Yen Bai Overview

Yen Bai – one of the most beautiful provinces in Northern Vietnam, is renowned for its pristine and mystical natural landscapes. With towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, vibrant valleys, and vast rice fields, Yen Bai can captivate anyone with its mesmerizing natural beauty.

Lost in Yen Bai
Lost in Yen Bai

Moreover, Yen Bai is also a place with many cultural heritages and traditional festivals, such as the Muong Lo Culture and Tourism Festival, which showcases the cultural identity of ethnic groups living in the area.

Yen Bai in tranquilty
Yen Bai in tranquilty

For those who love adventure and nature, Yen Bai Province is an ideal destination for trekking, camping, or exploring stunning landscapes. With its unparalleled beauty and rich cultural heritage, Yen Bai travel will bring tourists unforgettable experiences and memories.

This will be your informative Yen Bai travel guide.

Yen Bai Tourism

Exploring terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai

Being famous for its stunning terraced rice fields, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the ingenuity and hard work of the local people, Mu Cang Chai District is one of the most worthwhile places to visit in Yen Bai. The rice fields in Mu Cang Chai are not only a source of food and income for the locals but also a source of inspiration for photographers and nature lovers.

Mu Cang Chai - ripe rice season
Mu Cang Chai - ripe rice season

Mu Cang Chai is also home to many ethnic minority groups such as the H'mong and Thai, who have their own unique customs and traditions. Mu Cang Chai is a destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural diversity, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic beauty of Northern Vietnam. Let's explore this hidden gem of Vietnam's beauty with Asia Private Travels.

Bambo forest at Mu Cang Chai
Bambo forest at Mu Cang Chai 

Coming to Mu Cang Chai, the first recommended destination for you is Khau Pha Pass, one of the most scenic mountain passes in Vietnam. This 20-kilometer-long winding pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The drive along Khau Pha Pass is an unforgettable experience, with hairpin turns and steep drops that will make your heart race. As you ascend to the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the terraced rice fields below.

Khau Pha Pass
Khau Pha Pass

Down to the west of Khau Pha pass is La Pan Tan, which is well-known for the miracle of terraced fields. The fields change color with the seasons, from vibrant green in the summer to golden yellow in the harvest season, creating a stunning canvas of colors that is truly mesmerizing. Visitors can also learn about the local culture, try traditional food, and participate in traditional festivals and activities.

Cloud “hunting” adventure in Tram Tau

With towering mountains, stunning valleys, and picturesque landscapes that can take your breath away, Tram Tau will bring you the best Vietnam tourism ever.

Located in Tram Tau, Ta Xua, and Ta Chi Nhu communes will offer you a marvelous and off-the-beaten-path travel experience that makes you feel like you are in a fairytale. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Ta Xua has something to offer everyone.

Cloud hunting at Ta Xua
Cloud hunting at Ta Xua

Almost everyone who comes here will fall in love with the beauty of the majestic nature and the rustic, honest people. The landscape here is painted by the seasons of blooming peach blossoms and apricot flowers on the vast, golden-yellow terraced rice fields. And of course, the tall mountains that sink into the "sea" of white clouds, covering the entire sky and earth.

Blossom in Ta Xua
Flower blossom in Tram Tau

One of the highlights of these communes is the opportunity to interact with the local ethnic minority groups, including the H'mong and Thai people, who have preserved their traditional way of life and culture for centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, try traditional food, and participate in traditional festivals and activities.

Visit Thac Ba Lake in Yen Bai City

A green eco-view area of Thac Ba Lake
A green eco-view area of Thac Ba Lake

Thac Ba Lake is a beautiful eco-view area, attracting anyone who comes with its enchanting beauty, which has been described as "Halong Bay on the mountain." The lake is surrounded by lush green mountain sand dotted with small lands that add to its serene beauty such as Thac Ba Paradise Island, Blue Island Resort, etc. Visitors to Thac Ba can hire a tender boat to explore the rich aquatic life and its surrounding lands and learn about the customs and traditions of the local people.

A heart-shaped land at Thac Ba Lake
A heart-shaped land at Thac Ba Lake

A spotlight of this journey is to visit Thac Ba Hydroelectric Plant - one of the largest hydroelectric plants in Vietnam. Visitors to the Thac Ba Hydroelectric Plant can take a guided tour to learn about the history and operations of the plant. The tour includes a visit to the power station, where visitors can see the turbines and generators in action, and a visit to the dam, where they can see the impressive scale of the reservoir and the surrounding mountains. With our local expert tour guides, Asia Private Travels is always ready to support your Yen Bai tourism journey.

Explore the life of Vietnamese ethnic people in Nghia Lo

People at Yen Bai
People at Yen Bai

Suoi Giang, situated at a height of 1,300-1,400m, provides a fresh and cold climate with H'mong Village Cowering on the side of the mountain, which is described as “Sapa” in Yen Bai. Suoi Giang owns a vast expanse of green tea hills, you can immerse yourself in nature and effortlessly capture amazing photographs.

Children at Pang Cang Village
Children at Pang Cang Village

Pang Cang Village - an ancient village of H’Mong people, an ethnic group of people in Vietnam, will be an interesting place for you to visit in Suoi Giang. Coming here, visitors will be impressed by the typical architectural features and traditional occupations. Moreover, you can experience harvesting green tea leaves and enjoy Shan Tuyet green tea.

