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Trekking Tour to the Magnificent Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Find the hidden beauty of Mu Cang Chai, an area of stunning beauty in Northern Vietnam where wonders of nature are wonderfully linked with rich cultural heritage. Known for mesmerizing rice terraces, the region fronts the calm Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai so far virgin and enchanting for visitors to explore. These unique trekking Tours to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai offer an opportunity to get way off the beaten tracks, deep inside a serene ambiance of towering bamboo groves, and get in contact with the local Hmong culture. This is best for travelers who love adventure and nature and enthusiasts in photography; that is to say, this is a journey one will never forget.

The Beauty of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Description of the Bamboo Forest

Imagine a world where nature would have perfectly tailored a place of solace the air crisp, rays as gentle as déjà vu filtering through tall stalks, and every step you take is accompanied by the tender rustle of leaves. Welcome to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai, a breathtaking natural wonder that has remained intact for more than 60 years. It is an enchanting forest, thick with excellent and clean groves of bamboo that give a feel of being right in the middle of nature.

The path unwinds deeper into the green umbrella of bamboo plants that stand tall and proud, their straight trunks outstretched upwards towards the sky as if in silent prayer. Under your footsteps, you sense the soft forest floor blanketed by fallen leaves and bathed in the earthy scent of nature. Tranquility and serenity fill the air, and each moment looks like walking back in time, far from the noisy and busy life. If the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai is a place, then it deserves to be so because of such an enlivening breath it is that rejuvenates all who come into its entity.

Bamboo Forest

Bamboo Forest

Unique Aspects of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

One of the most striking characteristics of Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai is its ability to transport you to another world like it belonged right out of classic Asian cinema. Ironically, imagine those great scenes in films whereby heroes and heroines pass through mystical bamboo forests; well, this presents you with a chance to live such an experience! Right ahead of you stand towering bamboo stalks in their uniformity and grace, creating a cinematographic backdrop that is at once awe-inspiring and surreal.

Though this forest is beautiful, by far it does not remain so much for its aesthetic beauty; it has deeper cultural significance for the local Hmong. Generations have long used the bamboo of this forest as a fundamental constituent of building materials, traditional handicrafts, and many more usages. So the Hmong raised and conserved the forest because it was not only a worthy resource to them but also something sacred and highly significant for their heritage. A walk in the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai means walking into a cultural treasure that has been in veneration for decades, not just a walk through a natural wonder.

Seasonal Highlights of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Every season exhibits the beauty of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai differently; therefore, each has its own peculiarity. Without a doubt, though, the best season for visiting is during rice harvest time usually September or October. Then, the surrounding landscapes will be suffused with golden hues from mature rice terraces, strikingly contrasting with the lush green of the bamboo forest. The air is fresh and cool ideal for trekking.

Spring renews the plants, and new shoots of bamboo display their deep green color. It is one of the great seasons to visit since the leaves are fresh, and the new life seen everywhere around gives a lot of energy to the forest. Summer relieves in terms of heat, much of which is calmly absorbed by the dense canopy of the forest. Winter mornings are misty and extremely peaceful, making it put on its final touches and turning it all into land mystic.

Photographic Opportunities of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

The Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai is simply a paradise for any form of photography. The way light plays, thunders against, and glistens with the falling dew on leaves in perfect sync with the symmetrical bamboo stalk brings an atmosphere so serene, finally resulting in perfect photo opportunities. Some of the most ideal spots for capturing the beauty of these forests are:

  • The Heart of the Forest: Dive deep into the heart of the forest, where bamboo is at its thickest. Light filters through in ethereal beams here, providing a magical atmosphere perfect for wide-angled shots.
  • The Forest Edge: Offset the bamboo forest against the terracing of rice fields. This juxtaposition between green and gold, nature and cultivation, speaks volumes about the landscape.
  • The Traditional Pathways: Show the worn paths that wind their way through the forest. Lined with bamboo on either side, these pathways locals have used for generations are sure to add a strong sense of journey and adventure to every frame.

Sample Trekking Tour Itinerary of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Day 1: Hanoi – Tram Tau – Nghia Lo

06:00 AM: This is a pretty early start, and an IMPRESS TRAVEL team member will meet you at the Hanoi meeting point. Be prepared to forget all the hustle and bustle of city life since we head out on an exciting trekking tour to Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai. Glimpses of what awaits us along this stunning roadside VIEW.

