‘Golden season’ of Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi is not affected by storms and floods

From September 11, in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai and Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, the weather has been sunny with occasional light rains, and the terraced fields have begun to change color. These are two of the destinations with the most beautiful “golden season” in the North and are always crowded with tourists in September.

Mr. Manh Duc, who works in tourism in Mu Cang Chai, said that after Typhoon Yagi made landfall, Mu Cang Chai had rain for a few days. Because there was no strong wind, the terraced fields “were still beautiful, the rice did not fall over”.

Resorts and homestays in the area reported “no damage” after Typhoon Yagi and its circulation. “The resort is in good condition and can serve guests immediately,” said a representative of a resort in Mu Cang Chai. However, the resort has also supported rescheduling for some guests who had pre-booked.

Mu Cang Chai people have started working in the fields. Passenger buses from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai have been running for two days now, although some sections of Khau Pha Pass have suffered minor landslides.

A Ho, who works in tourism transportation in Mu Cang Chai, said that the most affected areas are located near the river, such as Yen Bai city, Tran Yen, and Luc Yen. Some areas are still flooded. “The buses to Mu Cang Chai do not pass through these areas. Highway 32 to Mu Cang Chai is running normally,” said A Ho.

In Hoang Su Phi, Mr. Giap Van Hai, who works in tourism, also said that the weather is “beautiful and sunny”. However, there are currently no tourist groups because the weather in the surrounding areas and in Hanoi is still bad. Many tourist groups have proactively canceled their tours since last weekend.

“Tourists and tour operators proactively work together, each side bears part of the damage, sympathizing with each other because safety is paramount,” said Mr. Hai.

On the morning of September 12, on the forum there were nearly 50,000 members of Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi tourism, visitors continuously asked for news about the weather, rice season as well as homestay areas in this area.

Despite the good weather conditions in the area, tourism professionals say this week is not the best time to travel. Tourists should postpone their trips for a week or more and keep an eye on weather forecasts in the coming days to ensure safety.

“This week, my company has stopped all tours and advised customers to postpone their trips,” said Mr. Duc, adding that if the current good weather continues, next week tourists will be able to go to Mu Cang Chai to see the rice fields.

Mr. Hai also said that next week, the rice fields in Hoang Su Phi will start to turn yellow, “suitable for tourists to travel”. Accommodations here still have many rooms, similar to those in Mu Cang Chai or Tu Le.

Concerns about roads are the biggest reason why visitors should not visit Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi at the moment. Some places are still having rain, which can cause landslides at any time. “There are still potential risks, although not big, but we should not be subjective,” said Mr. Manh Duc.

Mu Cang Chai has a few landslides that have been cleared by authorities and local people for normal travel. In Ha Giang, the road to Phung village and some sections to Suoi Thau will be muddy and difficult to travel.

According to forecasts, rice in Mu Cang Chai will ripen in about two weeks, and in Hoang Su Phu, in about 10 days, this area will be “golden”.