1. Bus / Van to Mu Cang Chai
2. Train+Bus to Mu Cang Chai
3. Taxi / Car to Tu Le
4. Tourist Map of Yen Bai
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From Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai you can get by bus, train + bus, motorbike.
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is about 300 km. There are some sleeper buses from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai (Bến xe khách Mù Cang Chải) and travel by bus can take about 7 hours. Bus ticket from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai costs about $15-26/pp. You can also travel by train from Hanoi to Yen Bai and in Yen Bai you can travel by local bus to Mu Cang Chai (via Nghia Lo). Another option is to travel by train+bus via Yen Bai city. Train tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai area cheap and start already at $4 (hard seat). From Yen Bai city you have to travel by local bus to Mu Cang Chai. There is also a possibility to travel by van/minivan from Hanoi to Tu Le. In Tu Le you can see and visit Khau Pha Pass. Mu Cang Chai and Yen Bai have no airports. You can book and buy bus tickets to Mu Cang Chai, private minivan / car to Tu Le and train tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai town easily online.
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- Mu Cang Chai – this is one of the most impressive places in Yen Bai province. One of the most beautiful and largest rice terraces and beautiful nature of northern Vietnam from Tu Le to Mu Cang Chai. The whole area at Mu Cang Chai is a home to a predominantly ethnic Hmong group. However, it is not so easy to travel there unless you have a motorbike or your private carrier. It is a hilly to mountainous area, so some of the roads are a little less navigable and there may be landslides in the monsoon season. From Mu Cang Chai you can travel to Sapa in Lao Cai province. There are 3 ways how you can reach Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi – by seat or sleeper tourist bus / minivan, train + bus via Yen Bai town or travel on motorbike (IDP in Vietnam is necessary). From Hanoi you can also travel to central Vietnam – Da Nang or you can visit Hoi An – the most visited historical town in central Vietnam.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minivan | 7-8.5 hours | $15 – $26 |
| Train + Bus (via Yen Bai) | 9-10 hours | $10 – $20 |
| Van / Minivan (to Tu Le) | 6 hours | $136 (vehicle) |
How do I get from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
1. BUS from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai
Traveling by tourist sleeper bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is the most used transport option to this place. Several sleeper buses run every day and offer good comfort at a reasonable price. Since there is no railway to Mu Cang Chai, most travelers will use the bus directly from Hanoi. It should be emphasized that the buses usually have other stops before reaching Mu Cang Chai and the total travel time is approx. 7-8.5 hours.
This is a cheap transportation option and bus tickets to Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi cost about $15-26/person. These buses depart from various locations in Hanoi, according to the company, and arrive at various locations in Mu Cang Chai, but mostly a small square in the center of the city or the bus station in Mu Cang Chai. Mu Cang Chai is a smaller town, mostly everything is within easy reach, except for some rice terrace areas.
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All these sleeper buses to Mu Cang Chai can be searched and bought tickets online in advance, on the platforms you will also see the current timetables and places of departure and arrival with a map of the location of these stops.
From Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai you can use different bus companies, among the well-known ones you can name the following: Cuong Lan, Hung Thanh , Grouptour, Techbus VN, Duc Duong Bus, Viet Nam Travel Bus. Also, always read all additional information regarding tickets and transfers to Mu Cang Chai.
2. TRAIN + BUS from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai
A) TRAIN from Hanoi to Yen Bai
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- travel by train from Hanoi to Yen Bai takes about 4-4,5 hours
- there are about 3-4 trains every day of Vietnam Railways from Hanoi to Yen Bai
- a cheapest way how to get from Hanoi to Yen Bai
- one-way cheap train ticket costs about $4-10 – hard seat, soft seat, soft sleeper (4 berth)
- railway station in Yen Bai – Yen Bai Railway Station (218 Trần Hưng Đạo)
- Yook and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- this is a top travel route in northern Vietnam – recommended – book your train tickets online!
- you will receive your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train
B) Bus from Yen Bai town to Mu Cang Chai
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- there are some local buses from Yen Bai to Mu Cang Chai
- buses stop also in Nghia Lo
- travel distance from Yen Bai town to Mu Cang Chai is about 170 km
- travel by bus from Yen Bai town to Mu Cang Chai takes about 5 hours
- for the exact times you need to ask at the bus station in Yen Bai
3. PRIVATE MINIVAN from Hanoi to Tu Le
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- Tu Le (Tú Lệ) is about 45 km from Mu Cang Chai town
- in this place starts amazing Khau Pha Pass
- from Hanoi you can travel to Tu Le by comfortable van/minivan
- travel distance from Hanoi to Tu Le is about 250 km
- transport by van/minivan from Hanoi to Tu Le takes about 6 hours
- private minivan for 9 passengers costs about $136 (vehicle)
- Book your private minivan from Hanoi to Tu Le online on 12go.asia ➜
4. TRAVEL BY MOTORBIKE to Mu Cang Chai
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- a good way only for the experienced drivers
- it is about 300 km, so it can takes about 2 days of traveling by motorbike
- there are lots of motorbike rentals in Hanoi (1 day costs about $7-15/pp)
- Search and book your motorbike in Hanoi online on Bikesbooking ➜
📍 Yen Bai province – Tourist Map:
❓ FAQ + Travel Tips – Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai (+Tu Le):
1. How to book and buy tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai/Mu Cang Chai?
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- You can book and buy tickets from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai/Yen Bai online on 12go.asia ➜.
