Hidden deep in Vietnam’s northwestern mountain range, Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass and offers you an odyssey of awe-inspiring landscapes steeped in indelible history. Twisting over centuries-old rice fields and age-old villages, this is where legend blends with reality. Having played a strategic lifeline role in the Dien Bien Phu campaign, Lung Lo Pass is now offering travelers a chance to tread in heroes’ footsteps amidst the beauty of the highlands. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff; Mu Cang Chai Tours promises more than a trip, it offers an experience worth living.
Concealed deep in northwestern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai ranks among Vietnam’s most stunning highland sights. Located in the Yen Bai Province, it stretches along the winding back of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, surrounded by an enormous sea of green rice fields and mist-shrouded peaks.
Now picture yourself going even deeper, beyond the postcards, beyond the touristic path to discover Lung Lo Pass, a virgin beauty tucked between Yen Bai and Son La, along the legendary National Route 37. This 15-kilometer pass is not as iconic as Khau Pha or O Quy Ho, but whenever you take part in Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass, you will observe that this highway has more than visual beauty. It includes stories of valor, sacrifices, and seared-in-memory beauty.
Then in 1954, during the turning-point Dien Bien Phu Campaign, Lu Lo Pass was not merely a road. It was a lifeline, the artery that kept the resistance alive. While bombs rained thick and fast, while the enemy struggled desperately to sever supply lines, this very pass endured more than 12,000 tons of bombing over two months.
And yet, it remained. Local villagers, young volunteers, and soldiers worked day and night to repair it. They dug, they bore, they built, and they believed. Their courage ensured one of Vietnam’s most pivotal battles in Vietnamese history. Because of that sacrifice, Lung Lo Pass was formally designated a National Historical Site in 2012, and rightfully so.
When you travel with Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass, you tread on holy ground. Each bend of the road whispers a story of bravery. Each breeze carries the echo of harmony and unity.
Today, Lung Lo Pass is no longer a battlefield, one of northern Vietnam’s most ethereal and emotive mountain drives. Known locally as the “green silk ribbon" of the northwest, the pass meanders through pine forest, rolling valley, and serene ethnic villages like Muong Coi and Thuong Bang La.
It’s where the earth whispers and the past hums beneath your feet. The view from the top is breathtaking, rice terraces stretch out endlessly below, and cloud-touched mountains rise all around. It’s no wonder that Mu Cang Chai Tours now includes this unforgettable excursion for travelers who are looking for more than just Instagram-worthy photos.
Whether you’re a motorbike enthusiast chasing curves, a history lover tracing battles, or a cultural explorer looking for authentic moments, Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass offers a rare blend of everything.
Lung Lo Pass (Sours: taybactv)
05:30 – 06:00: Our welcoming Impress Travel staff meet you in Hanoi. As dawn breaks, we make our way northwest on National Route 32 out of the city bustle and into the poetic Vietnamese countryside rhythm.
09:30: We stop to refuel briefly in Thanh Son (Phu Tho), with its rolling hills topped with tea plantations. The road then starts to wind upwards, and so does the adrenaline.
10:30 – 11:30: Visit Lung Lo Pass, the crown jewel of this trip. Here your guide will recount the fascinating wartime histories associated with this very same road. You’ll hike to the Lung Lo Memorial Point, with thousands having once stood there to defend their homeland. Exceeding 12,000 tons dropped in 1954, this is more than a stop, this is an experience of contemplation. No other tour comes anywhere near to this in capturing this like Mu Cang Chai Tours visit Lung Lo Pass.
12:30 – 13:30: Savor a tranquil lunch at Muong Lo Co Truyen Restaurant in Nghia Lo with its locally bred pork wild bamboo shoots and sticky rice from local villages.
14:00 – 16:30: Continue driving along the scenic route into Tu Le Valley, with mountain roads hugging layered rice fields. Make short walks and photo stops along the way as we follow the curves of the Nam Bung River.
17:00: Arrive and check in to Resort Tu Le 4*, an absolute haven. Relax in your private bungalow, soak in a hot spring bath (optional), or sip herbal tea as the sunset kisses the valley.
18:30:Dinner is served in the resort’s rustic dining bungalow. Sample the grilled chicken with mac mat leaves and local herbs and if you dare, a glass of ruou tao meo.
Resort Tu Le 4* (Sours: wowweekend)
06:30 – 07:30: Wake up to the sounds of birds and mountain mist. Following breakfast at the resort, we set out to cover one of the most thrilling sections of Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass driving through the Khau Pha Pass.
08:00 – 09:00: We drive up the slopes of Khau Pha mountain pass, one of Vietnam’s four majestic mountain passes. If the weather is clear, you’ll take a break at the renowned “cloud-hunting spot".
09:30 – 11:00: Arrive in La Pan Tan commune. We hike up to the famous Mam Xoi Hill, on which UNESCO-protected rice terraces roll like waves of gold through the hills. Vivid embroidery-clad H’Mong women greet you with shy smiles and tales.
