Mu Cang Chai, a district in Vietnam's Yen Bai Province, is gearing up to host the spectacular Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival on Vietnam's Independence Day holiday from September 1 to September 3, 2024. This event, held annually, attracts adventure enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture the stunning terraced rice fields from the sky as they turn golden in the harvest season.

This year's festival will offer not just breathtaking paragliding experiences but also cultural events that highlight the unique traditions of the local ethnic communities. It's a chance to witness the natural beauty of the region and enjoy a thrilling activity in a festive atmosphere.

If you're considering a trip to Mu Cang Chai, this period will provide a vibrant mix of adventure and culture, making it a perfect time to visit.

Mu Cang Chai And Its Significance

Mu Cang Chai is a hidden gem known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields. These terraces, crafted over centuries by the Hmong ethnic group, are not only a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the local people but also a stunning visual spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world, especially during the harvest season when the fields turn a radiant golden hue.

Given its natural beauty and cultural significance, Mu Cang Chai has become the ideal location for hosting a paragliding festival, particularly during Vietnam's Independence Day. The Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival not only showcases the district's picturesque landscapes but also celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of the local ethnic communities​.

Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival

The Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival, held from September 1 to September 3, 2024, is the main highlight of the Independence Day celebrations in the district. This annual event has gained popularity over the years, drawing both professional and amateur paragliders eager to soar above the stunning terraced fields.

This year, the “Flying Over the Heritage Site – Golden Season 2024” Paragliding Festival will be held in Lim Mong Village, Cao Pha Commune, Mu Cang Chai District (on September 1st and 2nd). The festival aims to boost tourism and promote the terraced fields to both domestic and international visitors. A key highlight will be a special flight displaying the national flag in celebration of Vietnam’s Independence Day.

At Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival, visitors will be treated to unique paragliding performances. Approximately 20 paragliders with engines will fly in coordinated formations, creating artistic smoke trails in the sky. Additionally, the festival offers tandem paragliding experiences for visitors, both with and without engines, from August 25th to November 30th.

Participants launch from high points such as the Khau Pha Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Vietnam, which offers unparalleled views of the valley below. The sight of colorful paragliders gliding gracefully above the golden terraces creates a mesmerizing scene that has become iconic in promoting Mu Cang Chai as an adventure tourism destination.

Other Events During The Festival

In addition to the paragliding activities, the festival is filled with various cultural events that celebrate the rich heritage of the local ethnic groups. Traditional music and dance performances, featuring the distinctive sounds and movements of the Hmong and other ethnic communities, provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the local culture.

The district will host the first Son Tra Flower Festival with the theme “Son Tra Legend,” an art program celebrating Independence Day titled “Shape of the Country,” the Golden Season Festival, the “Flying Over the Heritage Site – Golden Season 2024” Paragliding Festival, the New Rice Festival of the Hmong people, and the recognition of the Vietnam Heritage Tree; as well as a bamboo and rattan weaving contest and a wax painting competition.

Overall, the Mu Cang Chai Paragliding Festival is more than just an adventure event—it's a cultural celebration that highlights the beauty of both the landscape and the people who call this remarkable place home​. 

Read more :

=> Best things to do in Mu Cang Chai

=> Top 10 most beautiful rice paddies in Vietnam