Lao Chai village, located in the heart of Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, is one of the most attractive destinations in the Northwest region of Vietnam. With majestic natural landscapes, picturesque terraced fields, and the unique culture of the H’Mong people, Lao Chai attracts not only tourists but also photographers and nature lovers. Below is a detailed and comprehensive guide so you can fully explore the beauty of Lao Chai!

Location and how to move

Location and how to move to Lao Chai village

Lao Chai village is located in Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, about 10 km from the district center. Mu Cang Chai is a highland district famous for its beautiful terraced rice landscape.

From Hanoi

• Bus: You can take a bus from My Dinh bus station or Giap Bat bus station to Mu Cang Chai town. The journey lasts about 7-8 hours. Reputable bus companies such as Hai Van and Sao Viet all have routes to Mu Cang Chai.
• Personal car: Driving from Hanoi, you will follow Highway 32, passing Nghia Lo and Tu Le. This is a journey about 300 km long with beautiful scenery along the way, but also quite challenging with curves and steep passes.

From Mu Cang Chai district center

• Motorbike: You can rent a motorbike in Mu Cang Chai town to freely explore. Motorbike rental prices range from 150,000 – 200,000 VND/day.
• Car: If traveling in a group, you can rent a car or taxi to get to Lao Chai village. The road to the village is mainly mountainous, so hiring a local guide is very helpful to ensure safety.

Natural landscape

Terraces

Terraced fields in Lao Chai village are not only a cultural and artistic symbol of the H’Mong people but also a unique natural wonder. The fields are elaborately shaped, gently curving along the mountainside terrain, creating a beautiful natural picture. When the rice season is ripe, the terraced fields turn bright yellow, creating a magnificent scene, attracting not only tourists but also photographers from all over to capture the most beautiful moments of this countryside. 

Ripe rice season and pouring water season

The ripe rice season

• Ripe rice season (September-October): this is the best time to visit Lao Chai when the terraced fields turn bright yellow from ripe rice. This landscape creates a natural picture full of vitality and color, attracting thousands of tourists and photographers to admire and capture the most beautiful moments.
• Falling water season (May-June): this is the time when people start bringing water into their fields to prepare for the new crop. The flooded fields sparkle in the sunlight, creating a magical scene, making the landscape more romantic and mysterious.

Natural landscape

In addition to terraced fields, Lao Chai village also stands out with its majestic mountain scenery and immersion in a quiet natural space. Soaring mountains, streams gurgling through fields, and lush green forests create a wonderful natural picture. Visitors can walk or climb mountains to see the panoramic view of Mu Cang Chai mountain area from above, enjoy the peaceful space and immerse themselves in pristine nature.

Take a photo

Lao Chai village is a paradise for those who love photography. The best photos are often taken in the early morning or late afternoon when sunlight creates beautiful light effects on the terraces and surrounding landscape. Shooting from above or from panoramic viewpoints will produce impressive and emotional photos. The climate here is cool all year round, giving visitors a comfortable and pleasant feeling when visiting and exploring this new land.

Culture and people

H’Mong ethnic people

H’Mong ethnic people

Lao Chai village is inhabited by the H’Mong people, one of the ethnic minorities that has been present for a long time in the Northwest mountains. The H’Mong people are famous for their rich and unique culture and still retain many traditional customs and traditions. The traditional costumes of the H’Mong people with vibrant colors and sophisticated patterns are one of the special cultural highlights.

Experience local life

• Weaving: H’Mong people have very sophisticated traditional weaving techniques. Visitors can participate in the weaving process and learn how to create unique handmade products. Textile products such as scarves, bags, and dresses all bear the cultural imprint and talent of the H’Mong people.
• Cooking: Visitors can participate in family meals, enjoy traditional dishes and learn how to cook typical H’Mong dishes. Dishes such as upland sticky rice, grilled pork, men men are all very delicious and rich in mountain flavors.
• Festivals: If you come to Lao Chai during festivals, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in cultural and artistic activities such as the Gau Tao festival (harvesting festival), the New Rice Celebration festival, with many traditional rituals and games. This is an opportunity for visitors to better understand the culture, beliefs, and customs of the H’Mong people.

