Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos

Situated on the gateway to North-West Vietnam, Yen Bai province is bounded by Lao Cai in the north, Son La in the south, Tuyen Quang in the northeast, and Phu Tho in the southeast. The province is in the northern midland and mountainous region of Vietnam.

This is a land of the rugged mountains that conceal so many records of history, of the breathtaking mountain passes which made many battles of Vietnam into legends, of the evergreen tea plantations which hypnotize the travelers passing by, of the golden rice terraces which have defined the standards of the wild beauty of north-western Vietnam, of the ethnic minorities whose life has remained unchanged for centuries, of the fresh hill stations whose climate remains almost unchanged all year round...

Best time to visit

In the Northern provinces of Vietnam, people grow rice once a year due to the severe winter. As a result, do not pass up the chance to see the impressive rice terraces in two seasons: the pouring water season in May, the middle of the crop from June to the middle of September, and the harvest season in late September to early October. In each season, the rice terraces possess unique beauties.

In May, water led from the top of mountains creating a gigantic mirror that reflects the clear sky and floating clouds. During this season, you can see lots of old-age activities of local people working on the field, from plowing to harrowing on the field with water buffalos and replanting rice. Hill tribal women work in a group with their beautiful and colorful clothes, which can be great for stunning photo shooting on the field at this time.

The whole rice field in Mu Cang Chai is covered by a peaceful green carpet of rice in the middle of the crop. The lush green field might even cool you down in the hot summer days. From the end of September to early October, the rice terraces turn into the bright yellow picture in which spotted by the tiny traditional houses and smiling faces of local people.

Check the below table for the general idea of Yen Bai weather throughout the year.

Month Avg. High (°C) Avg. Mean (°C) Avg. Low (°C)
Jan 19.8 16.3 13.5
Feb 20.8 18.3 16.2
Mar 23.6 21.3 19.5
Apr 27.4 24.7 22.4
May 32.3 28.4 25.3
Jun 33.1 29.3 26.1
Jul 32.4 28.6 25.8
Aug 32.4 28.6 25.7
Sep 31.1 27.5 24.8
Oct 29.8 25.6 22.3
Nov 25.8 22.6 20.3
Dec 20.2 17.1 14.3

Yen Bai’s current weather and 7-day forecast

YÊN BÁI WEATHER

If you are planning your Vietnam vacation, but have no idea about where to go, Yen Bai might be in your consideration. Pristine nature and diverse cultures of local ethnic minority groups will enchant your eyes when visiting Yen Bai.

Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields

The spectacular rice terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai will conquer the heart of every visitor to come 300 km Northeast of Hanoi, Mu Cang Chai is the most renowned district of Yen Bai province. The district is home to about 700 hectares of terraced rice fields primarily situated on three villages: La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Su Phin. Rice terraces stretching from the top of mountains down to small streams create a picturesque landscape. Mu Cang Chai has been drawing many domestic and foreign visitors thanks to its majestic scenery and awe-inspiring beauty.

Mam Xoi Viewpoint (Sticky rice hill), Mui Giay, and La Phan Tan are considered as the best sightseeing spots to take stunning photos in Mu Cang Chai and these sites are easily approachable by motorbike or walking.

Khau Pha Pass

Khau Pha pass that connects Van Chan district and Mu Cang Chai district of Yen Bai province is said to be one of the most dangerous roads in Northern Vietnam. Few climbs have a formidable reputation as Khau Pha. Along its way of 30 km, there are tight and blind curves that make biking on the passing fun and exciting. The pass is more dangerous as it is often shrouded in drifting clouds and fog. From the pass, you can admire a magnificent view of tiny houses dotted on rice terraces fading far into the distance.

Thac Ba Lake

Featured as the largest Vietnam’s artificial lake, the poetic Thac Ba covers an area of 23,400 hectares. Besides the function in protecting the environment, the lake has become an appealing tourist spot of Yen Bai thanks to its impressively clear blue water and stunning cave systems such as Thuy Tien Cave and Xuan Long Cave. From the peak of Cao Bien – the largest and longest mountain range, visitors have the chance to get a bird’s eye view of the misting Thac Ba Lake in the dawn.

Muong Lo Valley

Nghia Lo is home to about 30,000 people who gather in the flat and immense valley named Muong Lo. The valley is surrounded by the endless ranges of lush mountains and is the habitat of several ethnic minority groups with their diverse cultures and customs. From a higher position, the valley looks like a gigantic yellow saucepan embraced by streams and cloud-covered mountains.

