Introduction

Known as a place where ‘a rooster crows and all three countries can hear’, Muong Nhe is situated in the western north of Dien Bien Province and borders Vietnam with 2 neighboring countries, Laos and China. Nearly 55% of the total area of Muong Nhe is forest, making it a potential tourist attraction with various pristine nature sceneries and famous historical sites. 

Muong Nhe

Muong Nhe (Source: ivivu.com)

Best time to visit

The climate in Muong Nhe is similar to other mountainous regions in Northern Vietnam, with hot, rainy summers and cold, dry winters. The average temperature all year around is about 21 to 23 degrees Celsius. 

Tourists can visit Muong Nhe at any time, however, September to April is considered the ideal time for traveling. The temperature is mild and comfortable during these months, and it’s also the blooming season for many wildflowers. 

Plum flowers bloom in February

Plum flowers bloom in February (Source: zphotos)

How to get there

Option 1: Travel by road

Starting from Ha Noi, tourists can take a coach or sleeper car. It would take around 14 hours to reach Dien Bien Province. From there, tourists continue to move to Muong Nhe by passenger car or hired motorbike. The second trip may take another 5 hours. 

Option 2: Travel by plane

Since Dien Bien Airport has reopened in 2023, visitors who do not want to go for a long trip can have a better option. They can choose a one-hour flight from Noi Bai Airpot to Dien Bien Airpot, and then rent a vehicle to continue their journey to Muong Nhe. 

Dien Bien Airport

Dien Bien Airpot (Source: Hethongphananhthongtin)

Places to explore

A Pa Chai

A Pa Chai is a village in Sin Thau Commune of Muong Nhe District, with a distance of about 60 kilometers from Muong Nhe Town. It is famous for Milestone No. 0, located at coordinates 22°23'53"N 102°8'51"E on top of Khoan La San Mount. 

A Pa Chai

A Pa Chai (Source: taybac.tv)

Besides visiting the landmark, tasting local food of the Ha Nhi ethnic community like stream fish, purple sticky rice, and yellow sticky rice,... and visiting fair markets are very popular activities there. 

Grilled stream fish

Grilled stream fish (Source: haianhtour)

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Muong Nhe Nature Reserve 

Muong Nhe Nature Reserve is one of the largest special-use forests in Vietnam, boasting an incredibly diverse ecosystem. It features a route connecting A Pa Chai and the center of Muong Nhe district. 

Muong Nhe Nature Reserve

Muong Nhe Nature Reserve (Source: vietnamtourism)

This Nature Reserve is home to about 740 plant species, including 35 rare species and 29 of these are listed in the Vietnam Red Date Book. Regarding fauna, there are 291 animal species, with 55 species being endemic and rare.   

French Fort Relic

French Fort is located in Phieng Kham village, Muong Nhe Commune, and has been recognized as a provincial-level historical relic since August 2022. This is a testament to the presence of French colonial rule in the history of Vietnam’s invasion and the effort to firmly protect the national border sovereignty of local authorities and people in Dien Bien. 

French Fort Relic

French Fort Relic (Source: taybac.tv)

With a prime location on a high hill, visitors can have a panoramic view of majestic mountainous scenery covering the village and the entire central area of Muong Nhe district. Due to the impact of humans and nature, the construction of the French Fort is no longer intact, requiring strong preservation by both local people and tourists. 

Da Tu

Da Tu is a mountainous commune of Muong Nhe District, well-known for its waterfalls and primary forests. Each season, this place nestles in the green coat of lush trees, creating a poetry and picturesque scene. This is an ideal place for anyone who longs for peace and healing in nature.

Pam Poi waterfall

Pam Poi waterfall (Source: Cong thong tin dien tu huyen Muong Nhe)

Besides, travelers are appealed by the special cultural characteristics of the Hmong people. They can visit hamlets, discover brocade weaving, try local food, and participate in traditional Hmong festivals. 

Chuyen Gia 2 Village

Located on the high peak, Chuyen Gia 2 Village is known as the ‘cloud hunting paradise’ of Muong Nhe. In the early mornings, when the first sunray pierces through the mist, tourists may behold a sea of white clouds floating gently, creating a dreamy and enchanting scene. 

Cloud hunting paradise - Chuyen Gia 2 Village

Cloud hunting paradise - Chuyen Gia 2 Village (Source: Tong cuc Du lich)

Chuyen Gia 2 Village is home to the Dao ethnic minority, outstanding with traditional stilt houses, friendly and hospitable people along with green terraced fields. A visit to this village introduces tourists to the rustic mountain life of the locals including homemade dishes and pure, fresh air.

Travel advice

  • Packing tip: Find out the weather characteristics in advance to prepare suitable clothing and accessories. Bring an aid kit in case of need.
  • Accommodation tip: Book hotel/motel rooms before arriving to save costs. 
  • Paying method: Travelers should bring cash in case other payment methods are affected by limited phone signals in mountainous areas. 

Conclusion

Muong Nhe, with its wild, peaceful, and pristine beauty and unique cultural identity, is a worth-visiting place that travelers cannot miss. Let Asia King Travel help you plan your unforgettable trip to this northwest land!

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