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Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields refers to a group of terraced fields in the district of Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province, with a total area of over 2,000 hectares.
Reflecting a very unique, yet practical way of rice farming from the local Hmong people, these fields have been popular among travel lovers and photographers in recent years.
Let us Asia King Travel guide you through these majestic stairs of northwestern Vietnam
Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields is nestled in the Mu Cang Chai District of the northwestern Yen Bai Province. The district itself sits in the west of Yen Bai, at the intersection of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Son La Province.
Mu Cang Chai District is 160 kilometers far from the capital of Yen Bai Province itself. This distance would take you 4 hours by car from Yen Bai City. And if you start from the center of Hanoi, it would be a 6-hour trip by car, with a total distance of nearly 300 kilometers.
A corner of the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields on a sunny day (Source: Vietnam Tourism’s Official Website)
The long trip to Mu Cang Chai District and the steep mountain roads often calls for a passenger bus or train, instead of a motorbike or rental car.
For the passenger bus, there are now several choices from sleeper buses to limousines, and even luxurious limousines to Mu Cang Chai – straight from Hanoi. You can ask for information and book seat(s) for these kinds of transportation via the bus firm’s website or mobile number. The price would range from VND 200,000 onwards depending on your choice.
For the train, starting from Hanoi Railway Station, you will take the train to Lao Cai Province and get off at Yen Bai Station in Yen Bai City, before renting another car to reach Mu Cang Chai. Traveling by train might be a bit more tiring, but more of an interesting experience in our opinion.
A Hmong woman harvesting the rice in the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields (Source: Vietnam Tourism’s Official Website)
Vietnam's remote northwest and northeast are renowned for their treacherous hills and mountains. These steep inclines pose a significant challenge to traditional rice cultivation, requiring a more innovative approach.
Centuries ago, the local Hmong people began terracing the mountainsides, meticulously carving them into a series of ascending platforms resembling grand stairways. This not only facilitated navigation but also served the crucial purpose of retaining water in the paddies, a vital element for nurturing rice crops. This ingenious method proved successful and has become a cherished legacy passed down through generations.
A corner of the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields during the harvest season (Source: Vietnam Tourism’s Official Website)
In Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields, rice is grown for only one season throughout the year because of the special terrain and weather conditions – as opposed to the normal two seasons in other regions.
The growing season will begin around late May – June, and the harvest season will last from September to October. Therefore, it’s best to come to Mu Cang Chai during the harvest season. However, it’s okay if you want to visit the fields sooner than that since the fields have their own charm for each season.
Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields – the majestic stairways (Source: Vietnam Tourism’s Official Website)
Mu Cang Chai comes alive with magic during the watering season (late May to June) when life-giving water is channeled into the rice paddies. This period offers a glimpse of a mesmerizing dance between light and water.
Imagine crystal-clear liquid filling the terraced fields, transforming them into mirrored canvases that perfectly reflect the boundless sky. On sunny days, the spectacle intensifies. The water becomes a shimmering sea of quicksilver, each terrace catching the sun's rays and leaving visitors speechless. It's a truly artistic display of nature.
Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields during the watering season (Source: VnExpress)
Following the watering season, rice explodes in growth throughout June to August, carpeting the landscape in a verdant tapestry. United with the surrounding emerald forests, the panorama transforms into an everlasting sea of jade, stretching towards the horizon until it melts into the distant haze.
The peak of the year brings the amazing harvest season. Once vibrant green, the rice fields now turn into a sun-kissed golden ocean, splashed with emerald accents from leaves and other plants. The gentlest breeze sets the landscape in motion, sending ripples and waves of color surging across the mountain slopes.
To truly appreciate this incredible landscape, lace up your boots and hit the trails. The trek through the mountains unveils the masterful artistry of the rice terraces firsthand. It's as if the mountains themselves were sculpted to hold these amazing cascading fields. With each step, a new vista unfolds, revealing the intricate details and breathtaking grandeur of the terraced fields in their entirety.
Mam Xoi Hill in the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields during the harvest season (Source: Vietnam Tourism’s Official Website)
When visiting Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields, you have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget.
If you prefer a more rustic way for your stay and want a chance to interact with the locals, homestays, and guesthouses are the most suitable ones. The price starts from around VND 200,000/room/night. For more modern amenities, you can opt for hotels or resorts, with the price of VND 400,000/room/night and onwards.
One of the specialties you can find here in Mu Cang Chai is the grilled black pig pork.
Black pigs are raised by the locals here, either free-range or in pigpens. Their main food is cooked rice bran and maize powder, with some homegrown vegetables – hence the firm meat.
The meat then is divided into large cuts and seasoned with peppers, star anise, and such, before being wrapped in leaves and grilled. After grilling, the meat will be both crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and is often served with raw vegetables or herbs.
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Grilled pork in the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields (Source: Dien May Xanh)
Carved into the rugged mountains, Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields are not just a breathtaking sight but also a vital part of the local culture.
Whether it’s the mesmerizing mosaic during the watering season, the verdant expanse of the growing season, or the golden glistening waves of the harvest, the fields sure offer a unique and unforgettable experience for every visitor.
What are you waiting for? Let’s get ready to immerse yourself in the magic here in northwestern Vietnam.
Read more: Destinations in Vietnam
