Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai: Best ways to travel & useful tips

Contents

1. How to get from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?

There are several options for going from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai, depending on your budget and travel style.

1.1. By coach

Taking a coach is probably the most straightforward way to get from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai, especially if you are not comfortable driving on mountain roads yourself. You can either go to My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi and hop on one or book a seat online in advance. Most coaches follow National Road 32 and pass by Nghia Lo Town. Alternatively, you can book a room at a local resort and ask whether they provide shuttle service. 

If you stick to the first option, some reliable companies providing buses from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai are Hung Thanh Ha Trang, The Anh Nghia Lo, Cuong Lan, and Thao Nguyen MCC. Ticket prices may vary from 300,000 to 600,000 VND, depending on which type of bus you choose.

Taking a coach is the easiest way to reach Mu Cang Chai (Source: Collected)

1.2. By private car

If you prefer having complete control over your schedule and itinerary, renting a Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai private car is the way to go. The journey will typically follow Ring Road 3 – Noi Bai-Lao Cai Highway – Hop Minh Road – National Road 32. You can book a ride with Xanh SM, a reliable taxi company for long-distance trips like this, via their website or hotline. Just keep in mind that this will be significantly more expensive than taking a coach, but you will have door-to-door service and can stop whenever you want for photos.

1.3. By motorbike

Riding a motorbike from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai is an incredible experience, especially when you tackle the famous Khau Pha Pass. That said, this route is not for beginners, so make sure you are comfortable with mountain riding before attempting this. Sticking along National Road 32 is the way to go. The route will take you through My Dinh – Nhon – Son Tay – Trung Ha Ba Vi Bridge (or Dong Quang Bridge) – Thanh Thuy – Thanh Son Phu Tho – Tan Son Thu Cuc – Ba Khe – Van Chan – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Khau Pha – Nga Ba Kim – Mu Cang Chai.

If you want to arrive in time for lunch, you should depart at around 5 AM. During your trip, keep the following tips in mind to ensure yourself a safe ride on these winding roads:

• Take your time, this is the golden rule for all trips and in all destinations.
• Maintain a steady pace and distance between other bikes in your group.
• Make sure to line up to avoid vehicles going the opposite direction.
• Pay close attention, especially the roads of Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Khau Pha, which can be steep with difficult curves.
• Pack a rain jacket and ride carefully because the weather can change quickly in the mountains.
• Ensure your bike is in good condition and always wear proper protective gear.

Going to Mu Cang Chai by motorbike is an adventurous option (Source: Collected)

1.4. By train

Taking the train is a more relaxed option, although it does require a combination of rail and road travel. You will need to catch an overnight train (SP3 or SP7) from Hanoi Railway Station to Yen Bai Railway Station. The journey takes about 4 hours, with ticket prices varying from 340,000 to 540,000 VND.

Once you reach Yen Bai Station, you still have about 100 kilometers to cover to reach Mu Cang Chai. You can hail a local taxi (Xanh SM or Mai Linh), rent a motorbike, or catch a local coach if available.

When you combine train and road travel, you are looking at roughly 8-10 hours total. It is not the fastest option, but it can be quite scenic and gives you a chance to rest during the train portion of the journey.

Check out how to go from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai!

2. Suggested 3 days 2 nights Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai itinerary

Since the trip from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai takes up a good chunk of time, it is best if you save up 2 or 3 days to explore everything. If you need some help putting together a schedule, we have your back:

Day 1: Khau Pha Pass – It Thai Village – Lim Mong Village – Tu Le Town

• Depart from Hanoi in the early morning
• Stop at the Khau Pha Pass paragliding point
• Visit It Thai Village to explore its mesmerizing stream
• Continue to Lim Mong Village, where incredible scenery makes up for the steep ride
• Head to Tu Le Town and try green sticky rice
• Explore the town and stay the night here

Day 2: Mam Xoi Hills – Mong Ngua Hill

• Visit Mam Xoi Hills in the morning and Mong Ngua Hill in the afternoon to see the famous rice terraces
• Return to your accommodation for rest

Day 3: La Pan Tan Village

• Go to La Pan Tan in the morning
• Visit the scenic bridge and stream with terraced rice fields
• Check out traditional wooden huts for taking photos
• Return to Hanoi before late

The trip to Mu Cang Chai rewards you with breathtaking scenery (Source: Collected)

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3. Tips for traveling from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai

Note these practical tips to make your journey from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai smoother:

• Best time to visit: Plan your trip during May – June for the lush green terraces or September – October for the golden harvest season
• Weather preparation: The mountain weather can change quickly, so pack layers and a rain jacket
• Cash: Bring enough cash as ATMs are limited in remote areas
• Local cuisine: Try specialties like grilled stream fish, Tu Le green sticky rice, and forest vegetables
• Photography gear: Bring extra batteries and memory cards because you will take way more photos than expected
• Comfortable footwear: Wear good hiking shoes for walking through the rice terraces
• Sun protection: High altitude means stronger UV rays, so pack sunscreen and a hat
• Respect local culture: Ask permission before photographing the locals and their homes. Do not give the local children snacks as it may be frowned upon.
• Book accommodation early: Especially during peak seasons as options are limited
• Travel insurance: The mountain roads can be unpredictable, so make sure you are covered
• Flexible schedule: Allow extra time for unexpected stops and photo ops

FAQs about traveling from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai

How far is Mu Cang Chai from Hanoi?

Mu Cang Chai is about 305 kilometers northwest of Hanoi. Travel time usually takes 6-10 hours depending on the means of transportation, weather, and road conditions.

Are the roads from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai safe?

Generally yes, but the journey involves many curves and mountain passes. Drivers should be cautious, especially during the rainy season (May-September).

Is it possible to take a train from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai?

The nearest railway station to Mu Cang Chai is Yen Bai Railway Station, from which you can continue the journey by taxi or motorbike.

The journey to Mu Cang Chai takes you through over 300 km of scenic beauty (Source: Collected)

How long does a typical Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai tour last?

Most tours last 2 or 3 days, which are optimal for leisurely exploring, trekking, and admiring the landscape.

What are some must-see attractions on a Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai trip?

Che Cu Nha Village, La Pan Tan Village, Khau Pha Pass, Tu Le Valley, Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, and local H’mong villages.

When is the best time to book a Mu Cang Chai tour?

The best seasons are May – June (the water pouring season) and September – October (the harvest season), when Mu Cang Chai rice terraces are at their best.

No matter which option you pick for getting from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai, you are in for a treat. Coaches are hassle-free, private cars give you flexibility, motorbikes offer the ultimate adventure experience, and trains provide a more relaxed journey. Consider your comfort level, budget, and schedule when making your choice.

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