YEN BAI — Travel Guide + Rice Terraces

ℹ️ Information about Yen Bai
🚍 How to get to Yen Bai
☀️ Weather in Yen Bai
🏡 Accommodation in Yen Bai
🔍 Interesting places in Yen Bai
📍 Map of interesting places

Yen Bai: Unveiling Vietnam’s Serene Beauty

• • Yen Bai (Yên Bái) shares its borders with six provinces: Ha Giang, Lao Cai, Lai Chau, Son La, Phu Tho, Tuyen Quang. The province is inhabited by approximately 750,200 people. The train runs from Hanoi to Lao Cai pass the Yen Bai town. From Lao Cai town you can continue to Sapa, Lai Chau or Bac Ha and Ha Giang. Yen Bai province is not exactly a place where there are thousands of foreign tourists , which may be an advantage.

Yen Bai province is visited mainly by Vietnamese tourists.

• • The history of Yen Bai is known for its French colonization, the most well known episode being the “Yen Bai mutiny“. This was an uprising of Vietnamese soldiers in the French colonial army on February 10, 1930 in co-operation with civilian supporters. These supporters were members of the Viet Nam Quoc Dan Dang (Vietnamese Nationalist Party).

The region is inhabited by 30 different ethnic groups, mainly Thai+Hmong people.

• • The Kinh people, who form the majority of the provinces population settled here together with local minority tribes. There are approximately 30 ethnic groups in this area, 4 of the groups are the Yao people. The Thai and Hmong people are the biggest ethnic groups of this province. Forestry and agriculture form the main economy of the province.

Accommodation in Yen Bai + Mu Cang Chai ➜

The large Thac Ba lake is easily accessible from the town of Yen Bai.

• • Approximately 15 km from the town of Yen Bai is the well known Thac Ba lake. Thac Ba lake is a great natural wealth of the country, and is an important source of hydroelectric power. It is also called a “ Small Ha Long“ with hundreds of islets and it is a convenient place for ecotourism. This lake has almost 1,300 islands and a lot of caves. Dong Cuong Festival is an important festival of the province and is held every year after the Tet festivities. You can see lots of popular games and traditions with your own eyes. The main attraction of Yen Bai, is however, the mountains and rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai.

Mountain ranges and beautiful valleys with rice terraces and fields.

• • Beautiful scenery and landscapes can be seen mainly at the Mu Cang Chai and Nghia Lo town, also between these 2 cities. In Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai, you can see the second largest rice fields in northern Vietnam. In autumn / fall, the rice paddies start changing into a yellow-gold colour. The Harvest runs from September until the end of October. These fields are recognised as a national scenic site as well as the unique cultural identity of the Hmong ethnic group.

Suoi Giang – the place where hundreds of year old special tea grows.

• • The area is also surrounded by small villages and wooden houses of the Thai and Hmong ethnic people. The town also holds a general market where you can buy almost anything. You can visit the area near the village of Suoi Giang, where you can see the tea trees which are 100-400 of years old. Local people of the area call this tea “medicinal tea“ (Zie Sua) and believe that it has curative properties .
  • The altitude is approximately 1,500 – 2,200 meters above sea level, and there is a mild climate with an average annual temperature of 20 °C. Suoi Giang is only about 15 km from Nghia Lo and you can travel by motorbike

Mu Cang Chai area offers several amazing viewpoints from the rice terraces.

 

• • In the vicinity of Mu Cang Chai there are several very interesting sightseeing points on rice terraces or directly from rice terraces. Some of these places are only accesible on motorbike (or mototaxi) or walking. We can name the fascinating photogenic tourist site Mam Xoi Viewpoint (Sticky rice tray hill) or Mui Giay, both spots easily accessible from the road. Other beautiful place of rice terraces with viewpoints are located in the La Pan Tan area (near Mam Xoi).

Accommodation in Mu Cang Chai (La Pan Tan area):

▶️ Hello Mu Cang Chai Homestay
▶️ Do Gu Homestay
▶️ Hồng Minh guesthouse
▶️ Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge

Mũi Giày or Mâm Xôi viewpoints are eassily accesible photogenic places.

• • Mũi Giày is a well known photogenic spot, about 15 km from Mu Cang Chai town. This place is practically at the main road and is therefore very easily accessible. Here you can easily observe a very hard work of local people, mostly from the ethnic Hmong group. Rent a motorbike in Mu Cang Chai and explore these nearby places on your own.

Bus Tickets from Hanoi Mu Cang Chai ➜

Tu Le (Tú Lệ) is the entrance gate to the stunning Khau Phạ Pass.

