lifestyle
Ha nh Ngan
The theatre of rice For many people, the key image Vietnam conjures up is that of picture-postcard rice terraced mountain scenery, but what most people don’t know is the very best of this scenery is found not in famous Sapa, but in the lesser known Mu Cang Chai.
M
u Cang Chai is a charming destination all year-round, but it is during harvest season that it comes into its own and landscape photographers are attracted in their droves. Clear blue skies and rushing rivers flowing through the valleys combine with the harvest-ready yellow rice and newer vibrant green crop to create an Eden-like scene. To see this display at its very best, a visit in September or October is a must.
A western district of Yen Bai province in Northern Vietnam, Mu Cang Chai is home to some 700 hectares of terraced rice fields. Seventy percent of these fields lie in three communes: La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha and De Su Phinh. This is land that has been cultivated by the H’mong people for centuries. The traditional cultural heritage of the H’mong people has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism and the area has been
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