The terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai have been recognized as a Special National Monument.

The terraced rice fields, covering approximately 2,200 hectares across the three communes of La Pán Tẩn, Chế Cu Nha, and Dế Xu Phình in Mù Cang Chải district, Yên Bái province, have long been a must-see destination for travelers to Northwest Vietnam. The popular travel website When On Earth once exclaimed, "This is truly the most exquisite and captivating beauty, and perhaps more unique than anywhere else in the world." Discovery Channel, with over 11.3 million Instagram followers, also dedicated a post to showcasing the picturesque scenery of Mù Cang Chải to the international online community.

Recently, the Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields were recognized by the Prime Minister as a Special National Monument, along with several other destinations such as: the Chi Lang Historical Site (Lang Son); the Xuong Giang Victory Site (Bac Giang); the Non Nuoc Mountain Historical and Scenic Site (Ninh Binh); the Sam Son Historical and Scenic Site (Thanh Hoa); the Dai Phung Temple Architectural and Artistic Monument (Dan Phuong, Hanoi); and the Hai Ba Trung Temple-Pagoda-Commune Architectural and Artistic Monument (Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi). Prior to this, in 2007, the Mu Cang Chai terraced rice fields were classified as a National Monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai are at their most beautiful around May and June when the fields are flooded with water, and from September and October when a golden yellow color of ripe glutinous rice stretches across the hillsides. Visitors coming here during this period can freely take in the majestic and picturesque scenery of the rice fields, like a watercolor painting.

Huong Thao