06:50 AM: Early morning drive, stops on the way while we pick up more guests at Gate 1 of the National Convention Center. Once everyone is aboard, we further go up into majestic mountains. We’ll have a short breakfast on the way, as travelers with full bellies always make good company! And if you think that the surroundings were already amazing up until this point…. En route, the verdant, green tea plantations of Thanh Sơn in Phú Thọ will be on our way, where members can stretch their legs out or grab some early morning shots.

11:30 AM: By late morning, we’ll reach Sơn Thịnh town to enjoy a scrumptious lunch. You will find a place to relax and reenergize with local flavors here. In the afternoon, we will move on to Trạm Tấu District a valley of peace with beautiful landscapes and friendly locals; its way itself is a view because of its continuous scene of Mường Lò Valley’s green fields on both sides of the road.

2:00 PM: We have finally reached Trạm Tấu. Now, let’s unwind! Our first exciting outing of the day is to the Trạm Tấu Hot Spring Ecotourism Area. Enjoy soaking in the warm, somewhat mineral-rich waters of four different hot spring pools at each of the levels, which have a specifically given temperature for preference. That is what will relax those tired muscles and get them ready for forthcoming treks. Trust me, you will want to give in to this—it’s like nature’s own version of a day spa!

Tram Tau of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Tram Tau

4:00 PM: Refreshed, we will embark again onboard our comfortable vehicle to Nghĩa Lộ. Check in at the hotel here, and spend some time relaxing before this evening’s activities.

6:30 PM: It’s dinner time! We meet at a local restaurant to head in for dinner that will feature some of the best regional dishes. After dinner, spend your night in Nghĩa Lộ. Take a walk around the streets; this is easygoing contact with natives or just relax and take in the peaceful ambiance that this undiscovered town can offer. Rest up tonight because tomorrow we’ll set off deep into the heart of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai!

Day 2: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Trekking in the Bamboo Forest 

06:30 AM: Wake up sleepyhead! After your sumptuous breakfast, we will check out and fly to the highlight of our tour: the Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest at Mu Cang Chai! Today is one of romping and reckoning with the wilderness that waits ahead.

09:00 AM: The first tour for today will be to stop at the foot of Khau Phạ Pass. This is considered one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Northern Vietnam. Here, we will have a sweeping view down into Khau Phạ Valley and take some pictures to mark the beginning of our Nakai trekking trip. The air is fresh, the skies are lucid, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

10:00 AM: Real adventure ahead! We will begin to hike right to the heart of Nả Háng Tủa Chử area, in Púng Luông commune. This forest might just be one of Mu Cang Chai’s best-kept secrets, only recently discovered by travelers, to then very quickly get famous for its stunning resemblance to the typical scenes from classic Asian movies that take place in Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai. Further down, walk and find yourself in a serene environment that feels like another world.

11:30 AM: We will rest in the middle of trekking, where we will provide you ample time to enjoy your lunch picnic-style, in the middle of a bamboo forest. Enjoy your meal that is set amongst towering-stalked bamboo, heard and serenaded by the soft tones of nature; it’s somewhat ceremonious.

1:00 PM: Further after lunch, we have an in-depth exploration of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai. It is simply magical. You will trek deep uphill into the forest with great views, seeing very tall and straight bamboo that looks like a corridor calling for one to have a stroll or wander around. It gives a sense of unmatched calmness and serenity with the forest having over 60-year-old bamboo. You will have plenty of time to visit the most beautiful viewpoints along the way, and it will be perfect to get those Instagram picture moments. From photographed sunlight coming through the leaves to delicate balances of nature, this forest is a photographer’s paradise.

4:00 PM: We trekked with our hearts full and our cameras packed with every passing memory. At long last, we check back into our hotel in Mù Cang Chải town and just relax afterward, easy and mellow after full days.

Trekking in the Bamboo Forest 

Trekking in the Bamboo Forest 

6:30 PM: Dinner awaits at a local restaurant, where we’ll savor the flavors of Mù Cang Chải. Afterward, the evening is yours to enjoy. Wander the streets of Mù Cang Chải, meet the locals, or simply relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. The night promises peace and rest after a fulfilling day in the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai.

Day 3: Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Hanoi 

06:30 AM: On the last day of our experience, it is good to start with a good breakfast, and then we proceed further to explore Mù Cang Chải. If you are still up for a bit more adventure, here is your chance. Rent out a motorbike or hire a local guide to take you around to see the Mù Cang Chải market, the famous horseshoe-shaped rice terraces, or head back to the Bamboo Forest for one last session of shooting photos of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai.

