DESCRIPTION
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Northern Vietnam on a 3-day journey to Mu Cang Chai. Travel through tea hills, vast rice plains, and the legendary Khau Pha Pass while admiring the region’s stunning terraced rice fields. Stay at local homestays or small hotels for an authentic cultural experience with ethnic Thai and H’Mong communities. Visit iconic sites like Mam Xoi Hill and the Shoe-shaped terraces, perfect for nature and photography lovers. End the trip in Tu Le, where you can taste the famous green sticky rice before returning to Hanoi.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
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Admire the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, recognized as a National Special Heritage Site of Vietnam.
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Conquer Khau Pha Pass, one of the four most scenic passes in Northern Vietnam, offering spectacular mountain views.
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Meet the Thai and H’Mong ethnic communities, explore their stilt houses, traditional water wheels, and unique culture.
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Taste Tu Le sticky rice, a famous specialty of the Northwest highlands.
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Relax at Tram Tau Eco Hot Spring (optional).
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Experience “Flying Over the Golden Season” (paragliding festival) if you travel during the rice harvest in September.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi – Nghia Lo
Morning:
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Pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Nghĩa Lộ.
- On the way, stop to take photos of the scenic Thanh Son tea hills. Enjoy the stunning views of Mu Cang Chai’s terraced rice fields from the road.
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Pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Nghĩa Lộ.
- Stop at Son Thinh town for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue the journey to Nghia Lo, passing the Muong Lo, a vast rice plain surrounded by mountains.
Afternoon:
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Chech-in at a homestay/ hotel in Nghia Lo.
- Optional: Visit Tram Tau Eco Hot Spring for a short relaxation (own expense). Alternatively, enjoy a gentle walk and cultural exploration in nearby Thai ethnic villages, see stilt houses, water wheels, and interact with local people.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Free time to explore the town. Overnight in Nghia Lo.
 Thanh Son tea hills |
 Muong Lo Plain |
Day 2: Nghia Lo – Khau Pha Pass – Mu Cang Chai
Morning:
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After breakfast, check out and depart for Mu Cang Chai.
- Stop at the symbolic landmark of Mu Cang Chai at the foot of Khau Pha Pass. Continue driving through Khau Pha Pass, one of the Four Great Passes of Northern Vietnam. Stop at the summit (~2,100m) to enjoy panoramic views of the valley and surrounding villages such as Lim Thai and Lim Mong. If visiting in September, you might even witness professional skydivers during the “Flying on the Golden Season” event.
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Have lunch at a local restaurant in Mu Cang Chai town.
Afternoon:
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Transfer to the Cau Ba Nha viewpoint and admire the spectacular “shoe-shaped” rice terraces, one of the most unique landscapes of Mu Cang Chai.
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For a deeper adventure, you may hire a local motorbike with an experienced H’Mong driver (at your own expense) to reach the famous Mam Xoi Hill, considered the most iconic rice terrace of northern Vietnam.
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Depending on time, you can also choose to explore further cultural and natural sites (optional, with local transport):
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Visit a Thai ethnic village, where you can see traditional wooden stilt houses and water wheels that lift water from streams for irrigation.
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Wander through a tranquil bamboo forest, an atmospheric spot ideal for photography and enjoying nature.
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Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Free time to relax or enjoy the peaceful mountain town. Overnight in Mu Cang Chai.
 Khau Pha Pass |
 Mam Xoi Rice Terrace Hill |
Day 3: Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Hanoi
Morning:
After breakfast, guests can choose to explore Mu Cang Chai at their own pace. Options include:
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Visit Mu Cang Chai Market, a lively spot where ethnic communities trade local goods and produce.
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Discover the unique Horseshoe-shaped terraced fields, an iconic landscape of the region.
(Guests may rent a motorbike or ride pillion with a local driver – your tour guide will provide advice on suitable options depending on your available time.)
Depart for Tu Le, famous for its sticky rice and beautiful landscapes. Walk around the village, interact with Thai locals, and taste or buy Tu Le green sticky rice. Take photos at the district symbol of Mu Cang Chai.
Lunch: Enjoy a local lunch in Nghia Lo Town.
Afternoon: Continue the journey back to Hanoi with short scenic breaks along the way.
End of services. We hope you enjoyed this unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam’s golden rice terraces!
 Mu Cang Chai Market |
 Horseshoe-shaped terraced fields |
MUST-TRY LOCAL SPECIALTIES IN MU CANG CHAI
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Tu Le Green Green Rice – The “Jewel of the Mountains”: Tu Le’s green sticky rice is a culinary treasure of Mu Cang Chai, made from the famous Tan sticky rice variety. Hand-pounded using traditional methods, each grain retains its natural fragrance and chewy texture. Grown in the cool climate and fertile valleys of Tu Le, this delicacy is often called the “jewel of the Northwest mountains” – a unique specialty you can’t miss.
Tu Le Green Green Rice
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Five-Colored Sticky Rice – A Symbolic Dish of Mu Cang Chai: Five-colored sticky rice is a traditional dish of the Thai ethnic people in Mu Cang Chai, often served during festivals and celebrations. Made from glutinous rice dyed with natural leaves, it usually features white, black, purple, yellow, and red. Beyond its eye-catching beauty and rich flavor, the dish carries deep cultural meaning, symbolizing the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành) as well as love, respect, and good fortune.
Five-Colored Sticky Rice
- Fried Grasshoppers – A Unique Taste of Mu Cang Chai: During the golden harvest season, Mu Cang Chai locals prepare a special dish: crispy fried grasshoppers. Stir-fried with lime leaves, lemongrass, and chili, they deliver a crunchy, nutty flavor that surprises many travelers. Often paired with corn wine, this rustic snack is both authentic and unforgettable – a must-try when visiting Mu Cang Chai.
Fried Grasshoppers
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Grilled Stream Fish (Pa Pỉnh Tộp) – A Thai Delicacy in Mu Cang Chai: Pa Pỉnh Tộp is a signature dish of the Thai ethnic people in Mu Cang Chai. Fresh stream fish is marinated with local spices such as mac khen seeds, ginger, garlic, and herbs, then grilled over charcoal. The result is tender, fragrant fish with a unique smoky flavor that captures the essence of Northwest cuisine.
Grilled Stream Fish (Pa Pỉnh Tộp)
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Grilled Chicken with Mac Mat Leaves – A Taste of Northwest Vietnam: Mac Mat leaves are a signature spice of the Northwest mountains, often used to enhance roasted and grilled dishes. Grilled chicken with Mac Mat leaves combines the sweet and slightly bitter flavors of the herb with the chef’s skillful touch, creating an unforgettable dish. Locals usually enjoy it with chẩm chéo—a traditional dipping sauce made from mac khen seeds, doi seeds, chili, garlic, and fresh herbs. The rich aroma and bold taste make this dish truly irresistible.
Grilled Chicken with Mac Mat Leaves
TOUR COST
Please contact us for the best offer!
TRAVEL TIPS
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Clothing: Bring warm layers for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes for trekking, and a light raincoat during summer showers.
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Transport: Roads are winding and mountainous—motion sickness pills are recommended if you’re sensitive.
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Cash & Connectivity: ATMs are limited; carry enough cash. Mobile signal is available but may be weak in remote villages.
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Respect Local Culture: Ask before taking photos of ethnic minorities, and dress modestly when visiting villages.
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Food & Drinks: Try local specialties, but note that dishes can be spicier or smokier than in cities. Bottled water is recommended.
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Eco-friendly Travel: Avoid single-use plastics, support local homestays and handicrafts, and leave no trace while trekking.
