountainous region. With an elevation of approximately 1,200m above sea level and a length of around 30km, Khau Phạ Pass winds through perilous twists and turns, hugging the steep mountain cliffs. The name 'Khau Phạ' in Thai translates to 'Heaven's Horn,' symbolizing the pass's majestic ascent resembling a celestial horn, often shrouded in mist.
The weather around Khau Phạ Pass remains pleasantly cool year-round. However, temperatures are significantly lower than in other regions, given its northern location in the subtropical zone. A day at Khau Phạ experiences all four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, often veiled in a mystical blanket of clouds. In some years, the pass is adorned with a pristine layer of snow. Travelers on the Northwest 3D2N tour will have the chance to marvel at this challenging mountain pass.
Mù Cang Chải
Mù Cang Chải is a highland district in the western part of Yên Bái province, nestled at the base of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, at an altitude exceeding 2,000m above sea level. Exploring Mù Cang Chải, visitors will encounter the richness of nature, the uniqueness of culture, and the warmth of the highland people.
Visiting Mù Cang Chải on the Northwest 3D2N tour allows travelers to admire the beauty of the nationally recognized terraced fields covering 330 hectares, mainly concentrated in three communes: Chế Cu Nha, La Pán Tẩn, and Dế Su Phình. These terraced fields resemble an artistic architectural masterpiece, a testament to the skillful hands of the mountainous locals.
Móng Ngựa Hill
Located 2 km from Mù Cang Chải town, Móng Ngựa Hill in Sáng Nhù hamlet, Mồ Dề commune, captivates travelers with its breathtaking crescent-shaped terraced fields. During the rice ripening season, the scenery here is adored by everyone, as a vast expanse now dons a giant cloak woven from vibrant golden rice.
To reach the most stunning terraced fields, travelers must navigate a 1.7 km stretch accessible only by motorbike. Given the challenging terrain, this spot isn't for the faint-hearted, with steep and rugged paths. Visitors can opt for local motorbike taxi services, priced between 60,000-100,000 VND.
Ngọc Chiến
Ngọc Chiến, situated in the highlands of Mường La district, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and majestic mountains. Many tourists affectionately refer to Ngọc Chiến as the 'fairytale countryside.' It's home to various ethnic groups, including the Kinh, Mông, La Ha, and Thái people.
To reach Ngọc Chiến, one must traverse the Sam Síp mountain peak at an altitude of nearly 2,000m above sea level, navigating 30 hidden bends within the clouds. Crossing the mountain pass, travelers on the Northwest 3D2N tour might feel transported to a fairytale realm, where the landscapes blend seamlessly. Notably, the region is blessed with natural hot mineral springs beneficial for health.
Ngọc Chiến captivates visitors not just with its poetic beauty but also with its unique 'green' architecture. Houses with thatched roofs made of bamboo, tables crafted from bamboo, stone-decorated walls, and flower-filled paths create an enchanting atmosphere. The destination further charms tourists with distinct welcome gates, where each of the 19 gates from 15 villages is designed as an eco-friendly artistic masterpiece.
Tà Xùa
Tà Xùa, located in the highland commune of Bắc Yên district, Sơn La province, has emerged as a beloved destination for cloud-chasing adventurers. Formerly recognized for cultivating ancient Shan snow tea and delightful mountain tea, Tà Xùa has transformed into a focal point for tourism in the Northwest region.
To capture the elusive clouds, you must conquer the 2,650m-high mountain peak. From a distance, the 'dinosaur backbone' – a roughly 1.5km trail atop Tà Xùa – meanders through the mountain's summit, concealed within the white clouds, allowing you to embrace the picturesque beauty akin to a nature painting. The journey along the 'dinosaur backbone' on Tà Xùa's summit is relatively short, providing an easily accessible experience. However, the Mông ethnic people now offer specialized transportation services for a nominal fee of 30,000 VND per person.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourApril 4th, 2023
