Mam Xoi Hill
Overview
Mâm Xôi Hill is a small, round hill in La Pán Tẩn commune, about 8 km from Mu Cang Chai town, terraced in rings all the way to the top. The name means "tray of sticky rice", after its rounded shape. It is the most photographed spot in Mu Cang Chai and part of the protected terrace landscape of La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha and Dế Xu Phình.
Get There
Mâm Xôi is in La Pán Tẩn commune, about 8 km from Mu Cang Chai town. Go by motorbike, xe ôm (motorbike taxi) or private car from town, or from a homestay in La Pán Tẩn. The viewpoint is on the hillside opposite, so you look across at the hill rather than climbing it. The last stretch to the viewpoint is on foot over uneven ground, so wear shoes with grip.
From Hanoi, take a sleeper bus from My Dinh bus station to Mu Cang Chai town (VND 300,000–600,000, 6–8 hours) and continue by xe ôm.
Hotels
H'mong family homestays in La Pán Tẩn are the closest option and make a sunrise visit easy. Chế Cu Nha, the next commune, has more homestays among its own terraces. Mu Cang Chai town has simple guesthouses about 8 km away. Book ahead for mid-September to early October, when harvest brings the most visitors.
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Best time: Mid-September to early October, when the rings of rice turn gold, and May to June, when the terraces are flooded and the hill looks like an island in the water. From July to August the rice is green; from November to April the fields are bare.
Time of day: For sunset, arrive at least an hour early to watch the light change across the terraces, and stay after the sun goes down, when the colours soften and most people leave. Sunrise is quieter and good in water-pouring season, when the flooded fields catch the morning light.
Tips: Facilities are limited, so bring water and snacks. Stay on the paths and off the terrace walls, which hold the water in. Local families sometimes charge a small fee to cross their land to a viewpoint, so carry small notes. Weekends at harvest are crowded; go on a weekday if you can.
Nearby: The terraces of Chế Cu Nha and Dế Xu Phình, Lìm Mông village and Khau Phạ Pass, all on the same side of Mu Cang Chai.
