Yên Bái is a favored province among travelers exploring the Northwest. Its allure lies in its extraordinary scenery, from rugged hills, terraced fields, to enchanting lush forests. Travelers opt for budget-friendly Yên Bái tours in September not only for its picturesque landscapes but also to immerse in the serene, poetic atmosphere and partake in numerous distinctive mountainous cultural experiences.
Join Mytour in discovering the most intriguing and memorable aspects of exploring the scenic beauty of the Northwestern forests in Yên Bái.
Insights into Yên Bái:
Yên Bái Province, located in the Northwest of Vietnam, is home to over 30 sister ethnic groups. The province is approximately 200km from the center of Hanoi. To get here, you can take a train or bus from Hanoi at reasonable costs. If you're coming from Saigon, you can fly to Hanoi and then take a bus to Yên Bái.
This region boasts a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in ancient Vietnamese traditions, evident in its archaeological sites, artifacts, and prominent historical temples. The allure of Yên Bái lies in its system of rivers and mountains formed along the Red River, adorned with vast, interconnected rice paddies. This creates quaint, simplistic villages, such as Yên Hưng, Yên Lương, Lan Đình, Châu Quế, Cổ Phúc…
With affordable tours to Yên Bái, you'll explore a land steeped in ancient history and enduring traditions. Alongside, you'll witness the beauty of traditional cultures intermingling. The attraction of September travel in Yên Bái lies in its numerous scenic wonders deeply embedded in the Northwest mountains, including Mù Cang Chải, Thung lũng Hồng Ca, Thác Mơ, Cánh đồng Mường Lò, Đèo Lũng Ô, Suối Giàng, Hồ Thác Bà, Dốc Yên Ngựa…
Moreover, when exploring Yên Bái, immerse yourself in the unique lifestyles and vibrant traditional festivals of ethnic minority communities. These include noteworthy traditional festivals like the Xên Đông festival of the Thai people, the New Rice festival of the H'Mong, or the New Year's water fetching ritual of the Dao people. Each of these events promises unforgettable moments in your journey to discover the rich cultural heritage of ethnic communities.
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Is September Ideal for Traveling to Yên Bái?
Due to its characteristic tropical monsoon climate, Yên Bái experiences Northeast monsoon winds and Southeast monsoon winds. The average temperature here ranges from 18-20 degrees Celsius, sometimes reaching as high as 37 degrees Celsius and dropping to as low as 2 degrees Celsius. The region receives considerable rainfall, scattered throughout the year.
From April to October, the weather is warm with average temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. This period also sees some rainfall, typically lasting no more than 2-3 days at a time. From November to March the following year, the focus shifts to colder weather, occasionally accompanied by phenomena like frost, snow, and drizzle.
With such climate characteristics, traveling to Yên Bái in September offers many enticing and novel experiences. However, as it's the transitional period between hot and cold seasons, sudden weather phenomena like fog or rain are common. It's advisable to monitor the weather forecast before embarking on your journey.
Where to Go in Yên Bái in September?
1. Mù Cang Chải
Mù Cang Chải is a charming little town nestled between two mountain slopes with surrounding villages. Visitors to Mù Cang Chải will undoubtedly appreciate the extraordinary natural beauty and unique local culture.
The climate here has an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius, always cool in summer and cold in winter. This place is also known as the “land of mist” in Vietnam.
To reach Mù Cang Chải, you can take National Highway 32. From there, you have two directions to choose from. One is from Hanoi to Yên Bái, then travel 70km to Mường Lò. The other direction is to take the Nội Bài - Lào Cai expressway. Then pass through Sapa, over the Ô Quy Hồ pass, Tân Uyên, and Than Uyên (Lai Châu) before reaching Mù Cang Chải.
Arriving at Mù Cang Chải for September travel, you will be able to admire the vast Mường Lò valley, the winding roads up the steep hillsides, nestled in between are unique stilt houses. Particularly, you will also get to marvel at the beauty of the terraced fields in their golden ripe rice season. The terraced fields currently cover an area of over 330 hectares.
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2. Chóp Dù Lake
Chóp Dù Lake is located in Cường Thịnh commune, Trấn Yên district, Yên Bái province. This beautiful natural lake holds a romantic charm for both tourists and locals alike.
Covering an area of about 16 hectares, Chóp Dù Lake boasts a landscape nestled against the mountain slopes, featuring a variety of beautiful and diverse natural scenes. The highlight of the lake is its clear, calm surface, resembling mirrors reflecting the four seasons' scenery.
When visiting Chóp Dù Lake, you not only immerse yourself in the serene natural environment but also listen to the mountain forest's breath, the melodious chirping of birds, and the gentle sound of streams flowing everywhere. Hence, Chóp Dù Lake is also known as a vivid natural painting of the Northwest mountainous region, ideal for travelers interested in exploring budget-friendly domestic tours.
