La Pan Tan is a great place to base yourself for a Mu Cang Chai trip and is one of the first areas you reach 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 the best entrance 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, Mam Xoi Be, and other viewpoints.
La Pan Tan is one of the most popular destinations in Mu Cang Chai. In the hills above Rt. 32, there are many great photo locations and homestays. This area is home to many Hmong families who tend to the terraced rice fields. Many 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 La Pan Tan area is the famous Mam Xoi. Google translates this as “raspberry,” but the name refers to a tray of sticky rice. From above, the terraces form a rounded shape that resembles a tray. You’ll find a “Mam Xoi” in Sapa (Nam Cang area) and Hoang Su Phi (Tong Nguyen area).
La Pan Tan, and terraced rice fields in general, are great for drone photographers. Vietnam’s drone regulations can change, and local authorities may have additional requirements. For recreational flights, drones weighing less than 250 g can be exempt from the flight-permit requirement when operating outside prohibited and restricted airspace, within visual line of sight. However, the drone must still be registered. Drones weighing 250 g or more are subject to additional requirements, including pilot licensing and flight-permit rules. Always check the current regulations and the applicable restricted or prohibited areas before flying. The current no fly zone map: Vietnam UAV prohibited/restricted airspace portal — Bộ Quốc phòng
My personal experience in Mu Cang Chai is that I have had no issues flying drones, but that is only my personal experience and should not be taken as legal advice.