Ripe rice in Suoi Giang
Ripe rice in Suoi Giang

From the top of Suoi Giang, you can see the “sea” of MuongLo's rice fields. The extremely special crop scene viewed from above will be an amazing and unforgettable memory for visitors.

Discover the historical stories at Cang Don Historical Site

Another “must-visit” destination for your Northern Vietnam tour in Yen Bai Province is Cang Don Historical Site, a relic area recognized as a national historical relic site. Visitors to Cang Don can learn about the history of Vietnam's struggle for independence, see the weapons and equipment used by the resistance, and explore the underground tunnels and bunkers used by the soldiers. This place offers a unique insight into the country's past and the sacrifices made by its people for independence.

Cang Don historical site
Cang Don Historical Site

If you're thinking about a trip to Yen Bai Province, Asia Private Travels has a lot of available Vietnam tour package that you can consider.

Yen Bai Cuisine

food in Yen Bai
A meal of Yen Bai people

The most well-known Yen Bai Province delicacy “Thit Trau Gac Bep” -  buffalo meat grilled over an open fire. You won't want to miss the chance of trying this dish if you're in Suoi Giang. On chilly nights, enjoying savory meat while sipping fragrant arn wine will be a wonderfully unique experience.

Thit Trau Gac Bep - Speciality of Yen Bai
Thit Trau Gac Bep - Speciality of Yen Bai

One of the most “must-try” specialties in Yen Bai is Black “Banh Chung” in Muong Lo Market. Muong Lo’s Black Banh Chung is not only attractive by its fancy color but also by its delicious taste. The Tu Le sticky rice - a special kind of sticky rice in Yen Bai is deliciously selected, wrapped in green “Dong” leaves with green beans, fatty meat, and cooked for a long time on the fire to get a unique kind of traditional Vietnamese Banh Chung.

Grilled chicken with Mac Mat leaves
Grilled chicken in Yen Bai

If you're a fan of grilled chicken, it will be a perfect recommendation for you to try a special kind of grilled chicken cooked with “Mac Mat '' leaves by local people in Yen Bai. The whole chicken will be marinated with “Mac Mat '' leaves - a special kind of spice in the Northwest Region then grilled on embers. You will enjoy this specialty with “Cham Cheo” - a special kind of spice that can't be found anywhere else. This will be one of your best experiences on your Vietnam food tour.

Yen Bai is famous not only for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its specialties with Northwest cultural nature.

Yen Bai Weather

Because of the high altitude, Yen Bai has a fresh and cool climate year-round, which makes Yen Bai a perfect destination that you can visit whenever around the year without worrying about the weather.

Peach blossom in Yen Bai on the spring
Peach blossom in Yen Bai on the spring

In particular, from January to March, it's time for a lot of spring festivals with a lot of traditional outside activities in the crisp and fresh weather of spring.

Around Mid-September to mid-October Is the season of ripe rice, when everywhere will be a bright yellow rice color, with beautiful weather, making a favorable time to visit this place. Yen Bai weather at this time is also a little colder, with a very clear sky and fresh mountainous air, making it a perfect condition to walk through the yellow terraced rice fields.

Yen Bai in fall
Yen Bai in the fall

Besides, around May - June is the season of pouring water, when the summer rains begin to pour water on the mountains, the waters lead from the mountains to the terraces, the terraces glistening with water in the afternoon sun, creating a beautiful atmosphere. These beautiful after-race fields will surprise every tourist on their Northern Vietnam tour.

Yen Bai in the winter
Yen Bai in the winter

If you're a fan of sightseeing and photography, December will be a perfect time for you to “seek” clouds in Yen Bai. It will not be difficult to see the scenery of majestic mountains and forests covered in clouds.

Yen Bai Transport

The distance from Hanoi to Yen Bai is about 150 kilometers. The best-recommended choice for this journey is traveling by private car, which may take only about 2-3 hours to arrive. Luckily, Asia Private Travels has an available car service for you to consider. Contact us now to have more information about your best Northern Vietnam tour ever!

Trekking Yen Bai by motocycle
Trekking Yen Bai by motocycle

Being a mountainous area of Vietnam, Yen Bai has difficult terrain to transfer. It’s highly recommended to transfer by car or motorbike to easily transfer to different destinations in Yen Bai. And you will need a local expert driver to help you get to these destinations because of the challenging terrain. 

Don’t forget that Asia Private Travels is always ready to support our local experts.

Notably, there are some destinations where you must walk instead of using transportation. Don’t forget to wear sneakers and light clothes for a safe and comfortable trip.

Yen Bai Accommodation

There are numerous choices of accommodation for you to consider, which depends on your budget and interests. There are a lot of beautiful homestays and hotels from luxurious vibes to vintage vibes for you to choose from. In addition, you can consider staying in a resort for more interesting experiences.

Resort in Yen Bai
Resort in Yen Bai

Being one of the most worthy places to visit in Vietnam, Yen Bai promises to bring a memorable Vietnam holiday for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation. Yen Bai is a wonderful destination for anybody wanting to experience the authentic beauty of Northern Vietnam, with its unique blend of natural beauty, historical treasures, and friendly welcoming attitudes.

Relaxing at Yen Bai resort
Relaxing at Yen Bai resort

If you're considering Yen Bai tourism, contact Asia Private Travels to have more information about our available Vietnam tour package.

Especially, with Asia Private Travels, you can discover the Yen Bai enchantment for yourself with your own customized Vietnam tour here.

 

 

 

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