09:00 AM: Bidding time for Mù Cang Chải, as you journey all the way back to Hanoi. But do not yet worry; the adventure is still far from over! You will stop at scenic spots along the way, for you will have that last chance to capture all the beauty of North Vietnam.

11:00 AM: The next stop will be Tú Lệ, a beautiful and remarkable village known for its fragrant green rice and delicious sticky rice. Here, you can buy some local delicacies to take home with you or just feel the serenity as you take in the charming village scenery.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Nghĩa Lộ town, where the last meal together will take place before riding back to Hanoi. The local food here attests to the rich racial traditions in the region; hence, be sure to enjoy what you can.

5:00 PM: As the sun sets, we’ll arrive back in Hanoi, bringing our Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai to an end. It has been a wonderful time of natural beauty, cultural features, and great moments. We do hope that you have enjoyed every moment of this tour like we have! Until next time, safe travels, and I look forward to seeing you on your next adventure with IMPRESS TRAVEL!

Essential Advice and Preparations of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Physical Preparation

Before embarking on the trekking tour to the bamboo forest in Mu Cang Chai, one should know that while it’s very fulfilling, it’s a trek that involves some form of physical fitness. The route is quite mixed and has steep inclines or uneven paths, hence one has to be prepared.

We advise that all of the participants be in good physical health and have some experience hiking or trekking. Not a regular hiker? No problem! You can condition your body with some light exercises weeks before your trip to improve your stamina. Brisk walking, jogging, or climbing stairs are excellent for acclimatizing your body to the adventure ahead. The key is simply to increase endurance so you do not get too tired and are able to see the beauty of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai.

Tu Le of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Tu Le

What to Pack of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Packing the right things is very important for any trek. Here’s a quick guide on what to bring:

  • Clothing: Light, breathable clothing with wicking properties will keep you fresh in the afternoon and warm through the evening. Dress in layers, as it may get nicety hot or downright cold, especially when walking through the shaded areas of the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai.
  • Footwear: You must have sturdy trekking boots. These should be very well broken into your feet so you do not develop blisters. You will want comfortable cushioned socks on your feet for long treks.
  • Insect Repellent: The forest is inhabited by many insect varieties, so it is good to carry insect repellent with you to save yourself from the nip of those minute creatures.
  • Sunscreen and Hat: Even in the shade within the forest, the sun’s rays can be vigorous. Protect your skin with sunscreen, and use a hat to protect your face from these very strong rays most of the time.
  • Photography Gear: If you are a photography enthusiast, you will definitely want to capture great views in the Bamboo Forest of Mu Cang Chai. Prepare some lightweight cameras with a tripod for steady shots and extra batteries. You will need wide-angled lenses to seize the gigantic view of bamboo groves.

Safety Tips of Trekking Tour to the Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai

Safety first. Plenty of good times await one who treks in the bamboo forest in Mu Cang Chai, but one needs to tread carefully. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Follow the Guide’s Instructions: S/he knows everything that is happening, from terrain to the local area while in a group. Always give in to their advice and follow them through during any awkward part of the trail.
  • Stay on the Path: The trails keep you safe and minimize impacts on the environment. Leaving trails can be dangerous, cause dangerous situations, and/or harm natural habitats.
  • Emergency Contact Information: Always carry your emergency contact information with you. Your guide will provide this, and it is essential that you keep it in an accessible place or easy-to-reach location, especially in case any unwanted situation occurs.
  • First Aid Kit: Always useful, a basic first-aid kit. While your guide will offer one; it is excellent to have some of the basics with you, like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

Cultural Etiquette

The Bamboo Forest in Mu Cang Chai will take you through hiking, during which you will have some stops to the local Hmong communities. Showing respect towards the customs and traditions is a must to make sure that you have full enjoyment of this wonderful experience with the locals.

  • Dress Modestly: Hmong people are modest; therefore, the best way is to dress conservatively, especially when visiting villages.
  • Ask Before Taking Photos: Never take pictures of the locals more so inside their houses or attending to cultural rituals.
  • Learn a Few Local Phrases: As simple as a greeting or thank you in the local tongue, it would extend respect and create rapport within the community.

Conclusion

This overview of the trekking tour to the bamboo forest in Mu Cang Chai features a never-forgettable journey through one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Vietnam. You’ll be enveloped in the serenity of bamboo groves, engage with local H’mong culture, and create memorable moments. This is, therefore, your chance to live a unique journey. Impress Travel reserves today a spot for you to have an enriching very exhilarating trek. Your adventure awaits you in the Bamboo Forest of Mu Cang Chai! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Mu Cang Chai and to book Mu Cang Chai tours at the best prices.

