If You're NearbyMountainsRice terracesHiking

Mu Cang Chai

Lao Cai

Mountain valleys carved into rice terraces by Hmong farmers, golden at harvest in late September.

Photo: Sasint · CC0
Best Time to Go
May–Jun, Sep–Oct
Our full guide to Mu Cang Chai is being written. It's on the Northern Vietnam list as If You're Nearby.

Go Next

1–3 of 18
Must-See
Cities · Food

Hanoi

About 128 miles away

A motorcycle-filled Old Quarter, French villas and bowls of pho.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Nature · UNESCO

Ninh Binh

About 161 miles away

Boats through caves, among rice fields called Ha Long on land.

1 Sight
Must-See
Nature · UNESCO

Ha Long Bay

Quang Ninh
About 211 miles away

Thousands of limestone islands in emerald water, by overnight junk boat.

Guide Coming Soon

The Full Short List

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa's terraces.

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