The land of the North West - Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai) brings the irresistible charm of the most beautiful place in Vietnam. During the autumn breeze, the golden rice terraces goes an endless path to the edge of heaven that makes a breath-taking scenery to attract lots of tourist to Mu Cang Chai.
Upon the Foggy Land, you will travel through Khau Pha Pass, one of the “Four Legendary passes of Vietnam”. Behind these misty clouds, Mu Cang Chai rice terraces are looking so brilliantly as they are arranged in colourful layers which stretch between the mountains and alluring forests in the Northwest.
Located about 300 km from Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai terraced fields, not only possess the wild beauty, idyllic and majestic look which becomes a wonderful aspiration for many photographers, but also they are honored to rank as the National Attractions, along with Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang) and Sapa (Lao Cai).
As seen from above, the beautiful scenery in Mu Cang Chai is always being compared with a historical watercolor painting, each amazing line and edge of the terraces are naturally inscribed into everyone’s mind when they arrived at this wonderful place.
You have to overcome many adventurous routes in order to visit this remote region in the Northern Vietnam but all your effort will be rewarded. From the valley of Muong Lo over Khau Pha pass, these layers of beautiful rice terraces look like a masterpiece of Mother Nature.
In fact, Mong people in the West of Yen Bai are the truly talented artists who creates this poetic masterpiece. Mu Cang Chai rice terraces are associated with the history and culture of the Mong people. Until now, they still preserve and protect their own customs, rituals and beliefs in cultivating these terraced fields.
There are 2 rice cultivating seasons, the first is during the spring (April – May) and the main season (September – October). In the spring season, the locals are growing rice in lower ground because of the hill’s high elevation and insufficient irrigation. Then the main season bring back even a greater yield for the people here, comparing to the downstream fields.
Moreover, the brilliant scene that filled with the golden side of the crops can fascinate any visitors who once came to Mu Cang Chai’s golden season.
Mu Cang Chai terraces are stretching to the top of the mountains with the seducing curves across the hillside and other layers nestle each other endlessly. Then the shadow of ethnic people are harvesting rice that keeps on appearing and disappearing alternately. They go in small groups in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
In the middle of rice paddies, some tiny wooden huts give the beautiful scenery an authentic look. It is a familiar image that will easily be seen on the slabs of Mu Cang Chai.
The most famous terraced field in Mu Cang Chai is in La Pan Tan Commune, Che Cu Nha Commune and Ze Xu Phinh Commune. La Pan Tan and Ze Xu Phinh communes are located about 15-20 km from Mu Cang Chai town. Che Cu Nha is about 7 km from the district center but the road to the commune is quite steep and difficult to go.
Besides from admiring the beautiful scenery of Mu Cang Chai rice season, you can also explore the unique cultural, harmony in the lives of ethnic people. Peaceful nature, poetic, simple people and their hospitality brings you a wonderful experience when coming to this majestic highland.
Especially in the week of Culture - Tourism in September annually, visitors are gathering here that not only watching the breathtaking rice terraces but also joining the special cultural events such as the special highland market, Mu Cang Chai terraced rice exhibition, goat fighting festival etc.
For your transportation information, you can choose either by motorbike, car or bus. Mountain lodges are always there for your own choice. You can easily schedule and enjoy the golden season of Mu Cang Chai.
Also, do not forget to experience the poetic night in this stunning land called Mu Cang Chai !
See more Vietodyssey's Blog about Mu Cang Chai HERE and Mu Cang Chai Tours HERE
Images Source: Internet