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Top 7 Most Beautiful Terraced Rice Fields in Vietnam
Terraced rice fields in Vietnam are a stunning and iconic feature of the country's landscape. These terraced fields are primarily found in the northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, such as Sapa in Lao Cai Province, Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province, and Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang Province. They are a testament to the ingenuity and hard work of the ethnic minority groups living in these areas, who have transformed steep mountain slopes into fertile fields for rice cultivation.
The terraced rice fields create a breathtaking landscape with cascading levels that follow the contours of the mountains. When the rice is in season, the fields turn brilliant shades of green and yellow, making for stunning photo opportunities. If you want to see these marvellous rice fields in person, here are top 7 best places to visit in Vietnam, in no particular order:
1. Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai
Mu Cang Chai, situated in Yen Bai province, about 300 km from Hanoi, is home to the largest system of terraced rice fields in Vietnam, and the second largest in the world after that in Banaue, Philippines. Located at the foot of Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Mu Cang Chai offers a mesmerizing landscape of rice terraces that stack on top of each other and stretch as far as the eye can see. Getting there, however, is a challenge because you have to go through Khau Pha Pass, one of the most dangerous mountain route in Vietnam. Once you're in Mu Cang Chai, don't miss out on the iconic Mam Xoi Hill, a circular terraced rice field that resembles a tray of rice from above.
2. Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang
Vietnamese terraced rice fields are getting more and more recognition (as it should) from tourists, so if you want a more secluded, underrated alternative to Sapa's rice terraces than you should definitely go for Hoang Su Phi. Located at about 80 km from Ha Giang city center and 373 km from Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi lies at the foot of Tay Con Linh mountain range, it's where you can find beautiful, immaculate nature with terraced rice fields stretching to the horizon, hospitable people and beautiful cultures of the H'Mong, the ethnic group residing in this region.
Read more about Hoang Su Phi's terraced rice fields and the Ha Giang Northern Loop here.
3. Hong Thai, Tuyen Quang
Hong Thai commune, blessed with cool climate, immaculate landscapes and rice terraces winding along the hills, is an ideal destination for travelers who want to visit the northern region of Vietnam. You will not only get to explore unique cultures of the Dzao and H'Mong people but also experience a different scenery each season you visit Hong Thai. The terraced rice fields are most beautiful in the summer where the lush freen color of the fields are complemented by the warm sun, and in the autumn where the fields put on a luxurious golden coat.
4. Y Ty, Lao Cai
Y Ty, a village in Yen Bai province, at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, is known for being a "cloud-catching" destination (an activity named by Vietnamese travel enthousiasts, where you go hiking or trekking all the way to the top of a mountain to admire the clouds on the summit) but not as well-known for its terraced rice fields. During harvest season, you'll get to immerse in a sea of golden rice terraces formed along the mountains, with rustic stilt houses here and there, making it one of the most stunning and awe-inspiring terranced rice fields in Vietnam.
5. Sapa, Lao Cai
The New York based magazine, Travel and Leisure has voted Sapa's terraced rice fields as one of seven most beautiful terraced rice fields in the world, bringing in even more visiters every year. The rice fields, big or small, are all meticulously "sculpted" by the H'Mong and the Dzao to facilitate farming, which look like ethereal stairways leading to heaven. They have been around for generations and a effective way of farrming, bringing in income for the locals and contributing to the development of tourism in Sapa.
When in Sapa, you can stop by Muong Hoa Valley, Ta Phin Village, Lao Chai Village and Cat Cat Village to learn more about the lifes and culture of ethnic groups.
Deciding between Sapa and Ha Giang? Maybe we could help you.
6. Pu Luong, Thanh Hoa
Pu Luong Nature Reserve is located in Thanh Hoa province, in the central region of Vietnam. It's a new and attractive destination of which mountains are covered with tropical rainforests and valley contains a series of terraced rice fields. "Pu Luong" in the Thai ethnic's language means the highest peak. It spans over 17.600 ha and is home to a rich system of fauna and flora. Hiking through the reserve, you'll get to admire not only rice terraces, but also bamboo watering wheels, an invention of people from the Thai ethnic group to deliver water to the rice field, stunning mountains, waterfalls and caves.
7. Quang Binh, Ha Giang
Quang Binh, not to be mistaken with Quảng Bình province in Central Vietnam, is a newly established commune in Ha Giang, also known for its unique terraced rice fields. Unlike Hoang Su Phi or other regions, the rice terraces in Quang Binh flaunt their beauty during watering season (from May to June) when people use an intricate system of connected bamboo tubes to take water from mountaintops to water their rice fields. If you want to have a different look at terraced rice fields,
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit terraced rice fields in Vietnam largely depends on the specific region you plan to visit and your particular interests. However, in general, the most popular time to visit is harvesting season, from late September to early October. This is when the fields turn golden as the rice ripens, and when harvest festivals and cultural events often take place.
During off-season (rainy season), which varies by region but generally occurs from June to August, the terraced fields are planted but may not exhibit their full green or golden beauty. However, if you're interested in the agricultural process itself and experiencing rural life, this can be an intriguing time to visit.
Final thoughts
Visiting the terraced rice fields of Vietnam is a memorable experience for travelers, as it allows them to connect with the country's rich culture and witness the extraordinary beauty of the landscape. If you plan to visit these areas, it's a good idea to check the local weather and growing conditions before your trip to ensure you make the most of your visit. Also, consider booking accommodations well in advance, especially during the popular harvest season.