2. How long does it take from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai takes about 7-8 hours.
- Travel by train+bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai (over Yen Bai) takes about 9-10 hours.
- Travel by van/minivan from Hanoi to Tu Le takes about 6 hours.
3. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
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- Travel by bus/minivan from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai costs about $12-26/pp.
- Travel by train+bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai costs about $10-20/pp.
- Travel by van/minivan from Hanoi to Tu Le costs about $136 (vehicle).
4. What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is about 280-300 km by train+bus/bus/minivan.
5. Is it possible to travel by train directly from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
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- No, there is no railway station in Mu Cang Chai, you can travel by train only to Yen Bai town.
6. Where do you keep your luggage in Hanoi?
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- If you want to keep your luggage in Hanoi you can try Radical Storage service. This service offers a few places in the city center of Hanoi, it is a cheap and your luggage will be safe.
7. Where to stay in Mu Cang Chai?
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- You can stay in the town of Mu Cang chai, there are some cheap guesthouses or homestays and also restaurants.
8. Is it possible to travel from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa?
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- Yes, it is possible to travel by bus from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa. For the exact times of departures you have to ask at the hotel. It is good to know, the bus connections in Mu Cang Chai are limited.
9. Is there a flight from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?
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- No, there is no flight, it is not possible to travel by plane because there is no airport in Mu Cang Chai.
10. Is there a railway station in Mu Cang Chai?
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- No, there is no railway station in Mu Cang Chai or Tu Le, the closest railway station is in Yen Bai town.
11. When is the best time to visit Mu Cang Chai?
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- The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is during the rice terrace season, which typically occurs from late September to early October. During this period, the rice terraces are at their most vibrant, as the paddies turn golden yellow before the harvest. The weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for trekking and photography.
12. What are the top attractions in Mu Cang Chai?
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- Mu Cang Chai is renowned for its stunning terraced rice fields. The most popular spots include Che Cu Nha, La Pan Tan, and De Xu Phinh. These terraced landscapes are not only picturesque but also culturally significant as they showcase the agricultural practices of the local ethnic communities. The region is also home to traditional villages, where visitors can experience the unique customs and lifestyles of the H’mong and Thai ethnic groups.
13. How can I explore Mu Cang Chai?
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- Exploring Mu Cang Chai often involves trekking or driving through the scenic countryside. Hire a local guide or driver who knows the terrain and can take you to the best vantage points. Consider taking short hikes to immerse yourself in the beauty of the rice terraces and interact with local villagers. During the harvest season, you may witness and even participate in traditional farming activities, providing a deeper connection to the local culture.
14. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.
15. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?
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- Weather in Vietnam varies with a tropical climate featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. In the north, the dry season (October to April) brings cooler temperatures, while the wet season (May to September) is marked by higher humidity and heavy rainfall. Central Vietnam experiences a dry period (January to August) with lower humidity and a wet season (September to December) characterized by increased rainfall. In southern Vietnam, the dry season (December to April) offers warm temperatures, while the wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. For accurate information, check local forecasts.
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🚍 Bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai – Schedule / Timetable + Bus Tickets:
FULL UPDATED BUS SCHEDULE – CLICK HERE
Bus Schedule - Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Mu Cang Chai | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Grouptour | 08:00 | 15:54 | From $17.00 |
Grouptour | 19:40 | 03:35 | From $24.00 |
Grouptour | 20:30 | 04:30 | From $25.00 |
Techbus VN | 09:00 | 16:30 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN | 17:45 | 01:15 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN | 19:10 | 02:40 | From $17.00 |
Techbus VN | 20:30 | 04:00 | From $24.00 |
Techbus VN | 21:10 | 04:40 | From $23.00 |
Hung Thanh | 18:15 | 01:15 | From $12.00 |
Duc Duong Bus | 18:15 | 00:45 | From $16.00 |
Duc Duong Bus | 21:45 | 04:15 | From $23.00 |
Son Phuong | 19:00 | 03:10 | From $12.00 |
Viet Nam Travel Bus | 19:35 | 03:05 | From $17.00 |
🚆 Train from Hanoi to Yen Bai – Schedule / Timetable / Train Tickets:
FULL UPDATED TRAIN SCHEDULE – CLICK HERE
Train Schedule - Hanoi to Yen Bai | Departs in Hanoi | Arrival in Yen Bai | Book train ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Train YB3 (seat) | 05:00 | 12:00 | |
Train SP3 (sleeper) | 22:00 | 02:07 |
BOOK your STAY in Mu Cang Chai ➜
🎫 Book tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai (Mu Cang Chai) + Schedule:
(You can also change your travel route, e.g. Hanoi > Yen Bai, Hanoi > Ha Giang…)