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What’s included in this trip

 
  • Full transportation by private car  as tour program indicated.
  • Round trip night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai
  • Full meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Trekking in Sapa
  • Trekking in Mu Cang Chai
  • English- speaking guide
  • Entrance fees.
  • Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast; ( AC room).

What’s excluded in this trip

  • Personal insurance
  • Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc.

Hotels in Sapa Hotels in Mu Cang Chai
Homestays in Sapa Homestays in Sapa
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

Day: 01

Leaving Hanoi by Car / Van via expressway to Sapa (L, D) – 372 Km (5h6m)

  • Hanoi Tours – Impress Travel Team will pick you up at the hotel then departs Hanoi at 8 AM via Express Way to Lao Cai, then from Lao Cai to Sapa Hill Tribe Town.
  • Your arrival at Sapa at 1.00 PM, then have a lunch
  • Leaving Sapa town by Car / Van to the trekking point where to start your discovery of Sapa hill tribes.
  • Take 12 km trekking via Lao Chai to Ta Van villages to find out the real-life of the ethnic group such as Black Hmong People, Dzay People
  • Visitors are arranged to visit the local school and local family to do the sharing with locals with small gifts like pens, notebooks, or bags.
  • Trekking up the main road, then car transfer back to Sapa town
  • Check-in hotel, and then explore Sapa at night by yourself

Day: 02

Sapa to Ta Phin village and Mu Cang Chai (B,L,D) (160km-4h30m)

  • Impress Travel Team in Sapa will pick you at the hotel, and then we drive to the northeast of Sapa town (15 km)
  • We stop on the way to visit the ancient ethnic church, which was built by stone in the 19th century but ruined and only remained as the vestige with broken stonewalls among the peaches & apricots garden.
  • Keep on driving ahead to Ta Phin village where is the homeland of Red Dzao Ethnic Minority people, the random walks around the village to know about the daily life of Red Dzao people.
  • To visit the cave nearby Ta Phin Village
  • To visit the silk embroidery workshop of Dzao people where you will see how ethnic minority people make the brocades.
  • You are possible to have Red Dzao Herb Bath if you like to try it; the herb bath is very well known for traditional treatment way from the secret of Red Dzao people for a long time ago.
  • The car/van will bring you back to Sapa town, and then have a lunch
  • After lunch, we are leaving Sapa to Mu Cang Chai for 158 km (4hours 19mins). Enjoy the imposing scenery on a journey from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai with green valleys, rice terraces, or local people (Ethnic minorities on the way)…,
  • Arrive in Mu Cang Chai about 5.30 PM then enjoy dinner at home-stay with Thai family, relaxing and exchanging by communicating with a local family – Thai People.

Day: 03

Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo (B, L, D)

  • Visiting & take photograph Che Cu Nha Rice Terrace Field of Hmong people
  • Visiting & take a photograph of De Xu Phinh, La Pan Tan – it was recognized the national landscape of Vietnam in 2007.
  • Return to Mu Cang Chai for lunch
  • Leaving Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo, then do the easy biking to discover the hill-tribe villages of the Thai Ethnic Group in the late afternoon (1h30min)
  • Then have dinner and overnight at hotel or homestay with Thai Family’s house on stilt ( We recommend you have stayed at homestay more interesting for dinner and real experience from local life)

Day: 04

Nghia Lo – Suoi Giang – Hoc village – Hanoi (B,L)

  • Enjoy the fresh air and breakfast in Nghia Lo, check out hotel or homestay ( We recommend you to stay in Homestay)
  • Leaving Nghia Lo to visit Suoi Giang Eco-Park where is a part of Hong Lien Son national park, it is home to ancient green tea, we walk around to know about the special green tea of Vietnam and take photographs in the tea garden.
  • Visiting Hoc village where is hot-steam, a traveler can enjoy and have a bath in natural hot water of the stream.
  • Have lunch, and then return to Hanoi. The trip is over and enjoys a great time with Impress Travel – Mu Cang Chai Tours.

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    Sapa Tours

    Impress Travel offers classic and easy tours, trekking tours (easy trek, medium trek & hard trek) to discover the remote ethnic minority villages & adventurous tours to conquer Fansipan’s highest mountain peak or motorbike to travel around and mountain biking, market day tours, homestay with an ethnic family. For the most trusted and most saving for North Vietnam Tour Packages to explore Sapa Vietnam. Email: Sapatours@impresstravel.com & call to Mr. Alex Impress Travel Manager at his cell phone (+84) 9123 79 189