Tram Tau: rice terraces and hot springs off the beaten track
A highland district of terraced fields, H'mong and Thai villages and natural hot springs — a gentler alternative to Mu Cang Chai.
3 September 2026
Tram Tau, a highland district of former Yen Bai province (now part of Lao Cai), sits about 100 km from the provincial capital on the road towards Mu Cang Chai. It has the same sweeping rice terraces as its famous neighbour, far fewer visitors — and natural hot springs at the end of the day.
The terraces
The fields are flooded and planted in May and June, when the terraces turn into mirrors. In September and October the rice ripens and the valleys glow gold, with H'mong and Thai women harvesting in traditional dress. Cu Vai village and the slopes around Ta Chi Nhu peak are the places to go.
The hot springs
About 2 km from the district centre, the Tram Tau hot-spring area has outdoor pools beside the rice fields, fed by water at around 43–45°C. After the winding mountain roads, a soak with a view of the terraces is hard to beat.
Walking and climbing
Tram Tau is also the starting point for Ta Chi Nhu, one of the highest peaks in northern Vietnam, famous for its purple flowers in autumn, and for hikes to Ta Xua's "sea of clouds" and Hang Te Cho waterfall.
Staying and eating
Homestays run by local families have multiplied in recent years. Expect five-colour sticky rice, black chicken, bamboo shoots, stream moss and Shan Tuyet tea from ancient trees.
Tram Tau works as a stop on the way to Mu Cang Chai or as a short trip of its own. Bring a jacket — evenings are chilly even in summer.