Moreover, along the way around the lake, you'll encounter various waterfalls with vigorously flowing water sparkling like white foam. These include Đát Cối and Đát Thùng, offering mesmerizing scenery that captivates every soul.
Currently, Chóp Dù Lake also serves the basic needs of the local ethnic communities.
3. Cảm Dương Cave
Your journey to explore the beauty of September travel in Yên Bái would be incomplete without experiencing the mystical charm of Cảm Dương Cave. This natural wonder features a pristine system of caves untouched by human interference.
Cảm Dương Cave is regarded as one of the most beautiful caves in Yên Bái and Vietnam. Therefore, it has become a tourist destination for those who enjoy adventure and cave exploration.
Discovered in 2009 on Bạch Ngọc mountain, the cave boasts many natural wonders and pristine beauty. With a height of over 12m, the cave can accommodate hundreds of people.
As you venture deeper into the cave, you'll be amazed by the various stalactite formations, stacked on top of each other. Each formation exudes a hidden beauty that is unique to Cảm Dương Cave.
Moreover, you'll hear echoes of flowing water, the sounds of the mountains and forests, and the authentic chirping of birds. It will undoubtedly be the most exciting and relaxing experience for you when visiting Cảm Dương Cave.
4. Mơ Waterfall
One of the Yên Bái tourist attractions you must check out is the diverse system of waterfalls and streams. Among them, the name Mơ Waterfall – the soft “white silk strip” of Yên Bái cannot be missed.
Mơ Waterfall is situated between the peaks of Nả Háng A and Nả Háng B, in Mồ Dề commune (Mù Cang Chải district). To fully conquer the beauty of Mơ Waterfall, you can hike for over 30 minutes from National Highway 32.
Upon arrival, you'll feel like entering a magical fairyland that is truly magnificent and enchanting. It's a scene of long flowing waterfalls, white foamy as snowflakes, along with the fragrant scent of mountain vegetation..
Pause at the foot of the waterfall for a few minutes, and you'll witness another painting of Mơ Waterfall emerging with colors from characteristic flowers here such as banana flowers, plum blossoms, and apricot blossoms. All these colors blend with the sky creating a romantic and incredibly special scenery.
Here, you can relax by dipping your feet into the cool and clean water. Then take a short break to replenish your energy before continuing your journey.
Traveling to Mơ Waterfall, you not only immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of simple, rustic Northwest nature but also have the opportunity to enjoy the purest and most peaceful atmosphere.
5. Mường Lò
Mường Lò, where white rice fields meet clear water
Anyone who goes there doesn't want to leave
The journey to explore Northwest Vietnam will be exciting if you choose affordable Northern Vietnam tours with interesting destinations like Mường Lò. This place attracts tourists with the graceful dances of Thai girls. These dances symbolize the expression of good luck for a bountiful harvest and love between couples.
Mường Lò is more than 80km away from the center of Yen Bai City. The road to this land of traditional dances follows National Highway 32. Setting foot in the land of dances, you will discover the most distinctive aspects of the folk culture of the Thai ethnic people.
Besides their agricultural work, the locals here often gather around a fire from young to old, men and women, to enhance their spiritual life and aspire to a better life.
And what could be better than coming here, immersing yourself in the lives of the locals, sitting on the stilt house and enjoying the flavors of strong wine.
6. Ngòi Tu Village
Ngòi Tu Cultural Village (Vu Linh commune, Yen Binh district) is located beside Thac Ba Lake. This destination is attracting many domestic and international tourists during this September travel season in Yen Bai.
The village spans over 200 hectares and boasts a distinctive climate: cold winters and cool summers. It showcases the culture of various ethnic groups: Nung, Cao Lan, Dao.
Each village in the Northwest mountainous region has its own unique cultural lifestyle. Nevertheless, they still maintain the communal cultural beauty from ancient times, such as stilt house living, smoky evenings, and red dirt roads... These images evoke memories of the familiar rustic mountain scenery.
Travelers can take water routes from Huong Ly port or use cars, motorcycles to reach Ngòi Tu village. Once here, you don't need to find a specific place to relax as anywhere in the village brings you peace and tranquility.
You'll see rows of umbrella palm trees casting cool shadows, encounter vast lakeshores, and especially meet genuine, rustic, and friendly ethnic people, who are hospitable and welcoming.
Don't hesitate to rent a bicycle to have the opportunity to explore every corner of the village, learn more about the lives of the people, and participate in folk games, production activities, and daily life.
7. Thác Bà Lake
Have you ever heard of the term “Halong Bay on land”? If not, then visit Thác Bà Lake (Yen Bai) to admire its beauty.
