Want to venture further afield and leave the iconic rice terraces behind? There’s more to Mu Cang Chai Tours than postcard vistas, they’re the key to a hidden treasure that is northern Vietnam: Luc Yen commune in Yen Bai province. With Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen, come to the limestone land of art in Yen Bai province, which contains all the elegant beauty of the mountains, the water, the sky with the caves, the works, the rivers, and the whispers of the Earth to see the immense color of the gem paintings. By traveling along this long route from the Luc Yen Gemstone market to the calm Khai Trung plateau, you will be closer to the life of the ethnic minorities and the pristine nature. Let’s take your journey to new heights, a little further beyond the ordinary
About 250 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, Luc Yen is a stunning district of Yen Bai Province, where limestone outcrops punctuate snaking rivers and heavenly morning mist. It’s easy to feel the far-off inaccessibility of these lands, hidden away from the flood of popular trails open to the transient tourist, and no parts of Northern Vietnam take more concerted, either in terms of scale or duration, effort to reach. It’s also far from popular tourist destinations, so Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen is the best choice for tourists like you. The 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen have remained indifferent to development, to change, and even to war. In these parts, nature is still wild, time feels slowed in the serenity of peaceful villages cradled in the hollows of emerald mountains.
But the real draw of Luc Yen is its cultural mosaic. With 18 ethnic groups (the Tay, Dao, Nung, and Kinh among them) living in this highland, each step is an opportunity to interact with an ancient heritage. Add to that its national reputation as Vietnam’s Land of Gemstones, and you have a case of artisanship, mountainside hospitality, and sparkling ruby markets meeting in one place. If you are planning to visit northern Vietnam, then there’s no better way to complete your journey than to visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen by opting for one of our reliable Mu Cang Chai Tours.
Nestled in the centre of Yen The Town is the Luc Yen Gemstone Market, located in Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. A shiny, open-air market: Luc Yen market is a street with dozens of colorful tents unfolding each day from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, with the raw charm of the highlands. It’s not your average market; it’s the centre of gemstone trade in Vietnam, and there is bound to be something that catches your eye if you are here to visit Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen. Admission is free, so not only is this enlightening, it’s affordable.
Hundreds of tables laden with rubies, sapphires, spinels, and more are available for workers and visitors to sift through, material mined from the surrounding hills. The market is also renowned for its gemstone paintings, which are a traditional craft that merges local art with natural geological beauty. It’s a kind of cultural moment for a rare glimpse of local pride in Luc Yen, a land of gemstones. To see craftsmen turn tiny stones into intricate images is to be included in the very special conversation you are having about mountain treasures. Rated 4.4 stars on Google, this location offers a wonderful marriage of commerce and culture that is unlike anything else you’ll see.
Luc Yen Gemstone Market (Sours: mia)
Located 700 metres above sea level in Khai Trung Commune, Luc Yen District, the Khai Trung Green Plateau is a verdant paradise of sweeping landscapes and pleasant cool weather. Not far from Yen The town, this plateau is the ultimate destination in any Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen and adds a cool, highland escape from the lowland heat to the itinerary; best of all, it’s perfect from late spring through early fall. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome throughout the year.
What makes Khai Trung special is its balance of landscapes: soybean fields, primeval oak forest, cloud-shrouded hills, and tranquil ethnic villages coexist on this stretch of the Tay Con Linh. Travelers can sleep in Tay homestays, feast on such dishes as goi ca bong (mountain fish salad) and corn liquor, and walk through virgin woodlands. The area, ranked 4.2 stars on Google, is also the site of ethnic festivals and the door to nearby sacred caves, serving as a veritable pilgrimage for those who want eco-adventure and cultural immersion all in one go.
Khai Trung Green Plateau (Sours: gody)
Perched high in the harsh peaks of Lam Thuong Commune, approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, Tham Duong Cave is a breathtaking wonder yet to be affected by mass tourism. It’s the kind of unique natural beauty that has travelers falling in love with Vietnam all over again, and it’s one of the crown jewels in our Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen experience. There will be no admission fee, though you’ll need to go with a guide as the cave is still mostly wild, unmarked.
