What kind of traveller has never dreamed of being able to admire the beautiful rice fields which are considered some of the most beautiful paintings in Northern Vietnam and even in Southeast Asia? Looking forward to contemplating these sumptuous landscapes, you will also have the opportunity to meet several ethnic minorities who inhabit these grandiose territories.

Sapa

Sapa is arguably the most famous destination for hosting some of the most spectacular rice terrace landscapes in Northern Vietnam. The valleys around this former health resort from the colonial era are true masterpieces shaped by the single hand of man. The best way to discover these exceptional landscapes is to go hiking through these breath-taking natural settings. From a simple walk of a few hours to a sporty hike with an overnight stay, there is something for everyone and all levels.

In this fabulous natural setting, several ethnic minorities live in harmony including the Black Hmong and the Red Dao, who are recognizable by the flamboyant costumes worn with pride by the women. 

When to see the rice fields: from May to the end of September. The transplanting takes place in May, the rice grows until August when it begins to turn yellow and draw sumptuous pictures, to then be cut at the end of September.

Y Ty

Located North of Sapa, along the Chinese border, Y Ty is a truly off-road destination to see some of Upper Tonkin's finest rice terraces. Stroll around this small mountain town perched at an altitude of more than 2000 metres and you will be captivated by the incredible landscapes offered by this corner at the end of the world.

Y Ty is a village inhabited mainly by the Ha Nhi ethnic group, most of whom live in very beautiful traditional houses, called “trinh tuong” in Vietnamese. Cob dwellings with earthen walls 30-40cm thick are to retain heat during harsh winters.

When to see the rice fields: from the end of April to the end of September. At the end of April/beginning of May, the rice fields are filled with water and look like wonderful mirrors in which the sky is reflected. The transplanting takes place at the end of May, the rice grows until August when it begins to turn yellow and draw sumptuous pictures, to then be cut at the end of September.

Hoang Su Phi

Hoang Su Phi District, located in the far North of Vietnam, bordering Yunnan in China, is distinguished by its mountainous terrain and its incredible rice terraces recognized as national heritage. Terrace rice cultivation has been elevated to the rank of art in this remote province where the Tay, Nung, Dao and Hmong ethnic groups live. Hoang Su Phi is also home to spectacular ethnic markets and a charming destination that will invite you to discover this region of bewitching beauty, the Pan Hou Village.

When to see the rice fields: As in Y Ty, it is advisable to go there from the end of April to the end of September.

Mu Cang Chai

Here is another magnificent destination to admire the rice terraces which mark some of the most beautiful landscapes of Northern Vietnam. Mu Cang Chai area, in Yen Bai province, about 300 km from Hanoi, is famous for its beautiful stretching terraces covering the mountains.

You can go to Mu Cang Chai by the famous "photographers' road" from Nghia Lo, passing through the Tu Le valley, and get offered a whole series of dizzying panoramas such as at the Khau Pa pass where the view is breath-taking!

When to see the rice fields: from May but it is at the end of September/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

Certainly, the rice terraces of the Pu Luong nature reserve are less spectacular than those of the previous destinations, but they nevertheless offer a pleasant spectacle to watch and are more easily accessible since the reserve is located just a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. You will find this magnificent natural setting characterized by the skilful marriage between several biosystems, limestone reliefs, mountains and forests, and great hiking opportunities.

A few charming addresses and numerous possibilities to spend the night among the Thai and Muong ethnic groups will convince you to choose this charming nature-oriented destination.

When to see the rice fields: There are two rice harvests per year in the Pu Luong reserve, unlike the previous destinations which have only one. There’s a possibility to see beautiful rice fields from the end of March to the beginning of October and the two harvests, one at the end of May at the beginning of June and another in October.

Other very beautiful 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
- In Dien Bien Phu province, the rice bowl in North-West Vietnam

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