La Pan Tan is one of the most popular destinations in Mu Cang Chai. In the hills above Rt.32 there are m any great photo locations and homestays. This area is home to many Hmong families who tend to the terraced rice fields. Many of the Hmong families have created homestays where you can immerse yourself in their culture while visiting the rice terraces.
The most popular rice terrace in the LaPan Tan area is the famous Mam Xoi. Somehow Google translates this as raspberry tray but in fact it is a terraced field with a round plate like top. You’ll find a “Mam Xoi” in SaPa (Nam Cang area) and Hoang Su Phi (Tong Nguyen area).
It’s a great place to base yourself for a Mu Cang Chai trip and one of the first areas as you enter after coming over the Khau Pha Pass from Tu Le. There are two main entrances to the area. One is after you pass the small commercial area near Pung Luong. This is best for many of the homestays. The second is where Google maps will send you. There is a checkpoint here where a small fee is collected and motorcycle taxis are available to take you directly to Mam Xoi or Ma Xoi Be and other viewpoints.