• • Tu Le is a small town about 40 km in front of Mu Cang Chai. It is suitable as a short stopover if you travel from Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai, you will not actually miss this place. Again, this place offers beautiful valley, rice fields and terraces and you can also accommodate there in Nha Nghi or homestay. Approximately 3 kms from this town, the first passage of the fascinating Khau Pha Pass starts, which is about 30 km long and you can continue to Mu Cang Chai through this stunning photogenic place.

Aeris Hill amusement park – a popular tourist attraction in Tu Le.

• • Located right on the slopes of famous Khau Pha pass, one of the four highest passes in Vietnam. Aeris Hill is a pure adventure park and the right destination for holiday warriors who love to conquer challenges. Aeris Hill’s adventures consist of four main attractions, Vietnam’s longest zipline, a zorbing range, a high rope arrangement, and mountaineering. The zipline with a total length of 1.2 kilometres connects the two districts Van Chan and Mu Cang Chai with each other and represents a special highlight in this delightful park. Aeris Hill is open all week from 8.30am to 6pm. Ticket prices range from VND100,000 ($4.3) to VND400,000 ($17), depending on the number of games involved and whether they are purchased for weekends or weekdays. It is located right at the Le Champ Tu Le Resort.

Cheap guesthouses and hotels can be found in the Mu Cang Chai area.

• • In Yen Bai city, Nghia Lo and Mu Cang Chai you can find a variety of cheap vietnamese guesthouses. Prices are very low, around 6 USD / person. For a short stay these are quite sufficient, in Yen Bai you will not find any luxury hotels. If you travel to the north of Vietnam (Lai Chau, Sapa), you can take the bus that leaves at 7:00am from Mu Cang Chai in the city center (this time can change, ask at the hotel).

Luc Yen district with the gem market in Yen The town.

• • In the northern part of Thac Ba lake is the small inconspicuous town of Yen The (Luc Yen district). At first glance it isn‘t any different from other towns in northern Vietnam. In this town, however a small market with precious stones and gems takes place every day in the morning (7.00 – 10.00 pm). Some stones found in this area fetch high prices, but some stones are also cheap. The whole area is well-known for mining and prospecting for these stones, for example ruby and sapphire. Yen The town is a little out of the way from Yen Bai town (about 80km, see map), but if you plan your way around, its worth a stop here.

🚍 How to get from Hanoi to Yen Bai + Nghia Lo:

• • From Hanoi to Yen Bai – by bus (My Dinh and Giap Bat bus station in Hanoi) to the town of Yen Bai and Nghia Lo.
  • You can also travel by train to the town of Yen Bai (in the direction of Lao Cai) and in Yen Bai town you can take a local bus to Nghia Lo (or to Mu Cang Chai).
  • Use a search engine of transport links where you can buy train tickets to Yen Bai town.
  • Book and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜

🚍 How to get from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai by bus:

• • From Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai – you can travel by tourist sleeper bus to Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi, however, it is a long road, about 300 km and the journey can take up to 8 hours (it might be even longer). The roads are not in good condition. You can use for example a sleeper bus of Cuong Lan, this bus goes from Hanoi to Mai Chau. Bus tickets from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai cost about 12-26 USD. Some buses depart also from My Dinh bus station in Hanoi. You can also book bus tickets from Hanoi to Tu Le on 12go.asia.
  • If you are traveling from Sapa (or Lai Chau town) you can use local buses to Mu Cang Chai or Nghia Lo town. For the current timetable ask at your hotel or at the bus stations in Lai Chau or Sapa. Mu Cang Chai and Khau Pa pass are the most beautiful places with huge rice terraces and view in Yen Bai.
  • Book bus e-tickets from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai on 12go.asia ➜

🚍 How to get from Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai:

• • From Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai town (about 100 km) – you can travel by local bus from Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai town. The exact times you need to find out in Nghia Lo or ask at the hotel where you are staying.

🚍 How to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai:

• • Sapa is about 150 km north of Mu Cang Chai, there is no railway between these sites and there are no airports. So the only way how you can get to Mu Cang Chai from Sapa is to travel by local or tourist bus/minivan or motorbike. Read this article: How to reach Mu Cang Chai from Sapa?

☀️ Weather in Yen Bai + The Best Time to Visit:

• • Yen Bai province has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to October. The average temperature in Yen Bai province is around 22-24°C.

• • The best time to visit Yen Bai province depends on your preferences. If you want to avoid the rain, then the dry season would be the best time to visit. However, if you enjoy lush green landscapes and don’t mind occasional rain, then the rainy season could be a good option. During the rainy season, the province’s rice paddies are at their most vibrant and beautiful, and you can experience the local culture during the rice harvesting season.

• • The climate in Mu Cang Chai is similar to that of Yen Bai province, with a humid subtropical climate and four distinct seasons. The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to October. The average temperature in Mu Cang Chai is around 20-25°C.

