According to the Institute of Geophysics, the earthquake occurred at 7.52 pm in Muong Hung Commune with a focal depth of about 10.2 kilometres.
The institute said the quake initially posed no natural disaster risk and that further developments were being monitored.
Videos shared on Facebook showed strong shaking accompanied by loud rumbling noises lasting around two to three seconds.
Residents were seen rushing out of their homes as the tremor struck.