The Tham Duong Cave Luc Yen system, deep within the limestone mountains, is thought to have crystallized over several million years. In its depths, visitors see towering chambers, unusual rock formations, and strata left untouched for geological ages, some holding archaeological secrets that have yet to be discovered. For fans of adventure cave tours in Vietnam, it’s a dream come true, with a real and raw experience that combines science, nature, and the excitement of the unknown. Bring a headlamp, a sturdy pair of boots, and your most adventurous spirit; this is cave trekking in its purest form.
Tham Duong Cave (Sours: giadinhcamping)
Enter the Dai Kai Temple in Tan Linh Commune, and it feels as if you have stepped into a thousand-year-old book. The construction was made carefully in the pattern of the worship Dinh word as well as the scarce ironwood wood, to remember the Lady General Vu Thi Ngoc Anh in the Ly–Tran time. Being one of the stops of the most cultural depth on our Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen, it always attracts tourists and pilgrims as it is even more hustle and bustle during the Full Moon Festival of the lunar month 1st. There is no admission charge to any person who enters with respect.
But beyond its architectural grandeur, the Dai Kai Temple Luc Yen is also the story of a legendary woman who commanded armies, introduced rice cultivation to the highlands, and established touchstones for villages still prospering today. This is not merely a spiritual place; it’s a living testament to Vietnam’s deep matriarchal roots and agricultural inventiveness. For history lovers and those seeking silence alike, this temple has serenity and a deep cultural heartbeat in the hills from which it once echoed the founder’s footsteps.
Dai Kai Temple (Sours: yenbaitv)
Nestled in the quiet forest valleys of Lam Thuong Commune, the Na Ken Waterfall is around 35 meters high and lazily tumbles down like liquid silk over rocks, a fine example of picturesque grace and indifference if ever there was one. Popularly referred to as “the soul of the jungle,” it is one of the top choices of nature enthusiasts on our Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen. What’s more, entrance is free and tourists can sun themselves on the cold pools under the falls.
With a 4.8-star rating from Google, Na Ken Waterfall Luc Yen is more than just the view; it’s an escape for the senses. Listen to the roar of the water, feel the cool mist on your skin, and have a picnic lunch of grilled chicken, forest vegetables, and corn liquor made by local ethnic Dao villagers. Whether you’re hiking, meditating, or even just taking it all in, this is one of those rare places where time halts and spirits ascend, a fitting end to your trip to visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen.
Na Ken Waterfall (Sours: dulichtamlong)
For those who want to feel like they are travelling in the North Vietnam, Impress Travel is for you. Our team on the ground knows the land, the customs, and the untold stories of Mu Cang Chai Tours and Luc Yen like no other. Which is why, when you choose Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen, you’re not just booking a tour, you’re signing up for a real experience led by the people who live it every day. Whether it’s the gemstone markets in Yen The or the chilling tranquillity of Khai Trung Plateau, our guides make every second count.
We provide worry-free travel: all-inclusive private transportation, passionate local guides, carefully selected meals, and welcoming local stays. Above all, we believe in responsible tourism, we want to help save cultural heritage, stimulate local economies, and support local communities. Whether you’re trekking into Tham Duong Cave or reclining at Na Ken Waterfall, your travels breathe life into the people and places you encounter. To get started, give us a call at (+84) 912 379 189 or send an email to info@impresstravel.com, and we’ll start planning your visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen.
Hanoi Head Office
Saigon Office
Ready to make your highland experience even bigger? Mu Cang Chai Tours visit 5 most attractive destinations in Luc Yen, there’s no better way to approach Northern Vietnam than being immersed in the stunning and, where culture, nature, and history are vibrant in every step, becoming a short word unknown to the tourist. Add a sparkling side trip to your next Mu Cang Chai tour — and let Luc Yen surprise you!
Let’s contact Impres Travel now at (+84) 9123 79189 or info@impresstravel.com to reserve your trip of a lifetime.
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.
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!
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
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.
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
Amazing tour from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai for easy trekking to hilltribe villages and breathtaking scenery of rice terraces.
Our trip is 3 days for Hanoi - Mu Cang Chai Tour to stay at tranquil homestay, easy trekking & enjoy the imposing rice terraces.
Our trip combine to explore the imposing views of Mu Cang Chai then stunning scenery of Sapa Hill and mountain.
An adventure tour to explore Mu Cang Chai trekking to rice terrace of H'Mong land and conquering Lung Cung Mountain Peak.