12:00 – 13:30: Lunchtime in the wooden village household of the Cho Gat Restaurant with traditional local delicacies like grilled stream fish (Pa Pinh Top), sticky rice, and stir-fried wild greens.
14:00 – 16:00: Travel to Nam Co Village, one of the region’s least touristy places. You’ll observe traditional hemp weaving and rice harvest, and maybe even pounding the rice with the local H’Mong people, a glimpse into daily H’Mong life.
17:00: Stop by the boutique-like Le Champ Mu Cang Chai Hotel 4*, which overlooks terraced fields. The sunset glow above the valley is something you’ll never forget.
19:00: Dinner is served at Tan Da Restaurant. Optional: cultural exchange night with local music and dance and sampling the village wine.
Mam Xoi Hill (Sours: tripadvisor)
07:00 – 08:00: Have your breakfast with a view from the hotel balcony overlooking the mist-hazed paddies.
08:00 – 10:00: Leave Mu Cang Chai heading to Tram Tau by the picturesque natural route deep-cutting into national forests and a very authentic stilt village.
10:30 – 11:30: Soak your feet or relax in a full-body mineral bath at Tram Tau Eco Lodge, a property that has access to natural hot springs and is surrounded by forest (entrance fee not included).
11:30 – 12:30:Lunch in a local restaurant in Tram Tau. Some signature dishes are: lon ban hap sa, local mushrooms, seasonal vegetables …
13:00 – 18:30: Return to Hanoi via Van Chan, Son Tay, and Red River Delta. Go back to the city whose memories run deep in the soil, beyond the road.
Tram Tau Eco Lodge (Sours: crystalbay)
08:00 – 10:00: For the extended itinerary we return to La Pan Tan O this time for a more intimate experience – an overnight stay in a traditional H’mong homestay in De Xu Phinh Village.
10:00 – 11:30: Tromp through morning markets suffused with color and aroma: tho cam fabrics, dried herbs, men men, and the sticky rice, cooked in wood-fired ovens.
12:00 – 13:30: Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with the host family, an authentic finale to your exploration of the northern soul of Vietnam.
14:00: Depart for Hanoi.
H’mong Homestay (Sours: booking)
What’s Included in Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass
What’s Not Included
In the Lung Lo Pass take a layered dress, the best way to wear is when traveling by Mu Cang Chai Tours. Weather in the mountains can vary immensely; in the valleys it is warm, but depending on your altitude, it can be cool and breezy, particularly at Lung Lo Pass. The ideal climate exists from March to May and September to November, but mornings and nights may be cool. Since the weather is also unpredictable, we recommend you bring along light, airy, windproof clothing, and a lightweight raincoat to avoid getting drenched in case of sudden drizzles. And don’t neglect sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, and good sunscreen are de rigueur under highland sunshine.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to fully enjoy your hilltop camp moments on the slopes of La Pan Tan or your village stroll through H’mong hamlets. Trails are slippery with dew and rain in the green season. Insect repellent will make you more comfortable; bring plenty of cash (VND), you won’t find ATMs in Mu Cang Chai and many local restaurants and markets won’t take cards. Early starts and village wanderings will benefit from a daypack, refillable water bottle, and flashlight.
Although the scenery on Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass is irresistible, do be on your guard, particularly if you are on your motorbike or driving yourself. Lung Lo Pass does include some sharp curves and steep slopes and there are some landslide-prone stretches if rain has fallen just beforehand. Travel carefully when the weather is wet and heed instructions or advice from guides or locals whenever you can.
1. Pa Pinh Top (Grilled Stream Fish): Pan-grilled fish served with mac khen pepper, herbs, and forest spices marinade.
2. Black Chicken (Ga den H’Mong): A scarce free-range variety with lean and flavorful flesh—roasted or herbal soup are ideal way to consume it.
3. Ga nuong la mac mat (Grilled Chicken with Wild Leaves): Grilled chicken flavored with sweet-and-sour mountain leaves and served with cham cheo sauce to dip.
4. Nhong ong rung (Jungle Bee Larvae): Seasonal (April–August). Sauteed with herbs and packed with protein.
1. Com Tu Le (Young Green Rice): Soft and sweet and scented—plucked in morning dew.
2. Lap Xuong Hun Khoi (Smoked Sausage): Prepared with free-range pork suspended above the kitchen fire and flavored with local seasonings.
3. Banh Chung den (Black Sticky Rice Cake): Rice cake made with local forest ash—distinctive, rustic, and traditional.
4. Ruou tao meo (Wild Apple Wine): From Son Tra fruit, this sweet-sour wine is ideal to give away or drink by the fire.
Mu Cang Chai Tours explore Lung Lo Pass and experience more than just visiting immersion in Vietnam’s soul through stunning scenery and strong history. From the serenity found on Lung Lo Pass to the sun-kissed terraces of Mu Cang Chai Tours, every step is storytelling. Let Mu Cang Chai Tours by Impress Travel take you on an adventure greater than usual.
Contact us today to begin your adventure:
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.