Accommodation and food

Homestay

In Lao Chai village, there are many homestays managed by local people. These homestays not only provide comfortable accommodation but also provide the opportunity to experience local life in an authentic and intimate way. Some famous homestays include:

• Lao Chai Homestay: With a traditional style, this homestay offers beautiful views of terraced fields and surrounding mountain ranges. The homestay has clean, comfortable rooms and delicious meals.
• H’Mong Ecolodge: An eco-resort that combines modernity and tradition, providing an enjoyable vacation experience. Here, visitors can enjoy a quiet space, immerse themselves in nature, and experience local culture.

Cuisine

The H’Mong people have rich traditional dishes that tourists should not miss:

• Grilled pork: Pork is marinated with typical spices and grilled over charcoal to create a rich flavor. This is a popular dish and is very popular at parties and festivals.
• Upland sticky rice: Sticky rice is cooked from upland sticky rice, fragrant and very special. Upland sticky rice is often eaten with grilled pork, grilled chicken or wild vegetables.
• Wild vegetables: Fresh wild vegetables are processed into a variety of dishes such as soup, stir-fried with garlic, or made into salads. Wild vegetables are not only delicious but also have high nutritional value.
• Men men: Corn dish, often appears in the daily meals of H’Mong people. Men men can be eaten with meat, soup, or vegetable dishes.

Men men

• Thang Co: Traditional dish made from horse meat, famous for its rich flavor and special cooking method. Thang co is often eaten with corn cakes and raw vegetables.

Other activities in Lao Chai

Hiking and climbing

Lao Chai village and the surrounding area have many interesting hiking and climbing routes. Visitors can join walking tours through terraced fields, climb mountains to see panoramic views of Mu Cang Chai from above, or explore surrounding waterfalls and primeval forests.

Visit neighboring villages

In addition to Lao Chai village, visitors can also visit neighboring villages such as Che Cu Nha, De Xu Phinh, Pu Nhu, which also have beautiful terraced fields and unique cultural features of ethnic minorities.

Join craft classes

Some homestays and cultural centers in Lao Chai organize craft classes such as jewelry making, embroidery, and traditional food preparation. This is an opportunity for visitors to create unique products and take them home as souvenirs.

Visit the market

Visit the market

If you come to Lao Chai on the weekend, you can participate in markets where indigenous people sell agricultural products, handicrafts, clothes, and many other items. The market is a gathering place for traditional trading culture and is an opportunity for tourists to shop for typical souvenirs.

Notes when traveling

Notes when traveling to Lao Chai village

Ideal time

September to October is the best time to come to Lao Chai, when the terraced fields are in the golden rice season. In addition, May-June is also a beautiful time to watch the flood season, when the flooded fields sparkle in the sunlight.

Clothes

Visitors should prepare comfortable clothes and suitable shoes for ease of moving and climbing. Especially in winter or early morning and evening, you need to bring a warm jacket because the weather in the mountains is often quite cold.

Safe

• You should travel in groups or have local people guide you to ensure safety, especially when traveling on narrow and bumpy mountain roads.
• Always maintain environmental hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately to protect the natural beauty of the village.

Prepare

• Photography equipment: Camera or phone with extra battery to capture the most beautiful moments.
• Medications: Some basic medications such as headache medicine, cold medicine, digestive medicine, and insect repellent.

Conclusion

Exploring Lao Chai village in Mu Cang Chai is an exciting and rewarding journey, giving visitors unique experiences about the majestic nature and rich culture of the H’Mong ethnic people. With beautiful terraced fields, majestic mountain scenery, and unique traditional culture, Lao Chai is truly a destination not to be missed when traveling to Northwest Vietnam. This trip will not only help you relax and learn more about local culture and customs but will also leave you with unforgettable memories.

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Truly beautiful and breathtaking scenery from terraced rice fields, mountains, hills and streams, The suitable place for study ethnic people, Amazing experiences for trekking, taking photograph, joying homestay

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