• • The best time to visit Mu Cang Chai is during the rice harvest season, which usually takes place from September to October. During this time, the terraced rice fields are at their most stunning and offer breathtaking views of the landscape. However, this time of year can also be quite crowded, so it’s best to book your accommodations in advance.

• • If you prefer to avoid the crowds and don’t mind cooler temperatures, you may want to consider visiting Mu Cang Chai during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, and you can still enjoy the natural beauty of the area. ➜ Current weather in Yen Bai

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🏡 Accommodation in Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai:

• • In Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai, visitors have a variety of accommodation options to choose from. For those who prefer a comfortable and modern experience, there are hotels and guesthouses in the town that offer amenities such as air conditioning, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. For a more authentic experience, visitors can opt to stay in homestays in ethnic minority villages, where they can learn about local customs and lifestyles and enjoy homemade meals. Homestays in Mu Cang Chai are sometimes located right on the rice terraces with beautiful view and authenticity.

• • Homestays typically offer basic accommodations, such as shared rooms and communal bathrooms, but provide a unique opportunity to experience the local culture firsthand. For those who want a more upscale experience, there are also luxury hotels and resorts available, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and modern amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants, but the numbers are limited. Whatever the preference, visitors to Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai are sure to find an accommodation option that suits their needs and budget. Yen Bai town has also various small local guesthouses and there are also some homestays around the Thac Ba Lake.

➜ Accommodation in Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai – Book Here

🔍 Places of Interest in Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai:

• • Thac Ba Lake (10 km from Yen Bai Town): Thac Ba Lake is a tranquil freshwater reservoir located just 10 kilometers from Yen Bai Town. The lake, surrounded by lush greenery, offers opportunities for boat rides, fishing, and relaxation. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate the natural beauty of Yen Bai.
• • Nghia Lo Town and Surrounding Villages: Nghia Lo is a charming town nestled amidst picturesque landscapes. Explore the town’s markets, sample local cuisine, and venture into the surrounding villages inhabited by diverse ethnic minorities. It’s an immersive experience in the culture and traditions of the region.
• • Suoi Giang Village and Old Tea Trees (About 15 km from Nghia Lo): Suoi Giang Village is known for its ancient tea trees, some of which are over 300 years old. The village offers an opportunity to savor exceptional tea, interact with the H’mong people, and witness the traditional tea-making process.
• • Muong Lo – The Second Largest Rice Field in Northwestern Vietnam: Muong Lo is a vast and mesmerizing rice field, often referred to as the second largest in northwestern Vietnam. It’s a sight to behold during the rice planting and harvesting seasons, with endless terraced fields that create a stunning green tapestry against the backdrop of rolling hills.
• • Mu Cang Chai (Mountains and Rice Terraces and Fields): Mu Cang Chai is a mountainous district renowned for its terraced rice fields. These fields cascade down the hillsides, creating a mesmerizing landscape. Explore the terraces, capture breathtaking photographs, and engage in local activities to appreciate the agricultural heritage of the region.
• • Mam Xoi Viewpoint, Mui Giay Viewpoint in Mu Cang Chai District: Mam Xoi and Mui Giay viewpoints are vantage points that offer sweeping vistas of the rice paddies in Mu Cang Chai. Visit these locations during sunrise or sunset to witness the fields bathed in golden light, making for a remarkable visual experience.
• • La Pan Tan District in Mu Cang Chai (Rice Terraces and Valley): La Pan Tan District is famous for its terraced rice fields that stretch across vast valleys. The unique layout of the terraces, along with the scenic surroundings, creates a captivating scene. Hike or drive through the district to admire the stunning landscapes.
• • Tu Le Valley – Rice Fields, Terraces, Valley (+Aeris Hill Park): Tu Le Valley is another gem of Yen Bai, characterized by terraced rice fields and a serene valley. The valley’s beauty changes with the seasons, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Visit Aeris Hill Park for panoramic views of the valley.
• • Phu Luong Nature Reserve and Ta Chi Nhu Mountain (2979 m): Phu Luong Nature Reserve is a pristine wilderness with diverse flora and fauna. The crown jewel is Ta Chi Nhu Mountain, a challenging trek that rewards hikers with breathtaking views from the summit. It’s an adventure for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
• • Tram Tau District (Ta Rapids Church, Ban Mu, Ethnic Villages…): Tram Tau District is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders. Visit Ta Rapids Church, explore ethnic villages, and engage with local communities to understand their way of life and traditions.
• • Villages with Ethnic People in Mu Cang Chai (Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh…): The villages of Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh offer an authentic experience of the daily life, culture, and customs of the ethnic communities in Mu Cang Chai. Stay in traditional homestays, participate in local activities, and forge connections with the friendly residents.
• • Rice Terraces and Fields in the Rural Mountain Valley: Yen Bai’s rural mountain valleys are a picturesque sight, particularly when the rice fields are in full bloom. These valleys provide a serene backdrop for exploration, photography, and cultural interactions.
• • Dong Cuong Palace and Neighborhood: Dong Cuong Palace is a historical landmark in Yen Bai, a place of architectural significance and historical heritage. Stroll through the neighborhood to admire the well-preserved structures and learn about the region’s history.
• • Hac Y Mountain with Dai Cai Citadel and Palace: Hac Y Mountain is home to the Dai Cai Citadel and Palace, an impressive historical site. Explore the ruins, learn about the past, and enjoy the panoramic views from the mountain.
• • The Gem Market in Luc Yen Town: Luc Yen Town is famous for its gem market, where traders and buyers from around the world come to trade gemstones. Visit the market to witness the vibrant gemstone trade, and perhaps even find a precious souvenir to take home.

