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$200
Mu Cang Chai 4 Day Tour – Trekking & Sightseeing Off The Beaten Path
Check out the short video of our tour!
Overview
This Mu Cang Chai trekking tour takes you deep into one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Over four days, you’ll hike through layered rice terraces, visit remote Hmong and Thai villages, and cross mountain passes like Khau Pha. The tour offers a balance of light adventure, authentic homestay experiences, and cultural discovery — perfect for travelers who want to connect with nature and local life away from the tourist trail. All logistics, meals, and accommodations are arranged for a smooth experience.
Highlights
- Hike through Mu Cang Chai’s stunning rice terraces, including the famous Raspberry Hill
- Sleep in traditional stilt-house homestays of Thai and Hmong families
- Cross the breathtaking Khau Pha Pass, one of Vietnam’s highest mountain roads
- Visit remote villages, learn about farming life, and try batik drawing with locals
- Flexible trekking routes and all arrangements included for a worry-free trip
Price & Availability
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Itinerary
Lunch, Dinner
Start :
Hotel pick-up in Hanoi
Your guide will meet you at your hotel around 7:30 AM to begin the journey northwest, heading into the heart of northern Vietnam. The road trip covers about 250 km, with scenic views and a gradual shift from cityscapes to mountain passes and rice fields.
Afternoon :
Walk around Tu Le Valley
Arrive in Tu Le by early afternoon. Stretch your legs with a walk through the valley, exploring rice fields, streams, and quiet Thai and Hmong villages. It's a relaxed start with time to take in rural life, traditional stilt houses, and maybe even dip your feet in the stream alongside local kids.
Late Afternoon :
Optional hike to Bung Som village
Depending on your energy and preference, choose from a 2-hour or 3.5-hour hike. Both routes take you along muddy paths, through rice terraces, and across small streams — nothing too steep, but just adventurous enough to feel like a journey. You’ll end the day at a local homestay in Bung Som village.
Evening :
Overnight in a Thai stilt house
Dinner is served at your host family’s home. Enjoy a peaceful night in a wooden stilt house run by a local Thai family. Private rooms or hotel stays can be arranged if preferred.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning :
Khau Pha Pass & scenic drive
After breakfast, hit the road to Mu Cang Chai, driving over Khau Pha Pass — one of Vietnam’s highest and most dramatic mountain passes. Stop along the way for views over Lim Mong and Lim Thai villages, and the famous paragliding launch point.
Late Morning :
Hike La Pan Tan to Raspberry Hill
Arrive in La Pan Tan and start a scenic 3-hour trek to Raspberry Hill, a terraced mountain slope famous for its circular rice patterns. These man-made formations were shaped by Hmong farmers over generations and are among the most photographed landscapes in Vietnam.
Afternoon :
Visit Hmong homes or eat local lunch
After the hike, either enjoy a simple roadside lunch or step into a local Hmong household to cook and share a traditional meal — a great way to learn more about daily life.
Late Afternoon :
Batik workshop & sunset trek
Continue hiking through a bamboo forest to Mang Mu village, where you’ll visit a local house and try your hand at batik fabric drawing — an art form passed down through Hmong generations. From there, trek to Mong Ngua village, known for its horse-shaped rice terraces and spectacular sunset views. The trail here is steeper, but the payoff is worth it.
Evening :
Homestay in Mu Cang Chai
Spend the night in a traditional Thai or Hmong stilt house. If you're curious to experience more of Hmong life, you can choose to stay in Hello Mu Cang Chai Homestay in La Pan Tan.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning :
Trek to Che Cu Nha village
Start your day with a 3–3.5 hour hike through rice fields and remote mountain paths from a Thai village to Che Cu Nha. Along the way, pass waterfalls, hill farms, and isolated Hmong communities. You might even get a chance to try rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season.
Midday :
Visit Raspberry Hill (again)
After the trek, loop back to La Pan Tan and return to Raspberry Hill — a chance to revisit this stunning viewpoint at a different time of day, or venture a bit farther depending on your pace and interest.
Afternoon :
Transfer to Tram Tau
Hop in the car for a 3-hour drive to Tram Tau, a quiet mountain town known for its hot springs and peaceful landscapes. Check in to Zoni Home, your cozy homestay for the night.
Breakfast, Lunch
Morning :
Your choice – trek or soak
You have two options this morning:
- Relax at the Tram Tau hot spring and enjoy a peaceful soak with mountain views
- Or go for a short, easy hike through Luu village’s rice fields, home to the Thai ethnic group
For those wanting a bit more challenge, there’s a slightly tougher 7 km trek to the beautiful Ta Xua waterfall.
Midday :
Lunch and return to Hanoi
After lunch in Tram Tau, begin the drive back to Hanoi. Expect to arrive by early evening, with drop-off at your hotel and a warm farewell from your guide.
- Round trip transportation by prviate car from your hotel to Mu Cang Chai and back
- English speaking guide
- All meals are included ( 3 Breakfasts + 4 Lunches + 3 dinners)
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and signseeing fees
- Water: 1 little/day/person
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Personal items: Clothes, rain-gear, foot wears
- Extra drinks
- International Travel Insurance
How physically demanding is the trekking on this tour?
The trekking ranges from easy to moderate. You’ll walk between 5 and 17 km per day, often on uneven paths, rice fields, and gentle slopes. It’s suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. If needed, we can adjust the hiking distance to suit your comfort.
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The tour runs in light to moderate rain, so we recommend bringing a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. In case of extreme weather or safety risks, the itinerary may be adjusted. Your guide will advise on the safest and best plan.
What should I pack for this tour?
Bring light hiking clothes, good walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a small daypack, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. A flashlight or headlamp is useful for rural areas with limited lighting.
Do I need to carry all my luggage during the hikes?
No. Your main luggage stays in the car or at the homestay. You’ll only need a small daypack for essentials like water, sunscreen, and a camera during the hikes.
What are the sleeping arrangements like in the homestays?
You’ll stay in traditional stilt houses hosted by local Thai or Hmong families. These are basic but clean and comfortable, with shared sleeping areas and mosquito nets. Private rooms or hotel upgrades can be arranged on request.
Is there any cultural etiquette I should be aware of when visiting local villages?
Dress modestly, especially in remote villages. Always ask before taking photos of people, and follow your guide’s advice when visiting homes or participating in local activities. A respectful attitude goes a long way.