Where and when to see the most beautiful rice fields in Northern Vietnam?

Dreaming of the cascading rice terraces in the north of Vietnam, revered as some of the most stunning landscapes in the country and Southeast Asia?

Look into our list of some of the most magnificent rice terraces in northern Vietnam, where you will be able to contemplate the breathtaking marvels of nature and have fascinating encounters with the ethnic minority communities residing in these territories. 

Sapa

Sapa is arguably home to some of the most spectacular rice terrace landscapes in Northern Vietnam, as its stunning valleys are simply feats of agriculture created by humans. The best way to thoroughly explore these exceptional landscapes is by hiking. Worry not, since there are always options suitable for everyone and all levels, from a simple few-hour walk to a sporty hike with an overnight stay.

Harmoniously cohabiting amidst this spectacular natural setting are some ethnic minority communities, each distinguished by their traditional costumes and ways of life, with the Mong and the Dao representing, respectively, 52% and 25% of the population. 

The best time to admire the stunning rice terraces of Sapa is in September, when the valleys are covered in a golden hue. 

Y Ty

Situated North of Sapa, along the Chinese border, Y Ty is a truly off-the-beaten-road destination to see some of Upper Tonkin's finest rice terraces. As you wander around this small mountain town nestled at an altitude of over 2000 meters, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes.

The Ha Nhi ethnic group makes up the majority of the population in Y Ty. Most of them reside in their unique traditional houses called "Trinh Tuong", which are cob houses featuring 30–40 cm thick earthen walls to keep warm during severe winter.

Around the end of April or the beginning of May, Y Ty's rice fields are filled with water, making them look like wonderful mirrors reflecting the sky. The transplanting takes place at the end of May, the rice continues to grow until August when it begins to turn yellow and draw sumptuous pictures, and then is harvested at the end of September.

Hoang Su Phi

Located in the northernmost part of Vietnam, bordering Yunnan, China, Hoang Su Phi District is known for its majestic mountains and national heritage-scale rice terraces. In this remote province, where rice cultivation has been elevated to the rank of art, reside several minority ethnic communities, including the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Mong. Hoang Su Phi is also home to somevibrant ethnic markets and Pan Hou Village, a charming destination full of captivating beauty waiting for you to discover.

Similar to Y Ty, Hoang Su Phi can be visited from the end of April. However, the harvest season of Hoang Su Phi, which is the best time to see the golden paint all over the rice terraces, is from the end of September to the beginning of October.

Mu Cang Chai

Another magnificent destination that offers some of the most beautiful rice terrace landscapes in northern Vietnam, the Mu Cang Chaiarea is located in Yen Bai province, approximately 300 km from Hanoi. This area is renowned for its stunning terraces that stretch across the mountains.

Mu Cang Chai is accessible by the famous "road for photographers". Start from Nghia Lo, pass through the Tu Le Valley, and you will be met with a series of meandering roads, such as at the Khau Pa pass, where the panorama is beyond words!

You can start visiting Mu Cang Chai from the month of May, but it is around the end of September and the beginning of October that the rice terraces are the most beautiful when they are adorned with a luminous yellow and the harvest begins.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

The rice terraces of the Pu Luong nature reserve are certainly less spectacular than those of the aforementioned destinations. Nevertheless, they offer a pleasant spectacle to admire and are easier to access since the reserve is just a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. In this magnificent natural setting, characterized by the skillful marriage between limestone reliefs, mountains, and forests, you will find great hiking opportunities.

A variety of delightful accommodations and ample opportunities to immerse in the Thai and Muong ethnic cultures make this scenic destination a perfect choice for nature enthusiasts.

There are two rice harvests per year in the Pu Luong Reserve, which means there are two chances to see the rice terraces in harvest. The first chance to see the Pu Luong Reserve in the ripe rice season is around the end of May, early June, and the second falls in October.

Other wonderful places to admire magnificent rice fields in Vietnam

-Tam Coc, the “Halong Bay on land”

- The rice-growing valley of Mai Chau

- Around Ha Giang City

- Dien Bien Phu province, the rice bowl in North-West Vietnam

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