Escape with Impress Travel on a journey you’ll never forget in our Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall, where tranquility and adventure converge in the center of Northwest Vietnam. This trip combines the famous Mu Cang Chai Tours’s terraced rice fields and the peaceful allure of the secluded O Do Waterfall, deep in Yen Bai province. Ideally suited to nature and culture lovers and those who seek tranquility, this tour welcomes you to unwind, get back in touch with the earth, and feel the beat of true mountain life, led by experienced, familiar guide locals, who know the twists and turns of the road in and out
Situated in Phuc An commune, Yen Binh district, Yen Bai province, the hidden beauty of O Do Waterfall glows brightest under the lens of Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall. Although it is not as famous, the tranquil cascade presents a serenity that washes over you the minute you set foot there. Supplied by Ngoi Tha stream, the waterfall flows gently down the cliffs to a sparkling lake, set against pristine forest and whispering leaves.
What Makes O Do Waterfall So Special?
Dramatic drops elsewhere in the Northwest are in striking contrast to the elegance of the O Do Waterfall, though. Its flow is tranquil and harmonious, great for quiet contemplation or easy adventuring. When we visit it as part of our Mu Cang Chai Tours, the trip there involves easy forest walking, accompanied by native bamboo and a lush, green canopy above. With each step, the air becomes cooler, and the sounds of city life entirely disappear.
Best Times to Visit O Do Waterfall
The waterfall changes with the seasons and presents different charms every year.
Spring (January–March): A time of celebrations and cultural events in the villages, full of tradition and activity.
Water Season (May-Jun): Abundant foliage and verdant waterfalls as the rains set in.
Golden Rice Season (Sep-Oct): Photographers undertaking Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall when the terraced fields are in a golden glow.
Photo Moments and Local Legends
One of the most captivating aspects of the site is the heart-shaped rocky niche, a natural landmark steeped in myth and legend. Village lore says that it’s the final resting place of the wise scholar, Mr. Do and that the broken heart he once had continues to exist in stone. Pausing here, many visitors are inspired not only by the beauty of the landscape but by the stories behind it.
O Do Waterfall (Sours: vtcnews)
3-Day Mu Cang Chai Tours Visit O Do Waterfall
Day 1: Hanoi – O Do Waterfall – Thac Ba Lake
07:00 – It’s the start of the trip! We will collect you at your Hanoi hotel and drive northwest along the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway towards the tranquil Yen Binh region, the starting point of our Mu Cang Chai Tours visit to O Do Waterfall.
11:00 – We reach Phuc An commune, and a light forest hike leads us to the tranquil O Do Waterfall. Supplied by the soft Ngoi Tha stream, the seclusion of this hidden waterfall is surrounded by forest and a natural rock structure called the heart-shaped niche, connected to a poignant legend involving the village erudite scholar, Mr. Do, whose passion was turned to stone.
12:30 – We have a picnic lunch along the waterfall or in a village restaurant. Look forward to true mountain tastes including grilled pork wrapped in a stick of bamboo, forest vegetables, and sticky rice, uncomplicated, fresh, and memorable.
14:00 – Post-lunch, we are on our way to the peaceful shores of Thac Ba Lake. Arrival at the 4-star rated Ruby Yen Bai Resort (4-star), a lakeside sanctuary where the natural serenity of the lake reflects the tranquility in your soul.
18:30 – Dinner is available at the resort featuring the local delicacies of grilled fish from the lake, wild greens, and Tu Le sticky rice. Following dinner, unwind under the evening sky or treat yourself to a herbal foot soak, available at extra cost.
Thac Ba Lake (Sours: vietnam.travel)
Day 2: Thac Ba – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai
07:30 – We set out after breakfast by the peaceful shores of Thac Ba Lake on a scenic drive along National Road 37 and QL32 towards the direction of Nghia Lo. This scenic drive is the perfect blend of lakeside tranquility and highland grandeur, a quintessential element of every Mu Cang Chai Tours.
11:00 – We arrive at the verdant Tu Le Valley, famous not only for its terraced fields of rice but also for its gastronomical delights. We lunch at a typical stilt-house restaurant. Indulge in Tu Le sticky rice, mac khen pepper grilled chicken, and a bamboo shoot soup.
13:00 – Following lunch, the stunning ride up Khau Pha Pass, one of the famous “Four Great Mountain Passes” of Northern Vietnam, starts. This serpentine road is rewarded by its visitors with majestic views of golden terraced fields and deep gorges, a highlight of the Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall.
15:30 – We reach Mu Cang Chai, and the landscape turns into a living mosaic of terraced paddy fields. Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge or Mu Cang Chai Resort (4-star), both of which have superb views and comfortable mountain-style bedrooms.
18:30 – Tonight we dine on a sumptuous highland BBQ dinner of smoked buffalo, bamboo shoot rolls, and hot wine brewed by the ethnic Hmong families in the village. Should it be available, you will also get a chance at a short show of traditional Mong flute music.
Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge (Sours: digiticket)
Day 3: La Pan Tan – De Xu Phinh – Return to Hanoi
06:00 – Those who rise early are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise view of the terraced hills of La Pan Tan and the famous Mam Xoi (Sticky Rice Hill). An early morning hike through the fields provides infinite opportunities to capture memorable images and solitary moments of amazement.
08:00 – We head to De Xu Phinh, one of the region’s most traditional Hmong villages. There, you’ll experience up close the ancient agriculture practices that have defined Mu Cang Chai for centuries. Be sure to interact with the residents, pose questions, and discover the rhythm of life in the highlands.
