How to Get to Muong Hum & Y Ty for Photography
Located 334 km from Hanoi, Muong Hum and Y Ty are off-the-beaten-path destinations that reward patient travelers with unparalleled photo opportunities.

Travel Options:
- By Car/Bus: Most travelers take Highway CT05 to Lao Cai, then follow DT158—a winding (and sometimes bumpy) road—to Muong Hum.
- By Motorbike (for adventurers): Motorbike rentals in Hanoi let you explore at your own pace. Note: CT05 is car-only, so alternative routes are needed for riders.
Pro Tip: Arrive before sunset—the golden light over the terraces is worth the long journey!
Where to stay in Muong Hum – Y Ty for photography?
Unlike touristy Sa Pa, Muong Hum and Y Ty offer raw, unfiltered charm with limited—but authentic—accommodations.
Muong Hum (Rustic & Remote)
Homestay Mr. Hun (+84 98 945 1306) – Basic but cozy, with shared bathrooms and a communal lounge. Ideal for immersive cultural shots.
Local Eats: Try the nearby pho stall for a hearty breakfast before sunrise shoots.
Y Ty (Misty & More Developed)
Perched at 1,500m altitude, Y Ty’s ever-shifting clouds create dreamy backdrops. Stay at:
- Y Ty Clouds Homestay – Authentic tribal hospitality.
- Y Ty Lodge – A newer option with better amenities.
Notice: Foreigners cannot stay overnight in Y Ty without a permit from the provincial policeman. Momentlives will obtain this permit if you’re on our photo tour to Muong Hum or Y Ty.
Best Photography Spots: Rice Terraces & Tribal Life
The entire region is a living postcard, but these spots are must-shoots:
Muong Hum’s Den Sang Valley
- Follow the valley loop road—one side offers sweeping terrace views, the other, mountain backdrops.
- Photograph local farmers tending fields; they’re friendly and photogenic.
Y Ty’s Endless Terraces
- Wander the backroads to find hidden vantage points over layered paddies.
- At dawn, the clouds roll in, creating surreal, moody scenes.
Pro Tip: Visit May–June for mirror-like reflections or September for golden harvest hues.
Essential Photography Gear for Muong Hum & Y Ty
Pack smart to capture the region’s grandeur and intimate moments:
Lenses:
- Telephoto (70-200mm+): For compressing distant terraces and candid farmer portraits.
- Mid-Range (24-70mm): Versatile for environmental portraits and storytelling.
- Wide-Angle (16-35mm): Expansive landscapes, especially at sunrise.
Extras:
- UV Filter: Cuts through haze common in Northern Vietnam’s mountains.
- Tripod: Critical for telephoto shots and long exposures at dawn/dusk.
- Backup Storage: You’ll fill cards fast—bring extras or a portable hard drive.
Personal Gear:
- Sturdy hiking shoes (terrain is steep!).
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, long sleeves).
- Insect repellent (rice fields = mosquitoes).
Check out our tour “The Hidden Paradise” – which includes the beautiful regions of Muong Hum and Y Ty.