📍 Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai – Tourist Map:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai:

1. How to book tickets from Hanoi to Yen Bai or Mu Cang Chai?

• • You can book bus tickets to Mu Cang Chai or train tickets to Yen Bai online on Baolau or 12go.asia.

2. How to search and book a tour / activity in Vietnam?

• • You can search and book a tour or other tourist activity and tickets in Vietnam online at KLOOK. With KLOOK you can book trips in northern and central or southern Vietnam.

3. How to move in Yen Bai province?

• • The best way is to travel on your own or take a private transfer, because buses are limited, e.g. rent a motorbike. IDP is necessary if you want to rent a motorbike in Vietnam. You can book your motorbike in Hanoi online with Bikesbooking. It is good to know, roads in Vietnam are dangerous, drive carefully and slowly.

4. What is the travel time from Hanoi to Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai?

• • Travel by train from Hanoi to Yen Bai takes about 4-4.5 hours.
  • Travel by tourist bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai takes about 7 hours.

5. How much does it cost to get from Hanoi to Yen Bai / Mu Cang Chai?

• • Travel by tourist bus from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai costs about $8-14/pp.
  • Travel by train from Hanoi to Yen Bai costs about $6-10/pp.

6. How far is Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi?

• • Travel distance from Hanoi to Yen Bai town is about 160 km by road and about 320 km to Mu Cang Chai.

7. What is Yen Bai province known for?

• • Yen Bai is known for its beautiful landscapes, ethnic minority culture, and delicious cuisine. The province is home to several stunning natural attractions, including the Thac Ba Lake, Suoi Giang tea hills, and Mu Cang Chai rice terraces. Visitors can also explore the traditional customs and practices of ethnic minority groups such as the Hmong, Dao, and Thai.

8. What is the best time to visit Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai?

• • The best time to visit Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai is from September to early November, during the harvest season when the rice terraces are at their most beautiful. The weather during this time is cool and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai during other times of the year, such as in the spring when the flowers are in bloom or in the winter when there is snow.

9. What are the popular activities in Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai?

• • Popular activities in Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai include trekking, hiking, cycling, sightseeing, and exploring ethnic minority villages. Visitors can trek through the rice terraces, hike to the top of the mountains for panoramic views, cycle along scenic roads, and visit traditional markets and handicraft villages.

10. What are the accommodation options in Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai?

• • There are a variety of accommodation options in Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai, ranging from homestays to hotels. Visitors can choose to stay in traditional stilt houses in ethnic minority villages, guesthouses in the town, or luxury hotels with stunning views of the rice terraces.

11. What is the local cuisine of Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai?

• • Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai are known for their delicious cuisine, which includes a variety of dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include thang co (a spicy soup made with horse meat and organs), xoi khuc (sticky rice balls filled with mung beans), and grilled fish from the Thac Ba Lake.

12. What should visitors keep in mind when visiting Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai?

• • Visitors should be respectful of the local customs and practices of ethnic minority groups in Yen Bai and Mu Cang Chai. It is also important to dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes for trekking and hiking. Visitors should also be mindful of the environment and avoid littering or damaging the rice terraces. Finally, visitors should always carry a map and plenty of water when exploring the area.

13. Is there an airport in Yen Bai Province?

• • No, Yen Bai Province has no airport, travel by plane to this place is not possible.

14. How to travel solo in Vietnam?

• • 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 are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?

• • Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.

16. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?

• • Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam, characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

BOOK TICKETS to Mu Cang Chai ➜

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BOOK your STAY in Mu Cang Chai ➜

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➡️ Where to go from Yen Bai town:

You can continue to Mu Cang Chai, Sapa (Lao Cai), Hanoi.

⏪ Go back to places of interest

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