Exploring a scenic route through the forests of Vietnam's Northwest
With majestic natural scenery, renowned destinations and the distinctive cultural identities of local ethnic communities, the route from Van Ban Commune through Nam Xe and Khao Mang to Mu Cang Chai and Tu Le is emerging as one of the Northwest's most attractive touring routes, helping strengthen inter-locality tourism links.
From the centre of Van Ban Commune, travellers can follow the road connecting National Highway 279 through Nam Xe, Khao Mang and Mu Cang Chai to Tu Le before joining National Highway 32, taking on one of the Northwest's most scenic and impressive routes. Photo: The road across Khau Co Pass, Nam Xe Commune.
Winding bends hug the mountainsides, with sheer cliffs on one side and deep valleys on the other, creating the dramatic scenery typical of the highlands.
Along the way, visitors can admire seemingly endless expanses of lush primary forest...
...crystal-clear streams, broad valleys and peaceful villages nestled at the foot of the mountains.
Each season gives the route a distinct beauty that captivates travellers: forest flowers burst into colour in spring, while young rice turns the landscape vibrant green in summer. The road notably passes through Mu Cang Chai and Tu Le, destinations famed for terraced rice fields that draw large numbers of visitors and photographers during the ripening season. Photo: The “Mam Xoi” (sticky rice tray) terraces of Mu Cang Chai during the water-pouring season.
Surrounded by high mountains, the Tu Le valley is renowned for its rice fields, hot springs and the distinctive culture of the Thai ethnic community.
Beyond its natural landscapes, the route also introduces visitors to the rich cultural spaces of Mong, Dao and Thai communities and other groups that have lived here for generations. Photo: A Tay ethnic village in Duong Quy Commune.
In recent years, gradual investment in transport infrastructure has made the route linking National Highways 279 and 32 increasingly convenient, shortening travel time among localities and opening opportunities for inter-regional tourism development. Photo: The centres of Van Ban Commune and Mu Cang Chai Commune.
The section across Khau Pha Pass is being repaired and upgraded to improve traffic safety.
With pristine mountains and forests, fertile fields, spectacular terraces and the distinctive cultures of local ethnic communities, the route from Van Ban through Nam Xe, Khao Mang and Mu Cang Chai to Tu Le is becoming a highlight on the Northwest tourism map, promising unforgettable experiences for travellers exploring the landscapes and people of Lao Cai.
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