On the way to the town center of Mu Cang Chai on September 11th. Photo by Manh Duc
Mr. Manh Duc, a local tourism operator in Mu Cang Chai, shared that after the landfall of Typhoon Yagi, the region experienced a few days of rainfall. Fortunately, due to the absence of strong winds, the terraced rice fields remain intact and beautiful, with the rice stalks still standing tall.
Local resorts and homestays in the area reported no significant damage from Typhoon Yagi and its aftermath. A representative from a Mu Cang Chai resort assured, “Our facility is in good condition and ready to serve guests immediately.” However, they have also offered to reschedule bookings for guests who prefer to postpone their visits.
Life returns to normalcy in Mu Cang Chai as locals resume their farming activities. Inter-provincial buses from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai have been operational for the past two days, despite minor landslides on certain sections of the Khau Pha Pass.
A Ho, a local transport operator in Mu Cang Chai, confirmed that the areas severely affected by the typhoon are mostly those located near rivers, such as Yen Bai City, Tran Yen, and Luc Yen. Some of these areas are still experiencing flooding. However, these affected areas are not along the usual route taken by buses traveling to Mu Cang Chai. The main road, QL32, remains open and accessible.
In Hoang Su Phi, Mr. Giap Van Hai, a tourism professional, reported clear and sunny skies. However, there are currently no tourist groups in the area due to the unfavorable weather conditions in neighboring regions and Hanoi. Many tourist groups proactively canceled their tours last weekend.
“Tourists and tour operators are working together, sharing the losses, and understanding each other’s concerns. Safety always comes first,” said Mr. Hai.
View of Khau Pha valley from a homestay on September 12th. Photo by Blue Home
On the morning of September 12th, on a forum with nearly 50,000 members dedicated to Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi tourism, guests continuously inquired about weather updates, the rice harvest season, and accommodation options in the area.
Despite the current favorable weather conditions, local tourism operators advised that this week may not be the best time to visit. Guests are recommended to postpone their trips by a week or more and closely monitor weather forecasts to ensure a safe journey.
“My company has decided to pause our tours and encourage guests to delay their visits,” shared Mr. Duc. He added that if the good weather persists, tourists can plan their trips to Mu Cang Chai to admire the rice terraces in the coming week.
Mr. Hai also suggested that the following week would be ideal for witnessing the golden rice fields in Hoang Su Phi. Accommodation options in Hoang Su Phi, Mu Cang Chai, and Tu Le all have ample room availability.
The primary concern for guests considering a visit to Mu Cang Chai or Hoang Su Phi at this time is the state of the roads. There is still a possibility of landslides in certain areas, and some regions are experiencing intermittent rainfall. “There are still inherent risks, although not significant, but we should not be complacent,” warned Mr. Manh Duc.
Mu Cang Chai has experienced a few landslides, but these have been promptly cleared by local authorities and residents, ensuring normal traffic flow. In Ha Giang, the road to Ban Phung and certain sections leading to Suoi Thau will be muddy and challenging to navigate.
According to forecasts, the rice in Mu Cang Chai will reach full maturity within the next two weeks, while Hoang Su Phi is expected to be a golden spectacle in about ten days.
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