Dong Cuong Temple

Known as Mau Thuong Ngan, Dong Cuong Temple is about 50km from the city of Yen Bai. It is one of the two largest temples in the upper reaches of the Red River in Yen Bai. The temple worships Ve Quoc and the national heroes who drew the Nguyen Mong (Mongolian) aggressor away in the 13th century. Every year, there is a festival that is held on 27th and 28th February to pray for a lucky and prosperous year. There are a variety of traditional games such as singing, shuttlecock, wrestling, and dancing also take place at this festival.

Suoi Giang

Suoi Giang that is 20km from Nghia Lo Township is the homeland of old-age tea trees. Located on the height of 800-1000m above the sea level, Suoi Giang is an ideal place for relaxation with a mild climate. Further, it is also suitable for cultural explorers who desire to learn about the authentic cultural life of the H’Mong ethnic group. The area near the village of Suoi Giang is worth your visit as it is the place you can see tea trees which are 100 – 400 years old. Local people believe this tea is medicine and call it “medical tea”. Small villages and wooden houses of Thai and Hmong people create peaceful scenery.

Mu Cang Chai is a rural district in Northwestern Vietnam. Recently the region has opened to tourism purposes, so the services are quite finite with a number of mini-hotels and local homestays in Yen Bai City, Nghia Lo, and Mu Cang Chai. Thus, you should book your accommodation prior to your Mu Cang Chai trip, especially travelers flock into the site at weekends. The price is relatively low, from $US 6 per person per night. Following is the list of accommodations for the reference of your Yen Bai tours.

Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge

The lodge consists of 7 beautiful designed bungalows that are part of traditional houses on stilt. Its neo-renaissance style furniture is elegantly decorated with unique wooden floors and comfortable amenities.

Add: Hua Khat Village, Nam Khan Ward, Mu Cang Chai District

Tel: 039 610 6106

Hello Mu Cang Chai Homestay

Add: La Pan Tan Ward, Mu Cang Chai district

Tel: 0379 292 222

Do Gu Homestay

Add: La Pan Tan Ward, Mu Cang Chai district

Tel: 097 736 33 45

Chung Homestay

Add: Nghia Lo Town

Tel: +84 983 293 699 / +84 39 906 1335

Nghia Lo Hotel

Add: Nghia Lo town, Yen Bai

Tel: +84 216 3870 106

With amazing ingredients and skillful cooking procedures, Northern Vietnam has the most distinct and mouth-watering cuisine in Vietnam. Below are savory foods that you should have a try on your tour to Yen Bai.

Luc Yen Banana Cake

This special sweet cake is made of ripe bananas covered in wet flour and deep-fried in boiled oil until it turns golden brown each side. Luc Yen people spend time and skill to make tasty ones. People soak peeled bananas in hot water, ground and mixed with rice powder to coat and finally stuffed with sugar, pounded steamed mung bean and peanuts inside. After the cake is wrapped by banana leaves, it will be steamed for half an hour. Traditionally, the cake is usually served on full moon day or during local festivals.

Sinh Fish

This kind of fish is such pride of Thai people as they only live in Van Chan town. The tender meat and soft bones of these small fishes make them become one of the must-try specialties in Yen Bai. Just walk on the streets, you will see people grill fishes at street food shops.

Yen Bai Sausage

This is a kind of Asian sausage made of chopped bacon, pepper, sugar, and honey. The unique seasonings in Yen Bai repute this special sausage that is dried by charcoal, bagasse, chaff, and bay leaf. People often feel the pleasant smoky scent of sugarcane when tasting.

Tu Le Green Sticky Rice

Though not famous as it’s of Hanoi, Tu Le green sticky rice is also a food that you should not give a miss when in Yen Bai. Tu Le’s sticky rice is fragrant and tasty thanks to the mild climate all year round and big temperature gap between day and night. As a result, the amount of energy kept in the grains if relatively high.

Mu Cang Chai is located 180 km away from the city of Yen Bai. You can take a motorbike, bus, or train from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai.

By Motorbike

The easiest and shortest way to reach Mu Cang Chai by driving a motorbike from Hanoi is to follow highway No.12 after crossing the Thang Long bridge. Keep driving in Phuc Yen, Viet Tri, and Doan Hung and then go along highway No.70, you will get to Yen Bai province.

By Coach

The great distance of Hanoi and Mu Cang Chai often take you half a day to arrive by bus. You can buy tickets at My Dinh station (if you will start from Hanoi) or Sapa Bus station if you start from Sapa. The average bus fare ranges from 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND per person a turn. Buses start at My Dinh bus station at 20 Pham Hung, Hanoi. On arrival, make sure that you walk to the main building to buy a ticket and stay away from any driver who convinces you to get on his vehicle. On the way, ask the driver to let you get off at Yen Bai bus station.

