Private Mu Cang Chai tours from Hanoi: 3 days among the La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha rice terraces, the Khau Pha pass and Hmong villages. From US$420 per person.
Plan three days and two nights for Mu Cang Chai: it is about 280 km from Hanoi (six to seven hours by private car through Nghia Lo and the Khau Pha pass), and you need a full day to walk among the rice terraces of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh with a local Hmong guide.
Our private 3-day Mu Cang Chai tour is listed from US$420 per person (2 travellers sharing; mountain hotels and homestays are simpler than in the cities), and Mu Cang Chai is part of our 15-day Vietnam and Cambodia off-the-beaten-track tour from US$2,100. Every tour has a private English-speaking guide; guides in your language on request.
Sapa, Ha Giang loop, Dong Van, Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake
US$1,120
From prices are those shown on each tour page on 26 October 2026: per person, based on 2 travellers (sharing a room in 4★ hotels on multi-day tours); international flights are not included. Your final price is confirmed in your tailor-made quote.
What to see in Mu Cang Chai
La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh: the most famous terraced valleys, best walked in the early morning.
Khau Pha pass: sweeping views over the Mu Cang Chai valley; in September it hosts a paragliding festival.
Hmong villages: walks between homesteads with a local guide, and the chance to stay in a family-run homestay.
Nghia Lo and Tu Le: Thai villages and hot springs on the way from Hanoi, ideal for a lunch stop.
Combine with Sapa or Ha Giang: a 7- to 10-day northern loop links the three great rice-terrace areas.
When to go and how to get there
Mid-September to early October is the golden harvest, when the terraces turn yellow; late May and June is the “water season”, when newly flooded terraces reflect the sky. Winter is cold and misty, and July and August bring heavy rain.
Mu Cang Chai is about 280 km north-west of Hanoi, six to seven hours by private car. The last stretch crosses the Khau Pha pass, one of Vietnam’s highest mountain roads; we use experienced drivers and plan stops. Official information: Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.
Included
✓ Hotels as listed (4★ as standard; 5★ or boutique on request), breakfast daily
✓ Private English-speaking guide on touring days; guides in your language on request
✓ Private air-conditioned car or minibus with driver for all transfers and touring
✓ Entrance fees, boat trips and activities listed in the itinerary
✓ Domestic flights or trains listed in the itinerary
✓ 24/7 support from our team in Hanoi
Not included
– International flights
– Visa fees and travel insurance
– Meals not listed, drinks and tips
– Personal expenses
Every tour is private: your own car and driver, a private English-speaking guide; guides in your language on request, and hotels chosen by our team in Hanoi. Metta Voyage is a licensed international tour operator (01-1167/2023/CDLQGVN-GP LHQT), founded in 2019, with 10,100+ international guests and a 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Mu Cang Chai?
Three days and two nights from Hanoi: a travel day each way and a full day among the terraces. Add a night if you want sunrise at more than one viewpoint.
When are the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces golden?
Usually from mid-September to early October, depending on the year and the altitude. Late May and June is the flooded “water season”.
How much does a private Mu Cang Chai tour cost?
Our private 3-day tour is listed from US$420 per person for 2 travellers sharing. The final price is in your quote.
Mu Cang Chai, Sapa or Ha Giang?
Mu Cang Chai has the most dramatic terraces and fewest visitors, Sapa has easier walks and more hotel choice, and Ha Giang has the most spectacular mountain roads. Many guests combine two of them.
Tell us your dates and we will send a private Mu Cang Chai plan with prices, usually within 24 hours.
Metta Voyage holds company bank accounts in 13 currencies. Pay your deposit by local bank transfer with no fee from us; the account details come with your invoice.
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2,000+ trips operated · 10,100+ guests · Tripadvisor 4.9 · Licence 01-1167/2023/CDLQGVN-GP LHQT
