Rice terraces at La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai
Visited places: Hanoi, Yen Bai, Mu Cang Chai, Muong Lo - Nghia Lo
Tour Theme/Activity: Adventure, Hiking, Ethnic villages, Idyllic countryside, Stunning rice terraces, Mountains, Off-the-beaten track, Photography

Yen Bai, in the North-West of Vietnam, is home to high mountain peaks of over 2,000m above sea level and home to many colorful ethnic minorities. It is these people that turn the mountain slopes and the valleys amid mountains into amazing rice terraces. There are two periods each year these beauties become particularly dazzling: when the rice is being transplanted and when the rice ripens. Let's embark on a photo adventure led by Paradissa's experienced photography leader/instructor to capture these beauties that every moment of yours is sensational.

DeparturesStunning rice terraces at Tu Le - Khau Pha
Daily in between May-June2024
Daily in between 15September-10October2024

Rice Terraces at Mu Cang Chai Photo Tour Overview

Our photography tour is for 3 days, 2 nights. The tour focuses on the rice terraces in Tu Le – Khau Pha Valley and around Mu Cang Chai District. Theses terraces are all on altitudes of 1,000-2,000m above sea level. There are some hikes that we have to make to get the best angle for shooting photos meaning you have to be fit and your are to have hiking boots on. For those of you on a private photography trip, Paradissa will customize the tour pace and itinerary for you. Our photography leader knows the local weather conditions and the best shooting points to ensure you will be at the right place at the right time for great photography.

It's advisable to have 2 camera bodies: one with a telephoto lens and the other with a wide lens. Please also bring along raincoats & baseball caps as the weather is unpredictable during these months.

Accommodation in Mu Cang Chai is at a local ethnic family with good cleanliness and captivating views of the surrounding rice terraces and mountains. Meals are supplied at the family, too.Rice terraces at La Pan Tan, Mu Cang Chai

Brief itinerary
Day1 Hanoi – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai (L/D)
Day2 Full day photography at the rice terraces around Mu Cang Chai (B/L/D)
Day3 Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Hanoi (B/L)

{Inclusions
English-speaking tour guide/photography guide;
Homestay accommodation;
Private transfer by car/van;
Meals at local restaurants and homestay;
Admission fees and permits for the visits on itinerary;}
{Exclusions
Insurance of any types;
Others not mentioned as included above.}

Detailed itinerary

Locals at work on captivating rice terraces

Day1 Hanoi – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai (L/D)

0800 A.M Road trip for Mu Cang Chai.
Get acquainted with your photography guide and brief introductions to what to expect during the day. Familiarize yourself with the local environment by stopping at various points of interest en route.
Lunch at Tu Le.
After lunch, travel uphill the mountain pass of Khau Pha. From now on, you have to show your best skills to take in the sublime beauty of the mountain slopes and valleys. Our photography guide is always on hand for help should you need.
Arrive at our homestay late in the afternoon.
Photo reviews and critiques after dinner.
Overnight at Mu Cang Chai.

Day2 Full day photography at the rice terraces around Mu Cang Chai (B/L/D)Jaw-dropping rice terraces at Mu Cang Chai


Breakfast at the homestay.
Full day lost in the beauties of Mu Cang Chai. Some points of shooting are accessible by car while the others can only be reached on foot. Notwithstanding your level of photography you will master the necessary techniques and tricks to get the best photos today.
Photo reviews and critiques before dinner.
Overnight at Mu Cang Chai.

Day3 Mu Cang Chai – Tu Le – Hanoi (B/L)

Breakfast at the homestay.
How early we start today and whether we have more photography around Mu Cang Chai depends on the weather and lighting conditions. Your photography guide should be in good position to make the good decision for you. On the way back, there are some last by no means least photo opportunities that we will take before arriving back to Hanoi. Lunch en route.

 

Start to practice your photography skills at Phu Tho
Start to practice your photography skills at Phu Tho

 

 

Buffalo at Muong Lo Valley
A buffalo saying hello to a passerby at Muong Lo Valley

 

 

Local Thai people working in the golden fields at Muong Lo
Local Thai people working in the golden fields at Muong Lo

 

 

A Hmong school girl doing high jump
A Hmong school girl doing high jump

 

 

Mountain slopes carved into rice terraces
Mountain slopes carved into rice terraces

 

 

A Hmong lady collecting rice
A Hmong lady collecting rice

 

 

Rice terraces that take your breath away
Rice terraces that take your breath away

 

 

Rice terraces high in the mountains
Rice terraces high in the mountains

 

 

Unbelievable rice terraces
Unbelievable rice terraces

 

 

A narrow mountain gorge carved into amazing terraced ricefields
A narrow mountain gorge carved into amazing terraced ricefields

 

 

A Hmong girl harvesting rice
A Hmong girl harvesting rice

 

 

Little Hmong gorgeous angels by the spectacular rice terraces
Little Hmong gorgeous angels by the spectacular rice terraces