To reach Mu Cang Chai from Yen Bai City, you should wake up early to catch the local bus that departs at 5.30 am. Buses pass by many tea fields and the beautiful Khau Pha pass. You can get around Mu Cang Chai easily by renting a motorbike there. Motorbike for rent is 200,000 VND /day and you probably have to deposit around 2,000,000 VND.

By Train

From Hanoi, trains usually depart at night and arrive in Yen Bai train station in the early morning. Note that Hanoi railway station has two gates: the main gate located at 120 Le Duan street for South-bound train, and the other located at Tran Quy Cap street for North train to Sapa, Yen Bai).

Contact us to get more information

TOUR PACKAGES INCLUDING "Yen Bai"

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Holiday: The Unseen Northern Vietnam in 4 Weeks
Unseen / 27 days / fr. $2,549

Explore Vietnam’s most remote and rugged region with an unforgettable scenic road trip. The journey rewards with visits to colorful hill-tribe villages and a chance to summit Vietnam’s... More

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Travel: 3-Week Trek the Northwestern Vietnam in Style
Trek & Hike / 24 days / fr. $2,590

Venture into Vietnam’s north, escaping the modern world and delving into a land rich in culture and natural beauty. Spend the night in the middle of nowhere, trek through vibrant rice terrace... More

Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Adventure Tours: 18-Day The Unseen Northwestern
Unseen / 18 days / fr. $1,920

Exploring the fairy-tale landscapes of Northwestern Vietnam in style. Starting the discovery at the famous Sapa before heading to Son La & Dien Bien Phu, touching clouds on grandiose mountains... More

Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours: 10-Day Biking the Remote Northeast Mountains Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours: 10-Day Biking the Remote Northeast Mountains

- Vietnam -

Vietnam Backroads Bicycle Tours: 10-Day Biking the Remote Northeast Mountains
Cycling & Biking / 10 days / fr. $2,520

Gear up and hit the road for a challenging but rewarding Vietnam biking adventure. Head to the rugged north where miles of quiet roads await. Pedal over imposing mountains, passing through vibrant... More

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi

Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay

Sapa
Sapa

Hoi An
Hoi An

Hue
Hue

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

image
24-hour response
guaranteed!
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision. Check below our recommended plans regarding the theme you prefer or what you can do based on the time frame you have

Vietnam PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Vietnam PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Vietnam TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!
WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Vietnam BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Before being awarded a one-star rating by Michelin Guide for the first time, four Vietnamese restaurants - one in HCMC and three in Hanoi - were honored by international media and received applause from foreign diners.

...more

"Should I visit Thailand or Vietnam?" is some of the most frequently asked questions that we have from our travelers

Well, Vietnam and Thailand are the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. They are similar in climate and food, though obviously different in culture, lifestyle and travel experience.

Below we list 13 major differences between the two countries, to give you a quick overview and help you decide which to visit first. These are based on our own travel experiences, investigations, and partnerships with local operators.

...more

How long to spend in Vietnam may seem like a ridiculous question to address, but if you have plenty of time and aren’t sure how much to dedicate, this blog will definitely help you out.

You can find here and there that you should spend 10 days, 2 weeks, 20 days, or 1 month to best explore Vietnam. So what is the best Vietnam tour duration for you?

Well, as long as you like! From 10 days to a month, there are various ways you can travel across Vietnam and uncover its secrets. Advising an ideal trip length for Vietnam is a bit of a complex challenge, as it depends on several factors such as the places you wish to visit, the activities you plan to join, or if you want to combine Vietnam with its neighbor countries. 

Stay tuned! We are going to sort all these things out including the step-by-step guide to create the best itinerary in Vietnam.

...more

Vietnam would scrap the Covid-19 testing requirement for all arrivals starting Sunday, May 15th 2022, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed.

In a document issued Friday, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Health to closely follow the coronavirus situation and provide proper guidance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should direct Vietnamese authorities outside the country to inform people who wish to enter Vietnam to follow appropriate disease prevention measures, he said.

The latest decision has been made as the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths drops both in Vietnam and around the world. Several countries have been taking steps to relax coronavirus restrictions, including scrapping testing before entry.

Current policies issued by the health ministry require entrants to have negative results from PCR tests done within the previous 72 hours, or a negative result from a rapid test done within the last 24 hours.

Those who don’t have a negative test result must refrain from making contact with others during the first 24 hours after entry. They will be able to move freely once they test negative after arrival.

Children under two don’t need to be tested.

Vietnam stopped requiring medical declarations from those arriving from abroad starting April 27, and for domestic travel starting April 30.

...more

The “Colorful Hanoi” hot air balloon festival is one of the attractive activities within the framework of the program “Hanoi tourism welcomes 2022” taking place from March 25-27, 2022.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Myanmar
bee-white Myanmar
It's a new era for this extraordinary and complex land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and the traditional ways of Asia endure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top