Mu Cang Chai is a rural district
of Yen Bai Province consisted of La Pan Tan, Cu Che Nha and De Xu Phin communes
in the Northeastern Vietnam . Over
300kms from Ha Noi and 1000 meters above sea level, Mu Cang Chai seems to be
gifted with a harmonious combination of clear sky and green extension of
terraced fields stretching down the mountain sides, which generates unique and stunning
landscape. Terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai were recognized as a national
heritage of Vietnam
in 2007.
The average temperature all-year round in Mu Cang Chai is 18.5 Celsius
degrees. The mountain ranges are home to many different ethnic minority groups such
as the Mong ( 90% ), Thai ( 8%) , Kinh (
2% ). Every year, the H’Mong will flood the fields and prepare for the planting
seeds in April or May. Then they will wait four months until harvest-time. The
early or late harvest season depends on the weather. September and October are suggested
as the ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai because this is advantageous time for
harvesting. In recent years, the authorities of Mu
Cang Chai have held some celebrations for marking the harvesting time in the
middle of September. This event attracts many photographers and travelers to Mu
Cang Chai.
During the harvest-time, a motorbike journey to Mu Cang Chai offers adventurers
not only off-road challenges but also a fabulous view deep inside the lives of
the H’Mong people. The roads to the mountainous are quite damaged. Muddy and
rocky roads are everywhere, which requires the motorbike riders to be very firm
and strong. Along the roads, you will indulge yourself in the amazing beauty of
terraced rice fields, then many little houses that are made from wood, bamboo,
cane, or rattan prolonging to the top of terraces. A stop at Khau Pha Pass on the way is the must for a chance
to admire its scenic surrounding of green corn fields, rice paddies in Thai
villages.
Upon arrival Mu Cang Chai, you may have chance to observe ethnic minority
people working in paddies: women with their infants on their back while
harvesting; children assisting their parents to gather the crops with smiles on
their faces. Most people here wear traditional costumes which are made of hemp
cloth decorating with batik and indigo dyed. Moreover, the opportunities to
chat with ethnic people then join locals’ daily lives are always available to
fulfill your journey experience.