1. Terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai
Cross over Khau Pha Pass veiled in mist to reach the land of Mu Cang Chai. Here, as you traverse from one pass to another, from one mountain to another, you'll distinctly feel the altitude change. On both sides of the road, amidst the vast forests of the Northwest, lie magnificent terraced fields.Stopping at Mu Cang Chai, terraced fields stretch across hillsides, creating layers upon layers of terraces, sprawling across various hillsides. Due to the high mountains and deep valleys of Mu Cang Chai, each 'rice tray' is interspersed between numerous small and large watercourses, amidst vast pine forests. It's like this: fields, forests, streams, and springs... layer upon layer, stacked on top of each other. Here, you'll behold the green of the rice, blending with the 'silk ribbons' of the land, evoking a gentle yet captivating beauty that enchants every gaze. And if you happen to visit during the impending harvest season, you'll witness the rice turning a golden hue, the terraced fields standing out against the backdrop of the clear sky and lush grass. This moment has intoxicated countless tourists and has been chosen as the theme of numerous photographic, cinematographic, literary, and artistic works...This place is also home to the famous Triangle Flower, the beauty of which leaves every beholder feeling enraptured.
Experience the Majestic Terraced Fields of Mu Cang Chai
Explore the Enchanting Buckwheat Flowers of Mu Cang Chai
2. Snow Shan Tea at Suoi Giang
Suoi Giang, nestled in the highlands of Van Chan district, Yen Bai province, boasts a climate comparable to Sapa and Da Lat, with cool temperatures year-round that create a unique and diverse ecosystem. Its rich traditional culture intertwines harmoniously with the breathtaking natural landscapes, captivating the hearts of all who visit. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the customs and traditions of the local ethnic groups.Suoi Giang is often shrouded in mist in the afternoon, with brief moments of sunlight piercing through the clouds. The cool, misty weather, along with the rocky mountain terrain, provides the perfect environment for the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees to thrive.The Shan Tuyet tea trees in Suoi Giang have been standing for centuries, offering visitors the opportunity to handpick tender tea buds in the early morning sun—a truly delightful experience for any traveler.
Centuries-old Ancient Shan Tuyet Tea TreesFrom Yen Bai city, heading west for about 80km, we reach the land of Muong Lo. Nestled within Nghia Lo town, Muong Lo is home to more than 10 brotherly ethnic groups, creating a unique and unparalleled cultural region in the midst of the blooming white ban flower in the western mountainous area. As the second largest rice field in the majestic and dreamy Northwest region, Muong Lo is famous for its clear-water white rice, unique flavored rice, and specialty tea. Visiting Muong Lo, travelers can immerse themselves in traditional folk dances, joining hands to dance gracefully to the rhythm of gongs and clarinets. These dances express aspirations and beliefs in life, alongside the purity of love between couples.
Muong Lo Field
4. Luc Yen Gemstone Market
Luc Yen Gemstone Market is renowned as one of the most unique markets in Vietnam. Despite the long journey, travelers should visit Luc Yen - Yen Bai to explore the Luc Yen Gemstone Market, admire the exquisite works of gemstones crafted by local artisans, and purchase their favorite items.
A corner of Luc Yen Gemstone MarketLocated within the districts of Yen Binh and Luc Yen in Yen Bai province, Thac Ba Lake is often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land” with its myriad of large and small verdant islands casting shadows on the water's surface, accompanied by a stunning system of caves hidden deep within limestone mountains. This mystical ambiance gives Thac Ba Lake a dazzling yet friendly and affectionate beauty.
Thac Ba Lake - Halong Bay on landBan Ngoi Tu, located in Vu Linh commune, Yen Binh, is a village inhabited by various ethnic groups, with the majority being Dao people (Dao Quan Trang). Situated 165km from Hanoi in the Northwestern region of Vietnam, accessible via highways QL2 and QL70.
With its unique characteristics, Ngoi Tu attracts tourists not only for its beautiful location, with one part on the mainland and the other adjacent to the vast expanse of the lake, but also because it is a convergence of the unique cultural values of the Dao, Cao Lan, and Nung ethnic groups, predominantly the Dao Quan Trang.
Visitors to Ngoi Tu not only get to enjoy the local cuisine but also immerse themselves in the charming scenery, traditional folk songs, and dances: 'làm chay', 'xúc tép', traditional wedding procession... For those who love to explore, trekking in Yen mountain, Cao Bien mountain, or cycling around the village to discover the culture of the Dao people is also an option.
Ban Ngoi Tu
7. Cang and Nghia Lo Garrison
The historical and cultural relics of Cang and Nghia Lo Garrison witnessed the Communist soldiers' raid on Cang prison on March 17, 1945, and recorded the triumph of our troops and people in the battle to break the French military zone in Nghia Lo in 1952, liberating Nghia Lo and paving the way for the complete liberation of the Northwest region.
Scenery of Cang and Nghia Lo GarrisonLocated over 10km south of Yen Bai city, in Minh Quan commune, Tran Yen district, Dam Hau Lake, also known as 99-Compartment Lake, sits right next to the intersection of IC 12 on the Hanoi - Lao Cai highway.
Dam Hau Lake is full of water all year round. Visitors can row boats to explore its nooks and crannies, visit the large and small islands, or venture into the central area of the lake to immerse themselves in nature, feel the fresh air, and find a spot to relax and unwind. Climbing up the dam's body, one can gaze around the lake and see the lush green of the islands casting shadows on the shimmering water, creating a fascinating sight. After exploring the lake, visitors can indulge in delicious fresh seafood from the lake.
The ecological tourist area of Dam Hau Lake covers an area of 280 hectares, including a golf course, scenic forest area, and resort tourism area. Once completed, Dam Hau Lake will be an attractive eco-tourism, resort, and sports destination for every visitor to Yen Bai.
Dam Hau LakePu Nhu Waterfall is located in Pu Nhu village, La Pan Tan commune, Mu Cang Chai district, about 10 km west of the center of Mu Cang Chai district. It originates from streams in the forested slopes of Than Uyen (Lao Cai) and cascades down in multiple tiers with a water column height of about 20 meters.
In the waterfall area, the highest temperature in the year is around 26 degrees Celsius, offering an ideal climate for day excursions. The smooth flow of water over the green mossy rocks will leave a lasting impression on anyone who has ever immersed themselves there, letting their soul drift with the water, forgetting the hustle and bustle of life.
Pu Nhu WaterfallSa Ren is a village located along the Thia stream in Nghia Lo Town. Surrounded by the cool waters of the Nậm Thia river, it takes only about 2 hours by car to reach this community tourism destination. Sa Ren is inhabited solely by the Black Thai ethnic group, who have preserved unique traditional cultural traits.
Known for its pristine natural beauty, Sa Ren attracts both domestic and international tourists. The village retains its original charm with lush bamboo groves intertwined with the daily lives of the Black Thai people. Traditional stilt houses still stand, preserving the distinctive cultural heritage of the Thai people, known for their hospitality and warmth.
Sa Ren Village