11:30 – We set out on the return journey to Hanoi, following our scenic road through the mountains and the valleys of North Vietnam, after lunch and a farewell in Tu Le or Nghia Lo.
18:00 – We return to Hanoi, ending your amazing Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall journey, a journey of nature, culture, and tales carried in your heart long beyond the road’s end.
La Pan Tan (Sours: dulich24)
What’s Included / What’s Not Included in Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall
Included:
2nights in 4-star lodging: Ruby Yen Bai Resort & Mu Cang Chai Resort/Ecolodge
Private car and driver (Hanoi – O Do – Mu Cang Chai – Hanoi
Licensed English-speaking guide (French/Spanish on request if needed)
All site entrance fees and permits, including O Do Waterfall, Khau Pha Pass, and La Pan Tan
Meals: 3 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts
Guided village walks and waterfall trekking
Bottled water and travel assistance along the entire journey
Not Included:
Personal costs, gratuities, and travel insurance
Cultural performances (optional: evening dances by resident organizations)
Extra beverages or meals beyond the preselected menu
Flights to/from Hanoi
4-Day Mu Cang Chai Tours Visit O Do Waterfall
Day 3: Cultural Connection in Sang Nhu
07:30 – Following breakfast at your Mu Cang Chai Resort or Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, we drive towards the lesser-known Hmong, Sang Nhu village, nestled on the hillsides. One of the more authentic cultural encounters available in the area, as part of our Mu Cang Chai Tours, this village is a highlight of the region.
09:00 – Observe local craftspeople working traditional skills: making knives by the fire, natural indigo-dying hemp textiles, and hand-weaving traditional costumes. It’s not just watching, you’re doing it too. It’s possible to have a go at batik painting or brewing a traditional herbal tea with the village people.
12:00 – Lunch in a traditional stilt house, warm and inviting, is more than a meal, it’s a time of sharing, laughter, and gratitude.
14:00 – In the afternoon, take a short, leisurely walk in Che Can, a tranquil village nestled around the fields of rice terraces and the groves of bamboo. It’s a wonderful spot to slow down the rhythm and look back at the journey so far.
18:30 – In the lodge, dinner is being prepared comprising more highland delicacies. Tonight, if you wish, you’ll have a live show of Mong khen dancing or the stately Xoe Thai, presented by local youths willing to present their heritage.
This is what makes the Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall – 4 Days so different, it’s not only the views but the individuals and the customs behind them.
Mu Cang Chai Resort (Sours: booking)
Day 4: Tu Le Hot Springs – Scenic Return to Hanoi
08:00 – We drive back through Tu Le Valley, visiting the natural Tu Le hot springs along the way. These hot, mineral-rich springs are tucked away in rice fields and provide a soothing soak for weary feet and contented hearts.
10:00 – Relax and soak in the views here. For many of our Mu Cang Chai Tour visitors, this last destination proves to be a highlight, peaceful, renewing, and utterly unexpected.
12:00 – Lunch of farewell in Nghia Lo, including dishes of grilled sausage pork, bamboo shoot soup, and, naturally, more of Tu Le’s famous sticky rice.
13:30 – We set off back to Hanoi along QL32, passing once more through the valleys and ethnic minority areas. This is the perfect time to unwind in the car, peruse your incredible pictures, and absorb the ride you have just had.
18:00 – Hanoi arrival concludes your once-in-a-lifetime Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall – 4 Days journey. You’ll not just leave behind memories, you’ll bring stories, friendships, and a deep connection to the soul of Vietnam’s north.
Tu Le Hot Springs (Sours: dulichtoday)
What’s Included / What’s Not Included in Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall
Included:
3 beds at a 4-star hotel with scenic views
Private car transport, along a realistic itinerary: Hanoi – O Do – Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Hanoi
English-speaking local guide during the tour
Cultural Activities: indigo dying, knife forging, batik workshop in Sang Nhu
Admission passes to every attraction, including Phuc An Pagoda and Tu Le Hot Springs
Meals per day: 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts (veget
Local interaction opportunities and hot spring visits in Tu Le
Drinking water, towels, and emergency assistance along the way
Not Included:
International/domestic airfares
Personal medical needs and travel insurance
Tips are not mandatory but are always welcomed
Add-ons in the evening (e.g., cultural dances)
Essential Travel Tips for Mu Cang Chai Tours Visit O Do Waterfall
Packing Tips for Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall
Our in-house experts recommend carrying:
Sturdy footwear for light walks in the woods
Reusable water bottle (we supply filtered water)
Camera or smartphone for those can’t-miss views
Warm garments (particularly from September to March, mornings can be quite cool)
May–July rain jacket or poncho
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs for Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall
Throughout your Mu Cang Chai Tours, you will meet multi-ethnic peoples including the Hmong, Thai, and Dao. Be respectful by:
Smiling and greeting the residents in a slight bow or a soft “Xin chao”
Dressing modestly, say when paying a visit to temples like Phuc An Pagoda
Requesting permission before the photography of individuals or private dwellings
Safety Tips on the Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall
Though Mu Cang Chai Tours visit O Do Waterfall is worth it for the majority of travelers, keep the following safety tips in mind:
The ground surrounding the O Do Waterfall is slippery, do follow the path of your guide
Don’t swim near the waterfall basin during rainstorms
Carry any personal medications, since pharmacies are not readily available in remote towns
Stay in the group at all times during village walks, phone connections can become weak
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tranquil journey steeped in nature, culture, and village character, the Mu Cang Chai Tours visit to O Do Waterfall is the ultimate getaway. With every step, you’ll find a more tranquil, soulful, and authentic Vietnam, led by people who know it intimately.
Let Impress Travel transport you to the center of the mountains.
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Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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