Buzz
Mù Cang Chải, nestled in the remote corners of Yên Bái province, is hailed as the heart of the Northwest. Check out the meticulously detailed 3D2N Mù Cang Chải itinerary below.
Exquisite 3D2N Mù Cang Chải Itinerary
Where is Mù Cang Chải located?
Mù Cang Chải is secluded on the western slopes of the Hoàng Liên Sơn – Pú Luông range. National Highway 32 is the sole route leading to Lai Châu, traversing through 4 districts: Mù Cang Chải, Văn Chấn district, Trạm Tấu district, and Nghĩa Lộ town. The renowned destinations, accommodations, homestays, and eateries are primarily situated in: Cao Phạ, Khau Phạ pass, Ngã Ba Kim, La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha, Dế Xu Phình, and Mù Cang Chải town.
When is the best time to visit?
Every year from September to October, Mù Cang Chải enters the season of ripe rice, making it the perfect time for you to embark on a trip here.
How to get to Mù Cang Chải?
Starting from Hanoi approximately 300km away, the route here is more challenging than destinations like Sapa or Mộc Châu, due to winding mountain passes. You can travel by means such as: coaches, or private cars.
Coaches: If traveling by coach from Hanoi, you can catch one at Mỹ Đình bus station. Coaches to Mù Cang Chải mainly pass through Nghĩa Lộ town, following national highway 32.
Private cars: You can only choose the traditional route, following highway 32 through: Mỹ Đình – Nhổn – Sơn Tây – Trung Hà Bridge Ba Vì (or Đồng Quang Bridge from Sơn Tây turning left towards K9) – Thanh Thuỷ – Thanh Sơn Phú Thọ – Tân Sơn Thu Cúc – Ba Khe – Văn Chấn – Nghĩa Lộ town – Tú Lệ – Khau Phạ Pass – Kim Junction – Mù Cang Chải town. This route is straightforward, just follow Google Maps.
Where to stay when visiting Mù Cang Chải?
Mù Cang Chải offers a myriad of budget hotels, cozy homestays, and traditional stilt houses accommodating 10 to 30 guests, equipped with essential amenities for your stay. You can easily find homestays run by locals nestled around popular tourist spots. During my 3-day-2-night trip to Mù Cang Chải, I opted for Homestay Khau Pha, located in Cao Phạ commune. In my opinion, this is one of the most serene and picturesque Thai villages in Vietnam.
The overnight stay costs 150k per person, inclusive of breakfast. Sleeping arrangements include traditional stilt houses with curtains for privacy. The main meal is priced at 150k per person per serving. The locally sourced food is delicious and abundant. Complimentary breakfast is included in the room rate, and for larger groups, you can pre-order breakfast in advance.
You can reach the manager, Thảo Nguyên, at 0888050528.
What to Eat?
When in Mù Cang Chải, you must indulge in the local specialties such as black chicken, village pork, sticky rice from the terraced fields, mountain stream fish, and Khau Phạ salmon... Food in the mountainous region is always surprisingly affordable. And don't forget to buy some green rice flakes from Tú Lệ as gifts for your loved ones and friends. The current price for fresh green rice flakes is 90k/kg.
What to Do in Mù Cang Chải?
Mường Lò Valley
Mường Lò Valley, located in Nghĩa Lộ town, Yên Bái province, is home to the second largest valley in the Northwest region. Nestled within a vast basin, surrounded by the majestic Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range, this place still exudes vibrant rural charm, coupled with the cultural beauty of the Mường ethnic group, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors.
Tú Lệ Valley
Not far from Mù Cang Chải, Tú Lệ Valley boasts a serene and poetic beauty that captivates you upon your first visit. It's the homeland of the Black Thai people. High mountains embrace the valley below, creating a magnificent natural landscape. Typically in late September, it's the ideal time to admire the golden ripe rice season.
Khau Phạ Pass
Khau Phạ Pass is one of the four great mountain passes in Vietnam. Starting at the intersection of National Highway 32 and National Highway 279 seamlessly connected with Chấu Pass and Vách Kim Pass behind on Highway 32. You'll be treated to the sight of Khau Phạ Pass emerging amidst a high plateau surrounded by overlapping mountain ranges. The winding pass roads amidst ancient forests still retain their pristine charm, along with the terraced fields of the H'Mong and Thai ethnic groups.
Visiting Mù Cang Chải during the ripe rice season, you cannot miss the sight of golden terraced rice fields stretching from one end of the district to the other. Driving along National Highway 32 starting from Tú Lệ town and Cao Phạ commune, passing through Khau Phạ Pass, and various villages like Dế Xu Phình, Ngã Ba Kim, Chế Cu Nha, La Pán Tẩn, to Mù Cang Chải town. Additionally, you can explore the following famous spots: La Pán Tẩn terraced fields, Mù Cang Chải bamboo forest, Horse Back Hill...
Total Expenses:
The total cost of our family trip including transportation, meals, accommodations, and entrance fees to attractions was 2,800,000 VND per person. Since we had a 3-year-old child with us, this time we opted for more relaxation rather than extensive exploration. Mù Cang Chải will surely evoke many emotions. Wishing you all an unforgettable trip like ours!
By Nguyễn Hồng Thu Trang
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourSeptember 29, 2020