Thác Bà Lake is located in the Northwest, one of the largest artificial lakes in Vietnam. The lake covers an area of over 20 thousand hectares, with more than 1,300 large and small islands and a marvelous system of caves hidden deep behind the unique limestone mountains.
Explore Thác Bà Lake, where you can enjoy a pristine natural environment, with clear blue water, small islands covered with green trees reflecting on the lake's surface. There are many places you can visit here, such as Thác Bà Hydroelectric Plant, Thác Bà Temple, Hoàng Thi Mountain, Ông Waterfall, Thuỷ Tiên Cave, Xuân Long Cave...
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What to eat when traveling to Yen Bai in September?
1. Moọc Village
During your September trip to Yen Bai, don't forget to indulge in the local delicacies. Among them is a unique dish from the renowned Tay ethnic group: Moọc.
This dish harmoniously combines local ingredients and produce. It's not only a staple in the diet of ethnic communities but also an essential dish during festivals, weddings, and memorial days…
The ingredients of Moọc dish include: wild banana flowers, pork belly, shrimp, fish, glutinous rice flour, wild betel leaves, dổi seeds, ginger, salt, lemongrass. After processing, these ingredients are finely ground and mixed together. Adding a bit of salt, glutinous rice flour for stickiness, then shaping and wrapping them with dong leaves. The final step is steaming in a steamer for 45 minutes until fully cooked.
Moọc is often enjoyed with fish sauce containing dổi seeds and served with fresh vegetables. This dish offers a unique flavor, with the richness of meat, shrimp, and fish combined with the spicy taste of the seasoning.
2. Nậm Pịa
A must-try delicacy when visiting Yen Bai is the unique dish known as Nậm Pịa. This popular dipping sauce is made from various rustic ingredients rich in the flavors of the Northwestern forests. It's a culinary tradition of the Thai Muong Lo ethnic group.
Explaining the name, “nậm” means broth, “pịa” means gelatinous substance in the internal organs of animals. Nậm Pịa is primarily made from animal internal organs such as stomach, heart, intestines, liver, lungs, and especially the gelatinous substance inside the young intestines of horses, cattle, goats, and buffaloes. Additionally, locals also use aromatic herbs, sesame powder, chili, garlic, and coriander.
This dish has a deep brown color, gelatinous texture, slightly bitter and intense taste. Initially, it may have a slight bitterness in the throat, but over time, you'll notice a sweet and refreshing taste accompanied by a unique and delightful flavor. Nậm Pịa is often used as a dipping sauce for grilled or steamed meats.
Though not an easy dish to eat, travelers here all aspire to taste this rustic, countryside flavor at least once. Additionally, this dish is also very effective at relieving alcohol intoxication.
Don't hesitate to take the plunge and try the unique flavor when visiting Yen Bai tourism in September.
3. Black Mường Lò square cake
Mường Lò – Nghĩa Lộ is not only famous for the elegant white color of the ban flower or the Thai girls in their traditional dresses, but also captivates visitors with the Black Mường Lò square cake. This dish carries the profound cultural significance of the ethnic culinary heritage with countless ancient traditional meanings.
Black Mường Lò square cake entices travelers with its distinctive color and unparalleled flavor. When savoring a piece of cake, you'll notice the harmonious aroma of glutinous rice with charred bamboo or black sesame flowers, along with the characteristic sweet and rich taste of the cake. Each bite is chewy and irresistibly delicious.
Similar to green square cakes, black square cakes are a signature dish during traditional festivals. The ingredients for making this dish include: dong leaves, Tu Le glutinous rice, green bean paste, pork, and spices such as pepper and shallots.
The black color of the cake comes from the local practice of burning bamboo or black sesame flowers to produce charcoal, which is then finely ground into powder. This powder is mixed with glutinous rice until it turns into an attractive dark hue.
4. Wild betel leaves
Wild betel leaves are a type of vegetable not found in the lowlands but only in the mountainous regions. They often grow in crevices, along stream banks, and in places with high humidity. This vegetable not only appears in daily meals but also features prominently in major festivals to treat tourists.
Traveling to Yen Bai in September is truly wonderful if you get to enjoy the taste of this special forest vegetable. You can enjoy various preparations of wild betel leaves such as stir-fried, boiled, pickled, soup, salad...
Wild betel leaves not only have a unique flavor but also have many benefits such as diuretic, anti-constipation, sleep-inducing, relaxation, pain relief from colitis...
The journey of exploration and experience in Yen Bai tourism in September will take you to many new and exciting tourist destinations. From impressive natural spots in the Northwest mountains to unique Yen Bai specialties. All of these will provide you and your loved ones with a meaningful and memorable travel experience.
Don't forget to plan ahead with a specific itinerary of tourist destinations and choose reputable tour organizers to fully enjoy your trip without any worries.
Don't hesitate to call Mytour at 19003398 for assistance and advice on booking affordable tours today.