Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Yen Bai – Terraced Fields, Lakes & Cultural Gems

1.Mu Cang Chai

The district of Mù Cang Chải in Yên Bái Province in Vietnam is famous for its amazing terraced rice fields. The terraces look beautiful and also reflect the skill and heritage of the local Hmong people.

• The history and culture of nations play a major role.
• The rich terraced fields in Mù Cang Chải were formed and preserved by the meticulous conditions from the Hmong over hundreds of years. Because of their elevation which is usually over 1,000 meters above sea level, their farming techniques had to be both creative and innovative. Terraces were kept fertile and irrigated through careful piping of water from nearby mountain streams using bamboo tubing developed by the Hmong.
• Because of their historical and cultural value, the Vietnamese government made approximately 500 hectares of the terraces in La Pan Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha and Dế Xu Phình a National Heritage Site in 2007. In 2020, the Cufutong terraces were declared as a Special National Relic because of their special cultural landscape.

Community Tourism for the Protection of Culture
Mù Cang Chải is supported by community-based tourism to maintain its culture while their tourism industry develops. Family-run guest houses, guided excursions and shared cultural activities are some examples. They are helpful for the community by boosting the economy and encouraging cultural exchange.

Festivals held every year in the region represent their cultural traditions with dancing, songs and local foods. They allow visitors to enjoy themselves and learn about what the Hmong people do and the purpose of the terraced fields.

• The place is in Yên Bái Province, Vietnam.

• For the golden harvest, go in late September to early October; for the reflective watering season, anytime from May through June is best.

2.Thac Ba Lake

In Yên Bái Province, Vietnam, the Thác Bà Lake is known for merging natural beauty, its past and different traditions. Because of its resemblance to Hạ Long Bay in nature, this artificial lake is a reflection of Vietnam supporting sustainable and heritage-rich development.

Historical Background
In the years 1962 to 1970, a dam was added to the Chảy River which became Thác Bà Lake to support the Thác Bà Hydropower Plant—the first in the country. The project which was helped by Soviet experts, was a key step in advancing the nation’s industrialization. The lake measures about 23,400 hectares in size, has over 1,300 islands and islets and is very important for flood control, supporting irrigation and generating electricity.

History and Cultural Value
There is more than its technical achievement in that Thác Bà Lake is rich with history. In 1285, the Thu Vật Battle was fought and General Trần Nhật Duật led the Vietnamese to victory over the Mongolian invaders. There is a temple on the lake called the Thác Bà Mother Goddess Temple which honors the Hùng Kings era’s Princess Minh Đạt for teaching local people about farming and handicrafts. General Trần Nhật Duật is said to have prayed here before going on to win his campaign .

Visiting Information

• Found in Yên Bái Province which is situated 130 km away from Hanoi.
• Boating on rivers, discovering caves, trekking up mountains and experiencing culture are popular activities.
• The best periods to come are spring and autumn which offer good climate and exciting festivals.

3.Suoi Giang 

Suối Giàng is located high in the Yên Bái Province and visitors come here to marvel at its Shan Tuyết tea trees and see its rich cultural heritage. The commune, hovering between 1,200 and 2,200 meters above sea level, treats visitors to beautiful nature, historical fact and a fascinating cultural life.

• Importance to History and Culture
• There are over 400 old Shan Tuyết tea trees in Suối Giàng and some of them are centuries old. The Asia-Pacific Takasago Oak Group is mentioned as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment which emphasizes its importance to the environment and culture .
• Tea trees have been respected and nurtured by the Hmong community for many generations, who regard them as important to their daily life. It is said in local stories that the Hmong found the special health benefits of the leaves here and settled nearby, constructing their community on this site .

• In that year, the ancient tea tree at Suối Giàng was recognized at the Muong Lo Culture and Tourism Week to honor the Suối Giàng tea brand and safeguard the traditions of the Hmong people .

• Tourism for Nature and Culture
• The area of Suối Giàng has turned into a popular spot for ecotourism, thanks to its lovely landscapes and traditions. Trying out tea picking, knowing how tea is made and exploring different flavors through tasting is possible for visitors. The Suối Giàng Tea Culture Space helps share the region’s tea heritage and grow local tourism.
• Some of the festivals here highlight Hmong traditions with live music, dance and special food, letting tourists appreciate how Hmong people live. These types of homestays, for example, Pu Lo (coming soon), blend the convenient comforts of a hotel with authentic culture and enable guests to connect with the people.

• The area where it takes place is Suối Giàng Commune, Văn Chấn District, Yên Bái Province, Vietnam.
• Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, because the weather is nice and festivals and tea harvesting seasons take place then.

4.Zonitrip – Day Tours

With an emphasis on Northern Vietnam’s adventure and culture, Zonitrip is an outstanding Vietnamese tour operator. Zonitrip was founded by Nghia Bui, who loves traveling and learning from communities and cultures and who provides specialized tours by foot, bike or car through the region.

Background and What We Do
Created five years ago, Zonitrip was launched to present the genuine beauty of Vietnam’s mountains. The tour company wants tourists to have real experiences that highlight the variety of cultures and beautiful natural places in the country. Because Zonitrip takes travelers to less-crowded areas, guests get to enjoy the uniqueness of Vietnam.

Importance to the culture and history

• Cultural immersion plays a strong role in Zonitrip’s tours. People who travel can meet the Dao, Tay and Hmong communities and understand more about their cultural customs, arts and daily routines. Partnering with local people gives Zonitrip travellers the real chance to experience another’s traditional way of life while also helping to save their culture.
• It is clear that the company supports responsible tourism by hiring local guides and including volunteer activities in every trip which involve helping with education and boosting living standards in the minority and poorer part of Vietnam.

• Work out the Details
• Zonitrip organizes custom tours suitable for anyone wanting in-depth travel through the regions and cultures of Northern Vietnam. You can hike through terraced areas, ride along curvy roads on a motorbike or interact with local people and Zonitrip will provide a unique and valuable travel experience.

5.Yen Bai Tv Tours

Yen Bai TV Tours is a way to share the traditions, history and picturesque lands of Yen Bai Province with the world. Using travel articles, documentaries and cultural programs, it helps locals and tourists to enjoy and appreciate the special qualities of the province.

Significance of Yen Bai to Vietnam’s History

• Historically, Yen Bai Province has been familiar to Vietnamese people because of major events and important cultural developments:
• 1930 marked the Yen Bai Mutiny, a main fight for independence where the VNQDĐ (Vietnamese Nationalist Party) opposed French rule. Although the uprising was stopped, it sparked several nationalist movements across much of the nation.
• Because of archaeological finds in the area, including remains from the Son Vi Culture, it is known that humans inhabited Yen Bai 10,000 years ago.
• Yen Bai’s ethnic diversity means that people from different backgrounds such as the Hmong, Dao and Thai all contribute to the province’s many traditions and customs.

Cultural and Natural Sites

• Many of Yen Bai TV Tours include the province’s interesting attractions such as:
• Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields are known for how stunning they look and for showing how the local people care for their environment.
• An artificial lake, Thac Ba Lake is big in Vietnam and provides chances to go boating, fish and visit caves and temples nearby.
• Suoi Giang is an ethnic minority community where ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees are grown and Hmong cultural traditions are practiced.
• Built to show respect for national heroes, Dong Cuong Temple displays the deep religious and historical background of the province.

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